One of the most popular balls in the business for the past two decades, Titleist announced a new version of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x will be in play this week at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. What can we expect from the latest version of this ball?
Twenty years ago, Titleist introduced a ball that changed golf. The Pro V1 was used by Billy Andrade to win the Invensys Classic. It was the start of a revolution—a golf ball that provided significant distance gains off the tee without spinning too much, had a resilient cover, and was soft on chips around the green. It was the perfect combination. Millions of Pro V1s have been sold since the ball was introduced, with Titleist bringing out a new and “improved” version every two years.
The company has announced the new version of the Pro V1 and V1x will be in play this week. Though the balls will have been tested as prototypes through various levels of players—from amateurs to pros—they will hit the tour this week. “The final Pro V1 and Pro V1x prototypes, manufactured at Titleist Ball Plant 3 in New Bedford, Mass., will be delivered to player’s lockers today at TPC Summerlin,” Titleist announced. “Titleist Golf Ball R&D representatives are on site to work with players as they test the new products and determine the model that best fits their game.”
Titleist will start to engage players this week, with some likely to make the switch to the new ball right away. TPC Summerlin, where the tournament is being held, was also the venue for Andrade’s win and was one of 47 players to use the ball that week.
“Gathering feedback from the game’s best players through every stage of the R&D process, and then earning their validation under the pressure of competition, are critical elements in the development of Titleist golf equipment,” Titleist added.
Rumors in the industry suggest this generation might be some of the biggest changes in Titleist’s flagship ball in recent years. In 2019, the company introduced a yellow Pro V1, and the ball had a thinner cover and faster core. The new Titleist Pro V1 will be available in 2021 for consumers.