On-course golf ball evaluation

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By Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

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  1. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Hey, everyone.


    I recently conducted a very thorough on-course comparison between Pro V1 and Pro V1x. I was lucky enough to be able to sneak out for nine holes before dusk on my local muni and I basically had the course to myself.  I played two balls on every hole, one Pro V1 and one Pro V1x. After holing out with each ball and marking the score (plus fairways and greens hit), I'd drop three balls of each model around the green and play a bunch of short game shots.  On the 1st hole I focused on chips from the fringe.  On the 2nd I moved back and hit 40-yard pitches.  On the third I tried to trap some low checkers from about 10 yards off the green. And so on, until I had evaluated a good mix of chips, pitches, bunker shots and half wedges. 

    At the 7th hole I had to let another single play through, but other than that I flew right around. It was fun and the exercise really gave me a much better sense of how each ball performed and felt. Next time out I'm hoping to drop a few extra balls in the fairway to double check my first impressions on iron play, but I think the side-by-side comparison was really valuable.

    How about you?  Have you conducted your own version of an on-course evaluation?  How'd you do it?  Did it help you make a golf ball choice?  Thanks for sharing any thoughts and advice.

    Rick

  2. No'l

    No'l
    Palmdale, CA

    Hi Rick!

    That is a great way to do a review/comparison.

    About a year ago, when the triangular vs. the squared marking on the balls were being tested, I've done it a similar way although my short strokes testing from off the fringe and back to about 45-50 out were done at a practice green and were really able to confirm the differences. It takes me longer as I would only count the good contacts...

    As for Pro V1 vs. Pro V1x, I have had plenty of rounds between the two that I could differentiate and separate the two performance- favorably, I'm with Pro V1 today. But it looks like new balls are in the horizon and I may have to do a new testing of the same kind for myself before I order an annual supply. It should be fun again!

    Thank you.
    Noe'l
  3. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Noel D said:

    Hi Rick!

    That is a great way to do a review/comparison.

    About a year ago, when the triangular vs. the squared marking on the balls were being tested, I've done it a similar way although my short strokes testing from off the fringe and back to about 45-50 out were done at a practice green and were really able to confirm the differences. It takes me longer as I would only count the good contacts...

    As for Pro V1 vs. Pro V1x, I have had plenty of rounds between the two that I could differentiate and separate the two performance- favorably, I'm with Pro V1 today. But it looks like new balls are in the horizon and I may have to do a new testing of the same kind for myself before I order an annual supply. It should be fun again!

    Thank you.
    Noe'l

    Thanks, Noel. I'm in the same boat - very eager to test the new 2017s.

    Best,

    Rick
  4. Jeffery M

    Jeffery M

    Hi Rick, I also have been fortunate enough to have the course to myself. I would also play 2 balls side by side and see the different characteristics of each ball. I was also fortunate enough to receive the test balls also and did the same testing. Mine had red numbers so I figured they were ProV1x's? I mostly play ProV1x and the test balls outperformed my regular ones. I sometimes switch between the 2 ProV's depending on weather conditions. I have tried just about every tour ball out there and nothing beats a Titleist!! I know there are deals on ProV's right now but holding back hoping the test ones will come to market. Thanks Titleist #1 ball in golf!!
  5. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Jeffery M said:

    Hi Rick, I also have been fortunate enough to have the course to myself. I would also play 2 balls side by side and see the different characteristics of each ball. I was also fortunate enough to receive the test balls also and did the same testing. Mine had red numbers so I figured they were ProV1x's? I mostly play ProV1x and the test balls outperformed my regular ones. I sometimes switch between the 2 ProV's depending on weather conditions. I have tried just about every tour ball out there and nothing beats a Titleist!! I know there are deals on ProV's right now but holding back hoping the test ones will come to market. Thanks Titleist #1 ball in golf!!

    Thanks for sharing, Jeffrey and thanks for the support! Curious about switching models depending on weather, though. Is this a feel consideration?

    Rick
  6. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Rick, I have played the Black (Prov1) test ball that was given out at the TT Invitational this year. Someone was not happy with his blacks and wanted to trade and I gave him my sleeve of reds and made him a happy camper. Was not able to do a comparison, but do not play the X. The new black ball (Prov1) is a very fine golf ball. I have used it in rounds I love the ball and the way it performs. In talking with the reps in this area they are very impressed with it's performance. The feedback that I am getting is that it is outperforming the Prov1x. Less spin and more carry. A performance enhancer for the Prov1. I cannot wait to see it come to market, because it might be one of the best balls Titleist has manufactured. It is also my understanding that the pros are very impressed with the new Prov1s performance. Cheers, Chuck.....
  7. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Chuck Z said:

    Rick, I have played the Black (Prov1) test ball that was given out at the TT Invitational this year. Someone was not happy with his blacks and wanted to trade and I gave him my sleeve of reds and made him a happy camper. Was not able to do a comparison, but do not play the X. The new black ball (Prov1) is a very fine golf ball. I have used it in rounds I love the ball and the way it performs. In talking with the reps in this area they are very impressed with it's performance. The feedback that I am getting is that it is outperforming the Prov1x. Less spin and more carry. A performance enhancer for the Prov1. I cannot wait to see it come to market, because it might be one of the best balls Titleist has manufactured. It is also my understanding that the pros are very impressed with the new Prov1s performance. Cheers, Chuck.....

