Titleist GTS2 Custom Driver: Bud Cauley’s Winning Formula Enters Year’s Third Major Championship
Bud Cauley won the RBC Canadian Open using the Titleist GTS2 driver, marking the second consecutive victory for the driver line in as many weeks. Just a week after J.T. Poston claimed the Memorial with the GTS3, Cauley’s win extended Titleist’s momentum ahead of the U.S. Open. The GTS2, introduced in March, has already been adopted by over 65 PGA Tour players, including top names like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
Cauley, one of the first players to switch to the GTS2, cited improved stability, spin consistency, and a “touch more launch” compared to his previous driver. His performance metrics reflect the change: a 44-place jump in the PGA Tour’s SG: Off-The-Tee ranking, from 109th to 65th, with a 0.09 stroke gain per round. At the RBC Canadian Open, he gained 2.5 shots on the field, securing his first PGA Tour victory in 239 starts.
Why It Matters
The rapid adoption of the GTS2 underscores its perceived performance benefits. Cauley’s success, coupled with Poston’s earlier win, suggests the driver line is gaining credibility among elite players. Titleist’s focus on weight distribution—11g forward and 5g rear in Cauley’s setup—may address common concerns about launch and control. The driver’s popularity also reflects broader trends in golf equipment, where customization and data-driven design are prioritized.
What May Happen Next
The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills could see increased GTS driver usage, given the current player adoption rate. However, course conditions and player preferences will ultimately determine its impact. Analysts note that while the GTS2’s performance metrics are promising, its long-term success will depend on sustained results across diverse tournaments. Players may also experiment with weight configurations to optimize for specific course layouts.
Did You Know? Bud Cauley’s first PGA Tour win came after 239 starts, the longest such drought among active players with a victory in 2023.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter, a golf equipment analyst, says the GTS2’s rise highlights the importance of player feedback in driver development. “When top performers like Cauley and Thomas endorse a model, it signals a shift in market trust,” she said. “However, major championships remain the ultimate test for new technology.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What driver models are currently popular among PGA Tour players? Over 65 players use Titleist’s GTS drivers, including the GTS2 and GTS3, according to the source.
How did Bud Cauley’s performance improve after switching to the GTS2? Cauley rose 44 spots in the PGA Tour’s SG: Off-The-Tee ranking, from 109th to 65th, with a 0.09 stroke gain per round.
Which players are using the GTS driver line at the U.S. Open? J.T. Poston, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Cameron Young, Maverick McNealy, and Harry Hall are among the players using GTS drivers, as stated in the source.
How might the GTS driver’s performance at Shinnecock Hills influence future equipment trends in professional golf?