As predictable as they can be, Titleist has officially launched the 917 D2 & D3 drivers. Over the years, Titleist has always taken its time when introducing a new product into market. As is the case this time.
Titleist wants to set the standard for complete performance off the tee, providing maximum distance and forgiveness with precise adjustability to benefit dedicated golfers at every level of the game. The 917 models are the direct result of the company’s philosophy to deliver the most comprehensive and efficient driver designs.
“When we talk to golfers about driver performance, distance and forgiveness are always paramount. But they aren’t the only attributes that players look for in a driver. They also want a repeatable trajectory, a shot shape they can count on for better accuracy. And they need it to look, sound and feel great,” said Dan Stone, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club R&D.
At the core of the 917 drivers is the new SureFit CG Weight System. Movable weight technology is nothing new, but Titleist has applied a unique approach to allow golfers to optimize the CG to achieve the desired ball flight. The weight is actually a cylindrical cartridge which is inserted diagonally from the low-heel area to the high-toe area and allows the player to alter the CG to produce a preferred ball flight. The SureFit CG Weight System optimizes spin and launch conditions for a more consistent trajectory and tighter shot dispersion.
There are two kinds of cartridges, neutral and weighted cartridges. The neutral cartridge has the same weight across both ends of the cylinder. The weighted cartridge has a majority of the weight on one side, and can be placed depending on the desired ball flight. Placing the heavy side towards the toe promotes a fade, while placing the heavy side in the heel promotes a draw.
Features
Active Recoil Channel (ARC) 2.0
A long, wide, deep sole channel, actively flexes and recoils at impact to launch the ball off the face with higher speed and lower spin for more distance.
Radial Speed Face 2.0
A high-speed forged face insert, is tuned with ARC 2.0 to promote greater off-center ball speed for more overall distance.
High-MOI Design
With a low and deep center of gravity location, the high MOI design delivers stability and forgiveness by preserving off-center ball speed for more distance, more often.
SureFit Hosel
The proprietary 16-setting SureFit Hosel allows golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimize ball flight for improved shot control and maximum distance.
SureFit CG Weight System
The revolutionary new movable weight technology allows golfers to adjust the CG according to their swing types.
Tour Validation
A number of leading Titleist professionals have the 917 driver in their bag. This list includes, Adam Scott, Jimmy Walker, Bill Haas, Justin Thomas, Charley Hoffman, Scott Piercy, Jason Dufner and Webb Simpson.
Jimmy Walker began testing early 917 prototypes in January at the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, CA. At his first opportunity, he put his new Titleist 917D2 (8.5º) in play at the World Golf Championship at Firestone. Less than a month later, Walker won the PGA Championship at Baltusrol – his first major title.
“I put the 917D2 straight into play. It was definitely faster, had a better sound and feel, and I really loved the shape,” Walker said. “Performance-wise, we found a lower sweet spot and I was able to lower my spin rate to exactly where I wanted. The ball flight was also what I liked to see, which is not super high. I can fly the ball on a rope anywhere from 295-310 and then it just rolls out far and straight. I’ve also picked up a lot of confidence hitting it into the wind.”
Specs
Two Models
• 917 D2 – provides distance and forgiveness in a large 460cc full pear profile. 917D2 offers more forgiveness and produces a higher peak trajectory with 250rpm more spin versus 917D3. (Available in 8.5º, 9.5º, 10.5º and 12º lofts.)
• 917 D3 – provides distance with workability in a traditional, tour-inspired 440cc pear profile. 917D3 offers more workability and 250rpm less spin versus 917D2. (Available in 8.5º, 9.5º, and 10.5º lofts.)
Stock Shafts
As always, Titleist offers a wide array of choice when it comes to picking a shaft off the rack.
• Aldila Rogue M*AX 65 (low-mid launch)
• Fujikura Speeder Pro TS 74 (low-mid launch)
• Mitsubishi Diamana Limited D+ White 70 (low launch)
• Mitsubishi Diamana Limited S+ Blue 60 (mid launch)
• Mitsubishi Diamana Limited M+ Red 50 (high launch)
SureFit CG Weights
The SureFit CG Weights, which range from 8-16 grams, cost $40 each or $180 for the entire weight kit. Each driver comes with a neutral weight and a matching draw-fade weight.
Price and Availability
Titleist 917 drivers will be available worldwide beginning on October 21, 2016 through Titleist-authorized golf shops. The retail price will be $499.
