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Details on the Titleist 913 D2 Dot driver: It’s for Dufner

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Titleist 913 D2 Dot 600

Titleist’s 913 D2 “Dot” driver was added to the USGA’s list of conforming driver heads this week, creating a lot of buzz in our  in the forums.

Who is it for? What’s different about it? Will it come to retail?

According to Chris McGinley, the prototype driver was made for Titleist Staff Member Jason Dufner, who has continued to use the company’s three-year-old 910 D2 driver because of its higher launch and spin characteristics, which suit him better than Titleist’s lower spinning 913 drivers.

Dufner’s 910 D2 driver has 9.5 degrees of loft. Click here to see the specs of the other 13 clubs in his bag.

 

McGinley said that Dufner was interested in switching to a 913 driver because of the faster ball speeds the new models can provide. That’s why prior to creating the 913 D2 Dot driver, Dufner tested a 913 D3 driver with 10.5 degrees of loft and modified internal weighting that moved the center of gravity lower and more forward in the head. He also tested a 913 D2 with 9.5 degrees of loft with a CG that was higher and deeper in the head.

According to McGinley, neither driver was a fit for Dufner, which is why the company decided to create the Dot driver. McGinley said that the Dot head is exactly the same as the retail 913 D2 driver, except that it has 0.5-degrees more loft and a slightly higher, deeper CG to give Dufner a higher launch and more spin. Because of the extra 0.5 degrees of loft (10 degrees instead of 9.5), Titleist had to resubmit the driver to the USGA to be approved for tournament play.

At this time, McGinley said that there are no are no plans for the Dot driver to be tested by anyone besides Dufner.

Dufner is currently ranked No. 13 on the FedExCup points list, and is scheduled to play in next week’s BMW Championship, the third round of the PGA Tour Playoffs. We’ll keep an eye on what driver he brings to the tee.

Click here to read the ongoing discussion in the forums about the 913 D2 Dot driver and Cleveland’s new 588 drivers.

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24 Comments

24 Comments

  1. Mike

    Sep 7, 2013 at 7:51 am

    This logic is like that scene from spinal tap. We’re louder because most amps only go up to 10′ while our goes up to 11… So we’re louder by 1…..

  2. Duncan

    Sep 6, 2013 at 9:18 am

    “Because of the extra 0.5 degrees of loft (10 degrees instead of 9.5), Titleist had to resubmit the driver to the USGA to be approved for tournament play.”
    This doesn’t make a lot of sense. A typical manufacturing tolerance would be +/- 1 degree of loft so there should be 913D2s in play marked at 9.5 degrees of loft that are actually between 10.5 and 8.5 degrees or worse.
    Would it not have been the “slightly higher, deeper CG” that resulted in the resubmission? Or something else we’re not being told about?

  3. Kevin

    Sep 5, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Does any one not think it is a coincidence that the marketing guys are suddenly trying to capitalise on Dufner’s major win and generate some more sales of the D913 drivers

    The 910D2 was good enough for him to win a major so why change ? Of course we know pressure from his sponsors want him to use the latest technology that us punters in the shops will go out and buy. Any pro who wins a major , manufacturers see an immediate increase in sales in drivers, putters, wedges or whatever was the key equipment in them winning that tournament.

    My 910D3 performs better for me than 913 drivers and yes it’s nice to plat the latest sexy equipment I will be waiting until the next model that gives me a significant improvement, the 905R is still in my locker !

  4. TheInfidel

    Sep 5, 2013 at 8:06 am

    Anyone who thinks they can go to a TM, Titleist, Cobra, Callaway or whatever OEM fitting centre and the staff there won’t use the numbers to state a case for getting their newest model is dreaming! How else could they justify the purchase of a $5k machine and their time!? I’d be surprised to hear of anyone who got told “You know what, stick with what you’ve got”.

    I’m not a pro, but I am a single digit player and I made the change to a 910D2 this year by heading up to the local range, handing in my credit card and hitting 6-8 drivers that were “modern tech”. Made a shortlist of 2 then hit some more balls to see what felt good and provided results. Everyone knows what their Sunday Best looks like going down range, it’s not always necessary to stack it up with numbers.

    I like to know when I stand on the tee that the Big Dog in my hand is the one I choose because it felt right and got the best out of my swing, not because someone told me the numbers stacked up behind a white phone box that had a new gimmick.

