TaylorMade Qi35 Ryder Cup Edition: Stars, Stripes, Misplaced Optimism

TaylorMade has unveiled its Qi35 Ryder Cup Edition drivers and, if you squint just right, the Team USA version looks like it belongs in Peter Parker’s golf bag.

Team USA

The red face, blue and white accents, and that web-like pattern across the crown? Pure Spider-Man energy. But here’s the thing – it actually works. The navy blue crown provides a nice contrast that keeps the patriotic theme from becoming too cartoonish, even if it does make you want to web-sling your way to the first tee.

Where TaylorMade nailed it is in the details. What’s actually on the sole is a map of the United States, the face is solid red with white score lines and “USA” is embossed right in the middle. The matching headcover continues the red, white and blue theme with a stitched American flag and silver Qi35 logos.

Team Europe

The Team Europe version takes a different approach with blue on the sole and face, contrasted by a gold crown and bottom skirt. Here’s where things get presumptuous. That gaudy gold crown feels overly ambitious, considering gold is for winners. Playing on Long Island, in front of New York crowds, with a course that rewards power over finesse? Maybe TaylorMade should have gone with silver accents to match what Europe’s trophy case will look like after Bethpage.

Sorry, boys, the blue and gold version is the participation model.

Both versions feature the same Qi35 technology–near-zero CG projection, high MOI and TaylorMade’s fourth-generation carbon Twist Face. The Fujikura Air Speeder 50 shafts get team-specific colorways and both come with Golf Pride Z-Grips to complete the package.

Available in nine- and 10.5-degree lofts, right-handed only, because, apparently, left-handed golfers don’t get to show their patriotic spirit.

Bottom line

The Team USA version successfully walks the line between patriotic and playable, even if it does channel superhero vibes. The Team Europe model looks good although that gold crown might feel too optimistic after this week. Both will turn heads and at least one side will have the hardware to match the colorway.

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