‘Utopian setup’ – The advantages of riding on the new range of Titleist drivers
Titleist launched its new range of drivers ahead of the Memorial at Muirfield – and the pros are already saying this was the release they’ve been waiting for.
Features that experts were keen on were improved club speed, consistent spin, and strong spin or forgiveness qualities.
Will Zalatoris says players have been eager to get their hands on the club since they were given the chance to test prototype heads in December.
“I think this is what we have been pleading for the most [Titleist] to put it in our hands as soon as possible. We started testing it I think in early December. I think the best part about it is that it’s kind of plug-and-play.
“I have the exact same shaft, the exact same setting. And I immediately pick up a ball speed of 1.5 mph, and that equates to another 6.5-7 yards per carry. I think the thing that I’ve really noticed when you compare it to my old one, from the TSR to the GT, I think the mishits are just delivered on a lot of that; 4-5 yards here on Tour in dispersions can be the difference between you being on the fairway and having another birdie look … you missed the fairway and now you’re laying down trying to put together a difficult approach.
“The feeling is amazing. That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve picked up since I started hitting it, it was like a joy, really strong, very fast in the face. I always like a kind of melted sound so, I was just like, I feel like it’s a perfect arrow. It was fun. I’ve had a lot of guys ask me, ‘When you change teams, how much do you test?’ And I’m literally just like, ‘I took my old hole, put it in a new head, and saw 7 more yards of carry and 4 yards better left and right.’
“You check the speed of the ball, my spin was not exactly the same, the delivery of the ball was not exactly the same, but I just drove it forward and straight. It’s kind of a utopian setup.
“There are a lot of us out here, there’s a lot we can do when it comes to (picking up) distance. But a lot of it is when you look at your average distance, it’s not so much what your top end is, but how far your mishits go and how straight they are.”
Wyndham Clark noted the speed with which the club cut through the air and suggested he would replace his TSR3 driver.
“It’s fast [than my previous TSR3 driver]. I felt like I got 2-3 mph more ball speed, which is amazing. And it has really consistent spin, which is obviously huge for what we’re doing here. “
Lee Hodges said the club has a bit of a swing feel when it hits the ball which he feels will be popular with Tour pros.
“This (new GT2) feels a little different. It feels harsh on the face, which I feel is a good thing. And just a little bit faster. But overall, the look and the stuff, it’s the same, just a muted sound,” Hodges said.
“It has a slightly different flow to the face, strong and not too extreme – muted. I don’t know how to describe it, but it feels good. Maybe it has a little more ball speed…maybe a 1 mph difference, but it’s just as good as the last one, if not a little better. I only tested it (the GT2 model), and I’m going straight into it.”
