Titleist Hybrids and Utility Irons: How to Choose


Photo courtesy of Titleist
Tl;dr: Get ready to unlock your long-game potential with these Titleist hybrids and utility irons. We’ll delve into how these clubs can help you hit longer and higher and are more forgiving than hard-to-hit long irons.
Do shots from 200+ yards terrify you? Are you tired of standing over long irons wishing you had confidence like you do when hitting a mid-iron?
If so, it’s time to check out these new Titleist TSR hybrids and utility irons. I’ve played a mix of Titleist hybrids or utility irons since 2017, and they’ve made a positive impact on my long game.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from playing for 20+ years it’s this: Use more forgiving clubs. Even as a scratch golfer I still use a hybrid and driving iron, as do a ton of professional golfers. So don’t be afraid to ditch long, hard-to-hit irons or unforgiving clubs and play ones that make golf a bit easier.
Who Is Titleist?
TSR1 Hybrid. Photo courtesy of Titleist
Titleist is one of the premier names in the game of golf. Whether you need a new driver, irons, wedges, or a putter, Titleist has a huge selection of equipment. They also make tons of golf bags, hats, and shoes through FootJoy.
They also make some of the highest-performing hybrids and utility irons, which we’ll focus on today. These clubs can help off the tee, hit into greens, and even be used around the greens. If you’re the type of golfer who needs some assistance from long distance, this gear can improve your game immediately.
Titleist Hybrids and Utility Irons
The TSR models are replacing the Titleist TSi hybrids, which are also a top pick; however, these new clubs received a worthy upgrade. The design, technology, and adjustability features make these some of the best clubs in golf.
All three hybrids have SureFit adjustability, which allows you to tweak the loft and lie angle perfectly for your swing. Let’s get into the differences with each club to find the right one for your game.
Titleist TSR1
The first choice from Titleist is the TSR1, which has more of a fairway wood design than the other two models. Best for beginners, this club is much larger than a standard hybrid and built for maximum launch and forgiveness. The confidence-inspiring shape and enhanced stability make this club long, straight, and extremely lightweight.
Another noticeable difference with this Titleist hybrid is its shaft. Unlike the other two hybrids below, this club has a fairway wood shaft with a higher balance point to keep the swing weight low. The MCA MMT Speedmesh shaft is super lightweight at only 40 or 50 grams depending on the flex, making it easier than ever to hit.
The final thing to note with this hybrid is the higher loft options. You can choose from 20, 23, 26, or 29 degrees, which can replace even some of your mid-irons too.
Titleist TSR2
The TSR2 got a big upgrade from the previous model as well, thanks to a couple of design updates. First is the extended blade length that makes it slightly bigger, which should inspire more confidence at address position. The other big change is the deeper CG, which makes the club longer, easier to hit, and more forgiving.
Titleist says this hybrid is best for a player who has a sweeping delivery and wants a forgiving, high-launching club to replace long irons. It’s also easier to hit from the rough, as the sole relief pockets generate less friction and drag through thick grass.
This hybrid doesn’t have quite as many loft options, unfortunately. It’s available in 18, 21, or 24 degrees. But you can also adjust the hosel to avoid any distance gaps with other equipment.
The real benefit here versus a normal long iron is the stock graphite shafts. Unlike a lot of their competitors, Titleist offers four choices to match all types of players. From 50 to 95 grams and low to high launch, there is a perfect shaft for all types of golfers.
Titleist TSR3
The last option is the Titleist TSR3, a top pick for lower-handicap golfers for a couple of reasons. First, the tour-inspired shape is smaller with less offset, making this club look much better than its predecessors.
Second, the club not only has an adjustable hosel like the other two hybrids but Surefit CG track technology as well. This extra adjustability makes it easier to promote a fade, draw, or a straight shot depending on your preference by moving the weight into one of five positions. After hitting golf balls in practice you can easily change the weight so it's more on the heel or toe for optimal ball flight.
Like the TSR2 it also improved turf interaction so it’s faster through the rough and from the fairway for higher ball speed. Its lower spin is ideal for lower-handicap golfers who have plenty of natural swing speed.
This hybrid also comes with the same four stock graphite shafts as the TSR3. Since this club is less forgiving and more workable, I think most golfers would benefit from one of these two shafts:
- HZRDUS Black 4G HY: This low- to mid-launch shaft is available in 80 or 90 grams in a variety of flexes. It’s an ideal pick for moderate-swinging golfers who want a little help with a higher-launching ball flight.
- Tensei 1K Black HY: This hybrid shaft is the lowest-launching, lowest-spinning shaft and one I’d only recommend for extremely fast swingers. You need plenty of natural speed to launch this shaft high enough to land softly on greens. Not to mention it’s heavier (85 or 95 grams) and only available in S or X flex.
Titleist Irons
Titleist has some of the best driving irons in golf. I’ve played at least one of them since 2020 and can say it’s been one of the best investments in my game.
