It’s the little things: How marginal gains revolutionised Titleist drivers
When buying a new driver, most golfers are looking for one thing: more speed.
Back in 2016, this became a problem for Titleist. Their 917 driver was all about custom fitting. Once adjusted and customised to your swing the products performed, but ultimately lots of consumers were never getting to that point in a fitting as the initial off the rack settings weren’t as fast as other off-the-shelf drivers.
Cue the Titleist Speed Project – two years of R&D research looking at every element of a driver and seeing how it could be redesigned to prioritise speed. Every minute detail of the driver was scrutinised. Titleist wanted to know how each millimetre and milligram of the clubhead affected performance.
Can the crown be thinner? Can the face be thinner? Are we using the best material? Is the weight in the right places? Is the shaping helping us achieve our goals?
It is so easy to overestimate the importance of one big change, yet underestimate the value of making numerous small improvements. Whether it is designing a new driver or changing your golf swing improving areas by 1% can be the most meaningful, especially in the long run.
The Speed Project research and the marginal gains thinking have continued into the design of the latest Titleist TSR drivers.
Titleist TSR drivers: The Technology
Aerodynamics have been improved to get the club head moving as fast as possible through the air. The shaping of all three models has been tweaked with the goal of giving you more club head speed. Aesthetically my favourite is the redesigned toe shape of the TSR2, which looks fantastic behind the ball.
Each model also has a different centre of gravity to improve speed and stability, and to provide the most optimal ball speed, launch, and spin for that product.
In the TSR2 the CG is lower down but also further forward. In the TSR3 we have a SureFit Adjustable CG Track System on the sole so the CG can be dialled in relative to each player’s swing and impact location.
And in the TSR4 there are two CG options: distance through the lowest spin possible or a blend of lower spin and forgiveness. A forward setting produces the maximum spin reduction, while the back is more moderate. This creates more of a TSR3.5 performance profile.
Titleist TSR drivers: The Line-Up
The Titleist TSR driver range features four unique models, the TSR1, TSR2, TSR3 and TSR4. Each driver has distinct performance options which suit different types of golfers.
TSR1 Driver
Looks. The TSR1 has a very similar shape the popular TSR2 driver, the profile is marginally larger but visually sits great behind the golf ball.
Main attributes. Designed for maximum speed and stability for moderate swing-speed players. It provides effortless speed, distance and high launch.
Who is it for? Golfers with club head speeds under 90 mph who want to optimise their launch conditions for more speed. Al
Titleist TSR2
Looks. In a change from the TSi2 model, we see a smaller more slimmed-down shaping which is more player-inspired.
Main attributes. Designed for maximum speed and stability. This model is the longest in the range and also the most forgiving.
Who is it for? Golfers who want the most speed and accuracy they can get. Players who need more forgiveness on off-centre strikes.
- RELATED: Titleist TSR2 driver review
Titleist TSR3
Looks. Very similar shaping to the previous TSi3, very player-inspired shaping with a rounded in toe profile.
Main attributes. An adjustable CG track provides speed and distance via precise control of the CG placement. Speed Ring VFT face promotes pure speed on centre strikes.
Who is it for? Golfers with a consistent impact location who want to dial in the CG to suit their swing characteristics.
- RELATED: Titleist TSR3 driver review
Titleist TSR4
Looks. The smallest model in the range with a compact pear-shaped 430cc head. This gives the appearance of a much deeper club head behind the ball.
Main attributes. Ultimate low spin offering with adjustable spin control so you can get that perfect balance of low spin and forgiveness.
Who is it for? Golfers who want to reduce excess spin to improve their driving distance and control.
On Tour
Perhaps the best reflection on these products is just how many of the game’s best players have chosen to put these in play.
Titleist has seen one of their most successful tour seeding and validation processes for this launch. Before these clubs even hit the market 80 PGA Tour players have put them in play. They have racked up numerous tour wins and their first Major championship courtesy of Cameron Smith at The Open.
The Details
Available: September 23 (custom fittings and pre-order available immediately)
RRP: £529; £699 with premium shaft
Right-handed lofts:
TSR2 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°
TSR3 8°, 9°, 10°, (11° custom only)
TSR4 8°, 9°, 10°
Left-Handed lofts:
TSR2 9°, 10°, 11° (8° custom only)
TSR3 9° (8°, 10°, 11° custom only)
TSR4 9° (8°, 10° custom only)
Titleist featured shafts: Hzrdus Red CB, Tensei AV Blue with XLink Tech, Hzrdus Black, Tensei 1K Black
Premium shafts: Graphite Design Tour AD UB, Tour AD DI, Tour AD IZ
More information: Titleist website
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
