What Happens On a Titleist Golf Ball Fitting?
I had never heard of having a Titleist Golf Ball Fitting so my experience may resonate with many mid to high handicappers. Whilst having a driver fitting at Frilford Heath Golf Club, which ended up becoming a lesson, Alex Beckett (PGA Pro at Frilford Heath) invited me to take part in a Titleist Golf Ball Fitting. If I am honest, I never knew such a thing existed. About average, but a golf handicap of 15.7 is not too shabby but offers room for improvement. The reason I was having a driver fitting was because my current driver creates too much spin on the ball. Which of course loses me valuable distance off the tee.
The driver in my bag was a Ping G5 and I foolishly had owned it for around 12 years. I have subsequently updated my driver to the latest Calloway driver which has subsequently reduced the spin and increased the distance off the tee. As with most mid/high handicappers my swing is at best, inconsistent and modern technology, i’m told, should help. But so would a swing, that allowed me to be ‘in-play’ more often. In short, a golf ball fitting could offer me a few valuable shots saved, leading to a lower handicap. In reality, a Titleist Ball Fitting could actually be a game changer and a simple fix to slash your handicap.
How You Select The Best Golf Ball For Your Game
The Titleist Golf Ball Fitting was a week later, and I should have asked more questions prior to the day. At least then, I would have prepared better for the ball fitting and dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. Typically, the golf ball fitting video serves as an educational tool for other club professionals. Those clubs subsequently offer the ball fitting service too. Moreover, Alex was to present the video for Titleist, in the form of a lesson across three aspects of the game: –
- Short game, from around 50-yards
- Iron play, the best club to use was a 7 iron.
- Driver, or more specifically the long game
The Simple Mistakes To Avoid On A Golf Ball Fitting Day
My first error was to turn up at Frilford Heath on a dank, drizzly morning, expecting the session to be in the indoor school. No, it was to start on the short game practice area, then moving onto the driving range which was just a short buggy ride away. Beautifully set towards the far side of the courses the driving range is nestled in between the red and blue course. Unfortunately my extra layers of warm golf clothes were hanging in the utility at home. Regretably being poorly prepared, I especially knew it was going to be a cold one.
Secondly, my next error was not knowing the first shots were to be on the short game area and a 50-yard chip, with a 56° wedge. Shots from inside 60 yards are the average golfers nightmare as indeed, they tend to err on the side of caution. Low chips or bump and run with a pitching wedge or an 8 iron, would be my shot of choice. Chipping at the fitting was made more difficult with the angle of approach, as there is a car park beyond the green and lots of expensive cars.
What Is a Titleist Golf Ball Fitting?
A Titleist Golf Ball Fitting allows golfers to use all eight models from the Titleist range of balls to determine which is best for your game. Do you prefer a golf ball that gives you high or low spin? What about the ball flight, would you like it to be higher or lower? The feel of the ball is important too, and many players prefer a soft feel whilst others may choose a firmer ball.
The way a golf ball reacts inside 50-yards; depends on the type of ball you choose. When at a golf ball fitting most high handicap players, when asked what ball they use, often respond with – “Whatever I find?” I will admit I had the same response. Fascinating as it is but I had no idea what ball I used, could make much difference to my game.
When and how you hit your wedges from 50-yards and what ball flight and spin you prefer, has a major impact on the type of ball you should choose. Transitioning from green to tee sees less difference in spin as it is less obvious and has normally has less impact on your game. Contrast of spin with my own fitting was huge. Spin difference on pitch shots was as much as 3000-revs but for drives was within 100-revs.
What If You Don’t Use A Titleist Golf Ball?
On a golf ball fitting, shots around and into the green ar given the greatest emphasis. Should your ball of choice not be a Titleist ball, no problem, however you will offered a variety of Titleist balls to try alongside your current golf ball. This is the best way to compare and experience the performance difference between models. The key considerations when comparing golf balls are as follows :-
- How was the spin and control for your short game.
- What was the stopping power on your approach shots.
- How did the trajectory/ball flight vary and which was your preferred path.
- How each ball compares with your long game control and consistency.
- Did the length and accuracy vary with your driving.
What Models of Golf Balls Do Titleist Offer?
There are currently 8 models of Titleist balls available (click on the links below to purchase direct from Amazon)
- Pro V1 – Ideal for players that prioritise good all round performance.
- Pro V1x – This is best golf ball for players that prioritise performance and look for higher flight and spin.
- (Left dash) -Pro V1x – The ball of choice for players looking for low spin and high flight.
- AVX – Suitable for those players who prioritise long iron distance through low spin and soft feel, but want the control of a 3-piece urethane golf ball around the green.
- Tour Speed – This is best for golfers looking to play their best and compete, but at a budget-friendly price.
- Tour Soft – Ideal for golfers who prioritise the softest feel possible and expect good all-around performance.
- Velocity – Highly recommended for players looking to enjoy their gold and consistantly hit it long.
