Titleist GT Long Game - 2024 Forum Review

[MDGolfHacker]

Congrats all!  Looking forward to your reviews!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

15 hours ago, UglyBird said:

CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS!!! We look forward to your findings.

Just want to clarify that nothing was “won” with this testing. Those selected will be going through 6 weeks of in depth testing of the GT family and then will continue to provide updates after the testing period is complete. It is an awesome experience nonetheless, but it is not a contest that was won. 

[TSauer]

Just getting through the intros now... great start so far, gang! 

@GolfSpy_KFT I can't wait to see if Titleist kicks Cobra out of your bag and reclaims its throne. 

@GolferXY That is a buttery smooth swing! 

[Shifty]

Looking forward to your reviews.  On my radar!

[UglyBird]

3 hours ago, GolfSpy_KFT said:

Just want to clarify that nothing was “won” with this testing. Those selected will be going through 6 weeks of in depth testing of the GT family and then will continue to provide updates after the testing period is complete. It is an awesome experience nonetheless, but it is not a contest that was won. 

Thanks for that take on it. I take your meaning, and still, I bet that if you asked them if they felt like "Winners", they'd more than likely say "Yes". JS

Regardless of that, it's gonna be great to get feedback that resonates with us mere mortals, who truly make up the body of golf.

Cheers.

 

[Lefty11]

Best of luck with the testing—enjoy the process! 

[GolferXY]

3 hours ago, TSauer said:

Just getting through the intros now... great start so far, gang! 

@GolfSpy_KFT I can't wait to see if Titleist kicks Cobra out of your bag and reclaims its throne. 

@GolferXY That is a buttery smooth swing! 

Thank you sir!  

[BigGuyGolfGA]

On 8/13/2024 at 12:09 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

Titleist has introduced the GT Drivers and fairways, signifying Generational Technology, marking a significant shift in materials, construction, and performance from their previous TS models. Despite appearances suggesting minimal change, substantial advancements lie beneath the surface.

Titleist's goal was to enhance performance without altering the familiar look and feel. This approach ensures that players have a familiarity with their clubs year over year while hopefully experiencing performance gains. The GT models feature refined aerodynamics, with changes focused on the underside to reduce drag and increase speed, notably through the raised aft section.

Tony Covey and Chris Nickel have done full breakdowns and articles on both the drivers and fairway woods which can be found here drivers) and here (fairway woods). Here is a brief overview to whet your appetite.

The New GT Line

The introduction of Split Mass Construction redistributes weight to the driver’s perimeter, enhancing stability and optimizing performance. Additionally, the GT lineup incorporates a seamless thermoform composite crown, marking a departure from previous designs. This innovative crown integrates a Proprietary Matrix Polymer (PMP), improving acoustics and mimicking the sound of titanium.

The GT drivers emphasize lowering the center of gravity, promoting consistent spin rates and enhancing forgiveness. Titleist’s Speed Ring with Variable Face Thickness (VFT) face technology aims to boost speed across the face, catering to off-center hits.

Titleist offers three GT driver models models (GT2, GT3, GT4) and two GT fariway wood models (GT2 and GT3)

Each model maintains a familiar look but with significant improvements in speed, consistency, and overall performance. Titleist's approach ensures that while much has evolved, the essence of the driver remains unchanged, catering to both average golfers and Tour pros. The new GT family embodies the philosophy of advancing technology without compromising the core attributes that define Titleist drivers.

Please welcome and congratulate our four testers!

@Golf2Much 

@RichL85 

@Rearviewmirror 

@GolferXY

Congratulations to all!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

My fitting has been scheduled for Monday, August 26th at 2pm at the newly opened TPC Wisconsin in Madison! I also have been wanting to do a wedge fitting, so booked myself an additional SM10 fitting to follow my GT fitting! 

Going to be an awesome experience and cannot wait for the 26th to get here! It’ll also be a treat to see the TPC Wisconsin course.

[RichL85]

I asked for my fitting to be scheduled for early next week. There happens to be a Titleist fitting event about 40 minutes away from my client located near @GolfSpy SAM on Tuesday of next week. I haven't heard anything from Titleist to confirm, but I'm going to currently assume it's scheduled because the time slot I asked for is no longer available through the booking system. Personally, I'm excited, but also a little terrified because my last attempt at a driver fitting did not go so well. Hopefully a solid swing shows up that day.

