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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OnCore Vero X2 Golf Ball Review
In this OnCore Vero X2 golf ball review Neil Tappin offers his verdict on all areas of the performance from tee-to-green
By Neil Tappin • Published
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How To Find The Right Driver (Without Getting Fitted!)
In this article, Neil Tappin offers some tips on how to find the right driver (without getting fitted!)
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Titleist TSi2 Fairway Wood Review
We test the TSi2 fairway wood out on the course and against the TSi3
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Can The Old Course Stand The Test Of Time?
In this article, Neil Tappin asks can the Old Course stand the test of time?
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Rory McIlroy’s Day Of Reckoning
As the final day of an enthralling 150th Open Championship dawns, we take a look at the day of reckoning ahead for Rory McIlroy
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Opinion: Why LIV Golf CAN Grow The Game
In this article, Neil Tappin argues that, despite the controversy, he can see a way in which LIV Golf CAN grow the game
By Neil Tappin • Published
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The Story Behind Callaway’s Special 150th Open Tour Bag
Here we take a look at the unique story behind Callaway’s special 150th Open tour bag
By Neil Tappin • Published
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Carver Golf Ball Review
In this Carver golf ball review, Neil Tappin sees what this 3-piece urethane-covered product has to offer
By Neil Tappin • Published