Titleist Tour Issue Wedges 
The Tileist TVD Japan Only Limited Edition Wedge has been a hit since its release late 2008 in Japan. The U.S version was released in limited numbers while the Japanese recieved it as part of the full retail line up.
Several months ago at the 2009 Tokyo Golf Show at the Big Site we saw a bunch of top U.S PGA Tour players backup bags at the Titleist booth that included their custom Tour wedges done by Bob Vokey. It’s not often you get to see these up close and personal so today I decided to go over it and to include a short video of the experience. My personal favorite was the BV 2009 Tour Custom Grinds.
Slight Differences U.S vs JPN
The TVD in Japan has a bit more bounce for softer conditions and when hit against the U.S limited edition that TSG club tester Tatsuro Oshimoto has I felt it was easier overall especially in the bunkers. The U.S and Japan versions also slightly differ in stampings with JDM version sporting the traditional spin milled logo.
By far this has to be one of the best looking wedges that Titleist has every produced in my opinion. It’s simple and smooth, yet compact and apearing aggressive for a picker or a digger of the ball. For a while I had these in the bag and was very pleased. This is one cast wedge I didn’t mind playing as the feel it produced is typical semi soft Vokey and the spin was above average. I am not sure if spin milled is the reason for that because I have tested wedges in the past that had more spin with no spin milled face so I can only assume its the grooves.
Popular Builds for the Better Player
We have sold quite a few of these in standard format then began offering the Japan Only Titleist TVD in custom builds and so far it appears people desire the S200 & S400 at a D5 swing weight. I gotta assume those are the good players trying to setup to a similar build as the guys on the Tour. I have tried it with various shafts and flex’s and agree with our customers that S400 does produce the most accurate and stable setup for this wedge.
Below we have the Video Experience for you, take note of the custom vokeys for DLIII, Adam Scott, Ian Poulter and many others.
Your articles are spectacular! what is their backup bag doing in Japan instead of on the tour with them?
Planes lose luggage all the time.
Another great thing about the TVD in Japan is that they have always been available with all lofts right from launch. It was definitely a surprise to see all the backup bags at the show but February was a quiet time on the tour and the players did Titleist a big favor as they are working hard to grow their presence in Japan vs big name US brands like TM, Callaway and Nike.
I got set of the Japanese TVD and I actually prefer the look of the graphics better than the US version. My home course also has soft bunkers and lush fairways which these wedges excel on. That TVD pic at the top with minimal graphics is awesome!