By the time Jimmy Walker rolled in his final putt to capture the PGA Championship in late July, two stars were born. Walker, of course, was one. But the other was the driver he used to win the event, Titleist’s new 917.
Coming to golf shops in late October are two models ($550 apiece), the Walker-proven, 460cc 917 D2 and the 440cc 917 D3. While Titleist’s most recent drivers were a slick black in color, this new line is more of a glossy deep gray that the company coins “Liquid Slate.” It’s a very inviting look at address, as is the familiar shaping of each model.
If you’ve played any of Titleist’s recent three driver models, you’re already familiar with the proprietary SureFit hosel that lets you adjust loft and lie angles. In this case, loft is adjustable in ¾-degree increments, with a maximum of 1.5 degrees in either direction from the base lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees for the forgiving D2; and 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 degrees for the deeper-faced D3.
What Titleist players haven’t seen before but will with the 917 is the SureFit CG Weight system that allows them to tune the center of gravity (and thus ball flight), via interchangeable weight tubes that lock into place in the soleplate. They can not only set the ball flight to a neutral, fade or draw setting, but can also use optional tubes of varying weights to set the extent of the flight. It aims to complement the lie angle adjustability, which essentially only tunes the launch direction. The SureFit CG Weight influences sidespin and shot curvature.
Walker isn’t alone in his recent jump to the driver. Titleist officials claim that three of every four of the brand’s Tour pro staffers are already using the 917 in competition, with an even split preference-wise between the two models.
Titleist also unveiled two 917 fairway woods ($350 apiece), in the form of a forgiving, 179cc 917 F2 in five lofts and a workable 169cc 917 F3 in two lofts. Both fairway woods have the identical loft adjustability parameters as the drivers, as well as the SureFit CG Weight system.
For added measure, the drivers and woods generate a powerful sound and feel at impact. Five stock shafts are offered in both the drivers and fairway woods, as well. While you may not win a major like Walker with these clubs, you’ll certainly feel more formidable.