Titleist GT280: Is it the most useful club you’re not carrying?
The rise of mini drivers has opened up fresh conversations about bag setup, shot strategy, and whether the modern 3-wood still earns its spot in the hands of serious players.
With the launch of the Titleist GT280, there’s now another contender in this niche—but growing—category. And this one is more compact, more playable off the deck, and, according to Titleist, created directly from player demand.
At 280cc with a 13° loft and 43.5” shaft, the GT280 is not trying to be another small driver clone.
It sits between driver and 3-wood in both head size and play style, offering a middle ground for those who want more control off the tee without completely giving up distance—or for players who never fully trusted their 3-wood on tight fairways or long par 5s.
Who This Club Might Be For
Competitive amateurs often walk the line between maximizing distance and keeping the ball in play. This club seems built for those situations where driver is too much, and 3-wood isn’t quite enough—especially on courses that demand precision.
It could serve as a second tee club on short par-4s, or a versatile option when you need something playable off the turf that won’t balloon or punish you for being a few grooves low.
It’s unlikely to fully replace your driver or fairway wood unless you’re already questioning one of them. But for some players, it could be the club that finally lets them pull driver less often without reaching for a club they don’t fully trust.
Why It Stands Out
Compared to other mini drivers on the market—like TaylorMade’s BRNR or Callaway’s Ai Smoke Ti—the GT280 is noticeably more compact.
That smaller head size makes it a bit more approachable off the deck and closer to a strong 3-wood than a downsized driver. The adjustability is a real factor too: its forward/aft weight system allows for meaningful changes in launch and spin, especially useful in dialing in specific course setups.
The face design helps retain speed on low strikes, and the lower leading edge sits closer to the turf than most clubs of this depth, which could help with clean contact off tight lies.
Considerations Before Testing
Titleist is offering the GT280 in a single 13° loft. That may limit who can get ideal launch and carry, especially without a proper fitting. But paired with the right shaft and weight settings, this club could fill a variety of roles. You’ll want to test it yourself, especially if you play a mix of firm courses, often lay back off the tee, or need a confidence booster on second shots into long par 5s.
Bottom Line
Not every player needs a mini driver. But the GT280 doesn’t just check the box for “new gear.” It offers a real alternative to the growing group of players who want another tool without turning their bag upside down.
If you’ve been playing with the same 3-wood for five years and rarely use it off the fairway, this might be the moment to rethink that slot.
You don’t need to overhaul your setup. You just might need a smarter option near the top of it.
GT280 is available for fitting and pre-sale today, and it will be in golf shops worldwide beginning Friday, April 18 at titleist.com.