whats the difference between tour and standard drivers

mooks3113 · December 17, 2008

hey guys just wanted to know if anyone could explain what the difference between tour and standard drivers, also ive even herd there is a differance between the tour clubs you can buy in the store and then there are "tour issue", and who benifits from these tour drivers. thanks for any help

gmetcalf18 · December 17, 2008

a retail "tour" or tp (tour preferred) is a retail driver, made in bulk just like the other ones with different specs, usually more appealing to better players. such as a more open face which encourages a fade, some are a bit smaller head (440-450 cc) and sometimes have different shaft options. a tour issued driver is actually made speciffically for a player on one of the major tours. they have very specific lofts, lies, swing weights, face angle so on and so fourth. the tour issued are produced with more quality control as well. thoes are the basics. the tour junkies can fill you in with more specifics.

iteachgolf · December 17, 2008

The simple answer is nothing at all. Except for prototypes the stuff on tour is just retail equipment that is handpicked for different reasons such as face angle or loft. The heads themselves are not any different at all in construction or material.

TheVelvetCat · December 17, 2008

The simple answer is nothing at all. Except for prototypes the stuff on tour is just retail equipment that is handpicked for different reasons such as face angle or loft. The heads themselves are not any different at all in construction or material.

Perhaps "hand picked" isn't the best term, because it still gives the impression of improved characteristics or perhaps improved performance. How about, "Except for prototypes or clubs not yet released to the public, the stuff on tour is of the same structural quality as retail equipment, except it is specifically measured and adjusted by the tour van or manufacturer for some factors, such as face angle, loft, head weight or internal weighting - depending on the player's needs or desire. In essence, it is assembled carefully and meticulously - but it's exactly the same as what any common consumer can obtain from a certified, reputable, well respected clubfitter. For irons, there may be a few differences not offered at the retail level, like unique finishes or perhaps some differences in taper versus parallel tips, or perhaps some unique grinds requested by players."

I believe there was a very informative visit with the executives of TaylorMade golf that shed quite a bit of light on this subject awhile ago. Read this.

Is this answer closer to reality? I encourage members to add as they see fit.

Golfjdm · December 17, 2008

The simple answer is nothing at all. Except for prototypes the stuff on tour is just retail equipment that is handpicked for different reasons such as face angle or loft. The heads themselves are not any different at all in construction or material.

Perhaps "hand picked" isn't the best term, because it still gives the impression of improved characteristics or perhaps improved performance. How about, "Except for prototypes or clubs not yet released to the public, the stuff on tour is of the same structural quality as retail equipment, except it is specifically measured and adjusted by the tour van or manufacturer for some factors, such as face angle, loft, head weight or internal weighting - depending on the player's needs or desire. In essence, it is assembled carefully and meticulously - but it's exactly the same as what any common consumer can obtain from a certified, reputable, well respected clubfitter. For irons, there may be a few differences not offered at the retail level, like unique finishes or perhaps some differences in taper versus parallel tips, or perhaps some unique grinds requested by players."

I believe there was a very informative visit with the executives of TaylorMade golf that shed quite a bit of light on this subject awhile ago. Read this.

Is this answer closer to reality? I encourage members to add as they see fit.

I would say your right on.

They are picked by hand of the tour van guys after some measurements, think that's where the word "handpicked" came in. Could lead newcomers to think they are better construction quality than retail as you said though.

I do wonder if they look at COR on the individual heads though. If they do do they go for a margin of safety(in case of testing) or the hottest face within the limit? Probably not that much difference either way.

maggot · December 18, 2008

I do wonder if they look at COR on the individual heads though. If they do do they go for a margin of safety(in case of testing) or the hottest face within the limit? Probably not that much difference either way.

I would say the former rather than the latter. The last thing they would want is for a player to be DQ'ed because of a non conforming club.

Golfjdm · December 18, 2008

I do wonder if they look at COR on the individual heads though. If they do do they go for a margin of safety(in case of testing) or the hottest face within the limit? Probably not that much difference either way.

I would say the former rather than the latter. The last thing they would want is for a player to be DQ'ed because of a non conforming club.

That's what i was thinking, I doubt it would add more than 3 yards anyway. Guys seem to call each other out sometimes. I thought I heard somebody called out tigers driver once because he was way past everyone that day.

MizzyMan · December 18, 2008

As far as irons, some players that play forged get them done in Japan by Endo or Miura instead of China where most of the off-the-rack forgings are done. Much higher quality control as far as weight, loft, construction, etc.

When Tiger was playing Titleist irons, they were forged by Miura in Japan. Some say his Nike irons are also done by the master craftsman. Maybe one of the big secrets in golf equipment.