Drivers

RETRO GOLF | 2023 Titleist TSR Versus 1998 Titleist 975D

BY Bennett Green
Oct 17th 2022
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I guarantee you or someone you know gamed the classic Titleist 975D.

Ring a bell?

It was in Tiger’s bag when he won Tiger Slam. It was David Duval’s choice the year he became world No. 1. To this day, it remains one of the best-selling drivers of all time. The catch? They stopped making them in 2001.

Yes, it’s been 21 years.

Today, we’re launching our brand-new YouTube series, Retro Golf, where we take some of the game’s most nostalgic clubs and put them head to head with today’s high-tech releases.

Episode 1? The 975D versus Titleist’s flagship release for 2023: the TSR.

We tested for total distance, ball speed and carry for high, mid and low swing speeds. The results? You might just discover that club collecting dust in your garage is worth more than you think.

WATCH NOW

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Bennett Green

One hit wonder state champion who will tell you about it any chance she gets. A D.C. native with a deep love for the game and the banter that comes along with it, Bennett's one to "keep up with the boys" and sometimes even beat 'em. Radford University alumni, dedicated to keeping the golfer first and the record straight through creative media and reigning as MyGolfSpy's first "Lady Tester." In her free time, you'll find her in the weight room, practicing her putting or on the beach.

Bennett Green

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comments

Join The Discussion

Mike B

11 months ago

Whatever is new from Wilson (no idea) v Wilson INVEX Ti

They made a stainless model, gold/tan toned
Titanium model was pinkish/purple toned

Maybe New Wilson v Killer Whale

I do have an INVEX Ti to borrow if ever needed for this test

Thanks

Mike B

11 months ago

Yes, me again, sorry….
Another Retro comparison suggestion
Whatever is new at Wilson (no idea) v Wilson INVEX Ti
The INVEX came in steel and titanium, steel was tan/gold colored, titanium was pink/purple toned

If needed, I also have an INVEX Ti for MGS to borrow.

Mike B

11 months ago

Replied after watching the Retro Callaway comparison to what I’d like to see tested, so I’m adding the same reply here, bit late to the party I know, but with statistics from my informal experiment.. Since MGS is big on lesser known/popular/played brands, Retro Tour Edge Exotics would be interesting. Original 2006 (think that’s the year) Exotics Tour Proto v E722 or C722.

The Retro series reminded me that I do have the 2006 model, so I dug it out, put a grip on it and played it for 36 holes. My home course has 36 holes, play each 18 over most weekends, so did an unofficial comparison versus current driver. Didn’t use both drivers at the same time, have plenty of rounds under my belt for comparisons sake, but needs to be said, these are 2 different manufacturers of drivers. PXG 0811X gen2 v Exotics Tour Proto. PXG is set at 10.5* with ProjectX EvenFlow 6.5X 65g, Tour Proto is 10* with VIZARD Type-Z S-flex 50g (pulled from a HONMA driver) both are same length.

Actual scoring for the 2 different weekends, The Grint verified stats, 72 & 77 v 72 & 78, winner Exotics, even though I putted better statistically with the PXG in the bag. 71% & 79% FIR with Exotics v 36% & 57% FIR with PXG. I don’t chart shots, but know where drives end up, been playing these courses for the last 8.5 years, and there isn’t any real discrepancy. Sure I’ve pured drives with both, as of the last couple months, the Exotics might just edge (no pun intended) out PXG, but really distance is very similar.

Feel is subjective, both feel sold, but they’re mine so they better, nobody uses a driver they can’t stand the feel of. Sound on the other hand can’t be further apart, PXG is a solid thud, kinda what I call “ceramic-ey”, whereas Exotics is a crisp titanium ping, not offensive, just nice. Tie on those fronts. Looks are also on both ends of the spectrum, matte carbon v gloss black titanium, to me PXG wins. Matte finishes hides blemishes/fingerprints… and I’m anal, so that’s a no-contest.

So amazingly the 16 year old driver can hold its own. Shock? kind of, didn’t expect it to be that close. Next up may use my HONMA (TW737, 9.5*, Graphite Design Tour AD DJ-6S, ???g). I do know the HONMA is much less forgiving, 445cc v 460 for the other two. All 3 drivers may be visiting a launch monitor in the near future, curiosity sake. Oh yeah, this week I have my “OTTOPHLEX” shaft arriving for the PXG. Some are saying OTTOPHLEX??? if you know, you know.

For those who might be wondering:
The 4 rounds for PXG v Exotics, I used Srixon ZStar Diamond golf balls, my usual and favorite.
Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida is my home course.
The Grint, been using for 2+years, attested and verified stats.

***ATTN. MGS- if you decide to do the Exotics test, and need a Tour Proto for testing, I’ll be more than happy to send mine for your use. Want it back though;-)

Thanks

MikeB

11 months ago

Replying to my own post cuz another comment didn’t go through

Newest Wilson product v Wilson INVEX Ti and/or Killer Whale
Have an INVEX Ti if/when needed

Stainless JNVEX was goldish, titanium was purplish

Vic

11 months ago

Nothing wrong with the G 15, it’s a 460 cc head, as my aging swing became slower, I have not been able to find a worthy replacement, just cannot see myself trusting a salesman to fit me.

mike wong

12 months ago

Wow. I was super excited to read headline…. as the 975D was my all time favorite driver. and I currently use a 915D2. Always been tempted to bring out my 975D 8.5* EI-70 stiff shaft… But the results were guessable; and probably mine would fall in line, too. Especially now that I’m a senior with slower swing speed – that really could use the added forgiveness of newer 460 cc clubheads.

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed watching.
ps: Even though the 975D was my alltime fav; my career lowest round (77) was using a Taylormade Burner Plus 9* stiff shaft.
ps2: I still am playing with Beryllium Ping Eye 2’s for 35 years :) :)

Kellen

12 months ago

I agree, I think its more rare to see someone gaming an old driver vs old irons. I personally game the Titleist 690cb. I would love to see the comparison of something like this to the new generation of irons.

Brien Pirkle

12 months ago

I bought a 983K for the spare set I keep at my bothers house in NJ for when I visit. That driver was allegedly a big upgrade from the 975D and was designed for the “modern” ball .. be interested to see how much diff there is from the 975D.

Mike

12 months ago

Interesting video, cute for a first time foray, but I would have bet my 401k (even in its currently depleted state) that you’re going to see significant gains from a 2023 versus 1998 driver.

How about a more realistic test? I say that because at my course, I play w/ different people all the time & basically never see anyone whip out a 25-year-old driver. Let’s compare, for example, the new Ping G430 driver (when it comes out) vs the G30 (2014 introduction) or even the G15 (2009 introduction). I do see some people (like my neighbor) still gaming those. Those are tests I’d love to see!

MIGregB

12 months ago

My feelings exactly!!!

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Drivers

RETRO GOLF | 2023 Titleist TSR Versus 1998 Titleist 975D

For You

For You

Drivers

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Fairway Woods

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Mizuno ST-G Titanium Fairway Wood

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Bennett Green

Bennett Green

Bennett Green

Bennett Green

Bennett Green

Bennett Green

Bennett Green

Bennett Green

comments

Mike B

Mike B

Mike B

MikeB

Vic

mike wong

Kellen

Brien Pirkle

Mike

MIGregB

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