[OdinSnipes414]

On 8/12/2024 at 11:09 PM, GolfSpy_APH said:

Titleist has introduced the GT Drivers and fairways, signifying Generational Technology, marking a significant shift in materials, construction, and performance from their previous TS models. Despite appearances suggesting minimal change, substantial advancements lie beneath the surface.

Titleist's goal was to enhance performance without altering the familiar look and feel. This approach ensures that players have a familiarity with their clubs year over year while hopefully experiencing performance gains. The GT models feature refined aerodynamics, with changes focused on the underside to reduce drag and increase speed, notably through the raised aft section.

Tony Covey and Chris Nickel have done full breakdowns and articles on both the drivers and fairway woods which can be found here drivers) and here (fairway woods). Here is a brief overview to whet your appetite.

The New GT Line

The introduction of Split Mass Construction redistributes weight to the driver’s perimeter, enhancing stability and optimizing performance. Additionally, the GT lineup incorporates a seamless thermoform composite crown, marking a departure from previous designs. This innovative crown integrates a Proprietary Matrix Polymer (PMP), improving acoustics and mimicking the sound of titanium.

The GT drivers emphasize lowering the center of gravity, promoting consistent spin rates and enhancing forgiveness. Titleist’s Speed Ring with Variable Face Thickness (VFT) face technology aims to boost speed across the face, catering to off-center hits.

Titleist offers three GT driver models models (GT2, GT3, GT4) and two GT fariway wood models (GT2 and GT3)

Each model maintains a familiar look but with significant improvements in speed, consistency, and overall performance. Titleist's approach ensures that while much has evolved, the essence of the driver remains unchanged, catering to both average golfers and Tour pros. The new GT family embodies the philosophy of advancing technology without compromising the core attributes that define Titleist drivers.

Please welcome and congratulate our four testers!

@Golf2Much 

@RichL85 

@Rearviewmirror 

@GolferXY

Congratulations you guys! I have never hit a Titleist club and actually I think that’s the first time I have tried to type it (Woof) 

I can’t wait to see how it preforms! When it comes to clubs it’s actually only top six I hear about don’t know much about them really so I’ll be watching 

[Rearviewmirror]

On 8/13/2024 at 7:01 AM, Patrick Dawes said:

Congrats if any of you are hitting an AI smoke or the Ping 430 as a gamer would be really interested to see how these stack up

Came across this and thought you might be interested:

I'm waiting to get my fitting slot lined up with Titleist - in the meanwhile I'm doing a bag check in next week so I can post some baseline numbers for the top of my bag from Trackman.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

My driver has been misbehaving recently, I think it must know some competition is about to arrive. Fairway woods on the other hand have taken offense to it and have really performed well the past week, and in a morning range session today before work were point and shoot. Driver was toe miss after toe miss leading to some sweeping duck hooks and very few playable shots. Impact was very consistent, just in the wrong spot of the face. Some old early extension habits making their way back in and I am sure I can get it ironed out. 

Fitting day can't come soon enough!

[GolfSpy SAM]

22 hours ago, RichL85 said:

I asked for my fitting to be scheduled for early next week. There happens to be a Titleist fitting event about 40 minutes away from my client located near @GolfSpy SAM on Tuesday of next week. I haven't heard anything from Titleist to confirm, but I'm going to currently assume it's scheduled because the time slot I asked for is no longer available through the booking system. Personally, I'm excited, but also a little terrified because my last attempt at a driver fitting did not go so well. Hopefully a solid swing shows up that day.

Is it at Rustic Canyon? I know they do a lot of fitting events there - that's where I went for my PXG fitting earlier this year. 

Wish I was free to join! Good luck!!

[RichL85]

53 minutes ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

Is it at Rustic Canyon? I know they do a lot of fitting events there - that's where I went for my PXG fitting earlier this year. 

Wish I was free to join! Good luck!!

It's not at Rustic Canyon, but I've heard a lot of good things about that course. The event is going to be at Moorpark. Should he close enough to my client to get over there and get my fitting done. Otherwise I'm about 2 weeks out on another fitting because I live in the middle of nowhere. 

[revkev]

Great group of testers and grabbing intros - I read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them, thanks.

I do have a question.  From the intros everyone except Jamie, seemed to assume that you will be testing driver and two or three fairway woods.  Is that a predetermined assumption or will you be fit and go with what the fitter recommends from your longest iron up?  For example, he may recommend that a strong 5 wood be your longest fairway or that you game a hybrid in the 5 slot. 

