FIELDREPORT
Distance Without Compromise
November 14 saw the worldwide launch of the new Titleist 915 range of drivers, fairways and hybrids. SGB Golf caught up with Titleist’s product and fitting manager, Richard Temple, to find out how the product has been received
It has now been two months since the 915 range has been released. What has the feedback from consumers been like so far? It has certainly been the most successful metal
launch from Titleist ever! The 910 and 913 launches were a success for the brand but our design team have taken the success to another level to create a truly ‘game changing’ product. Consumers testing the 915 at shows including the London Golf Show at Bluewater, were amazed at the difference in performance. With the new technology involved, individuals can clearly see how distance is produced without compromising on forgiveness from both the tee and the turf.
What about those on Tour? The number of Tour players using the range is testament to the success of the 915. Over 25 players on the PGA Tour have used the 915 driver for instance, including Adam Scott, Zach Johnson and Jimmy Walker. We’ve had feedback that features like the Active Recoil Channel aren’t gimmicks, and it does produce an increased yardage yet retaining that consistency.
Titleist still insist on a two year product life cycle. Is this still an important part of the Titleist business model? We firmly believe at Titleist that a two year cycle is
the way to go. It works for us so why change it? We need time to get the product right and this has been justified with the success of both the 910 and 913. We have a designated Metalwood Development team headed up by Stephanie Bezilla who works solely on the developmental process of the metalwood side of the business. This attention to detail ensures that products developed are ‘truly game-changing’.
distance, more oſten. It is Distance Without Compromise! Add the already-
renowned SureFit Tour hosel and Tour looks and you have a game changer.
What is the difference between the D2 and D3? The 915D2 driver is a 460cc full-pear shaped head designed for maximum forgiveness and a slight draw bias. The 915D3 features a 440cc pear shape that is forgiving and workable, and offers 250rpm less spin than 915D2 to produce a lower peak trajectory. Both models launch similar to their previous generation Titleist 913 models. The point of difference is essentially the head size with the D3 taking spin out of the game with its smaller head and the D2 having a slightly larger head so it’s a little more forgiving.
We firmly
believe at Titleist that a two year cycle is the way to go. It works for us so why change it?
So talk me through the developmental process of the 915. How has the 913 been developed on? You have to look no further than the Active Recoil Channel. This is a
long, forward-positioned channel that flexes the crown to prevent the ball rolling up the club face too much. This creates a ‘catapult’ due to the thickened face centre. This recues the amount of spin and therefore creates a higher club speed. Other new improvements to the 915 include a Radial Spin Face which
increases ball speed across the face and a high-MOI which doesn’t impact on ball speed. This low centre of gravity delivers stability and forgiveness by preserving the ball speed across the face for more
Titleist has always aimed to help the series golfer. Is that the case with the 915? Titleist has always aimed at helping the serious
golfer play better; the 915 is by no means different. This doesn’t mean that the product is only suitable for the low handicapper, not at all. Whether you are a low handicapper or someone who is a mid to high handicapper who is serious about their game and wants to improve, then the 915 is suitable for you.
Is there anything comparable to the 915 on the market at the moment? We truly believe that we are a stand-alone product on the market. There are clubs on the market that
have moved to lower spin but it has been at the detriment of forgiveness. We have the best overall package.
What next for Titleist? I’ll leave that to the R & D team! It's tough to keep innovating with legal
limits but we’re confident of keep finding ways to improve. This is the advantage of having a consistent life cycle meaning that we have time on our side.
www.titleist.co.uk
26 SGBGOLF
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