Golf’s biggest trade show took place last week in Orlando and we noticed one trend among some of the biggest names in golf balls: it’s all about the visuals. We’re not just talking about a coloured golf ball, but logos, alignment markings, and even an oversized ball.

Titleist isn’t a company prone to change. Traditional in its perspective, and often conservative in its stylings, the company had been reluctant to change its flagship product—the Pro V1. But there it was at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando—a yellow Pro V1. For those used to the typical white Pro V1 we’ve seen for nearly two decades, it was a bit startling, but with the trend of colour golf ball on the rise, the company is adapting to meet the market demand.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth in the market, and our goal is to give golfers what they want,” says Michael Mahoney, vice-president of marketing for Titleist’s golf ball division. “We say we follow the golfer—they ask and we deliver.”

Mahoney says some golfers might think turning a Pro V1 yellow is simple, but the process isn’t quite as straight-forward as it might initially appear. In fact, there’s colour added to the casing layer, the cover and the coating of the ball to give it the yellow appearance. None of these impact the ball’s performance.

But Titleist is simply the latest in a long line of companies looking at utilizing colour in their golf balls to capture the attention of the consumer.

In recent years Callaway’s Truvis has been a standout in using unusual stylings and colours to catch the eye of the golfer (in that instance, it was making a golf ball with a soccer ball appearance), and the company is pushing further with its new ERC Soft. The ball uses a three-line alignment graphic on the side of the ball that is based on hyperacuity. Imagine how jets land on an aircraft carrier, the company says, and you’ll get a sense of how golfers can use the three-line graphic to improve alignment on putts and shots off the tee. Callaway says science proves that golfers line up the ball more effectively.

We also got our first look at Callaway’s new Supersoft Magna golf ball – an oversized golf ball with a higher MOI for easier launch, improved HEX aerodynamics for longer carry, and a soft cover for enhanced feel and short game. You can definitely see the size difference compared to a standard ball – and yes, the ball does comply to the rules of golf.

Other companies that were in Orlando highlighting coloured golf balls included Bridgestone with its Tour BRX, which comes in a vibrant yellow. Bridgestone, which was returning to the show after a hiatus, is known these days as being the brand of ball preferred by Tiger Woods.

Similarly, Srixon’s new Z-Star family is available in yellow as well. That ball hits stores in coming weeks.

And, of course, there’s Volvik, a brand that shows its colours at the PGA Merchandise Show. Volvik’s Vivid line is available in nine different colours, with the ball being aimed at golfers with moderate clubhead speeds. We even spotted some of their superhero themed balls at the PGA Merchandise Show.

Based on this trend, don’t be surprised if you see more colour or visual technology come from other major manufacturers in 2019.