 

I got to do a long game test a number of years back and that was the deal - we had to go with what the fitter recommended - for me it meant 5,7,9 woods and those are still in the bag.  They are starting to show signs of age so I may be on the hunt for their replacements next spring.  I will be following this one closely - let me know on my question if you would, please.  

[MIGregB]

On 8/15/2024 at 7:30 PM, GolfSpy_KFT said:

My fitting has been scheduled for Monday, August 26th at 2pm at the newly opened TPC Wisconsin in Madison! I also have been wanting to do a wedge fitting, so booked myself an additional SM10 fitting to follow my GT fitting! 

Going to be an awesome experience and cannot wait for the 26th to get here! It’ll also be a treat to see the TPC Wisconsin course.

You are going to be one tired puppy!!!!!

[RichL85]

51 minutes ago, revkev said:

Great group of testers and grabbing intros - I read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them, thanks.

I do have a question.  From the intros everyone except Jamie, seemed to assume that you will be testing driver and two or three fairway woods.  Is that a predetermined assumption or will you be fit and go with what the fitter recommends from your longest iron up?  For example, he may recommend that a strong 5 wood be your longest fairway or that you game a hybrid in the 5 slot. 

 

I got to do a long game test a number of years back and that was the deal - we had to go with what the fitter recommended - for me it meant 5,7,9 woods and those are still in the bag.  They are starting to show signs of age so I may be on the hunt for their replacements next spring.  I will be following this one closely - let me know on my question if you would, please.  

Probably a little bit of an assumption that the test will end up involving driver plus a fairway wood or two. We didn't find out until after selection some of the details, one of which being that it would be an overall long game test. I think most of us were under the assumption originally that the test was going to be a driver and a fairway, so it was a surprise that the test would actually potentially include multiple fairways to complete the top of the bag. It was also a surprise, to me at least, that we were going to have access to all of the shaft options instead of only the stock shafts, so fittings could get very interesting. 

The fitter may end up suggesting that only one fairway is enough for me if he can't beat a hybrid slot, but we will see on Tuesday. 

[CFreddie]

On 8/15/2024 at 7:30 PM, GolfSpy_KFT said:

My fitting has been scheduled for Monday, August 26th at 2pm at the newly opened TPC Wisconsin in Madison! I also have been wanting to do a wedge fitting, so booked myself an additional SM10 fitting to follow my GT fitting! 

Going to be an awesome experience and cannot wait for the 26th to get here! It’ll also be a treat to see the TPC Wisconsin course.

Very cool Jason! Can’t wait to read the review on both!

[Rearviewmirror]

4 hours ago, revkev said:

Great group of testers and grabbing intros - I read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them, thanks.

I do have a question.  From the intros everyone except Jamie, seemed to assume that you will be testing driver and two or three fairway woods.  Is that a predetermined assumption or will you be fit and go with what the fitter recommends from your longest iron up?  For example, he may recommend that a strong 5 wood be your longest fairway or that you game a hybrid in the 5 slot. 

I'm trying to go into the test with maximum openness, and see what is suggested. I don't think I'd be up for lowering my number of high end clubs as my current gapping has me at 9W 185yds, 4H 200yds, 5W 220yds, 3W 240yds, D 265yds+).

I wanted to get the lay of the land so I'm working with my own fitter on Monday to dial in my top of the bag as much as possible in terms of loft/lie prior to the Titleist fitting (I don't have a date for that yet) so that I can compare the best of what I've got.

The 9W is a new addition to replace my 5-iron, and it has been amazing - it looks like a PW behind the ball, launches like a LW, and the ball lands at 180yds and stops on a dime. My 5W is one of my favorite clubs in my bag and my fairway finder if it's an exceptional tight hole under 400yds. My 3W is either amazing or garbage (decent off the tee, but doesn't launch as well as my 5W from fairway or rough). 

Driver has been money since I got the Tour Chrome shaft and so I think it'll be the toughest to displace vs the GTs. 

Here's today's drives - anything sub 240 was pilot error not the club and sadly the rest of my game wasn't up to this standard today!:

 

So I'm open, but I would be lying if I didn't say I'm hoping to end up with a driver, 3W and 7W   It would also be fun to compare the GT 7W against the Ping G425 5W and G430 9W.

