Kirkland Signature is a name that has become synonymous with value, quality, and often, pleasant surprises in unexpected product categories. While its golf balls have already disrupted the market, the introduction of a Kirkland Signature Adjustable Driver was something I approached with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Could a driver from a warehouse club truly compete with the established giants of the golf industry? I was keen to put this intriguing offering through its paces to see how it compared to some of the best drivers in the game.
WATCH: Joe Ferguson tests the Kirkland Signature Adjustable driver
My first impression upon unboxing the Kirkland Signature driver was genuinely positive. It boasts a very clean and minimal aesthetic, which I found appealing. There are no flashy graphics or overly aggressive lines; just a sleek, matte black finish with subtle branding, presenting a surprisingly premium look that certainly doesn't scream "budget club" in any way.
The accompanying headcover is also of high quality, feeling durable and well-padded, a small but appreciated detail that reinforces the overall presentation.
However, once I started hitting balls, the sound was the first characteristic that stood out, and not entirely in a positive way. The impact produced a somewhat 'tinny' sound that, while not overtly harsh, lacked the satisfying, muted thud or crisp crack that many premium drivers offer. It's, of course, a subjective element, but for me, it didn't quite match the visual appeal. In terms of feel, the club felt solid enough on center strikes, but the sound did influence my overall perception of impact.
Where the Kirkland Signature driver truly began to impress me was in its launch monitor performance, particularly with its ball speed output. Despite its unassuming appearance and sound, I found it capable of generating ball speeds comparable to many of the bigger brands and significantly more expensive models I've tested recently. This was a genuine surprise and a significant positive for the Kirkland. It took me by surprise, and for golfers looking for raw speed without breaking the bank, this driver certainly delivers.
The adjustability on offer is another strong point that I was impressed to see on a driver that costs well under £200 (£159.99 to be precise, or $219 in the US). The hosel allows for both loft and lie adjustments, enabling golfers to fine-tune their launch conditions and shot shape, a level of customization typically reserved for higher-end clubs. This adjustability significantly enhances its versatility and potential fit for a wider range of players.
The stock shaft I had, the Project X EvenFlow Red, was definitely not stable enough for my swing, however, and I found it difficult to consistently deliver the clubhead squarely, leading to some inconsistent dispersion patterns. For players with moderate swing speeds, this might not be an issue, but those who generate higher clubhead speeds would likely need to head to a club builder for a custom shaft upgrade to unlock the driver's full potential for accuracy and control, which would kind of negate the concept of entering this budget market.
Overall, though, the driver massively surprised and impressed me in my testing, and I found the Kirkland Signature Adjustable Driver to be a genuinely intriguing proposition, which has made me completely re-evaluate a lot of my preconceptions. Very impressive.
