Seeking to enhance the range after the successful launch of its M1 line of woods, TaylorMade has followed it up with the addition of its new M2 line of woods as well as a pair of iron offerings-the M2 and M2 Tour.

Using the same seven-layer carbon composite crown as the M1, the M2 driver with its white and black crown looks like the M1's twin. However there are distinct differences between the two. With a goal of maximum forgiveness, the weight savings (five grams) from the crown has been located in the sole of the club, resulting in a low and back centre of gravity (26% farther back than M1 with the weight in the rear position), to assist ball speed and forgiveness. The weight positioning also boosts the moment of inertia for better performance on off-centre hits. To assist speed, TaylorMade have continued its use of "speed pockets," with the new design on the M2 producing more face flex that previous versions.

The M2 (9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees) takes advantage of the company's pursuit of adjustability as well, with a 12-position loft sleeve that provides a range of four degrees of loft alterations. The company also is offering some 30 premium shaft options at no additional charge. The M2 irons needed to check a lot of boxes as the marching orders were to produce an iron with an ultra-low centre of gravity with as much rebound off the face as possible.

To do that TaylorMade used a blend of past and new technologies, employing speed pockets and inverted cone technology (which provides varying thickness in the face to enhance performance across the face). The clubs also employ a 360-degree undercut design as well as a fluted hosel.

In fact, the hosel might be the most interesting of all. "Unknown to many golfers is that a significant amount of weight is in the hosel of an iron. To get the centre of gravity as low as desired, the company removed mass from the hosel. The 360-degree undercut, meanwhile, increases the amount of unsupported face area to boost ball speed. In the cavity a badge with multi-material struts assist sound and damp vibration.

The trial clubs have arrived and are ready for your fitting, so please give us a ring or click here to get in touch and book yourself in.


 

Following a tied fifth place finish in Abu Dhabi, Branden Grace is up to 11th on the Official World Golf Ranking. As he heads into the second leg of the 2016 "Gulf Swing" the possibility of moving into the top-10 has 27-year-old Branden Grace aiming high. Prior to victory in this event last year, the South African was 79th on the ranking but a superb year has seen him rocket up the standings. 

"It's definitely the goal," he said. "I'm so close and hopefully I can put in another good week and get across the line. It's something you dream about as a young player." 

Grace will face strong opposition in Qatar as an excellent field has assembled. 2014 winner Sergio Garcia makes his first start of 2016 and he is joined on the start sheet by Louis Oosthuizen, Ernie Els, Thongchai Jaidee and Bernd Wiesberger. 

Like many of the courses in this part of the world, the layout at Doha GC is a Peter Harradine design. Opened for play in 1994, water comes into play on six holes and natural outcrops of rock are also a feature. 

This will be the 19th running of the Qatar Masters, first won by Andrew Coltart back in 1998. Since then the event has produced some notable champions. In 1999 Paul Lawrie was a winner here before going on to claim The Open Championship that summer at Carnoustie. He won again in 2012. Tony Johnstone secured his final European Tour victory here in 2001. Adam Scott has twice been a winner, in 2002 then again in 2008. Swedish players have also enjoyed some success at Doha - Joakim Haegmann won the event in 2004, Henrik Stenson lifted the trophy in 2006 while Robert Karlsson triumphed in 2010. Chris Wood won in 2013 and Sergio Garcia in 2014. 

Last year Branden Grace of South Africa held off Scotland's Marc Warren to win by a single shot. The turning point came at the short par-4 16th where Grace fired a superb drive into within five feet of the cup, setting up an eagle two that would prove decisive. 

Unlike most tournaments on the circuit, this event starts on a Wednesday and will end on Saturday. The weather forecast looks good - dry and not too hot. There could be some tricky gusting winds to contend with though.


Player watch: 

Thomas Pieters - The young Belgian played some superb golf in Abu Dhabi last week and pushed Rickie Fowler all the way to the line. He's a powerful hitter and that will stand him in good stead around this course. He had a couple of decent rounds in his debut last year but faded with a closing 74. 

Marc Warren - The Scot was runner-up in this event last year so clearly enjoys the course. He may have missed the cut in Abu Dhabi last week but the same thing happened before his runner-up finish in Qatar last year - he's a good outside shot. 

Thomas Bjorn - He won this event in 2011 and has a couple of further top-10 finishes to his name in the tournament. He played well in Abu Dhabi and led the putting stats. He's another one who could spring a surprise this week.

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