Titleist TS3 Fairway

Our verdict on the new Titleist TS3 fairway wood

Titleist TS3 Fairway review
Golf Monthly Verdict

Titleist has made a big step up here with the TS, especially around ball speed. We found it be one of the fastest on the market and consequently it gave us some of our longest carries, exceeding what we experienced with 917.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Delivers more ball speed and forgiveness than the 917 and also has the ability to be tuned to counter your common miss or on-course situation in which it will be employed the most

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Some may find the rounded face tricky to align, premium priced

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Titleist TS3 Fairway Wood Review - Joel Tadman offers his verdict on the new Titleist TS3 fairway wood having been custom fitted

Titleist TS3 Fairway Wood Review

Aimed At This fairway wood is designed more for high-speed players that prefer the look of a smaller head.

Key technology The TS3 fairway features a 27 per cent thinner steel crown that allows the MOI to increase by 11 per cent. There’s also a taller ARC 3.0 behind the face to increase launch and ball speed while keeping spin low. The SureFit hosel adjusts loft and lie angle independently.

RELATED: Titleist TS Drivers Review

How we tested We were custom fitted for the TS3 model and then able to use it on the course over multiple rounds.

TS3-fairway-testing-web

 

Looks A little smaller in profile than the TS2 model but with the same classic, black glossy finish that traditionalists will enjoy. The full face grooves make it easy to align and should help with consistency of spin and flight from the semi-rough, although some may feel the face is too rounded.

Versatility With a fast, penetrating flight, TS3 proved a more than worthy driver alternative while low-face impacts lost very little ball speed, ideal for shots from the turf into par fives and long par fours.

Performance The TS3 does fly lower than TS2 but compared to 917, it launches higher meaning that like us, you might find yourself opting for a lower loft after a custom fitting.

The spin hasn’t dropped considerably too, so shots hold their line a little better on slight mishits. This is helped by the SureFit CG, which allows internal weighting to be altered to manage the gear effect off the face and improve the performance of your most common mishit. The better player will also prefer how it seemed to have less draw bias built in, providing a straighter, stronger trajectory overall. It feels stable, fast and was versatile in different on-course situations.

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Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.

One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.

Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x