Equipment
New 2021 Titleist Drivers TSi3 & TSi2 and Fairway Woods (UPDATED with in-hand photos)
New Titleist TSi2 and TSi3 Drivers and Fairways woods for 2021 spotted on the PGA Tour this week. After a great deal of speculation around how the new Titleist woods line would continue to build on the great strides the TS series took, we now have official visual confirmation.
The Titleist TSi Series will be kicked off with TSi3 and TSi2 models for late 2020 into 2021 in both drivers and fairway woods, and it is not a stretch to believe that they will fall closely in line with previous TS2 and TS3 segmentation.
*Updated with in-hand photos from the Safeway Open
Titleist TSi2 driver
Titleist TSi3 driver
The new Titleist’s TSi drivers and fairway woods are here! And by “here,” I mean we have preliminary images as found on the USGA conforming drivers list. (USGA images below, featured image c/o Titleist)
We have reached out to Titleist and have no official comment yet, but based on the images and our knowledge of previous models, we can draw some conclusions based on the visual elements and markings—including the fact that the new TSi3 will have an external sliding weight track—the first time a sliding weight has been built into a Titleist wood.
Titleist TSi Series (speculated) technology
Although we can only see the sole of the new drivers, there are some design points that allow us to make strong assumptions on the new products, including the adjustable tip being used is the same as in previous generations.
Titleist TSi2 Driver
The TS2 driver has been a big hit for golfers whose natural swing dynamics create mid-to-lower spin, and the TSi2 looks to continue to fit into this category with a single adjustable weight in the rear of the club.
The big tell appears to be a lot of mass positioned low and in the middle of the sole – based on the graphics/visual technology represented in the available images. I would expect the next steps to be a lighter and/or stiffer crown and an improved shape to boost MOI—potentially making the “i” in “TSi” stand for “improved.”
The last part of the ‘improvement” is most likely a new face design to help increase ball speeds on mishits, which leads me down another speculation path: The “i” could stand for “intelligent,” and Titleist will be selling an AI (artificial intelligence) story, but based on Callaway’s success in that department, I highly doubt it.
- In the forums: New Titleist TSi 2020 2021 Driver and Fairway woods
TSi2 Fairway wood
The TSi2 fairway appears to fall in with the TSi2 driver with centralized mass and adjustable rear weight. Since fairway wood technology is being advanced as quickly as drivers, I would expect to see an improved face paired with an overall lighter frame.
As for continued technology, the woods will have ARC (Active Recoil Channel), and what looks to be the same hosel sleeve.
Titleist TSi3 Driver
The TSi3 looks to be the big kahuna, with Titleist pulling out all the stops by adding both an adjustable and sliding rear weight.
The 2018 TS3 was a driver designed to help lower spin and help players fine-tune ball flight with adjustable CG. The TSi3 is taking it further by moving that adjustability to the perimeter of the head to create greater CG movement and higher MOI. We have seen this very rear-positioned mass on a number of recent releases, including Cobra, TaylorMade, and the upcoming new Ping G425.
The reason we are seeing these similar design trends is thanks to physics and finite element analysis, which is “a computerized method for predicting how a product reacts to real-world forces, vibration, heat, fluid flow, and other physical effects.” Golf club engineers are smart people, and they are always pulling levelers in an attempt to maximize a club’s potential based on available technology and manufacturing methods. It’s the same reason we are seeing super-car designs in relation to aerodynamics become more homogenized because of the goal to achieve aerodynamic perfection.
*Update: Photos of the TSi3 driver from Ian Poulter on Instagram
Like with the aforementioned TSi2 I would expect to hear more about weight savings from the removed weight housing of the TS3, which will boost the TSi3 MOI along with an updated face designed to maximize ball speed.
The last note is on the overall shape. Compared to the 2018 TS3, the new TSi3 looks to be smaller front to back and shorter heel to toe. In a way, its shape makes it look like the previous TS3 and TS4 had a bit of a baby and it could also mean that Titleist has no plans to possibly expand the line if they have achieved in getting the spin low enough in the TSi3. Obviously, that is a big bit of speculation, but one we should consider under the circumstances.
