Gear News You Can Use: Titleist Mini Driver & More At Quail Hollow

This week in Charlotte is the final event before the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, which means players will be getting prepared for the second major of the year, while also trying to secure a Signature event win.

Quail Hollow is a course where Rory McIlroy has won four times, and although we don't expect any changes to his gear setup, it will be interesting to see how he performs when he returns to action. But speaking of gear news, there is still a lot going on.

New Titleist GTS300 Mini Driver

By all accounts, the new Titleist GTS300 (which just debuted today - see header image) is the next evolution of the Titleist mini driver, which, as it currently stands, is the GT280. Based on the name alone, we can expect this new one to be a slightly sized-up version of the GT280 with added tech from the upcoming GTS line.

According to Titleist, "The GTS300 represents the latest synthesis of Titleist’s metalwood technologies and continued collaboration with the game’s best players — including Cameron Young and Justin Thomas, whose feedback and testing helped influence the new model’s final design."

Now we just have to wait and see if anyone puts it in play this week.

GT Is Still Cooking

Speaking of Titlest metal woods, even with the GTS now on tour, the previous and still current GT line continues to rack up wins. Thanks to Cameron Young, Matt Fitzpatrick and JJ SPaun, the Titleist GT3 has won 4 of the last 5 events, with the other wins belonging to Rory McIlroy (TaylorMade Qi4D) and Alex Fitspatrick (Ping G440 LST).

RELATED: Cameron Young Secures First Win With Prototype Golf Ball

Bridgestone Closes U.S.-Based Ball Plant

In less exciting news, as of the start of this month, Bridgestone Golf has ceased manufacturing operations at its Covington, Georgia golf ball plant. The main objective of the restructuring is to consolidate all golf ball manufacturing to their more modern manufacturing facility in Japan.

This is not a reflection of the brands commitment to the North American market, especially since they have had a strong start to the season as far as sales and wins on the PGA Tour.

McLaren Launches New Irons

Last week McLaren Golf had a big launch event in Miami to debut their newest irons and staff players including Justin Rose, Michelle Wie West, and Ian Poulter.

Releated: Inside McLaren Golf’s First Real Equipment Drop

The irons are currently on presale, and I image we we can expect to see some more additions to their lineup later in the season. The most interesting part will be to follow how Justin Rose sets up his bag next week at the PGA Championship.