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Titleist golf ball study; Finally, some facts added to the debate


Roadking2003

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What's the big deal? So the game becomes a little bit harder - although for you it will probably be a 5 yard difference. It's golf. If you want an easier game, try lawn darts.

 

The unarguable point is that since that course that you play was laid out, equipment has changed quite a bit for the game. In fact, in no other time period of the game, not even with the advent of the steel shaft or the wound ball, has the game changed as much in a 20 year period as it has from 1993 to 2013. Unarguable.

 

I agree with the bolded part. So what? What is the problem you and Jack are trying to solve?

 

that a lot of the skill, and strategy of the game has been removed via technology. that time to play, and cost to maintain golf courses are directly impacted by the required length of the modern game. that agronomy practices demanded by the public could be dialed back, and consequently make the game easier and more welcoming to beginners.

 

i have yet to hear any architect say that distance is not a problem.

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What's the big deal? So the game becomes a little bit harder - although for you it will probably be a 5 yard difference. It's golf. If you want an easier game, try lawn darts.

 

The unarguable point is that since that course that you play was laid out, equipment has changed quite a bit for the game. In fact, in no other time period of the game, not even with the advent of the steel shaft or the wound ball, has the game changed as much in a 20 year period as it has from 1993 to 2013. Unarguable.

 

I agree with the bolded part. So what? What is the problem you and Jack are trying to solve?

 

that a lot of the skill scores have not appreciably changed on tour or for amateurs at home, and strategy of the game has been removed via technology strategy-like in other games-have changed but not been removed. that time to play, and cost to maintain golf courses are directly impacted by the required length of the modern game our home courses certainly do not require lengthening. Some feel tour courses do others do not feel that way. that agronomy practices demanded by the public could be dialed back, and consequently make the game easier and more welcoming to beginners go for it-has nothing to do with changing the ball.

 

i have yet to hear any architect say that distance is not a problem.

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What's the big deal? So the game becomes a little bit harder - although for you it will probably be a 5 yard difference. It's golf. If you want an easier game, try lawn darts.

 

The unarguable point is that since that course that you play was laid out, equipment has changed quite a bit for the game. In fact, in no other time period of the game, not even with the advent of the steel shaft or the wound ball, has the game changed as much in a 20 year period as it has from 1993 to 2013. Unarguable.

 

I agree with the bolded part. So what? What is the problem you and Jack are trying to solve?

 

You can read his interview. I think that the point is making short golf courses relevant in order to decrease the time it takes to play 18 to 3-1/2 hours from 5 hours. He said that no other game takes as long as golf.

 

If this is true, then he is completely out of touch... :swoon:

 

...the most time on the course is lost by waiting, and not by walking.

 

And waiting correlates to slow play, which makes the difference whether you can play a 7000 yards course, in 3-1/2 hours, or 5 hours...

...you can verify this, every time you play.

 

It is impossible to reduce the time to play 18 holes from 5 hours to 3-1/2 hours solely by shortening a 7000 yards course,

because you can walk 7000 yards in ONE hour! :read:

 

Sorry, but I don't want to be fooled by Nicklaus - especially not with such an obvious nonsense!

 

Walk time is probably closer to 2 hours if you include green to tee distance. It's pretty well established that tee time spacing is pretty effective in reducing playing time. Stretching out tee times is not a problem given that the number of players has been reduced. I play primarily at two clubs, one with 8 minutes between times and one with 10 minutes. The course with 10 minute times is much less congested. Short delays work themselves out rather than forming a traffic jam.

 

Our 7000 yards course has a total length (including the distances to the club house, and green to tee distances) of roughly 10500 yards.

 

So, that it doesn't matter whether you play the course from the 6000 yards tee boxes, or the 7000 yards tee boxes, because you have to walk 10500 yards anyway...

...which is done in 1 1/2 hours btw...

 

...thus, shortening the course would save neither time, nor money!

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i know this is a very vocal "don't take my guns.....i mean yards away!!!!" crowd, but i don't care.

 

the mid to long iron game has basically been lost for better than average players. shot shaping and control is diminished year after year. even in the short time i've been playing this game, the ball is very noticeable harder to curve.

 

the "strategy" now is to hit it over all the hazards and wedge it onto the green.