    • Matt

      Sep 5, 2013 at 11:53 am

      TheInfidel your using the same club selection technique that myself and most pro’s use. Just hit the damn club and see what you get. Actually most pro’s use the 6 to 10 ball rule. If they don’t like what they see within 6 to 10 shots they rule out that club. The reason is any more swings than that and you start to adjust your swing to the club. Launch monitors and club fitting is nothing more than a way to try and sell more clubs. A good player can fit themselves as well as any club fitter.

      • TheInfidel

        Sep 5, 2013 at 4:37 pm

        I’m falling over myself to agree with you here. I’m all for self improvement and getting the best out of hard work and practice. But as Arnie says – you gotta swing your own swing.

        In doing so you’ll instinctively know what works. I’m very hesitant about going to an OEM fitting centre that will likely persuade you into the brand they are attached to. It happens all too often.

  5. naflack

    Sep 4, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    Interesting that a pro with his ball speed needs more spin…

    • Rich

      Sep 5, 2013 at 4:49 am

      Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong folks but I thought spin rates had more to do with loft and angle of attack rather than ball speed. Just because you have a high ball speed (swing speed) doesn’t necessarily mean you have a high spin rate too.

      • Matt

        Sep 5, 2013 at 11:43 am

        Actually rich all three play a factor in spin rate. If you take a guy swinging at 90mph with a 10 degree driver swinging with a -2 degree attack angle and match him up against a guy swinging 110mph with a 10 degree driver at a -2 degree attack angle the faster swinger who naturally creates more ball speed will have a some what higher spin rate.

  6. Shawn

    Sep 4, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    I think there is an important lesson for amateurs to be learned from this. Obviously we don’t get to work with the OEM like pros do, but it is so important for Ams to get fitted and understand their numbers on why/how a golf ball reacts based on your own swing! It’s not about 10 yards longer with this club or 14 yards longer with that club, it’s finding a driver that gives you the best launch angle/ spin rate. I’m not a teaching pro or club fitter and don’t pretend to be one, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to engage a certified fitter/pro when you are deciding to fork out your hard earned cash on a new weapon. Most users on this site are serious golfers and read the equipment updates because they want to improve their game. A new driver isn’t going to make you instantly better and could actually hurt your game if its not the right stick for you.

    • vlafroscia

      Sep 4, 2013 at 7:43 pm

      …and I just had TM staff personally fit me for 90 minutes for the SLDR on the launch monitor, including against my own Ping G20 and TM R11 and according to them all the numbers on the SLDR pointed to buy the club, buy the club. Bought the club only becasue it came with a 90 day, 100% store credit satisfaction guarantee – good thing because in real world, side by side, on the course testing both in FL and CA this week it turned out to be not even close to the Ping G20 in any respect, trajectory, spin, distance, feel, nothing – may as well have gone to Walmart and bought a Northwestern driver. I used TM for years and have much respect but the new club is junk and launch monitors mean nothing – tee it up with your own ball on a golf course where you are mnore than familiar where your drives normally land and you’ll get the real truth. Too much reliance on technology and “next best thing” makes the OEM a lot of $$$ but do little to help anyone else. And BTW – it IS about 10 or 14 yards longer, why would you need another driver in the garage if it wasn’t of some benefit.

      • Ventucky Local

        Sep 4, 2013 at 8:58 pm

        Agreed. IMO Field test on home course always tells the true story for me. Trackman is cool tech but I still find real world out in the grass works best for me.

      • Shawn

        Sep 4, 2013 at 9:49 pm

        Im a little confused by the response… Why is getting fit an “issue” and you even said its 10-14 yards longer??? There is only a few ways to gain distance(club head speed, ball speed, spin rate, launch angle) and the numbers (in which you even said) were better than your current G20. There are several course & weather conditions that could have affected your outcome and didn’t pass your eye test. Or it could just be the Indian and not the arrow. I don’t think blaming the TM rep for selling you a club that’s “junk” is justified.

        • Shawn

          Sep 4, 2013 at 9:58 pm

          And second point, if you have a g20 and r11 and they both wok so well for you, why did you feel so compelled to go get fit for another driver if you didn’t think it benefit YOUR game?? I hope the answer is not because all the Tour Pros are using it, so it must be the right club for me too.

