Neil Tappin
In his current role, Neil is responsible for testing drivers and golf balls. Having been a part of the Golf Monthly team for over 15 years and playing off a handicap of 3, he has the experience to compare performance between models, brands and generations. For 2022 he thinks the main trend in drivers is: "In a word, consistency. Whilst all the brands are talking about ball speed (and the new drivers are certainly long), my biggest finding has been how much more consistent the ball flights are. Mishits don't seem to be causing the same level of drop-off or increase in the spin numbers. This means that more shots seem to be flying the way you want them to!" As far as golf balls are concerned the biggest development is in the, "three piece, non-Tour, urethane-covered section. For regular golfers, these models offer superb performance at both ends of the bag without denting your wallet quite as much as the premium Tour-played options."
Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he is now the brand's Digital Editor and covers everything from Tour player interviews to gear reviews. In his time at Golf Monthly, he has covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points.
Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSi2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons (4-9): Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 46˚, 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X
Latest articles by Neil Tappin
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Wilson X31 Golf Club Set Review
In this Wilson X31 golf club set review, Neil Tappin takes this 10-club package set, with bag, onto the course to test
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Ping Prodi G Junior Set Review
The Ping Prodi G Junior Set has been chosen for our Editor's Choice List in 2021.
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Piper Gold Golf Ball Review
In this review we put the Piper Gold ball through its paces on the course and on a launch monitor.
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Best Golf Drivers For Beginners 2022
We take a closer look at some of the best golf drivers for beginners that offer all-round performance and value
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Best Ping Drivers 2022
We run through some of the best drivers on the market which are made by Ping.
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Best Cobra Drivers 2022
We take a closer look at the best Cobra drivers on the market
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Best Callaway Drivers 2022
A run down of the best Callaway drivers currently on the market
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Best TaylorMade Drivers 2022
A summary of the best TaylorMade drivers for men and women on the market right now
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Best Premium Golf Balls 2022
Our guide to the best premium golf balls highlights the key performance attributes of all the best ball models from golf's top brands
By Neil Tappin • Published