 

i get really sick of this idea that there's basically only duffers that can't hit it 200yds, and tour players. there ARE plenty of people out there that hit it 250-300yds, and the game of golf is for them too, not just the lowest common denominator. a good golf course incorporates strategy, thought, and options for players of all skill levels. one idea frequently kicked around that really irks me is narrowing fairways and adding bunkers/hazards at distances people better than them hit it. i believe that's misguided because that increases difficulty for everybody, making it even less likely they'll reach the green in two, or be able to hold it if they do.

 

the more multi dimensional the game is, the more rewarding and enjoyable it is to play. that's being lost at a rapid rate.

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the mid to long iron game has basically been lost for better than average players. shot shaping and control is diminished year after year. even in the short time i've been playing this game, the ball is very noticeable harder to curve.

 

the "strategy" now is to hit it over all the hazards and wedge it onto the green.

 

Any stats to back up that opinion?

 

i get really sick of this idea that there's basically only duffers that can't hit it 200yds, and tour players. there ARE plenty of people out there that hit it 250-300yds, and the game of golf is for them too, not just the lowest common denominator. a good golf course incorporates strategy, thought, and options for players of all skill levels. one idea frequently kicked around that really irks me is narrowing fairways and adding bunkers/hazards at distances people better than them hit it. i believe that's misguided because that increases difficulty for everybody, making it even less likely they'll reach the green in two, or be able to hold it if they do.

 

I can assure you that narrowing the fairway at 320 - 350 yards will not make the course more difficult for me.

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the mid to long iron game has basically been lost for better than average players. shot shaping and control is diminished year after year. even in the short time i've been playing this game, the ball is very noticeable harder to curve.

 

the "strategy" now is to hit it over all the hazards and wedge it onto the green.

 

Any stats to back up that opinion?

 

i get really sick of this idea that there's basically only duffers that can't hit it 200yds, and tour players. there ARE plenty of people out there that hit it 250-300yds, and the game of golf is for them too, not just the lowest common denominator. a good golf course incorporates strategy, thought, and options for players of all skill levels. one idea frequently kicked around that really irks me is narrowing fairways and adding bunkers/hazards at distances people better than them hit it. i believe that's misguided because that increases difficulty for everybody, making it even less likely they'll reach the green in two, or be able to hold it if they do.

 

I can assure you that narrowing the fairway at 320 - 350 yards will not make the course more difficult for me.

 

Hey don’t go pinching in my layup area!!!!

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Our 7000 yards course has a total length (including the distances to the club house, and green to tee distances) of roughly 10500 yards.

 

So, that it doesn't matter whether you play the course from the 6000 yards tee boxes, or the 7000 yards tee boxes, because you have to walk 10500 yards anyway...

...which is done in 1 1/2 hours btw...

 

...thus, shortening the course would save neither time, nor money!

 

Average brisk walking pace is 3.0-3.1 mph rather than the 4 mph you imply. That's my speed and I'm off the rack average.

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Our 7000 yards course has a total length (including the distances to the club house, and green to tee distances) of roughly 10500 yards.

 

So, that it doesn't matter whether you play the course from the 6000 yards tee boxes, or the 7000 yards tee boxes, because you have to walk 10500 yards anyway...

...which is done in 1 1/2 hours btw...

 

...thus, shortening the course would save neither time, nor money!

 

Average brisk walking pace is 3.0-3.1 mph rather than the 4 mph you imply. That's my speed and I'm off the rack average.

 

Well, in Europe, we assume 6 km/h, which equates 1000 meter in 10 minutes, which equates 1094 yards in 10 minutes...

 

...at least this is what I learned around 30 years ago.

 

btw I have a average walking speed of more than 7 km/h...

 

...thus I already tried to make a understatement.

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the mid to long iron game has basically been lost for better than average players. shot shaping and control is diminished year after year. even in the short time i've been playing this game, the ball is very noticeable harder to curve.

 

the "strategy" now is to hit it over all the hazards and wedge it onto the green.

 

Any stats to back up that opinion?