Titleist TSi3 Fairway Wood
The visual technology seems pretty self-explanatory for the TSi3 fairway woods with a compact shape paired with an adjustable forward weight to help control launch and lower spin. The weight looks BIG, and this most likely means engineers have shaved a lot of mass around the head to help centralize mass in the sole.
Fairway woods already go a very long way, and if Titleist has figured out a way to make their new ones go farther and straighter, then that’s a winning combination.
Like the TSi3 fairway, the patented ARC is behind the face and should help with lower face strikes too.
Conclusion
This release from Titleist is going to be interesting to follow since the entire TS series from Titleist was such a huge success. We don’t have information on the retail dates, but Titleist has generally stuck to a late fall schedule after the tour seeding process initially conducted on the PGA Tour, so with these now on the USGA list we can expect tour seeding to begin shortly.
Fairway wood lofts on the USGA conforming list
TSi2: 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 21 in RH and LH
TSi3: 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18 (RH)
13.5, 15, 16.5 LH
To see what other golfers are saying about the speculated Titleist TSi drivers and fairways, check out the GolfWRX Forums and join the discussion.
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Whats in the Bag
WITB Time Machine: Billy Horschel’s winning WITB, 2017 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
The tournament bearing the name of one of golf’s all-time greats is now known as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Back in 2017, it was still the AT&T Byron Nelson and Billy Horschel was still a full-bag PXG staffer. The Florida Gator leveraged those wares to a playoff victory over Jason Day securing his fourth PGA Tour win in the process.
Check out the clubs Horschel had in play seven years ago in Texas.
Driver: PXG 0811X (9 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Tour Spec Black 6 X
3-wood: PXG 0341X (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
5-wood: PXG 0341 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 75 6.5
Irons: PXG 0311T (3, 5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: PXG 0311T Milled (52-10, 56-10, 60-07)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: PXG Bat Attack
Grip: SuperStroke Flatso 1.0
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Billy Horschel’s gear from 2017 here.
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Equipment
How Cleveland Golf’s wedge selector tool improves the wedge buying process
More than most golfers would care to admit, confusion often reigns when it comes to selecting a wedge — let alone configuring an entire wedge setup. Make? Model? Loft? Grind? Finish? Two wedges? Three wedges? Four? The questions abound!
While it’s easy to get off the fairway and deep into the rough quickly, the framework question for choosing wedges is the same as the entirety of the golf bag: How should I set up my golf bag to shoot the lowest score possible?
Manufacturers, in addition to, well, manufacturing golf clubs, also understand that golfers need to make informed decisions to get the most out of their equipment. It’s with this in mind, and to help golfers answer the aforementioned foundational question about their wedge setup, that Cleveland Golf has launched its wedge selector too.
To learn more, we talked with Cleveland’s Senior Product Manager, Casey Shultz.
GolfWRX: What was Cleveland seeing in the marketplace that led to the development of the wedge selector? How do golfers benefit?
Casey Shultz: Currently, there is a lot of talk about what grind players should play and what is right for their game in that aspect of selecting a wedge. But there is more to improving wedge play than finding the proper grind. We would even argue it’s one of the smaller dials for improvement. Players can find more success with wedges designed from head shape to shaft, sole width, gapping, and then the grind. Putting a system in place that makes the process of selecting the right wedge easier is something we feel can have a massive impact, especially for recreational players.
GolfWRX: Now, in breaking down Cleveland’s wedge selector tool, the point of departure is figuring out whether you’re an RTX or CBX player. Can you briefly spell out who each of these wedges is for?
CS: For lower handicappers, the RTX series is our tour-validated line of blade wedges. These are for players looking to play a lot of open-faced shots around the green, prioritize workability, and like to flight their wedges. CBX wedges are designed to make the short game easier, while still offering some level of versatility for the mid-high handicapper looking for a wedge that will reduce chunks and add forgiveness on all strikes. CBX’s are also a great option due to them blending well in weight and shaping with more cavity back iron sets.
