Equipment

Back By Popular Demand: Titleist C16 Irons

Published

7 years ago

Apr 13, 2017

Last April, Titleist did something out of character. It released a line of golf clubs called C16 without the extensive testing and validation process that’s typical for the company’s products. Like concept cars in the auto industry, these were “concept clubs” created for the purpose of experimenting with new technologies, materials and manufacturing processes in an effort to push existing boundaries.

“We weren’t really sure how it would go and how the products would do,” said Josh Talge, Vice President of Marketing for Titleist.

Titleist did no marketing for the clubs, and as you might imagine, they were expensive: $1,000 for a driver and about $3,000 for a set of irons. They were also available in a very limited supply — about 1,500 drivers and 1,000 set of irons — and restricted to buyers willing to be fit for the clubs at Titleist-authorized locations. Despite those hurdles, the clubs sold quickly. And due to popular demand, Titleist is releasing an additional 1000 sets of the C16 irons.

“So many people who hit the C16 irons would say things like, ‘I’ve never done that before or I didn’t think I could do this.'” Talge says. “Golfers were getting a club more distance … all in a package that looks like a players club.”

As with the original launch, fittings are available at the company’s TPI Oceanside and Manchester Lane test facilities, as well as Titleist Fitting Days and Titleist Thursdays trial and fitting events. With the relaunch, Titleist has also added 50 select fitting partners around the country who can now fit C16 irons. The reason Titleist is requiring golfers to be fit for the C16 irons is two-fold, Talge says. The company wants to make sure C16 iron buyers are confident they’re getting something limited and special. Just as importantly, Titleist wants to continue to learn from the C16 irons.

Much has been learned already. When Titleist originally launched the C16 irons it did so with the option of a special “SureFit Grip,” an adjustable counter-weighting feature that gave fitters the option of positioning a 20-gram weight at the bottom or top of the grip to change the way a golfer’s hands rotated at impact for improved performance. It proved beneficial for some C16 buyers, but Talge called it “complex.” He pointed to Titleist’s inability to offer it as an option in more than one grip model and the complications of re-gripping clubs with SureFit grips as the reason it will not be included in the re-launch.

“You could only get [SureFit Grip technology] in a grip that was basically a Tour Velvet,” Talge says. “And when it came time to change your grips, it had to be done by Titleist … We’re still working out some of those kinks.”

null Titleist’s C16 driver, on the other hand, proved to be a product with technologies that were immediately ready for mass production. It introduced a moveable-weight technology called SureFit CG that was added to the company’s 917D2 and 917D3 drivers, which were released in the fall of 2016.

Talge emphasized, as Titleist did with the announcement of its C16 clubs in April 2016, that there is no set launch schedule for its concept clubs. New concept clubs will only be released when the company feels it has created a ground-breaking design… or in this case, when golfers can’t get enough of a previous design.

Titleist’s C16 irons ($375-$415 per club) will be available April 15 in the U.S. and in select global markets for right- and left-handed golfers. All of Titleist’s custom shafts and grips are available at no additional cost with one exception: AeroTech’s Steelfiber (+$56 per shaft). Learn More about the C16 irons from Titleist.

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44 Comments

TheRealDeal

Apr 18, 2017 at 1:02 pm

I’m bagging these sweet sticks!!! Breaking 90’s here I come.

Reply Report comment
#1HoganFan

Apr 16, 2017 at 11:44 am

To quote a vender a the PGA merchandise show on Orlando a couple if years back. “There is nothing new in golf just new ways to sell it.”

Reply Report comment
KK

Apr 15, 2017 at 9:40 am

I understand the T-MB because it’s small and very forgiving. This is big and chunky and marginally better than the $800 AP1.

Reply Report comment
Dan

Apr 15, 2017 at 12:11 am

I’m beginning to think that the golf companies are pandering to the .1% or .10% of Americans that can afford clubs like PXG, Honma and these current clubs. The everyday working class golfer who gets out every other Saturday is getting lower on the totem pole. Even $500 drivers are getting to be too much. I guess class discrimination knows no bounds. As I’ve said before, I’m still playing my Cleveland 588 MT’s and shooting in the 80’s. 🙂

Reply Report comment
Dave R

Apr 14, 2017 at 10:22 pm

Right on Brad T you can’t buy a golf game. Well think about that awhile.

Reply Report comment
BigSean

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:11 pm

These are some sweet sticks, know why mean. My mom said she will buy me some when I move out of her basement. She’s just went to get me a 50 and a pack of cigs. Later fellas…..

Reply Report comment
Smiller

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:01 pm

Now I can buy a backup set of clubs to use when my PXG’s are in the shop. My buddy Jim Grundy has these and they are friggin’ incredible! He hits them long and straight on every shot. From an engineering standpoint they are second to none, and none left town!

Reply Report comment
Tyler

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:57 am

I’ve hit the C16 Driver. It’s ugly and doesn’t compare to Titleist’s regular line of woods.

Reply Report comment
Obumma

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:53 am

I can do things with these irons I have never been able to do:
1. Hit the ball
2. Get some height
3. Look the part
4. Be really cool
5. Hang with Scotty

Reply Report comment
Thomas Murphy

Apr 14, 2017 at 11:41 am

Next gen T-MB for PXG price that is fashion forward for people with cash and strong brand affinity.

Reply Report comment
Mark

Apr 14, 2017 at 6:41 am

Silly money for clubs.

Reply Report comment
JS

Apr 14, 2017 at 2:57 am

Does anyone know why PGA pros don’t play these? Spieth is staffed by titleist…. why aren’t any of their staffers playing these?