 

do you want me to walk you through a yardage book? you can start by doing math on a given hole to see what kind of club a better than average player will be hitting into the green. figure an average 300yd drive and 195yd 6i. that basically means you've got to have a 500yd par 4 to even get into the mid irons of a better players bag. then evaluate your yardage book and any hazard that's less than a 275 carry is going to get s*** on by the ball as it flies overhead. what SEEMS like a long par 4 at 450 yards is really just a driver and a PW.

 

i get really sick of this idea that there's basically only duffers that can't hit it 200yds, and tour players. there ARE plenty of people out there that hit it 250-300yds, and the game of golf is for them too, not just the lowest common denominator. a good golf course incorporates strategy, thought, and options for players of all skill levels. one idea frequently kicked around that really irks me is narrowing fairways and adding bunkers/hazards at distances people better than them hit it. i believe that's misguided because that increases difficulty for everybody, making it even less likely they'll reach the green in two, or be able to hold it if they do.

 

I can assure you that narrowing the fairway at 320 - 350 yards will not make the course more difficult for me.

 

well it does, because as noted above, that's where the 2nd shot for many end up. be it punch out from the trees, 2nd from a fairway bunker, or a 200yd drive and 150yd hybrid. narrow the fairways, grow the rough, firm up the greens, tuck pins, and add bunkers are challenges for everyone, not just better players.

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the mid to long iron game has basically been lost for better than average players. shot shaping and control is diminished year after year. even in the short time i've been playing this game, the ball is very noticeable harder to curve.

 

the "strategy" now is to hit it over all the hazards and wedge it onto the green.

 

Any stats to back up that opinion?

 

do you want me to walk you through a yardage book? you can start by doing math on a given hole to see what kind of club a better than average player will be hitting into the green. figure an average 300yd drive and 195yd 6i. that basically means you've got to have a 500yd par 4 to even get into the mid irons of a better players bag. then evaluate your yardage book and any hazard that's less than a 275 carry is going to get s*** on by the ball as it flies overhead. what SEEMS like a long par 4 at 450 yards is really just a driver and a PW.

 

i get really sick of this idea that there's basically only duffers that can't hit it 200yds, and tour players. there ARE plenty of people out there that hit it 250-300yds, and the game of golf is for them too, not just the lowest common denominator. a good golf course incorporates strategy, thought, and options for players of all skill levels. one idea frequently kicked around that really irks me is narrowing fairways and adding bunkers/hazards at distances people better than them hit it. i believe that's misguided because that increases difficulty for everybody, making it even less likely they'll reach the green in two, or be able to hold it if they do.

 

I can assure you that narrowing the fairway at 320 - 350 yards will not make the course more difficult for me.

 

well it does, because as noted above, that's where the 2nd shot for many end up. be it punch out from the trees, 2nd from a fairway bunker, or a 200yd drive and 150yd hybrid. narrow the fairways, grow the rough, firm up the greens, tuck pins, and add bunkers are challenges for everyone, not just better players.

 

Well it would still be easier for the shorter accurate players then, don't you think?

 

Especially since we are talking about a magical ball that only goes shorter for long guys. That thing will be left and right like a wiffle ball for big hitters. Perfect handicap device for the lengthonal challenged.

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This is a PGA Tour issue (where it actually is not an issue) versus a USGA issue. The USGA is supposed to support the game and concerns for golf as a whole, not the PGA Tour specifically. Driving distance increases is not an issue for the vast majority of amateur golfers. How does golf, as a whole, benefit from dialing back distances a golf ball can achieve? Along that same line, how does the PGA Tour benefit? Do we want to watch DJ, Rory, or JT smash drives of 250 or 350? I understand the beauty is in the eye of the beholder on this matter. Some may want to see a more strategic approach on the PGA Tour based on limited distance. Others want to see DJ blasting 375 yard bombs on some holes. But, I personally don't think the USGA has any business telling me, as a recreational golfer, that a conforming ball can only have X scientifically engineered capability of obtaining a maximum distance.

I use golf clubs, 14 to be exact!  Mostly my putter though!

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Do you realize that Titleist being the top dog has the most to lose if they do anything to the golf ball? Not surprising they would come out with something saying rolling back the ball is not a good idea or needed.

 

How so? They aren't the longest premium ball right now so how would this impact them more so then any other company like Callaway or TM?

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Titleist are by far the most popular multipiece urethane ball on all the professional Tours and the most popular in retail sales. Those two facts are not unconnected.

