By John Steinbreder – Global Golf Post

Titleist technicians like to tout the different ways the new 917 drivers enhance ball speed, for greater distance, and moment of inertia for improved forgiveness.

And they cannot stop talking about how the SureFit Hosel and Surefit CG (for center of gravity) systems employed in both of the line’s models – the 917D2 and 917D3 – allow players to customize their drivers like never before.

An updated version of the Active Recoil Channel is made to flex and recoil at impact to launch the ball off the face of the 917s with higher speed and lower spin, while a forged insert called Radical Speed Face 2.0 is designed to work with the ARC to promote increased distance on off-center hits.

At the same time, a low and deep CG location is meant to bolster stability and forgiveness.

In addition, the proprietary, 16-setting SureFit Hosel in both driver models lets golfers set lie and loft independently.

As for the new SureFit CG technology, it consists of interchangeable weights that enable players to fine-tune both spin and launch conditions for more consistent trajectories, tighter shot dispersions and preferred ball flights and shot shapes.

“When we talk to golfers about driver performance, distance and forgiveness are always paramount,” says Dan Stone, vice president of Titleist golf club research and development. “The meticulous nature of our R&D process guarantees that any new innovation ultimately complements the overall package, and we’re confident that 917 delivers on golfers’ each and every requirement.”

The Titleist 917D2 boasts a 460cc head and, according to company officials, produces a higher peak trajectory with more spin than the 917D3, which features a 440cc head and is made to provide more workability.

As for usage of these clubs on the PGA Tour, it is about equally divided between the models.

Jimmy Walker used the D2 when he won last year’s PGA Championship, and Adam Scott and Bill Haas have that version of the 917 in their bags as well. Justin Thomas and Webb Simpson are among those playing the D3.

Republished with permission by Global Golf Post.