Titleist TSR2 Driver Review

In this Titleist TSR2 Driver review, Neil Tappin looks at the third generation of the brand's TS metalwoods to see how well the latest iteration performs

Titleist TSR2 Driver Review
(Image credit: Future)
Golf Monthly Verdict

A classic-looking driver that delivers impressively fast ball speeds. The consistency of flight and distance comes from a generous 460cc clubhead that is up there with the most aspirational drivers on the market.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Impressively long

  • +

    Consistent flight and distance

  • +

    Aspirational aesthetics are classic and confidence-inspiring

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Not a huge upgrade over the previous generation

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Titleist TSR2 Driver Review

Over the last six years, the Titleist driver designers have been on something of a journey. Previous to the original TS model being launched in 2018, the brand was renowned for the performance of its drivers, which were used by an array of top Tour players, but there was an acceptance that, to get the most from them, these products required a detailed fitting. Up against competitor brands, the Titleist 917 drivers struggled to provide golfers with a wow factor from the very first hit of a fitting. 

VIDEO: Watch the TSR drivers in action

This gave birth to the TS line of products - the ‘S’ standing for speed - and a focus on ensuring that Titleist drivers offered tangible distance gains right from the off. Since 2018 we have seen the original TS models, then the TSi drivers and now Titleist has launched the latest iteration, called TSR, which promises further refinements through, among other technologies, better aerodynamics and a new multi-plateau variable thickness face design. 

We wanted to see how far the brand has come in the last six years and find out whether the TSR2 could be considered among the best golf drivers currently on the market. I tested it on the golf course and on a Trackman launch monitor at Kings Golf Studio, using Titleist Pro V1x golf balls up against two older Titleist models - the 917 D2 (launched in 2016) and the original TS2

Titleist TSR2 address view

(Image credit: Future)

Aesthetics

That this product has been refined as opposed to reborn is clear from when you first set eyes on it. In comparison to the previous generation TSi2, the differences are small - the new model is slightly shorter from front to back and the toe area is a little more rounded. If anything, the TSR2 appears a fraction more compact at address. Make no mistake, it looks superb - it has an aspirational, premium appearance both on the shelf and down behind the ball. It also strikes a neat balance between being big enough to inspire confidence whilst also having that classic, sleek look that so many golfers love about Titleist drivers. 

As for the feel it has a familiar Titleist sound that is powerful but possibly a little louder and higher pitched than models like the TaylorMade Stealth, Cobra LTDx and the Callaway Rogue ST drivers. 

Titleist TSR2 v Titleist 917 D2

The Titleist 917 D2 from 2016 next to the TSR2, launched in 2022

(Image credit: Future)

Performance

Before taking a look at the performance data, I should say that the Titleist 917 D2 driver was one of my favourite models from the last few years. I was well fitted for it and really benefited from the added consistency it offered me. Looking at that driver now, with its grey crown and rounded profile (shown above), it does look slightly dated in comparison to TSR2. Below is the launch monitor data from my testing session, which also included the TS2 from 2018. 

Titleist drivers data chart

(Image credit: Future)

As you can see, the work that Titleist has done, both on the aerodynamics and on the design of the face, has boosted the speed on offer. With the TSR2, I was particularly impressed with the 4 and 3mph additional ball speed. For a head that looks so generous in size behind the ball, it is impressively rapid. 

I was quite pleased to see the performance of my old 917 D2 hadn’t fallen away completely but the TSR2 was faster and it was also very consistent. Of all the shots I hit on the launch monitor, only two spun over 3000 rpm and those were the only two shots that failed to reach a total distance of 300 yards.  

Titleist TSR2 driver Testing range

Neil Testing the new TSR2 driver

(Image credit: Future)

Consistency is actually the key point to the performance gain here and for many golfers will make the TSR2 the best Titleist driver. Yes, many golfers will see a jump in speed but with the TSR2 in particular, it was the all round playability of the head that impressed me most (and meant that I veered more towards this than the TSR3 during my fitting). During my on course testing, I struck the ball fairly poorly. This included the drive shown on my Arccos hole map below which came right off the bottom of the club. That this ran out to over 300 yards (admittedly on a fairly firm fairway) was really impressive.

Titleist TSR2 Arccos data

(Image credit: Future)

As you would expect from a premium brand that is providing drivers to many of the world’s best golfers, there is a lot to like about the performance of the Titleist TSR2. In particular, it was the combination of user-friendly playability and classic, aspirational looks that really struck me. The TSR2 might come with a promise of extra distance but it is the overall benefit of greater consistency that could make the biggest difference.

If you would like to buy equipment from this range, you can save on Titleist drivers with our helpful discount codes. 

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X