 

As the market stands right now (and has for decades) Bridgestone has no chance of significant market share growth relative to Titleist in that profitable segment. The public does buy golf balls based on what is used on Tour. That is demonstrably an effective marketing strategy as it has been for a long, long time.

 

So Bridgestone would love for the Big, Bad USGA (or their Big, Bad PGA Tour) to step in and force a disconnect between the balls played on Tour and the balls played by retail golfers. If you competitor has you beat cold using one strategy, of course you'd like somebody to stamp out that strategy by the stroke of a pen.

 

It has NOTHING to do with ball performance. All the major brands of multipiece urethane balls perform to within a tiny fraction of the maximum allowed under the Rules.

 

Bridgestone is the equivalent of a child losing at a game who wants Mommy to step in and change the rules for him in mid-game.

 

Bridgestone's idea is to get their mouthpieces like Tiger to cause a groundswell of public pressure, forcing USGA to say basically, "Attention everyone! Starting next year there will be a ridiculously poor performing ball used by all professionals. Unless you want to give up 20% of your distance you'll have to buy the special ball for non-professional play". Then Bridgestone can fight it out in a brand new market that's never existed before at least have a vain hope of catching up with Titleist. Probably by continuing their idiotic "ball fitting" type thing.

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Do you realize that Titleist being the top dog has the most to lose if they do anything to the golf ball? Not surprising they would come out with something saying rolling back the ball is not a good idea or needed.

 

How so? They aren't the longest premium ball right now so how would this impact them more so then any other company like Callaway or TM?

 

Never said they were the longest but consumers may “feel” that Titleist is not “above” or better than the other brands if they perceive the balls to be more regulated and less differentiation. I do not think it is a coincidence, in my opinion, that from what I have seen/read, Titleist is the most vocal on this topic.

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Titleist is the most vocal because they have the most to lose. There has been a principle of "same equipment and ball rules for everyone" for as long as there have been ball and implement Rules. During that century or so, Titleist has built up the most bullet proof and successful golf ball brand and continues to rake in profits from that first-place position.

 

So yeah, when people start pitching the idea that for the first time ever there should be special Rules that say good players and hackers are going to be segmented into separate markets it is going to be Titleist advocating for sticking to the traditional way of writing the Rules.

 

It's in their best interest but also in the best interest of golfers who don't want to see a bunch of loudmouth idiots ruin the way the game has always been governed.

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Titleist are by far the most popular multipiece urethane ball on all the professional Tours and the most popular in retail sales. Those two facts are not unconnected.

 

As the market stands right now (and has for decades) Bridgestone has no chance of significant market share growth relative to Titleist in that profitable segment. The public does buy golf balls based on what is used on Tour. That is demonstrably an effective marketing strategy as it has been for a long, long time.

 

So Bridgestone would love for the Big, Bad USGA (or their Big, Bad PGA Tour) to step in and force a disconnect between the balls played on Tour and the balls played by retail golfers. If you competitor has you beat cold using one strategy, of course you'd like somebody to stamp out that strategy by the stroke of a pen.

 

It has NOTHING to do with ball performance. All the major brands of multipiece urethane balls perform to within a tiny fraction of the maximum allowed under the Rules.

 

Bridgestone is the equivalent of a child losing at a game who wants Mommy to step in and change the rules for him in mid-game.

 

Bridgestone's idea is to get their mouthpieces like Tiger to cause a groundswell of public pressure, forcing USGA to say basically, "Attention everyone! Starting next year there will be a ridiculously poor performing ball used by all professionals. Unless you want to give up 20% of your distance you'll have to buy the special ball for non-professional play". Then Bridgestone can fight it out in a brand new market that's never existed before at least have a vain hope of catching up with Titleist. Probably by continuing their idiotic "ball fitting" type thing.