GolfWRX: Proceeding through the RTX wedge selector, one of the first forks in the road is wedge finish. Can you break down the finish options and the considerations for a golfer in making their selection?
CS: With the RTX series we offer Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Rack finishes. Tour Satin is our most popular finish and offers the most grind options. With HydraZip face blasts on the newest RTX Wedges, glare is significantly reduced at address compared to other silver finish offerings. Black Satin offers custom skin options as personalization and is one of the more durable black finishes on the market but will have some visible wear over time especially on the sole. Finally, Tour Rack is our tour authentic raw finish that will rust over time. The Tour Rack finish also comes with the option of applying any of our Tour Crafted leading edge and sole grind offerings to the Wedge for players really looking to fine-tune their performance.
GolfWRX: Can you walk us through the rest of the RTX wedge fitting process?
CS: Once players have selected their preferred finish, we gather information on their iron set and loft preferences to determine proper gapping. A properly gapped set of wedges, both with each other and transitioning from a player’s last iron, is key to ensuring their set covers a wide range of approach yardages well. We then ask specific questions about the performance the player is looking to achieve in their sand and lob wedges to determine proper grinds for each of those wedges. Lastly, we confirm a preference for traditional or Full-Face grooves at each loft. Full-Face grooves offer a new level of versatility, especially with open-face shots, but it’s up to the player if they want to transition to this groove design. Our algorithm will then take these results and determine a set of wedges best suited to the player’s game.
GolfWRX: Let’s circle back to grinds. Is there a grind configuration across their wedges you’re seeing the majority of players choose or is it pretty evenly divided?
CS: The MID grind is certainly the most popular grind across all lofts, with the blend of versatility and forgiveness in a wide range of conditions suiting many players. In sand wedge lofts, the second most popular grind is our FULL, which has a little more bounce than the MID and is especially effective out of the sand or rough. In lob wedge lofts, the popular alternative to the MID is the LOW grind, offering max versatility around the greens. We’re also seeing more amateur and tour players opt for our Full-Face models, especially in the lob wedge lofts where they are planning to open the face and get creative around the greens.
GolfWRX: Can you take us through the CBX wedge selector?
CS: In the CBX selector, we start by determining if a player is looking to play a lob wedge or not. For many recreational golfers, a lob wedge may not be necessary for the consistent short-game performance they are looking to achieve. Next, the CBX selector focuses on ensuring players end up with a set that transitions well into their irons, while also staying within the constraints of a player’s bag setup. With new players distance, game improvement, and super game improvement iron lofts becoming stronger than those of the past, creating a properly gapped set of wedges is trickier than ever for these players. The selector tool takes the guesswork out of the equation, while also considering a player’s set makeup and interest in replacing a wedge. Finally, players are given the option of when or if they would like to transition into a Full-Face design for added spin on strikes all over the face.
GolfWRX: Is there anything else you think GolfWRXers need to know about Cleveland’s wedge selector tool?
CS: Our wedge selector tool is designed to be used in concert with our set builder webpages. At completion of the selector, a player’s recommended wedge set will automatically be applied to the appropriate set builder. From there, they can easily adjust components or build specs to every Wedge all in one place. Players can also add Tour Crafted sole and leading edge grinds to refine their performance on our Tour Rack wedges, or personalize custom characters, skins, and paintfill in the same place. It’s a one-stop shop to build the perfect wedge set for any player’s game.
This article was presented in partnership with Cleveland Golf. Check out the wedge selector here.
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Equipment
Golf fans left surprised by LIV’s choice of course for its 2024 individual championship event
On Tuesday, LIV announced their individual championship will be held at Bolingbrook Golf Club just outside of Chicago. The event will take place September 13-15.
The late announcement is seemingly due to LIV looking for the right course in the Chicago area that has the infrastructure that can accommodate a professional event.
The choice of Bolingbrook Golf Club has received some feedback on social media.