- TruFeel – A great golf ball for players who want the softest possible feel above all else.
How To Use The Titleist Ball Selector
The Titleist website, is very informative and has a helpful golf ball selector tool. Furthermore it is simple to use and takes less than 5 minutes for the results. First off, you input the current brand and model of ball currently used. The next question asks how many rounds of golf you play each year. Next you are asked what do you prioritise in a golf ball? Performance, Performance with Preferences or Preferences. These can be ball colour, appearance, feel and price.
If you choose preferences the options are feel, price and colour. At this point you are asked how soft you like the feel of the ball, followed by the price range and then the colour. If you selected performance earlier, you are then invited to choose your preferred flight tragectory (low, mid or high). This is followed by the typical ball flight – fade, straight or draw.
Next choose your spin and control on the approach shots. You are then asked if you would like more or less short game spin and control, depending on your previous answers. As before you are asked to specify the feel required followed by the most favoured option, tragectory, stopping power or feel. Then colour choice.
At this point you have a recommended Titleist golf ball.
All of the Titleist balls offer a slightly different benefit to your game so choosing the right one can be a rewarding. That is why the Titleist Ball Fitting could be the next step, to reduce your scores and lower your handicap. Variations in the design of each ball type can be small but can make a big difference to the amount of spin you can achieve around the green. The following aspects of a golf ball are rated very soft, soft or hard and low, mid or high
- Ball Flight – this measures the flight of the ball from the ground.
- Feel
- Long Game Spin
- Short Game Spin.
What Types Of Titleist Golf Balls Are Available To Buy?
| Name of ball | Ball Flight | Feel | Long Game Spin | Short Game Spin |
| PRO V1 | Mid | Soft | Mid | High |
| PRO V1x | High | Firm | High | High |
| PRO V1x Left Dash | High | Firm | Low | High |
| AVX | Low | Very Soft | Low | High |
| Tour Speed | Mid | Soft | Low | Mid |
| Tour Soft | Mid | Very Soft | Low | Mid |
| Velocity | High | Soft | Low | Low |
| TruFeel | Low | Very Soft | Low | Low |
How Much Do A Dozen Titleist Golf Balls Cost?
Once you have decided which Titleist golf ball suits your game, you will probably be looking to restock your bag. A dozen or more balls would offer you best value and for this reason I suggest buying in bulk where possible. Alternatively you could put a dozen balls on your birthday or Christmas wishlist. There is a big difference in price for a dozen Titleist Pro V1x balls and a dozen Titleist TruFeel balls. Hence testing is vital to see which balls suits your game as you may play better with the chepaer option.
Most golf club shops sometimes offer discounts on golf ball so, you can get just as good a deal, at times, in store rather than the internet. If you are buying a driver or some clothing, many shops offer a discount on a dozen golf balls to increase the value of the transaction. At the time of writing the rrp’s for the Titleist range of balls were as follows:
- Pro V1 – £50 doz
- Pro V1x – £50 doz
- (Left dash) -Pro V1x – £50 doz
- AVX – £50 doz
- Tour Speed – £40 doz
- Tour Soft – £34 doz
- Velocity – £28 doz
- TruFeel – £26 doz
What Should a Golfer Do After a Titleist Golf Ball Fitting?
Once you have gone through the green to tee fitting process, it is especially important to commit to playing with that golf ball exclusively. By using the same model golf ball on every shot for every round, helps eliminate any performance variations. Whilst, building confidence and shot consistency, this should then lead to lower scores. Then ultimately a lower handicap.
Following my fitting, it was decided to narrow the selection down to 2 balls, PRO V1x and the Velocity. However, I need to practice with both, as my short game wasn’t tight enough on the day (or probably ever) to get a definitive answer. I’m sure the car park beyond the practice area had something to do with me not committing to every shot. Especially as there were some expensive cars parked nearby.
If I can hone a specific approach shot from 50-yards, then a clear winner will appear. Both balls were good for my mid iron and longer drives. I preferred the softer PRO V1x but I am going to test both balls, to see which I prefer long term.
Which Titleist Ball Should I Use?
Choosing the right Titleist golf ball depends on your playing style, skill level, and performance goals. If you want maximum distance with low spin off the tee, the Titleist Pro V1x is a great choice. It provides a high launch, firm feel, and excellent control around the greens. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer feel with a more penetrating flight, the Titleist Pro V1 is ideal. It delivers consistent distance and exceptional short-game spin. For golfers seeking even more forgiveness, the Titleist AVX offers a lower flight with a very soft feel.
Meanwhile, if budget is a factor, the Tour Soft or Velocity provide great performance at a lower price. Consider your swing speed and golfing priorities to find the best fit.
Therefore, to arrange your ball fitting or for more information, it’s worth looking at the Titleist website or speak to your own club pro. However, if you have had a fitting already and found it useful, why not message us via our contact form and let us know the impact it’s had on your game.