 

Titleist's market share in the ball category drops each year, club sales are terrible so we won't go there. This could speed up their decline in losing the ball market but either way it's on the decline. Too many good balls out there and the public is figuring that out which is why another companies ball (Callaway Chrome Soft) leads in big box store sales like Dicks. Titleist had a stranglehold on the ball market because they did a fantastic job at marketing and capturing green grass accounts especially at private clubs where they cut the pro's a deal to be exclusive with Titleist. Well times are changing and those deals are disappearing faster then the white rhino in Africa. They already lost big box, next is the continuing decline in pro shops. Titleist makes a great ball but so do others and with golf ball companies popping up left and right it's like a million tiny asteroids hitting planet Titleist. Eventually the constant nibbling by these small fish adds up not too mention someone like Callaway who's taking shark sized bites of flesh and has already proven they are capable of taking down massive companies (Taylormade)

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Yes and we all know that Callaway and Taylormade (or the sainted Costco) are morally superior enterprises to the evil Titleist empire. So anything that is bad for Titleist is good for golf, right?

 

Never said Titleist was an evil empire i'm just discussing the business side of whats going on already in the marketplace. If i was Titleist i would be extremely concerned and start focusing on increasing my club market share to offset some of the ball loss. I mean Footjoy has taken a massive hit as well. Nike, Adidas, Sketchers, ect has come in and taken large chunks of market share. Clothing the same. My point is there are so many good brands now that no 1 company will dominate that way again. Titleist isn't going away they just aren't going to be so far ahead anymore. Ultimately that benefits consumers.

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Titleist TSR2+ / Fuji Ventus Black TR 7X               

Callaway UW / Fuji Ventu Black 8X

Edel SMS iron 4-5 / DG TI X100 /////  SMS PRO irons 6-PW / DG TI X100

Edel SMS 50V, 54T, 60T / DG TI S400/ BGT ZNE 130

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Yes and we all know that Callaway and Taylormade (or the sainted Costco) are morally superior enterprises to the evil Titleist empire. So anything that is bad for Titleist is good for golf, right?

 

Never said Titleist was an evil empire i'm just discussing the business side of whats going on already in the marketplace. If i was Titleist i would be extremely concerned and start focusing on increasing my club market share to offset some of the ball loss. I mean Footjoy has taken a massive hit as well. Nike, Adidas, Sketchers, ect has come in and taken large chunks of market share. Clothing the same. My point is there are so many good brands now that no 1 company will dominate that way again. Titleist isn't going away they just aren't going to be so far ahead anymore. Ultimately that benefits consumers.

 

How does it benefit consumers if they buy a $4 golf ball from Callaway or Bridgestone instead of a functionally equivalent $4 golf ball from Titleist?

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Yes and we all know that Callaway and Taylormade (or the sainted Costco) are morally superior enterprises to the evil Titleist empire. So anything that is bad for Titleist is good for golf, right?

 

Never said Titleist was an evil empire i'm just discussing the business side of whats going on already in the marketplace. If i was Titleist i would be extremely concerned and start focusing on increasing my club market share to offset some of the ball loss. I mean Footjoy has taken a massive hit as well. Nike, Adidas, Sketchers, ect has come in and taken large chunks of market share. Clothing the same. My point is there are so many good brands now that no 1 company will dominate that way again. Titleist isn't going away they just aren't going to be so far ahead anymore. Ultimately that benefits consumers.

 

How does it benefit consumers if they buy a $4 golf ball from Callaway or Bridgestone instead of a functionally equivalent $4 golf ball from Titleist?

 

I don't think it benefits anyone to pay $4 for a golf ball. As for Titleist they are the most expensive premium ball and have worked really hard to make sure people know that. It worked for them for a long time. Perceived value is a strong marketing tactic. Nowadays people are seeking value hence why so many companies are hitting the $30-35 price point for a premium urethane ball.

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Titleist TSR2+ / Fuji Ventus Black TR 7X               

Callaway UW / Fuji Ventu Black 8X

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At some point, with perfectly acceptable multilayer urethane balls at every price point from a buck-fifty on up, you gotta think maybe someone paying $50 for a dozen ProV1x actually just wants to buy some $50 golf balls.

 

As long as PXG can thrive, I don't worry too much about the continuing supply for $4/ball golf ball customers!

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At some point, with perfectly acceptable multilayer urethane balls at every price point from a buck-fifty on up, you gotta think maybe someone paying $50 for a dozen ProV1x actually just wants to buy some $50 golf balls.

 

As long as PXG can thrive, I don't worry too much about the continuing supply for $4/ball golf ball customers!

