Apr 10, 2023

T-Time Podcast // Ep. 28: Find Your Best Golf Ball with Beth Yahara

beginner golfers golf tips and tricks podcast

Golf is a sport that requires both skill and equipment. Having the right gear, especially the right golf ball, can make all the difference in your game. That’s why Tori has teamed up with Beth Yahara, a golf fitting expert from Titleist, to help you find your best golf ball. Titleist is a well-known brand in the golf industry, recognized for its high-quality golf balls catering to various player preferences and playing styles. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Titleist has a ball for you. In this article, we'll dive into the different types of golf balls Titleist offers and how to choose the best one for your game.

Get to Know the Titleist Golf Balls

Titleist golf balls are well-known for their outstanding performance, inventive design and technology, precise production, and unparalleled excellence. Some of its exemplary golf balls include:

1. Pro V1:

This is one of the flagship golf ball products from Titleist, known for its superior performance, state-of-the-art innovation, and unmatched quality. It is designed for golfers to prioritize distance, consistent flight, and exceptional short-game control. The Pro V1 features a soft feel and low long-game spin for improved distance and accuracy.

2. Pro V1x:

This golf ball from Titleist is designed for golfers who prioritize distance, trajectory consistency, and a firmer feel. It features a higher ball flight and greater spin in the long game than the Pro V1, which provides golfers with a higher peak trajectory and longer carry distance.

3. AVX:

This premium golf ball product from Titleist combines distance, a soft feel, and a low long-game spin. It is designed for golfers who want the benefits of both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x in a single ball. The AVX is engineered with a lower, more penetrating ball flight than the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, which results in more distance and a softer feel.

4. Pro V1x Left Dash

The Pro V1x Left Dash is a specific variation of Titleist's Pro V1x golf ball. It was created to meet the demand for a lower-spin version of the Pro V1x. The Left Dash version was released in 2017 and features a side stamp that can help identify its manufacturing date. The section emphasizes the importance of identifying the manufacturing date of golf balls, as it can impact their performance on the golf course.

5. Pro V1 Left Dot Golf Balls

The Pro V1 Left Dot golf ball, in production since 2013, was popular among professional golfers. It highlights the significance of selecting a golf ball that matches one's playing style and personal preferences.

How Pro V1, Pro V1x, and AVX are Made

Pro V, Pro V1x, and AVX golf balls are all manufactured in New Bedford, Massachusetts. If you have never been there, you can tour the facility! The Acushnet staff members who work there are very knowledgeable about the products and the town, with some having worked there for 20, 25, or even 30 years. During the tour, you will be taken through the factory and shown how golf balls are made. At the end of the process, the golf ball hits an X-ray machine that either spits it out or allows it to be sold to customers. The percentage of rejected golf balls is tiny because over 100 checkpoints are used to ensure the quality of each ball.

When you purchase a Titleist golf ball, you are not only getting a ball made in the US, but you are also getting a product checked and approved by many skilled employees. This attention to detail makes Titleist golf balls stand out and is why you should consider playing with them.

Golf Ball Colors

Pro V1, Pro V1x, and AVX golf balls are available in white or yellow. Yellow golf balls have a sparkly sheen and are easier to see in the sun. Pink is a popular color, but it can be difficult to see. Matte finish is a preference and a signature of the Titleist Velocity line. The finish used to be shiny, but the trend in the marketplace is now matte. Millions of dollars go into making sure that colored golf balls have the same characteristics as the white versions.

Putting

Golf balls feel different based on the compression of their core. Older golf balls had rubber bands wound to the compression, but modern golf balls are made with solid rubber. A lower-compression golf ball feels softer than a higher-compression one. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The most important thing is consistency. Practice with the golf balls you usually play with on the course. That way, you will get a more accurate feel for how they will react on the course, especially regarding chipping.

Swing Speed and Low Compression Ball

The belief that lower swing speeds require low-compression golf balls is a widespread myth. This is because golf balls are no longer made of rubber bands like they used to be. Instead, it's better to consider the characteristics of the ball, such as the height you hit it and the amount of spin you generate. Additionally, your preference for how the ball feels is important to consider, as softness is a subjective concept. To determine what feels best for you, it's recommended to do a softness test. It's worth noting that if you hit the ball 50 yards, you'll fully compress it, regardless of your swing speed or how deep you get into the ball's center.

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