Titleist 917 D2 Driver Review

Titleist 917 D2 Driver Review

By Paul Liberatore

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There was a lot of excitement when the Titleist 917 Driver was first released, and it is easy to see why. Titleist had created a driver that compared to its predecessor, the 915, was more forgiving , offered less spin, faster ball speed, and was fully adjustable. Since it was first released in mid-2016, the 917 Driver has not only received the highest rating of Gold in the 2017 Golf Digest Hot list but has also become one of the most recognized clubs used on the tour. Even Jimmy Walker used his Titleist 917 Driver to win the PGA Championship. The Titleist 917 Driver is a amazing driver that is perfect for the mid to low handicap player looking for faster ball speeds, more adjustability, and to overall hit longer drives down the fairway.


Key Features

The 917 Driver is Titleist first adjustable center of gravity driver brought to the market. With an all new SureFit CG system, players can flip the SureFit CG weight cartridge to move the center of gravity from the toe to heel and forward and backward. When looking at the Titleist 917 you may also notice that the SureFit system is set to a slight angle on the rear portion of the driver. This design has been incorporated to help influence a lower spinning fade and higher spinning draw , while maintaining a high moment of inertia. 

The Titleist 917 has an improved Active Recoil Channel in the sole of the club that helps to engage more of the head in the flexing process at impact. Additionally, the Titleist 917 sports a new Radial Speed face that helps players create better ball speeds on mis-hits. 

The Titleist 917 also sports the signature 16 setting SureFit Hosel system. This technology allows players to change the lie angle and face angle independently, thus giving greater trajectory and control, and the ultimate in precision fitting.

Design and Technology

The Titleist 917 Driver truly incorporates the very best in technology and design. The marquee feature of the Titleist 917 is its all new SureFit CG Technology, which allows players to adjust the club’s center of gravity in order to create their ideal drive. While movable weights is commonplace nowadays, this design is completely new Titleist. So how does it work? Well the SureFit CG Technology is really a movable weight placed in a chamber that runs along the back of the clubhead parallel to the club face.

The cylinder is made of a composite material, with either steel or tungsten inside, that weighs between 8 grams and 16 grams. The weight is placed inside the cylinder and will either move the center of gravity back or forward. When the center of gravity is in the back, or heel position, it will create a draw bias. When the center of gravity is the front, or toe position, this will create a fade bias. Players can also have the option to just neutralize the weight as well. Titleist also sells lighter and heavier weights to help players achieve their preferred swing weight too. Titleist has found that the SureFit CG Technology not only affects the spin rates, but also allows players to have more forgiveness on mis-hits.

The Titleist 917 Driver also incorporates an Active Recoil Channel and Radial Speed Face. This design not only helps in the forgiveness of the club, but also helps players create lower spin rates and faster ball speeds.

The Titleist 917 Driver also sports the SureFit Hosel technology. The SureFit Hosel Technology gives players the ability to adjust the loft and lie angle independently of each other. This also gives players many options when it comes to creating their ideal all flight and trajectory.
Also included are two Velcro glove holders, cart lock straps, two metal towel rings, and SmartGRIP handles which make transport easy.

Titleist 917 D2 Driver


With lots of adjustability, full customization, and a modern design the Titleist 917 Driver is truly a great club.


If you are looking for a great driver that will give you the speed, distance, and forgiveness you are looking for, then check out the Titleist 917 Driver, you won’t be disappointed.

PROS

  • One of the most forgiving driver, where mis-hits fly just as far as center strikes
  • Players have a wide variety of premium shafts options available to use
  • Wide range of loft and lie combinations available to help players fine turn their drives for greater distance

CONS

  • Some players might get overwhelmed with all the technology

  • The driver creates a high spin rate, which

  •  may hurt distance for some playersIt would take a decoder ring to figure all the settings for the club, thus overwhelming the beginner player

Our Experience

The Titleist 917 D2 driver offers a more modern take on driver technology compared to previous Titleist releases. It features faster ball speeds, more forgiveness on off-center hits, and adjustability through Titleist's SureFit CG and SureFit Hosel systems.


The 917 D2 has a larger, more forgiving pear-shaped head compared to previous models, with a grey glossy crown that is a departure from the classic black finish. The sound and feel have also been improved, with a fuller, deeper sound that provides a solid, confidence-inspiring feel at impact.


During testing, the adjustability of the 917 D2 was very evident, with the weight settings having a noticeable impact on ball flight and feel. The driver performed best on high-face impacts, retaining ball speed better than low-face strikes. The toe-side misses were also more forgiving, though this was influenced by the weight setting.


Overall, the Titleist 917 D2 driver represents an exciting and modern offering from the brand, with impressive performance gains over previous models in terms of forgiveness, adjustability, and sound/feel. It is a driver that should appeal to a wide range of golfers looking for a classic Titleist design with more advanced technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Titleist 917 D2 Driver Be Adjusted for Ladies Seeking Improved Distance?

Yes, the Titleist 917 D2 driver can be adjusted for ladies seeking improved distance. It features adjustable weight and shaft options, allowing for personalized customization to optimize performance and distance for female golfers.

What Are the Options for Adjustable Loft and Lie Angle on the Titleist 917 D2 Driver?

Adjustable settings on the Titleist 917 D2 driver provide options for custom fitting, including loft and lie angle. Shaft options and swing weight can be fine-tuned for optimal performance, offering a personalized experience for players seeking improved results.

How Does the Titleist 917 D2 Driver Contribute to Distance and Accuracy Improvement for Lady Golfers?

Improving my distance and accuracy on the course is essential. The Titleist 917 D2 driver has been a game-changer for me. With its club customization options, I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in both distance and accuracy.

Can You Provide More Details About the Material and Manufacturer of the Titleist 917 D2 Driver?

The Titleist 917 D2 Driver is crafted with high-quality graphite, enhancing performance and durability. Titleist, the esteemed manufacturer, offers customization options to suit individual preferences, ensuring an optimal golfing experience.

Are There Any Specific Pros and Cons of the Titleist 917 D2 Driver That Are Not Covered in the Article?

I have to say, the specific performance of the Titleist 917 D2 driver is phenomenal, providing great distance and forgiveness. However, some users may find it a bit less adjustable compared to other models. Overall, the user experience is exceptional.

Conclusion

The Titleist 917 Driver was one of the most innovating drivers of 2017, and it is easy to see why many of the tour are still using it today. The first fully adjustable driver by Titleist, the 917 is truly an amazing club. If you are looking for a great driver that will give you the speed, distance, and forgiveness you are looking for, then check out the Titleist 917 Driver, you won’t be disappointed.


Paul Liberatore

Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.