I’m still playing the older U510 driving iron because it’s so good I can’t seem to replace it — it has the perfect shot shape. I’ve never felt more confidence from 210 to 230 yards in my life!
But earlier this year I did get a chance to hit the new ones, too, and can confirm Titleist is still making incredible utility irons. Let’s start with the U505 which is ideal for mid-handicap golfers who prefer irons to hybrids.
U505 Driving Iron
The U-505 is noticeably bigger than a traditional long iron. The bigger clubhead makes it easier to hit consistently well and has a much larger sweet spot.
Titleist notes that it has a “Tour validated look,” meaning it has a shorter blade than previous models. This more compact shape is less distracting and overall a much cleaner design.
Titleist has also added Max Impact technology, making this club sound better than ever. This helps make the club more forgiving and feel better as it glides through the turf. The lower CG position also helps maintain stability on mishits, which makes it much more forgiving and has significantly better shot dispersion.
The sole of the club has also been reshaped thanks to the help of Titleist tour pros. The new variable-bounce sole allows the club to glide faster through the turf for a much better strike.
If you’re the type of player who prefers long irons to woods or hybrids, this is a perfect choice as there are four loft options available to replace nearly any wood in your bag. You can even get a 1-iron (16 degrees of loft) or a 2, (18), 3 (20), or 4 (22).
Lastly, I can’t forget to mention the real benefit of this utility iron is the Project X HZRDUS Black 4G HYB shaft. It’s available in 80 or 90 grams and is so much easier to hit than a standard long iron shaft as it’s much lighter. The weight is absolutely perfect for these clubs, which are available in regular, stiff, or extra-stiff flex.
Unlike with hybrids, there is no adjustability to the lofts or lie angles of these golf clubs. These are similar to the Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi, which is another top pick when it comes to replacing long irons.
T200 Utility Build Iron
The other option from Titleist is the T200 Utility Build, which is much less forgiving than the previous long iron replacement. This distance iron has less offset than the U505 and other similar driving irons and a much thinner topline too.
These irons are made more for lower-handicap golfers who don't need as much forgiveness in their irons. These are the go-to long irons used by top pros like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
Needless to say, they’re made for elite players and not casual, everyday golfers. But if you have the game for these clubs they’re a fantastic long iron replacement. The refined construction, Vokey-influence bounce, and new tungsten weighting make these clubs better than ever.
The stock graphite hybrid shaft, the Project X HZRDUS Black 4G, is also much easier to hit than a steel shaft. I’ve always loved HZRDUS shafts, and this is one of the best stock picks in the game.
How to Choose the Right Hybrid or Driving Iron
TRS2 Hybrid. Photo courtesy of Titleist
So, how do you choose between three hybrids and two driving irons to replace long irons?
Start by figuring out which club is giving you the most trouble now. Is it a 7-wood that you can’t control? A different hybrid that isn’t the right loft or doesn’t have the right ball flight. Or is it a long iron that is just too hard to make good contact with consistently?
If you prefer a bigger, fairway-wood-like design go with the TSR1. If you want a standard long iron replacement but still like a hybrid for its forgiveness, the TSR2 is likely the best choice. But if you’re a more skilled player you’ll likely decide between the TSR3 or one of their driving irons.
Or you could play a setup like I do and have a hybrid and a utility iron. I have a 2H (18 degrees) and the U510 at 22 degrees. Both clubs are much easier to hit than traditional long irons and allow me to hit all types of shots from long range. I think most golfers can benefit from replacing at least a 3-iron, but maybe a 4- or 5-iron too.
Don't be afraid to replace several long irons to hit more fairways and greens and to gain more forgiveness with every swing.
Finding The Best Titleist Hybrid and Utility Iron for You
Photo courtesy of Titleist
Here are a couple of examples to help you choose the right long iron replacements for your game.
Tim — 25 handicap, plays a few times per month
Avoid utility irons and traditional long irons at all costs! Instead, the best option is the Titleist TSR1, which is the biggest and most forgiving hybrid on this list. The lightweight shaft will make it easier to increase clubhead speed, even if you can’t play or practice every week.
Jacob — 10 handicap, faster-swinging golfer who wants to get to single digits
The Titleist TSR2 is likely the best fit thanks to the forgiving but playable design of this hybrid. Plus, having four stock shafts to choose from makes it easy to find one that matches your other clubs and maximizes performance.
Find the Right Titleist Hybrid and Utility Iron For Your Game
Photo courtesy of Titleist
Adding one or more hybrids or driving irons can make a monumental difference in your long game. It’s incredibly rewarding to have a higher-launch club from long range to make the most of typically hard golf shots.
If you have more questions about choosing the right long iron replacements, please contact a Curated Golf Expert today. We are always available to offer free, personalized recommendations to help you find the perfect equipment for your game.