Titleist GT1 Driver

The Titleist GT1 is Titleist’s ultra-lightweight driver for moderate swing speeds, with the deepest center of gravity in the GT lineup.

Why it made the list

A lot of beginners swing the driver slower than average, and a heavy club makes that worse. The GT1 is Titleist’s answer. It ships in an ultra-lightweight build with lighter shafts and a lighter grip, which helps you swing faster without trying harder. Titleist pairs that with high launch and mid spin, the flight most slower swings need to carry the ball.

Titleist also gave it the deepest center of gravity of any GT driver. That helps the ball get up and keeps the head steadier on off-center hits.

What it does well

• The ultra-lightweight build helps moderate swing speeds add clubhead speed.
• A Thermoform crown made from a proprietary matrix polymer cuts weight while keeping Titleist’s sound and feel.
• Split Mass Construction puts weight both back and forward in the head to balance launch, speed and spin.
• A titanium Speed Ring and variable face thickness keep ball speed up on center and off-center hits.

The light build is the reason to buy it. If your drives fly low and short, a lighter club that launches high often helps more than any other change.

Who it’s for

It suits beginners, seniors and other golfers with moderate swing speeds who want a high, easy flight from a premium brand. The 12° loft is a good fit for players who struggle to get the ball in the air.

Who should skip it

Skip it if your main problem is a big slice. The GT1 has no draw-biased weighting, so drivers like the PING G440 SFT or Cobra OPTM Max-D will do more to straighten the ball. Fast swingers should also look at the GT2 or GT3, which Titleist builds for lower spin.

Key specs, explained

The GT1 comes in 9°, 10° and 12°. The lie is 59° and the standard length is 45.5 inches, with women’s builds an inch shorter. Titleist lists high launch and mid spin for the GT1, compared with low or lower spin for the GT2, GT3 and GT4.

The featured shafts include the Project X Denali Red 50 in senior, regular and stiff, and the Fujikura Air Speeder Next Gen 40, which weighs 48.5 to 50.5 grams depending on flex. An Air Speeder Next Gen 35 covers junior and ladies builds. The grip is a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Lite at 42 grams. An interchangeable back weight lets a fitter change head weight, and Titleist also offers a standard build with a 15-gram headweight for players who want a heavier feel.

How it compares

The Tour Edge Hot Launch Max D Driver costs much less and has offset and heel weighting for a slice, but it has no adjustable parts. The TaylorMade Qi4D Max Driver is heavier and more adjustable, a better fit for average swing speeds with misses on both sides.

Good to know

Golf Discount had the GT1 at $449 when we checked, but only as a right-handed 10° with a regular flex Air Speeder Next Gen 40. Other builds, including left hand, are listed at $649.99 at PGA TOUR Superstore. Titleist encourages a fitting to pick the shaft and weight combination.

Questions about the Titleist GT1

Is the Titleist GT1 good for beginners?

Yes, for beginners with moderate swing speeds. Its light build and high launch help slower swings, but it gives little help with a big slice.

What is the difference between the GT1 and GT2?

The GT1 is lighter and has higher launch with mid spin, built for moderate swing speeds. The GT2 has high launch with low spin and comes in lower lofts.

What loft should I get in the GT1?

Most beginners should choose 10° or 12°. Pick 12° if your drives fly low or you often top the ball.