 

I agree. I'm interested to see how the Callaway Chrome Soft X sells at it's new higher price point.

Titleist TSR3 8* / Fuji Ventus Black TR 6X               

Titleist TSR2+ / Fuji Ventus Black TR 7X               

Callaway UW / Fuji Ventu Black 8X

Edel SMS iron 4-5 / DG TI X100 /////  SMS PRO irons 6-PW / DG TI X100

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Edel PROTO




 

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Titleist are by far the most popular multipiece urethane ball on all the professional Tours and the most popular in retail sales. Those two facts are not unconnected.

 

As the market stands right now (and has for decades) Bridgestone has no chance of significant market share growth relative to Titleist in that profitable segment. The public does buy golf balls based on what is used on Tour. That is demonstrably an effective marketing strategy as it has been for a long, long time.

 

So Bridgestone would love for the Big, Bad USGA (or their Big, Bad PGA Tour) to step in and force a disconnect between the balls played on Tour and the balls played by retail golfers. If you competitor has you beat cold using one strategy, of course you'd like somebody to stamp out that strategy by the stroke of a pen.

 

It has NOTHING to do with ball performance. All the major brands of multipiece urethane balls perform to within a tiny fraction of the maximum allowed under the Rules.

 

Bridgestone is the equivalent of a child losing at a game who wants Mommy to step in and change the rules for him in mid-game.

 

Bridgestone's idea is to get their mouthpieces like Tiger to cause a groundswell of public pressure, forcing USGA to say basically, "Attention everyone! Starting next year there will be a ridiculously poor performing ball used by all professionals. Unless you want to give up 20% of your distance you'll have to buy the special ball for non-professional play". Then Bridgestone can fight it out in a brand new market that's never existed before at least have a vain hope of catching up with Titleist. Probably by continuing their idiotic "ball fitting" type thing.

 

You do realise that the only reason that Titleist is in the position they are in with the ball is because they were on the brink of losing the whole of the ball market and resorted to stealing patents from Spalding (Callaway) and Bridgestone to develop the Pro V1? The settlements were made out of court so it is unlikely that we will ever know what the terms were. There was talk of sharing technologies and patents but it is my guess that Titleist have got all of their eggs in the Pro V basket and do not have anything else. If the Pro V is compromised, Titleist will be fatally wounded and that is why they vigorously fight any challenge. I would go so far to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some link, buried down very deep, between someone in power at the PGA Tour and Titleist and they work together to protect their mutual interests (i.e. cash in the pocket).

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Titleist are by far the most popular multipiece urethane ball on all the professional Tours and the most popular in retail sales. Those two facts are not unconnected.

 

As the market stands right now (and has for decades) Bridgestone has no chance of significant market share growth relative to Titleist in that profitable segment. The public does buy golf balls based on what is used on Tour. That is demonstrably an effective marketing strategy as it has been for a long, long time.

 

So Bridgestone would love for the Big, Bad USGA (or their Big, Bad PGA Tour) to step in and force a disconnect between the balls played on Tour and the balls played by retail golfers. If you competitor has you beat cold using one strategy, of course you'd like somebody to stamp out that strategy by the stroke of a pen.

 

It has NOTHING to do with ball performance. All the major brands of multipiece urethane balls perform to within a tiny fraction of the maximum allowed under the Rules.

 

Bridgestone is the equivalent of a child losing at a game who wants Mommy to step in and change the rules for him in mid-game.

 

Bridgestone's idea is to get their mouthpieces like Tiger to cause a groundswell of public pressure, forcing USGA to say basically, "Attention everyone! Starting next year there will be a ridiculously poor performing ball used by all professionals. Unless you want to give up 20% of your distance you'll have to buy the special ball for non-professional play". Then Bridgestone can fight it out in a brand new market that's never existed before at least have a vain hope of catching up with Titleist. Probably by continuing their idiotic "ball fitting" type thing.

 

You do realise that the only reason that Titleist is in the position they are in with the ball is because they were on the brink of losing the whole of the ball market and resorted to stealing patents from Spalding (Callaway) and Bridgestone to develop the Pro V1? The settlements were made out of court so it is unlikely that we will ever know what the terms were. There was talk of sharing technologies and patents but it is my guess that Titleist have got all of their eggs in the Pro V basket and do not have anything else. If the Pro V is compromised, Titleist will be fatally wounded and that is why they vigorously fight any challenge. I would go so far to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some link, buried down very deep, between someone in power at the PGA Tour and Titleist and they work together to protect their mutual interests (i.e. cash in the pocket).