Maybe Rich Harvest Farms wasn't available? RHF is 50miles from Chicago but at least it's surrounded by farm land so plenty of space to set up
— Crawf_Indiana (@captaincrawf) April 30, 2024
Awful course choice, it's a dog track!
— Rob (@piratedwight) April 30, 2024
????#LOOK: Bolingbrook GC in Illinois, site of LIV Golf’s just announced Individual Championship has tee times available around the $50 mark.
Are you teeing it up here? pic.twitter.com/b8Lgv9ZzhK
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 30, 2024
LIV fans were quick to point out that Bethpage Black, which is hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup, can also be played for a reasonable price, making the point the greens fees don’t always equate to the quality of the golf course.
During LIV’s first two seasons, LIV utilized Rich Harvest Farms in Chicago. It’s unclear why that course is off the rotation in favor of Bolingbrook.
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MNW
Sep 26, 2020 at 12:29 am
who does reviews of new clubs with pictures of every angle except from address looking down??
yes you did for drivers but not fairway woods.
Who cares what a club looks like from the bottom or side angle
jgpl001
Sep 21, 2020 at 4:06 am
Anyone know the stock shafts?
T$
Sep 11, 2020 at 3:25 pm
Honest question…how much better (distance, forgiveness, etc…) do you think a modern driver is than my Cleveland Launcher from 2005?
phizzy
Oct 13, 2020 at 9:33 pm
A lot better. I have the SIM max with ventus black and it’s more forgiving on off center hits compared to drivers before 2016. Balls that would normally fly off the face of the planet for me tend to stay inbounds and I get higher ball speeds off the hosel and toe compared to older models which means less distance lost off the tee.
Jason
Sep 8, 2020 at 5:40 pm
TSi1 and TSi4 will be available early 2021
Shallowface
Sep 8, 2020 at 3:55 pm
That upside down faux insert looks like a rendition of a golf club from a cartoonist who doesn’t play golf.
Jbone
Sep 8, 2020 at 11:13 am
Let’s get a new driver with the shape of 905S or 983E
These are too much towards game improvement for my taste
Tony
Sep 8, 2020 at 7:11 am
The TSi 3 is one of the best looking new drivers I’ve seen in a while. Nice!
president O'bama
Sep 7, 2020 at 11:25 pm
Uhhh…..I need the face design to be busier! Lol! Sheesh, good luck with these guys!
Travisty
Sep 7, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Geez these look horrendous, and with a terrible alignment aid to boot. 100% will not be trying these this year. *barf*
TD
Jan 7, 2021 at 12:19 am
The TSi3 is literally the best looking driver made in the metal wood era lol.
alex jones
Sep 7, 2020 at 3:51 pm
I’m definitely in on the TSi3, time to upgrade my TS3 from 2018!!!!
Dave
Sep 7, 2020 at 1:03 pm
AI in a golf club is not possible unless its made of nano’s. The alignment aid is awful. Very little difference between the previous TS models. I’m out
Larry
Sep 7, 2020 at 11:20 am
I currently play a TS4- will there be a TSi driver to uopgrade/replace it??
Travis Duckro
Sep 7, 2020 at 5:55 am
Its finite element analysis, not infinite element analysis…. lmao
Maximillian
Sep 7, 2020 at 3:55 am
All companies have to stop referring to computer programs as “artificial intelligence”. These programs cannot think for themselves – they are just ordinary computer programs. They are 100% only as clever as the people who wrote the code.
Jack Nash
Sep 7, 2020 at 9:33 am
Just like the IPCC modelling. Lol
Tom
Sep 7, 2020 at 12:33 am
Ouch…that alignment aid…bad…
Jbone
Sep 7, 2020 at 11:01 am
They need the DCI triangle back. I think this alignment is better than the flipped triangle they’ve been using
Tyler Made
Sep 6, 2020 at 9:56 pm
Wow! They look like dog s h I t!
stanley
Sep 6, 2020 at 6:40 pm
these companies keep finding ways to take my money….