    • Michael Benjamin

      Sep 4, 2013 at 9:59 pm

      I agree, but I disagree. Driving the ball is all about confidence. My launch numbers are not ideal (8.5-9 degree launch angle, +2 approach, +/- 1 degree path, 1500-2100 RPM, 122-125 speed, 175-180 ball speed). I would obviously benefit from launching the ball higher, right? I generally have a very low/strong trajectory, get stupid roll on the ball, hit the ball straight (5 yard draw/5 yard fade/straight…. depends on the day and my eye). I have gotten fitted before. I was fitted with a monstrous, nasty looking R1. My numbers were better, but I played it for only 4 rounds. I was missing fairways, my timing was off, I was relying on the club to do the work instead of STRIKING and hitting MY shot. I went back to my Bstone J40 430 w/ a 6.0 Project X (yes- definitely weak for my swing speed, but it works). Driving the ball and driving the ball well is all about picking your shot, imagining your shape, deciding your target, staying balanced, and ripping the golf ball. You HAVE to be aggressive with your driver. When I got “fitted” I lost some swagger with that “fitted driver”… Pick your club that works for you and feel confident with. It obviously has to fall within certain parameters to “work” for you, but finding the “exact” club/shaft for your swing is over rated, in my opinion.

    • Matt

      Sep 5, 2013 at 1:22 am

      You know what they say shawn opinions are like A_S holes everyone’s got one. So here’s my little two cents. It seems getting fit is the new craze. To me it’s nothing more than the new fad in the industry much like square driver heads at one time, adjustable clubs, and now multiple color heads. Just another way for the big OEM’s to try and sell you new equipment. I’ve been playing this game for 20 years now and I remember when club fitters would honestly tell you they couldn’t really fit you until you developed a consistent swing. Well here’s the catch once you develop a consistent swing you can pretty much fit yourself. I’m a pretty good ball striker with a very consistent swing. I know what ball flight I’m looking for and have fit myself as good as any club fitter ever could. New golfers need to face reality, golf’s a hard game even for people who have a natural gift for the game. You can’t buy a game no matter how much money you spend. Like Ben Hogan said you got to dig it out of the dirt!

      • Jack

        Sep 5, 2013 at 2:32 am

        You just need some time too get used to a driver. Every one feels different. It took me a long while to even get used to one. Like months. Not to mention my 3 wood. Keep hitting the balls and you’ll start feeling comfortable with it. You can’t fake high launch low spin numbers. What can affect you is the trust you have in the club.

      • Shawn

        Sep 5, 2013 at 11:49 am

        Once again, you missed my point. No driver or fitting system is going to compensate for a terrible swing. I’m not saying that it will, but the point I was trying me make was this. If you have the technology to UNDERSTAND why the golf ball reacts the way it does, than utilize the information to your advantage when looking to purchase a new driver. Golfers update 2 clubs more than others, driver and putter. If you are going to spend the $300-400 on a new driver, wouldn’t you want to know its setup and fit for your swing? I’m not saying hit balls all day with Trackman on and check every number like Ryo does, but understand why and what your numbers are and fit equipment to suited your swing and ability.

      • Shawn

        Sep 5, 2013 at 1:59 pm

        Matt. I agree with you assessment that if you don’t have a consistent swing, than there is a very little advantage of getting fit. I’m not talking about the guy that plays once a month a shoots 95-110. That guy shouldn’t buy new clubs because there are no advantages if you can’t find the middle of the club face.. But for serious golfers, which you are by your response, what is your decision process on buying a new driver? What makes you walk into a pro shop/ retail shop and throw down your hard earned money for a new stick? Just curious?

        • Matt

          Sep 5, 2013 at 5:33 pm

          First off shawn you are right in your assessment that I am a serious player. A carrier a 2.7 right now and its no thanks to my short game. I decide on a club the same way most pro’s do. First I make sure I’m swinging well that day because all players have their good and bad days from Tiger all the way down to the new hack. Then I make sure I’m good and lose by warming up with my current clubs at that point any club I’m considering be it a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, iron, or wedge has 6 shots to impress me. If I don’t like what I’m seeing and feeling within 6 shots I’m done with that club. The reason for my 6 shots rule is a little piece of wisdom from an article I read from Adam Scott. He said and I agree, Many more swings than that and you will begin to adjust your swing for that club. A club should fit you not the other way around. I’ve actually heard many pro’s say they follow that same club selection strategy. I’ve heard as little a 2 swings to as much as 10 based on the pro. I think it was Sergio that only gave it 2. Also If I’m on an indoor monitor where I can’t see the true flight (not an ideal situation) then I would never test anything seriously with out bringing my current gamer and hitting it first to establish a benchmark. Like I said previously a good player can fit themselves and everyone else isn’t consistent enough to accurately be fit. Hope that helped.

