50 Words or Less
The Titleist GT1 hybrid is lighter weight by design, offering effortless performance for moderate swing golfers. Noteworthy ball speed and forgiveness. Dual sole weights, adjustable hosel, and a large shaft selection for optimizing performance.
Introduction
In line with other “1” products from Titleist, the GT1 hybrid is engineered for moderate swing speed golfers. But don’t skip trying the Titleist GT1 hybrid if you have a faster swing – it may be a great match for your performance needs. As I learned during a hybrid fitting with Titleist Fitting Specialist Joe Butler, plenty of golfers don’t fit those general categorizations.
Looks
Similar to the Titleist GT2 hybrid [review HERE] and GT3 hybrid [review HERE], the Titleist GT1 hybrid’s sole took on a new look from its predecessor the TSR1 [review HERE]. The major change is the additional weight port behind the face. Titleist designers did a marvelous job at keeping the sole from looking busy or crowded, and I really like the silver badging element down the centerline.
At address, the Titleist GT1 hybrid appears nearly identical to the prior model. Looking like a mini-fairway, Titleist states the GT1 hybrid has a “clean, confidence-inspiring shape.” No arguments from me. You can see how the GT1 hybrid (left) compares to the GT2 (center) and GT3 (right) in the photo below.
The tall face of the Titleist GT1 made the thought of teeing the ball up on a par 3 a non-issue. The black finish of the face makes the white scoring lines really pop.
Sound & Feel
The Titleist GT1 hybrid was the loudest of the three models. Contact sounded like the strike of an anvil – metallic and powerful. The firm feel aligned nicely with the sound. There was a pleasant pop sensation on reasonably struck shots. Feedback to my ears and hands was limited, but nothing of concern for a club designed to maximize forgiveness.
Performance
In their “find my hybrid” graphics, Titleist bills the GT1 hybrid as mid-spin, high launch, and forgiving. From my fitting with Joe, and further data gathering at Club Champion, those Titleist designations are accurate. Ball speed was excellent and my average a 1.49 smash factor a testament to the forgiveness. The mid-spin provided a few extra yards of distance.
Those performance results were achieved with the weights in their stock position – heavier weight in the rear. Flipping the weights lowered spin and produced an extra yard or two in total distance. If distance is your objective, the heavy weight forward may be a desirable setup, but out on the course where carry was critical and I needed to hold the green, I preferred the heavier weight in the rear.
Titleist also offers a couple of additional ways to customize the setup of the GT1 hybrid. First is the proven SureFit hosel that provides sixteen loft and lie settings. And it’s worth looking at the table at the bottom of this review and noting the wide range of lofts offered – clearly geared towards replacing mid-irons.
Most readers will equate the lofts with the needs of aging golfers, but there’s more to the story. Titleist recognizes that some women and most youth golfers may not generate the swing speed needed to fully engage irons. And knowing lofts alone aren’t the solution, Titleist offers lighter shafts – all the way down to R4 flex. Plus undersized grips are even stock options – better fit for smaller hands and lighter weight.
Conclusion
I think Titleist sums it up nicely by describing the GT1 hybrid as “best for moderate swing speed players looking for easy launch and effortless distance from various lies.” But the Titleist GT1 hybrid can also be a good fit for higher swing speed golfers with forgiveness priorities. The larger head allowed for wider and deeper weighting, resulting in higher MOI and a lower, deeper CoG – both of which aid in stability and consistency.
The Titleist GT1 hybrid was a great fit for me – both on paper and actual performance – but ultimately the GT3 hybrid beat it out for a spot in my bag. The moral to this story is get out there and hit the GT series hybrids, they’re all impressive.
Support Plugged In Golf, Shop HERE
Titleist GT1 Hybrid Price & Specs
