The newly remodeled Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, California, is a golf-junky heaven that pulls out all the stops. With a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and a wide range of high-tech facilities, the TPI is a golfer’s dream come true. Unlike other manufacturers’ testing facilities, TPI offers a unique experience that goes above and beyond expectations. The expansive outdoor hitting area features targets at varying distances, chipping greens, and a 9-hole routing for employees to play. The turf is pristine, and golfers are provided with bags of fresh Pro V/X balls to hit, creating a top-notch fitting experience.
During a fitting at TPI, equipment specialist Johnny Wunder learned valuable insights about his game and equipment needs. The fitting process was led by Lucas Bro, a skilled fitter who focused on optimizing Wunder’s performance based on key metrics. One important takeaway from the fitting was fitting clubs to a peak height, which helps in determining the quality of strike and speed tolerances. Wunder also discovered that he was playing with too little loft across his bag, and adjusting the loft helped improve his consistency and performance. Additionally, Lucas emphasized the importance of fitting clubs based on carry numbers, height, and spin rather than just loft, providing a new perspective on club selection.
In the woods and irons session of the fitting, Wunder found that adding more loft to his clubs improved his swing and overall performance. This adjustment allowed him to maintain better control and consistency in his shots. Moving on to wedge fitting, Wunder discovered the significance of proper bounce and how it impacts shot quality. Lucas guided Wunder through different wedges, focusing on the sound and feel of the bounce to find the perfect fit. By giving himself options with different bounce angles in his wedges, Wunder was able to enhance his short game performance.
Throughout the fitting process, Lucas demonstrated his expertise and attention to detail, ensuring that Wunder’s equipment was perfectly tailored to his needs. By focusing on the player’s individual requirements and analyzing good shots as indicators of progress, Lucas highlighted the importance of fitting for needs rather than wants. This personalized approach to fitting is commonly seen on Tour ranges, where players and fitters work together to optimize performance based on specific player characteristics and preferences.
In the end, Wunder landed on a Titleist GT2 Custom Driver with a Ventus Black shaft, a combination that offered speed, forgiveness, and stability across the face. The GT2 driver features a Seamless Thermoform Crown and Split Mass Construction, providing increased stability, speed, and confidence for golfers. Wunder’s experience at the Titleist Performance Institute highlighted the value of high-level fitting and the impact it can have on a player’s game. With the guidance of skilled fitters like Lucas Bro, golfers can optimize their equipment to enhance their performance on the course and achieve their full potential.