  7. slafa

    Sep 4, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    That’s the degrees mark.

    • Phil

      Sep 4, 2013 at 4:43 pm

      Normal d2 doesn’t have a degrees mark, so the dot after the 5 is different from stock.

  8. DanP

    Sep 4, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    Where’s “the dot”?

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Whats in the Bag

Chesson Hadley WITB 2024 (March)

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Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 70 TX

3-wood: Titleist TSR2+ (14.5 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80 TX

Irons: Titleist T200 (3), Titleist 620 CB (4, 5), Titleist 620 MB (6-PW)
Shafts: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 105 X (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-PW)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-12F, 56-14F), WedgeWorks (60-K)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball
Grip: Odyssey

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Check out more in-hand photos Chesson Hadley’s clubs here.

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Whats in the Bag

Gary Woodland WITB 2024 (March)

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Driver: Cobra Darkspeed X (8 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 70 M5

  • The white circle that appears at the top of the face a removable sticker that’s used for launch monitor tracking, and Woodland removes it for competition!

3-wood: Cobra Darkspeed X (14 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 GW100 Prototype

7-wood: Cobra LTDx LS prototype (20 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 GW100 Prototype

Irons: Wilson Staff (18 degrees), Cobra King MB (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour C-Taper Limited X

Wedges: Cobra SB (48), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-08F, 56-14F), Cobra King (60)
Shafts: KBS Tour C-Taper Limited X (48 degrees), KBS Tour V-Ten 125

Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5 Proto
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 3.0P

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord

See more in-hand photos of Gary Woodland’s WITB in the forums.

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Equipment

Q&A: Martin Trainer on his Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers” putter, 6.5-degree driver, and “butter knife” 2-iron

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As unbiasedly as I can put it, Martin Trainer has one of the coolest club setups in professional golf. (At some point soon, I’ll put together a top-10 list of “coolest club setups on Tour,” but I know that Trainer will be in the top-10)

What a lineup. He plays a 6.5-degree Wilson prototype driver, a 13-degree Wilson prototype 3-wood, a true blade Wilson Staff Model 2-iron, and a Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers Commemorative” putter!

 

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I mean, look at this 2-iron from address…

To quote the great author R.L. Stine: “Goosebumps.”

On Wednesday at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, I caught up with Trainer to learn more about his bag setup.

Here’s what he had to say:

You have the Internet going crazy over your bag setup, and your putter. Where’d you pick the Bobby Grace-Greg Chalmers putter up? How long have you had it?

MT: This was from when Bobby Grace came to my course in California: Cal Club. And for whatever reason, they just started having them in the shop. So then I took my buddy’s, started using it, and made, like, a million putts in a row, which is how every putter story begins, I guess.

And then, I bought a couple of my own, used it for years, got to the Tour with it, won on Tour with it (the 2019 Puerto Rico Open). Then, about a year later, started using another putter, did that for a couple years, but now it’s back in the bag.

When did it come back in the bag?

MT: December of this past year. So a few months ago.

What year would you say was the first time you threw that in the bag, or, like, when you bought it?

MT: God…Probably, 2016, maybe? 2018?

Do you remember how much you paid for it?

MT: I don’t know, actually. Maybe $100-150 bucks or something. I think that’s the only golf club I’ve bought between high school and now. Well, two, since I bought two of them.

The driver is interesting, too. What went into the prototyping process?

MT: That was a version of the current driver, but it was the prototype that they first came out with for Tour guys to try. And for whatever reason, I just never switched out to the new one.

It’s just 6.5 degrees, right?

MT: Yeah. Very low loft, yeah.

What kind of ball speed do you have with that these days?

MT: Like high 170’s.

Yeah, that’ll work. And then a 2-iron blade? We’re seeing fewer and fewer of those out here.

MT: Yeah. The butter knife.

Very cool thing to have in the bag. Have you done any testing with driving irons? 

MT: Yeah, I used to have a thicker one, but it was a little offset, and I never hit it that well. And then finally, I started messing around with the butter knife. And I remember the first time I looked down at it, I was terrified. And then I ended up getting used to it, putting it in play, and it’s been in place since. It’s a pretty good club for me.

How far do you carry that? 

MT: Like 235.

A good little wind club, I’m sure.

MTL Yeah, exactly. I can hit it very low. It’s great.

I love it. You have people shook looking at that. Thanks for the time, man. 

MT: Absolutely.

To see more photos and discussion of Trainer’s bag, click here.

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