When Titleist launched it’s GT line of drivers and fairways back in August, a replacement for the ultralight and high-launching TSR1 line of products was missing.
But now Titleist is ready to pull the cover back on the GT1 line of drivers and fairway woods, which is better optimized for the player who needs a lightweight profile and high launch.
Here are three things to know about the Titleist GT1 driver and fairway woods which are available for preorder on Fairway Jockey starting February 4th.
1. Using GT woods tech to optimize for slower swingers
Titleist’s GT1 line of metalwoods enter what’s becoming an ever-more crowded space with OEM’s realizing there’s a market for ultralight and high-launching drivers. Titleist has been in the category ever since the TS1 driver in 2019, but Titleist Director of Metalwood Product Development Stephanie Luttrell said her team really took a hard look at what the “1” player needs in their metal woods.
“We started by tapping into our global network of fitting specialists to understand what it is that would really advance performance for GT1 players,” Luttrell said. ““The resounding feedback that we heard across the board for the driver, fairways and hybrids is that anything we can do to increase launch is going to help this player improve their overall trajectory, consistency and distance.
“Making the line launch higher, while maintaining optimal spin rates, is really going to benefit both the moderate speed player as well as the player that is naturally low spin.”
Turns out one of the biggest leaps in tech from the GT2, 3 and 4 drivers — the Seamless Thermoform Crown, made from a Proprietary Matrix Polymer (PMP) — helped the designers lower the center of gravity (CG) to boost launch.
With the weight distributed properly — GT1 has the deepest CG in the entire GT family — the shape was also refined to make it more aerodynamic, helping the slow-to-moderate clubhead speed player swing it faster.
Speed Ring and VFT (Variable Face Thickness) technology from the initial GT drivers was also optimized for the GT1 chassis to bring consistent ball speeds across the face.
With that deep CG, GT1 allows players to square the face easier, which leads to it being slightly more draw-biased when compared to the other GT models.
Titleist GT1 Custom Driver
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2. Standard spec option
Luttrell described GT1 as the bookend of the GT family, giving fitters another tool to find a player the right driver.
And while GT1 is supposed to be the ultralight model in the family with an 8-gram lighter head and 20-gram lighter shaft, there are players who can utilize the boost in launch from GT1 with a standard weight build.
Luttrell, a former college player, said she falls into that category.
“I add a lot of dynamic loft, so I don’t generate a lot of spin,” she said. “The 1 product is a great product for me, but I can play it in a heavier-weight configuration.”
For the first time, GT1 will be offered with a 15-gram rear weight (6 grams heavier than standard) and standard-weight shafts and grips.
The GT1 fairway woods and hybrids will also be offered in a similar standard spec option to enhance fitting options throughout the lineup.
Titleist GT1 Custom Fairway Wood
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3. More adjustable and versatile fairway woods
The GT1 fairway is the largest profile in the GT lineup at 180 cc, while also featuring the shallowest face height to help players launch the ball off the turf.
But new this year are forward and aft adjustable weights to dial in CG location. That has opened up a whole new realm of possibility for GT1 fairway woods.
“When we were first developing the shape, one of the collaboration events that happens is that we’re constantly in a feedback loop with our tour team and [Titleist Director of Player Promotion] JJ Van Wezenbeeck saw the shape and said, ‘I can use this on tour,'” Luttrell said. “And so our move to introducing forward and aft CG adjustability really just opens up consideration for a player that maybe doesn’t need the one because of an increased spin and launch but needs it because of the overall look and footprint and how it interacts with the turf.
“We know have the capability to load the heavy weight forward and meet that performance need.”
Titleist did consumer testing on the adjustable weight system and found 60 percent of players preferred the heavy weight back while 40 percent liked it forward, proving the significant difference the change can make.
Price and availability
The GT1 driver and fairway woods will be available for pre-sale starting Feb. 4 and will be available for purchase at golf shops and retailers starting Feb. 21.
The GT1 driver will cost $649 while the GT1 fairway woods will cost $399 and can be preordered on Fairway Jockey.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
