Why Sam Burns Sticks with His Old Driver While Crushing It on the Course

When fresh drivers hit the market, you can bet a lot of pros on the PGA Tour are eager to snag the latest and greatest. But not everyone falls for that shiny appeal every time. Take Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Sam Burns for example; these guys have been sticking with trusty models well past their release dates.

Sam Burns: The Quiet Contender of 2025

Speaking of Sam Burns—what a year he’s having in 2025! He’s been steadily racking up impressive stats, even though he’s sticking with the same driver he’s had in the bag for almost two years now. And you know what? That’s pretty fascinating.

So far, Burns has made 18 cuts in 21 events, showcasing not just talent but also reliability. He’s got 10 top-25 finishes under his belt and is pulling in more than $4.5 million! Not too shabby for a guy sticking with older gear.

A Standout Performance

One of the standout moments for Burns this year was his runner-up finish at the RBC Canadian Open. He dazzled everyone with a final-round score of 62! Just think about that—a phenomenal round that really illustrates how well he can perform, even with a driver that’s not the latest model on the market.

You’d expect those stats to correlate directly with his driving performance, but they don’t quite line up. While he ranks a respectable 69th in Strokes Gained off the tee and holds down 52nd spot for driving distance at 307 yards, those numbers don’t jump out as elite. Still, his short game is clearly where the magic happens.

What’s in Sam Burns’ Bag?

So, what’s the deal with Burns’ driver? He’s still hitting with the Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S, which he’s got dialed in at 10 degrees and matched with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 TX shaft. Burns made the switch to this driver back in early 2023 and hasn’t looked back.

While he may have stuck with his driver, he’s switched it up in other areas. For his current 3-wood, he’s using the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond, clearly keeping things fresh in his bag.

Is It Time for an Upgrade?

When you look at Callaway’s Elyte drivers, they scream speed and control. Designed for players who bring a high swing speed—like Burns, who clocks in at over 118 mph—they offer low spin and excellent launch control. In fact, the Elyte Triple Diamond was even named Best Golf Driver of 2025 in one of our comprehensive tests!

So, you have to wonder, why doesn’t Burns switch it up? Maybe he finds comfort and familiarity in the older model, or perhaps he’s just waiting to see what Callaway rolls out next.

Stats & Performance: The Real Story

Let’s be real: stats don’t always tell the whole story. While Burns isn’t leading the pack in driving stats, he’s consistently found ways to put up impressive scores thanks to his short game. He’s ranked second in Strokes Gained putting and 15th in putts per round, which is where his real prowess shines through.

This balance of strong short game with a decent but not spectacular driving game is what allows Burns to mix it up with the big players, even while retaining an older driver.

Why Some Players Stick with What They Know

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler—like Burns—also haven’t made the switch to newer models, sticking instead to the TaylorMade Qi10. For some pros, the risk of switching to a new driver isn’t worth it when their current setup is doing the job.

Burns’ choice of sticking with the Paradym Triple Diamond S shows that sometimes, the gear doesn’t need to be brand new to perform at a high level. Comfort can be just as important as the latest technology.

Final Thoughts

So, is it time for Burns to switch up his driver? Perhaps, but then again, he’s obviously been finding success with what he has. As the golf season continues to unfold, it’s going to be exciting to see if he makes any changes or just keeps rolling with his current setup that’s clearly working for him.

Burns may not be topping the charts in driving stats, but with such a solid short game, making it work with the Paradym Triple Diamond S seems to be all he needs—for now, at least. In the world of golf, sometimes sticking with what feels right trumps the latest and greatest technology.

And that’s the beauty of the game! Whether you’re using an older driver or the newest model, what really matters is how you play. Keep swinging, and remember: it’s all about finding what works best for you on the course!