Please don’t typecast Titleist. Although it has long offered products for players of all skill levels, the brand has been rather perceived as one for better golfers. The company’s latest driver will attract higher handicaps, for sure. The ultra-light, 460cc TS 1 ($499) debuted this past week. It weighs just 275 grams overall — that’s 45 grams lighter than its sibling TS2 model. That lightness helps golfers generate more clubhead speed. It’s geared for those of us with a driver swing speed that tops out at 85 mph, who can only achieve 220-yard tee shots, at most. The company claims you may well get “effortless distance” from the TS1, which comes equipped with an ultralight shaft and featherweight grip. Plus it has a draw bias, to help most players of this target caliber find the fairway more often. “Anytime you can give someone more clubhead speed potential, the ability for them to generate ball speed is there,” says Stephanie Luttrell, the company’s director of metalwoods development. “We haven’t had to make sacrifices, particularly with MOI and adjustability. Everything about TS1 – from the technology to the tour-inspired look, sound and feel – delivers on the promise of Titleist Speed.” It hits pro shops June 20.
