Chasing Par

When you’re out on the course as an amateur player, there’s a lot of stuff that you either don’t need, or that you simply can’t afford to lose. When it comes to golf balls, if you’re losing many more balls than golfers with lower handicaps, is the premium really worth the extra cost?

I can vividly remember the guys talking about the Pro V1 being the same people who bought new clubs annually and were determined to be playing scratch golf. There’s nothing wrong with that, but its severely out of my price range, when I’m routinely losing 2 balls per round and deem recycled balls to be the best option for me.

• Can I get more distance from playing a Pro V1? Probably – but I’ll need to hit the ball more consistently first.
• Could I get more control on chips and putts? Probably not, that spin control is well outside of my level of play.
• Does the perfect blend of distance and feel make this ball worth it? That’s the question we’re looking to answer.

Like many sports, the technology and evolution of the game occurs with professionals who are looking for the smallest margins that can lead to victory. In golf, the revolution of clubs, clothing or anything else pales in comparison over the last 25 years to that of the introduction of a Solid Multi-Layered Core inside the golf ball.

Not only has the Titleist ProV1 made an impact on the PGA for distances off the tee, it paved the way for all PGA pros to be using golf balls with a solid-multi layered core. The industry standards have changed… for the better?

It’s definitely better for the average golfer. The options that are available to improve your game are fewer than the pros. You don’t have the multiple coaches or the sponsorships that allow you to test all different types of clubs. More visibly, you’re likely missing a caddie by your side during each round.

Picking a ProV1 isn’t as easy as it used to be. Titleist has evolved the lineup of Pro V1 golf balls to include a Pro V1X.

Comparing the Pro V1 and Pro V1 X

That’s right… they really aren’t that different on paper. The differences have been bolded to further explain; the ball flight will be different, and the amount of control you’ll have with your short game will also differ with your choice.

Here’s the illustration for ball flight from Titleist:

Feeling the difference of this 2019 versions is still new, and you’ll notice that each of the listings have very few reviews, especially compared to the previous generations. This new model with a 17% thinner outside will change the game again for players looking to go longer and have better control over their short game.