    Hey, Chuck, hope all is well! I've heard some similar rumblings from guys on Tour who've been testing prototypes - that the new Pro V1 is going to be the choice for many players. We'll find out soon...

    Rick
  8. Dwayne N

    Dwayne N
    Island, KY

    I would love to do that but just haven't been able to yet
  9. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Dwayne N said:

    I would love to do that but just haven't been able to yet

    Dwayne, highly recommend the exercise. Hope you can get out there and give it a try. You'll definitely experience a few shots where one ball feels better or stops quicker or flies in the right window - something that registers with you and gives you confidence in your choice.

    Rick

  10. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    Hi Rick! I have done something very similar -- I used the "self course assessment" that Titleist used to have on its older website. I too, took the two balls (Pro V1 and Pro V1x) and worked backwards from the Green to the Tee Box. I took my time at the end of the day and dropped the balls side by side to gauge performance and their characteristics on and around the greens. Then from the fairways on approaches and finally off of the tee box.

    It is a similar process that I use when I receive the sleeve of test balls from Titleist as well!

    At the end of the process, I came to the considered realization that the Pro V1x balls performed best for me compared to the Pro V1's that I had been using. It really was an illuminating experience and a more objective way that had me questioning some of my basic assumptions about golf balls, performance characteristics and which suited my game better.
  11. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Dino J said:

    Hi Rick! I have done something very similar -- I used the "self course assessment" that Titleist used to have on its older website. I too, took the two balls (Pro V1 and Pro V1x) and worked backwards from the Green to the Tee Box. I took my time at the end of the day and dropped the balls side by side to gauge performance and their characteristics on and around the greens. Then from the fairways on approaches and finally off of the tee box.

    It is a similar process that I use when I receive the sleeve of test balls from Titleist as well!

    At the end of the process, I came to the considered realization that the Pro V1x balls performed best for me compared to the Pro V1's that I had been using. It really was an illuminating experience and a more objective way that had me questioning some of my basic assumptions about golf balls, performance characteristics and which suited my game better.

    Thanks for sharing your process, Dino. I know a lot of golfers tell us that they don't have access to a facility where they can work backwards, green-to-tee like you've described. Have any suggestions for TT members who don't have access to facilities like the one you tested on?

    Thanks!

    Rick
  12. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    Dino J

    Hi Rick! I have done something very similar -- I used the "self course assessment" that Titleist used to have on its older website. I too, took the two balls (Pro V1 and Pro V1x) and worked backwards from the Green to the Tee Box. I took my time at the end of the day and dropped the balls side by side to gauge performance and their characteristics on and around the greens. Then from the fairways on approaches and finally off of the tee box.

    It is a similar process that I use when I receive the sleeve of test balls from Titleist as well!

    At the end of the process, I came to the considered realization that the Pro V1x balls performed best for me compared to the Pro V1's that I had been using. It really was an illuminating experience and a more objective way that had me questioning some of my basic assumptions about golf balls, performance characteristics and which suited my game better.

    Hi Rick, well ... on one occasion, I played a full 18 with the two balls. I purposefully chose a quiet time of the day/week to do this so that it would not draw the ire of anyone else.

    After a couple of holes to make sure that I was loose, I then started to use the two balls. When my approach shot missed the green, I would start there with the two ball comparison. Then on the next hole, I would drop and use the two balls for my approach to the green. I did this on about 7-8 holes using the same club and intended shot.

    On the back 9, I then used the two balls off of the tee to see how they performed for me with the driver.

    I have done this on different occasions -- ie: play at a slower time of the day/week so that I could try two golf balls for the most part. I have also gone to a smaller executive course, when it was quieter and have played two balls off of the tee etc. (being a short executive course, your tee shots are more less your approach shots).
  13. pulplvr

    pulplvr
    Spring, TX

    Military
    Rick, that is basically what I have been able to do in the past when I've been comparing two balls, whether they are both Titleist or comparing another brand with my Pro V1's. i find that doing as you did, playing two balls and then hitting close-in shots really gives me the best basis for comparison. Of interest, I've been playing Pro V1's for years. At a recent Titleist-run ball testing session, however, it became clear that I was getting better descent angles and slightly better distance from the Pro V1x! So, once my current stash of Pro V1s is depleted, I'll be switching to the 1x. If fact, I just placed an order through My Pro V for two dozen personalized balls with the TT logo and the new MyProV emblem, continuing with my personal play number of 70. That's still my target score, though no longer my age.
  14. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    pulplvr said:

    Rick, that is basically what I have been able to do in the past when I've been comparing two balls, whether they are both Titleist or comparing another brand with my Pro V1's. i find that doing as you did, playing two balls and then hitting close-in shots really gives me the best basis for comparison. Of interest, I've been playing Pro V1's for years. At a recent Titleist-run ball testing session, however, it became clear that I was getting better descent angles and slightly better distance from the Pro V1x! So, once my current stash of Pro V1s is depleted, I'll be switching to the 1x. If fact, I just placed an order through My Pro V for two dozen personalized balls with the TT logo and the new MyProV emblem, continuing with my personal play number of 70. That's still my target score, though no longer my age.

