50 Words or Less
The Titleist GT3 hybrid provides an impressive combination of ball speed and forgiveness for its compact size. Powerful sound and feel. Dual sole weights and adjustable hosel for optimizing performance.
Introduction
For those of you that I left hanging in my review of the Titleist GT2 hybrid [find it HERE] – thanks for reading and let me go ahead and state that the GT3 hybrid is in my bag. I’ll get into the “why” in the Performance section below, but it’s worth reiterating that the GT2 hybrid is a strong all-around performer. In fact, without the keen insights of Titleist Fitting Specialist Joe Butler, I’d probably be happily gaming the GT2 hybrid, which appeared on paper to be the perfect fit for me. But as always, there’s no substitute for actually hitting the clubs.
Looks
Looking back at Matt Saternus’s review of the Titleist TSR3 hybrid [review HERE], the new GT3 hybrid looks very similar in the address position. The gloss black crown has a compact pear shape that communicates workability more than forgiveness. For many stronger players, the size and shape could make the transition from a long iron more palatable. You can see how the GT3 hybrid (right) compares to the GT1 (left) and GT2 (center) in the photo below.
Face on, the Titleist GT3 hybrid has a rectangular look with white scoring lines that really pop on the black face. And while the face has taken on a new look from its predecessor, it’s the sole of the GT3 that that displays the most significant change. The five position SureFit Adjustable CG Track System of the TSR3 has been replaced with dual weight ports. I was never a big fan of the look of the tracks, so visually I find the GT3 hybrid sole a huge improvement. Overall, the Titleist GT3 hybrid looks all business – if you’re in the business of scoring well.
Sound & Feel
With any decent strike, the Titleist GT3 hybrid provided a firm and powerful feel. Tactile feedback was subtle but precise. On the sound front, the GT3 hybrid produced a mid-volume metallic ‘thwack.’ I wrote down “consistent” after a few swings and then I caught one flush and the sound was a bit clearer. It’s a sound that will make you say “be good” even if your playing partners can’t tell the difference.
Performance
The main performance factor that impacted my choice of the Titleist GT3 hybrid over the GT2 was spin – the GT3 had more. More isn’t always better, but for my swing it’s a major factor. That’s as designed. Per the Titleist website comparison graphics, the GT3 hybrid spin is MID. For me, the resultant increase in launch and landing angles with the GT3 were more beneficial than the extra couple of yards the GT2 provided. Beyond the advantage of holding greens, I’ve enjoyed the workability spin has provided with the Titleist GT3 hybrid.
The dual weight ports of the GT3 hybrid appear to be a simplified version of the track element of the prior model. The new design still allows for tailoring CoG to fit a desired shot shape and for maximizing ball speed (Titleist recommends placing the heavier weight on the side where you typically make contact to maximize ball speed). The weight placement can also be utilized to fight misses. Joe told me that for players who fight hooks, he often places the heavier weight in the toe to slow down face closure.
Moving the weights to the heel and toe also impacts the MOI of the head. As with drivers and putters, higher MOI equates to more stability and more consistency. The dual weight system is a common feature of both the GT2 and GT3 model hybrids, and not surprisingly, I found the forgiveness nearly equal between the models. I had slightly more left/right dispersion with the GT3 hybrid but distance consistency was excellent.
Like all the GT hybrid models, the GT3 includes the proven SureFit hosel that provides sixteen loft and lie settings. Beyond the impressive GT heads, Titleist offers a huge range of golf shafts to maximize performance. The list of “featured” stock shafts in the table below is only the beginning of what Titleist offers.
The rectangular look of the Titleist GT3 hybrid’s face is partially the result of a flatter sole than its predecessor. Titleist incorporated that design element for iron-like performance capabilities. I found the flat sole not only great for tight lies but also wonderful for a picker like me. The only downside I found with the flatter sole was resistance in long rough.
Conclusion
Here’s who Titleist says their GT3 hybrid is best for: “players who prefer a more compact, iron-like hybrid design with a mid/high ball flight and tremendous workability and forgiveness.” From my visual observations and testing results, that statement is spot on. The biggest surprise was the forgiveness – great retention of ball speed. I certainly didn’t expect to see an average smash factor of 1.49 with the GT3 hybrid. The Titleist GT3 hybrid turned out to be a perfect fit for my game, and I’d recommend anyone considering a new hybrid to find a Titleist Fitting Specialist.
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Titleist GT3 Hybrid Price & Specs