 

Edited August 17 by Rearviewmirror

[revkev]

aThanks for the quick responses.  My fitting for the Ping version of this test was eye opening.  I had just come off of shooting a 69 and according to shot scope my gapping was right - I had 5 hybrid, 4 hybrid, HL SLDR fairway metal - 17 degrees I think.  As it turned out I carried all three of those clubs the same distance - different launch angles, descent and spin rates made it appear as if I was fine - - I would not have been as soon as rainy season started.  He had me hitting 9 wood, 7 wood, 5 wood the same height (likewise 6 and 7 iron,)  I still do hit them the same height when I flush them - occasionally the 5 wood miss behaves but when I'm swinging reasonably well they still all fly as they did when I was fit.  

 

Looking forward to reading about how it goes for each of you - mine was on track man, out doors with pro V1x's.  

[Golfspy_CG2]

On 8/13/2024 at 8:39 AM, bens197 said:

This one is going to have a significant impact on next year’s driver selection.  Good luck and congrats to all four of you guys

 

You should still follow along. 
 

But i’ll save you the trouble, your search is over

[Golfspy_CG2]

11 hours ago, revkev said:

Great group of testers and grabbing intros - I read them all and thoroughly enjoyed them, thanks.

I do have a question.  From the intros everyone except Jamie, seemed to assume that you will be testing driver and two or three fairway woods.  Is that a predetermined assumption or will you be fit and go with what the fitter recommends from your longest iron up?  For example, he may recommend that a strong 5 wood be your longest fairway or that you game a hybrid in the 5 slot. 

 

I got to do a long game test a number of years back and that was the deal - we had to go with what the fitter recommended - for me it meant 5,7,9 woods and those are still in the bag.  They are starting to show signs of age so I may be on the hunt for their replacements next spring.  I will be following this one closely - let me know on my question if you would, please.  

The GT hybrids won’t be out until January.  So this testing is for driver and the best Fairway wood combo that the fitter recommends.  So in that way it is partly like the PING one. 

[Golfspy_CG2]

While i posted this in the GT In hand pics thread, since i was an early adopter like Jamie, i should post it here as well. 
 

So having had the GT2 in play for 6 weeks now.  It’s better then i hoped for.  My Fairways hit % was 72% for the yesr when i got it.  Its now 75%.  
 

Also Titleist was out for a fitting day this week.  

So during one of the breaks between fittings.  I took the opportunity to hit several shots with my GT2 and Autoflex setup.  Then  i wanted to hit some of the premium shafts and see how they performed for me.   I didn’t expect any to beat them and none did.  But my comments below for anyone that may or may not find them helpful. 

AD UB 5 -This one came the closest to matching the AF results. My SS mainteined, ball speed only off 2 moh launch and spin close to 

 

Ad Di 5 - Did ok with this as i played the DI in my TSR 2.   Not as solid feeling as the UB but numbers were similar. 

 

AD VF -5 Wow!!  Is this baby stout. I keep hearing ho stable it is and I see why.    None of the metrics close!   At least I can say I tried it 

 

Ventus Red 5R This is one i could play.  Again not the ball speed or distance of the AF.  But very smooth and had good launch and not excessive spin with it.  

Then hit the GT3 with both my AF and the UB 5   Some pretty good results.   It was slightly less spinning than the 2 but not enough to drastically affect any shots.    This was good to know as i have a GT3 with the UB already on order!  

in the end.  We ended up fitting 3 guys into GT2 all with the Featured shafts and 1 into w GT3 also with the Tensei 1K 

[Golfspy_CG2]

Also to add to the long game part.  At the above fitting day.  We tried the GT2 13.5 FW 

i am mainly looking at it for an off the tee club for 4-8 holes on our 36 hole complex depending on the tees i play. 

I currently only have 13 clubs in the bag so there is room.  And after driver i don’t hsve anything until the 18 degree GT2.  
 

I was very happy with what i saw at the fitting.  190 to 200 yards with w slight draw which is perfect for the holes i have in mind.  Really looking forward fo adding it to the stable of GT’s

[bens197]

10 hours ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

You should still follow along. 
 

But i’ll save you the trouble, your search is over

I appreciate you Rob. 
 

The forgiveness of the GT2 is what I’ve been most excited about. And while I’ve always gravitated towards and had success with the “3” Model, I see what players like you have seen with the “2” and that forgiveness is just too good. 