    Hey, Ted. Thanks for sharing your findings. I saw the same thing in the descent angle differences, but a lower trajectory looks better to me lately, especially on the irons. So I'm leaning towards Pro V1. Not decided until I test a little more, especially in some stiff wind. I think that will tip the scales one way or another for me.

    Thanks!

    Rick
  15. Jared H

    Jared H
    Washington, UT

    I was able to hit around 15 tee shots with the new pro v1x at a team titleist photo/film shoot and the new ball had a more penetrating ball flight than the previous pro v1x. I was driving it through the doglegged fairway that I normally can't hit through. The ball flight is beautiful!
  16. Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff
    Duxbury, MA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Jared H said:

    I was able to hit around 15 tee shots with the new pro v1x at a team titleist photo/film shoot and the new ball had a more penetrating ball flight than the previous pro v1x. I was driving it through the doglegged fairway that I normally can't hit through. The ball flight is beautiful!

    Jared, very interesting about the more penetrating flight. Was it a prototype Pro V1x or did they have some advance 2017s at your shoot? Very excited regardless.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Rick
  17. Jeffery M

    Jeffery M

    Chuck, if the feedback you're getting is that the ProV is less spin and more carry than the X then why not just have one ball period. Just a ProV with the characteristics of both would be nice. I tested the red# balls and were a lot better than the X that I usually play. Would be nice to know which ball you were testing and if they were both the same ball?
  18. Steve L

    Steve L
    Framingham, MA

    I've done this experiment several times with Titleist balls and some competitors ( just for curiosity of course). I chose my preferred ball based on how well I score. When I'm playing my instincts tell me how hard or high to hit it. when the ball reacts the way I envision it then I'm happy. Other balls can preform equally as well , but for me , I have to change my natural feel for the shot and too many thoughts get in the way .
  19. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Rick - if only I get that much time. With a little less time, I've not seen a difference in the past around the greens as much as an improvement with the long clubs with the -1x for the last 2 releases. Rotating the 2015 -V1x with the test -V1x and -V1 (Pinehurst was special in so many ways...), the new Pro-V1 was as long as both -V1x's and a much better feel and result around the greens. Worth testing every release. Never know what you'll find - like switching to the Pro-V1 ball next season.
  20. David T

    David T
    Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

    Rick,

    I've done a ton of on-course testing between the two and for me the ProV1x works better for me. The problem for me with the Prov1 is I don't get hardly any roll in the fairway and it spins too much on the green.
    I can occasionally back-up the ProV which is completely unpredictable and usually means a 2-putt.
    I also took a bunch of each and hit countless putts on the putting green (even with my eyes closed) to see if there was any noticeable difference between the two. Here the V1 was a little softer but the X wasn't all that different.
    Lastly I've been taking balls to the practice area and hitting chips and pitches and bunker shots. For me this really helped with the decision process.
    Dave
  21. Jeffery M

    Jeffery M

    Rick, I switch between balls quite a bit on the ProV's because of feel and ball flight.I play in Ohio and spring its cold sometimes if weather permitting we play in late February then late fall into early December. I play a higher ball flight with most of my shots with the X and on colder windier days play the ProV, a little softer to me but not as much distance with the X. Maybe 5-6 yards shorter with irons and 10 with my tee shots. The new test balls I received were a best of both worlds to me as I feel I would only have to play one kind of ProV. Thanks!!
  22. masamitsu

    masamitsu
    Parker, CO

    Rick -
    I did the exact same thing a few years ago when deciding what was going to be my ball going forward. I was playing the Z-star but wanted to test all my options. I tested the ball for a few days in the same manner you did and the Prov1x produced the best result for me. It's been in my bag ever since...

    Aloha,
    Bert
  23. Chris Hatem

    Chris Hatem
    Boston

    My test is very similar to yours Rick. Lots of short game.
  24. Steve S

    Steve S
    Tuckerton, NJ

    Hello Rick V. Being lucky enough to work at a county course in Southern N.J. I have plenty of time in the morning to have the back 9 to myself. Great for testing Pro Vs. I have gone back and forth several times as to which one I like the most. I guess they are just great golf balls, period. I have filled out forms many times to get in on the testing part. Like everybody, I guess I just have to get lucky. Anyway, you guys do a great job. Titleist is not just the number 1 ball, it's the number 1 name in all of this great game. Great post, really enjoyed it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!
    Play Well,
    Steve S.
  25. Jeff T

    Jeff T

    the second golfer always plays better no matter the ball ; )

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