Reply Report comment
a

Apr 14, 2017 at 12:17 am

Lower lofts on irons are necessary with the new club technology. Titleist sold the initial run of irons………..so obviously they had the need to produce more.

Golf is a sport but also an industry….

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Chuck

Apr 13, 2017 at 10:35 pm

I know I’d like to try them. Are they hollow, like T-MB’s? I’m guessing not, since there’s no hole in the toe which I think is sort of required in the manufacturing process.

So; is there a single tour player, on a single tour (U.S., Euro, AustralAsian, etc.) who has a single one of these clubs in play?

I remember when some of the Japan-only stuff notably made it into tour bags. Ernie Els’ cherished 690.CH 3-iron comes to mind. If these were so magic, you’d think that there’d be some of that.

Reply Report comment
- Eric
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 1:53 pm
  
  Nope they’re hollow.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Chuck
    
    Apr 14, 2017 at 7:12 pm
    
    Thanks Eric I appreciate that info. With the T-MB already in their line, it really makes for a curious offering.
    
    Reply Report comment
Mat

Apr 13, 2017 at 8:33 pm

C16 Mar-o-lago edition.

Reply Report comment
Mike

Apr 13, 2017 at 7:48 pm

With the weight moved low in the head they launch high, therefore the need to strengthen the lofts. These are some awesome irons, forgiving yet workable. I have them with the KBS Tour X. I have a Trackman and an E6 simulator and everyone that’s hit them likes them. They are in a league of their own.

Reply Report comment
- The dude
  
  Apr 14, 2017 at 3:12 am
  
  Ha!…love it….
  
  Reply Report comment
Mr Muira

Apr 13, 2017 at 6:22 pm

SHANK!!!!!

Reply Report comment
matt_bear

Apr 13, 2017 at 2:00 pm

it plays a club longer because they basically labeled the clubs wrong. Comparing the lofts of the C16 to a set of CB’s it’s literally a club difference. lol

Reply Report comment
Fat Perez

Apr 13, 2017 at 12:22 pm

Well, at least we won’t hear from the whining “lefties” about being left out! Step right up and get gouged ya bunch ‘o wrong siders! PXTitleist to the rescue!!!!

Reply Report comment
Double Mocha Man 4 President

Apr 13, 2017 at 11:56 am

You are da man

Reply Report comment
Tyler

Apr 13, 2017 at 11:07 am

These clubs are most no better than any other club in it’s category. If you have the swing you can pretty much play whatever you want and there is no need to pay 3k for a set of irons.

Reply Report comment
Hoselshot82

Apr 13, 2017 at 11:02 am

I’ve had a mint condition set on the classifieds that I can’t even sell for 1750.00

Reply Report comment
3PuttTerritory

Apr 13, 2017 at 10:03 am

The shaft upcharge @ full retail+installation in a $3000 set of irons is my favorite, most Titleist thing ever.

Reply Report comment
Bogeypro

Apr 13, 2017 at 9:55 am

I hate to say I told you so, but this is what PXG is doing to the market. For every club that PXG sells for $350, the others will do the same. Its about to get really stupid in the equipment business….

Reply Report comment
- Tom
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 10:29 am
  
  as long as there is a demand and there’s money to be made.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Tom
    
    Apr 13, 2017 at 10:34 am
    
    ya know after thinkin some more I’m wrong. Costco “signature” balls are popular and the price has been kept low.
    
    Reply Report comment
- Tyler
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 11:06 am
  
  I was thinking the same thing.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Player
    
    Apr 13, 2017 at 12:03 pm
    
    I can’t wait for the Kirkland Signature forged irons to come out. Same performance as the C16 for $600 a set
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Brian
      
      Apr 13, 2017 at 3:21 pm
      
      Acushnet lawsuit notwithstanding.
      
      Reply Report comment
david

Apr 13, 2017 at 9:33 am

guys these irons are magical. crazy ball speeds and feel and sound awesome. sold a bunch of sets to all skill levels. guys just hit them better. if you haven’t tried them you don’t know!

Reply Report comment
- Dj
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 10:51 am
  
  Hard pass. All marketing. These are no better than their retail offerings. Nothing but a quick money grab
  
  Reply Report comment
- Stan
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 12:09 pm
  
  Thanks Lyle Lanley.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Joey5Picks
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 1:44 pm
  
  I’m sure they all dropped their handicaps by half.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Brian
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 3:23 pm
  
  I’ll stick with my Mizunos and save $2k in the process. Plus I can customize shafts with no upcharge unlike Titeli$t
  
  Reply Report comment
Brad T

Apr 13, 2017 at 8:53 am

perfect for the people who think they can buy a better game.

Reply Report comment
- Joe
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 9:07 am
  
  what’s the difference between buying a new driver every year or buying an expensive set of irons? I honestly do not know 1 person with the ability to afford these irons doing so because they think it will make their game better….
  
  I do, however, know many people who cannot afford the $500 new driver that think it’ll help them lose their slice.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Jack
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 10:37 am
  
  I became a pro after I got fitted for these irons. It was that easy. Boom
  
  Reply Report comment
  - chinchbugs
    
    Apr 13, 2017 at 12:13 pm
    
    I was actually selected to the all-universe team after switching to these
    
    Reply Report comment
Ian

Apr 13, 2017 at 8:22 am

Alright, hands up. Who demanded the C16 irons?

Reply Report comment
- Tazz2293
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 9:24 am
  
  Averting eyes, whistling softly to self while slowly walking away
  
  Reply Report comment
- gdb99
  
  Apr 13, 2017 at 8:42 pm
  
  I didn’t, but I hope to hit them in a couple weeks during my Titleist Thursday fitting.
  
  Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

3 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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