In Titleist metalwood parlance, the “1” model assumes the identity of the lightweight option. With the GT1 fairway wood, that’s still the case. Well, mostly. As with the previous TSR line, the main launch included core “2” and “3” models with the “1” coming a bit later. Same thing here. So if you need a quick recap on the Titleist GT2 and GT3 fairway wood siblings, we have that for you. If you’re well-versed, the Cliff Notes version is that the GT1 carries on the key material and tech attributes of the other GT fairway woods.
Moving on … The inherent challenge of a dedicated lightweight design is maximizing the intent while not creating an overly narrow target audience. In the past, Titleist would admit that perhaps it didn’t position the GT1 as broadly as it would have liked.
What’s new this time around? Good question.
Titleist GT1 design
To achieve a lighter overall assembled weight, the Titleist GT1 fairway uses lighter components (shaft, grip, stock headweight). From there, the math is pretty simple. For golfers who need technological assistance getting the ball in the air, lighter=faster.
For a certain percentage of golfers, if you can swing the club faster, it’s going to generate more speed, spin and overall height. Titleist’s GT1 fairway tagline is “High, Far, Forgiving.” That all makes sense but here’s the twist. This time, the GT1 fairway (and the GT1 driver and hybrid for that matter) are also available in a standard weight build. What that means is golfers who want a dedicated “high-launch” model aren’t tied to an ultra-lightweight design. That’s a win.
Fitting considerations
Plenty of golfers could benefit from higher-launching fairway woods. The problem is that they might not know it. In fact, how many golfers do you know who hit their fairway woods too high? While you’re pondering that question, you’ll notice that the GT1 fairway has two moveable weights (forward and rear or, as Titleist likes to call them, fore and aft).
The heavier (11-gram) weight in the rear (aft) position produces the deepest CG location and maximum MOI. Flipping the weights reduces spin and trajectory while increasing ball speed marginally. Titleist’s consumer testing determined that 60 percent of golfers preferred the weight in the rear, 40 percent preferred it in the forward position. In addition, all models feature the SureFit Hosel adapter to further customize the appropriate loft and lie.
Final thoughts
I’m a high ball hitter so the GT1 probably isn’t for me. That said, I can’t rule it out, primarily because it’s so easy to hit off the fairway. The shallow face profile and slightly longer heel-toe footprint fit in well with the rest of the GT line and a modified sole allows the leading edge to sit closer to the ground, similar to the GT3. All of that is to say that even the pickiest player is going to have a hard time finding something aesthetically objectionable.
At times, Titleist has fought the notion that its clubs are only for better players. I’d say that’s a fair but incomplete assessment of the brand’s approach. With continued development of GT1, Titleist doesn’t have any significant gaps in its driver, fairway wood or hybrid lines. There are plenty of reasons to choose one brand over another but it’s clear Titliest wants to reach dedicated golfers at a variety of ability levels.
Specs, pricing, availability
The Titleist GT1 fairway is available in 15, 18, 21, and 24 degrees. Featured shafts include the Fujikura Air Speeder Next Gen – 40g (R, S, X), 35g (Women’s R3, Jr./Youth), Project X Denali Red – 50g (5.0, 5.5, 6.0), and Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue – 55g (R, S).
Retail price is $399. Pre-sale begins Feb. 2 with full availability starting Feb. 21.
For more information, visit Titleist.com.
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