[CFreddie]

10 hours ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

Also to add to the long game part.  At the above fitting day.  We tried the GT2 13.5 FW 

i am mainly looking at it for an off the tee club for 4-8 holes on our 36 hole complex depending on the tees i play. 

I currently only have 13 clubs in the bag so there is room.  And after driver i don’t hsve anything until the 18 degree GT2.  
 

I was very happy with what i saw at the fitting.  190 to 200 yards with w slight draw which is perfect for the holes i have in mind.  Really looking forward fo adding it to the stable of GT’s

Was curious about the 13.5 - would you say it’s purely an off the tee play or would you feel comfortable hitting off the fairway?  If I had the chance, I could see a setup of a 8/9 degree driver with the 13.5 inserted before a 6/7 wood to round out woods.  

[CFreddie]

11 hours ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

While i posted this in the GT In hand pics thread, since i was an early adopter like Jamie, i should post it here as well. 
 

So having had the GT2 in play for 6 weeks now.  It’s better then i hoped for.  My Fairways hit % was 72% for the yesr when i got it.  Its now 75%.  
 

Also Titleist was out for a fitting day this week.  

So during one of the breaks between fittings.  I took the opportunity to hit several shots with my GT2 and Autoflex setup.  Then  i wanted to hit some of the premium shafts and see how they performed for me.   I didn’t expect any to beat them and none did.  But my comments below for anyone that may or may not find them helpful. 

AD UB 5 -This one came the closest to matching the AF results. My SS mainteined, ball speed only off 2 moh launch and spin close to 

 

Ad Di 5 - Did ok with this as i played the DI in my TSR 2.   Not as solid feeling as the UB but numbers were similar. 

 

AD VF -5 Wow!!  Is this baby stout. I keep hearing ho stable it is and I see why.    None of the metrics close!   At least I can say I tried it 

 

Ventus Red 5R This is one i could play.  Again not the ball speed or distance of the AF.  But very smooth and had good launch and not excessive spin with it.  

Then hit the GT3 with both my AF and the UB 5   Some pretty good results.   It was slightly less spinning than the 2 but not enough to drastically affect any shots.    This was good to know as i have a GT3 with the UB already on order!  

in the end.  We ended up fitting 3 guys into GT2 all with the Featured shafts and 1 into w GT3 also with the Tensei 1K 

Great summary here as well - was the Ventus red the 2024 version? Any chance trying the blue or black as well?

[Rearviewmirror]

1 hour ago, CFreddie said:

Was curious about the 13.5 - would you say it’s purely an off the tee play or would you feel comfortable hitting off the fairway?  If I had the chance, I could see a setup of a 8/9 degree driver with the 13.5 inserted before a 6/7 wood to round out woods.  

This is my main question for the GT fitting. I would love to find a club that can do off the tee bullets that roll out (for dry fairway days and narrow holes) but also give me enough launch to bomb it up towards the green on long par 5s - think approach shots where you know you can't get there but want to try to create a short miss up and down for birdie opportunity.

I feel like I have high launch/soft landing well covered with my existing 5W/9W setup, and so if I could get a low zinger that I can also hit off the fairway I feel like my bag would be well set.

I'm dying to try the new Ventus offerings as well, so will see if I can him 'em once I get a fitting date from Titleist.

Edited August 18 by Rearviewmirror

[Golfspy_CG2]

4 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Was curious about the 13.5 - would you say it’s purely an off the tee play or would you feel comfortable hitting off the fairway?  If I had the chance, I could see a setup of a 8/9 degree driver with the 13.5 inserted before a 6/7 wood to round out woods.  

It’s going to be 95% off the tee.  I just don’t have the speed to hit it high and try to reach greens. 
But like @Rearviewmirror said. If i habe a wide open approach with no chance of rolling into danger i may use it as he said for that low bullet shot that runs. As my 5 wood flys high and lands very soft to about 180 or so.   If i can get the 3 ro fly and roll to 200 to 210 id that helps in a hole. Then sure why not 

3 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Great summary here as well - was the Ventus red the 2024 version? Any chance trying the blue or black as well?

I believe its the 2024. Not sure what the difference would be visually. But his whole matrix was updated in June. 
 

i took a few swings with the Blue. But its not for me and my speed.  So not really anything worthwhile to report on it. Shots were low and not consistent. 
 

Black.  Ha. Didn’t even pull it out of the sleeve