TWO-YEAR mission to design greater speed into every detail of driver technology has led to the introduction of the new Titleist TS drivers, now available in Australian and New Zealand golf shops.
This mission – the “Titleist Speed Project”, as it was referenced internally by the Titleist Metalwoods R&D team – began with a challenge from the game’s best players to make Titleist drivers as fast as possible. What followed was a relentless pursuit to solicit speed from every micron and milligram of the driver head, culminating with the development of two new driver models – TS2 and TS3 – engineered to deliver faster ball speed with higher launch, lower spin and increased MOI for more distance and game-changing forgiveness.
At this year’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills, the first week that TS drivers were available for competition, it became immediately clear the new TS2 and TS3 models had passed the test. Seventeen players put TS drivers in play – including Justin Thomas, who unleashed a career-long 386-metre drive in round one – an unprecedented shift for the week of a Major championship. Three starts later, Thomas earned his first World Golf Championships title with a four-shot victory at Firestone, crediting the performance gains of his TS3 9.5º driver.
Here are six other things you need to know about the new TS drivers:
1. TITLEIST SPEED CHASSIS
The future of “Titleist Speed” is driven by the creation of the new Titleist Speed Chassis, comprising four key innovations:
Ultra-Thin Titanium Crown – the thinnest cast titanium crown in the game (20 percent thinner than 917 drivers) allows weight to be shifted lower and deeper.
Thinner, Faster Face – the fastest face Titleist has ever made – a refined Radial VFT (variable face thickness) that reduces weight by up to six grams – delivers faster ball speeds and increased forgiveness. The TS face is so thin that the score lines must be lasered on (instead of etched into the face like prior generations).
New Streamlined Shape – enhanced aerodynamic shaping reduces drag by up to 20 percent, allowing golfers to swing faster, increasing club head speed for more distance.
Optimised Weight Distribution – refined crown and variable face thicknesses create the lowest CG ever in a Titleist driver for higher launch and lower spin. The resulting MOI is up to 12 percent higher than 917, creating a powerful combination of speed and stability.
2. TWO WAYS TO SPEED
TS drivers bring more speed to golfers through two distinct designs. The new TS2 lets golfers swing aggressively with maximum forgiveness across the face, while TS3 offers speed-tuned distance with dynamic forgiveness through SureFit CG. Both models feature Titleist’s patented SureFit hosel with 16 independent loft and lie settings to create a more consistent and optimised ball flight through precision fitting.
3. TS2 DRIVERS – STRAIGHT SPEED
You’ll love the modern shape and explosive distance across the face and maximum forgiveness courtesy of an adjustable swingweight and fixed CG location. The TS2 is also available in 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 11.5°
lofts.
4. TS3 DRIVERS – SPECIALISED SPEED
Get speed-tuned distance and dynamic forgiveness with adjustable swingweight and SureFit CG. The traditional 460cc headshape comes in 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°lofts.
5. INSTANT TOUR ADOPTION
Since the debut of TS drivers at the US Open, more than 100 players around the world have switched to new TS2 and TS3 models, including Justin Thomas (TS3 9.5), Adam Scott (TS3 10.5), Cameron Smith (TS2 9.5), Bill Haas (TS2 9.5), Jimmy Walker (TS3 8.5) Byeong-Hun An (TS3 9.5), Charley Hoffman (TS3 9.5), Ian Poulter (TS3 9.5), Rafa Cabrera Bello (TS3 9.5) and Webb Simpson (TS3 10.5). In June, Michael Kim (TS2 10.5º) became the first player to post a victory with the new Titleist TS driver, winning the John Deere Classic by a record eight shots. For the tournament, Kim averaged five metres more off the tee (269.6) and was nearly 30 percentage points (82.14%) higher in Driving Accuracy compared to his 2017’18 season averages.
6. FREE TRIAL & FITTINGS
You can experience the speed of TS drivers by attending a Titleist Fitting Day or Trial event (including Titleist Thursdays) being held at locations nationwide. To find an event, or book a free TS metals fitting with a Titleist Product Specialist, visit https://www.titleist.com.au/events.
Titleist TS drivers are available in golf shops nationwide with a suggested retail price of $779.
Visit titleist.com.au for more.
