Hybrids are divisive. Some golfers love them. Others loathe them.
They’re either a panacea for long-iron struggles or one swing away from being permanently benched. To that end, Titleist believes its GT family (GT1, GT2, GT3) of hybrids has something for both proponents and detractors.
It starts with stability
For most golfers, hybrids are scoring clubs. This is the guiding reality under which Titleist began the process of developing GT hybrids. Eliminating significant ball speed drop-off on off-center strikes is fundamental to the target golfer using hybrids not only off the tee but for approach shots. For this reason, Titleist looked for opportunities to increase heel-toe MOI throughout the line while giving fittings more control over CG placement.
When you look at the sole of the GT2 and GT3, you see two interchangeable weights – one in the heel and one in the toe. The neutral set-up is with the heavier weight in the heel. Swapping the heavier weight to the toe will produce more of a fade (or less of a draw) flight bias. The other method of thinking is to align the CG with strike location. So if a golfer tends to make contact towards the toe, moving the CG in that direction produces more efficient impact. Regardless of the fitting scenario, distance preservation through increased stability is evident in each model, all of which have greater MOI than the previous generation.
Trajectory matching
Some brands have a single hybrid model while others opt for multiple head shapes and profiles. Titleist is the former, with three distinct models, each offering a unique footprint and trajectory.
Put simply, GT1 is the longest heel-to-toe and generates the highest flight. GT3 is for the golfer who wants a hybrid that flights more like an iron (lower, piercing) and the GT2 sits between the GT1 and GT3.
GT1 hybrid
The GT1 hybrid is rinse-and-repeat of the GT1 fairway. The shallow-faced model is offered in both an ultralight and standard-weight build and is built to hit the ball high. Aiding in this effort is a .335-inch tip adapter which accepts fairway shafts that tend to have a higher balance point and softer overall profile. Like the GT1 fairway, the hybrid has two interchangeable weights – front and rear. Even with the heavier weight in the forward position, the GT1 has virtually the same MOI as the TSR1. With the heavier weight in the rear, the MOI is five percent greater.
GT2 hybrid
The workhorse of the GT hybrid family, the GT2 has the highest measured MOI of any hybrid currently available. (Though this factoid comes from Titleist, it doesn’t include any new models set to be released in 2025.) That aside, what’s particularly impressive about the GT2 is that it’s slightly smaller than TSR2 but boasts a 10-percent improvement in MOI.
In addition, a flatter leading edge (along with the flat weights) allows the GT2 to maintain a neutral stance at address which is particularly appealing for those of us who prefer hybrids that don’t show any visual signs of draw bias.
GT3 hybrid
Smaller than the GT2, the GT3 is reminiscent of smaller, iron-like hybrids of Titleist’s past. If you bagged the 816, 818 or even the 585, you might get a tinge of nostalgia looking at the GT3.
Going back to the TSi3, Titliest might have shrunk the footprint a bit too much. The TSR3 swung the pendulum back the other direction and now we’ve reached a happy equilibrium. By removing the weight track, Titleist boosted perimeter weighting, leading to a 15-percent increase in MOI over the TSR3 while reducing the size by six percent. Like the GT2, the leading edge is flatter, promoting a more player-preferred look at address.
While other brands are moving away from the smaller hybrid, Titleist has built something of a dedicated contingent of iron-like hybrid supporters. So, if nothing else, the GT3 is evidence that Titleist continues to see value and opportunity in this space.
My $0.05
I have a long-suffering relationship with hybrids, which is a shame because I could probably benefit from (at least) one, if not two. Try as I might, it’s tough to convince myself to “hit it like an iron” as many have tried (and failed) to instruct me. If it isn’t an iron, regardless of loft, I’m going to hit it like a fairway wood.
During my fitting at TPI, the GT2 surprised, even shocked, me. By moving the heavier weight to the toe and going with a flatter lie angle, we eliminated the “left-going -left” shot and, as a result, I felt confident trying to hit different shots on various trajectories.
In between my 5-wood and 5-iron, I have a lot of questions but few clear answers.
I’ve dabbled with a 7-wood, 4-iron, utility iron and even several garden tools without declaring a definitive winner. Perhaps the GT2 hybrid can make a case to join the starting line up.
Higher lofted fairway woods are all the rage. Plenty of touring professionals bag a 7-wood, and we’ve even seen several 9-woods make it into play. This shift in demand seems to have cooled the hybrid market a bit, but that hasn’t yet impacted the menu of options that Titleist believes are necessary to fit the widest range of golfers.
With three discrete models (all with multiple loft options), moveable weights and SureFit hosel adapters, it’s reasonable to make the argument that Titleist has the most robust hybrid family available.
Pricing and Availability
GT1 Hybrid Lofts: 20.0, 23.0, 26.0, 29.0 (RH and LH)
GT2 Hybrid Lofts: 18.0, 21.0, 24.0 (RH and LH)
GT3 Hybrid Lofts: 19.0, 21.0, 24.0 (RH and LH)
GT hybrids are available in golf shops worldwide beginning Friday, Feb. 21. MAP: $329
For more information, visit Titleist.com.
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