 

Give it a rest. Every company in that business has sued and been sued repeatedly.

 

That's a decades old corporate legal proceeding that was settled. It has nothing to do with anything in 2018.

 

It is truly amazing the fervor of anti-Titleist zealotry on this forum.

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Titleist are by far the most popular multipiece urethane ball on all the professional Tours and the most popular in retail sales. Those two facts are not unconnected.

 

As the market stands right now (and has for decades) Bridgestone has no chance of significant market share growth relative to Titleist in that profitable segment. The public does buy golf balls based on what is used on Tour. That is demonstrably an effective marketing strategy as it has been for a long, long time.

 

So Bridgestone would love for the Big, Bad USGA (or their Big, Bad PGA Tour) to step in and force a disconnect between the balls played on Tour and the balls played by retail golfers. If you competitor has you beat cold using one strategy, of course you'd like somebody to stamp out that strategy by the stroke of a pen.

 

It has NOTHING to do with ball performance. All the major brands of multipiece urethane balls perform to within a tiny fraction of the maximum allowed under the Rules.

 

Bridgestone is the equivalent of a child losing at a game who wants Mommy to step in and change the rules for him in mid-game.

 

Bridgestone's idea is to get their mouthpieces like Tiger to cause a groundswell of public pressure, forcing USGA to say basically, "Attention everyone! Starting next year there will be a ridiculously poor performing ball used by all professionals. Unless you want to give up 20% of your distance you'll have to buy the special ball for non-professional play". Then Bridgestone can fight it out in a brand new market that's never existed before at least have a vain hope of catching up with Titleist. Probably by continuing their idiotic "ball fitting" type thing.

 

You do realise that the only reason that Titleist is in the position they are in with the ball is because they were on the brink of losing the whole of the ball market and resorted to stealing patents from Spalding (Callaway) and Bridgestone to develop the Pro V1? The settlements were made out of court so it is unlikely that we will ever know what the terms were. There was talk of sharing technologies and patents but it is my guess that Titleist have got all of their eggs in the Pro V basket and do not have anything else. If the Pro V is compromised, Titleist will be fatally wounded and that is why they vigorously fight any challenge. I would go so far to say that I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some link, buried down very deep, between someone in power at the PGA Tour and Titleist and they work together to protect their mutual interests (i.e. cash in the pocket).

 

Give it a rest. Every company in that business has sued and been sued repeatedly.

 

That's a decades old corporate legal proceeding that was settled. It has nothing to do with anything in 2018.

 

It is truly amazing the fervor of anti-Titleist zealotry on this forum.

 

It has everything to do 2018 if you realise where Titleist have come from and what they are trying to protect. Wally Uihlein has said that the Pro V1 saved Titleist. Without it they’re gone. When you read the judgement notes and recognise the underhanded tactics and lies Titleist told in court to try and get off the hook you begin to realise how dirty they really are...my eyes were truly opened. This coming from someone who was a fan of the two year product cycles and perceived quality of the brand.

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Do you realize that Titleist being the top dog has the most to lose if they do anything to the golf ball? Not surprising they would come out with something saying rolling back the ball is not a good idea or needed.

 

Why do you say that? They dominate the market and will dominate if the ball is changed. In fact, if the ball is changed everyone will have to buy new balls.

 

There is no reason to think Titleist would not dominate the market regardless of what changes.

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There is no reason to think Titleist would not dominate the market regardless of what changes.

 

If the Tour or USGA were to somehow ensure that no amateurs played the type of ball being used by Tour players, that would be one of the main underpinnings of Titleist's entire marketing strategy eliminated at the stroke of a pen.

 

Who knows, three-quarters of a century ago they figured out a way to rise to the top of the industry. Kick 'em to the curb and make 'em start over and maybe they'd come out on top again.

 

But it's kind of like taking the team that's up 28-10 at the start of the fourth quarter and saying, "If you were good enough to win the first three quarters you're good enough to win the fourth quarter. The score is now 0-0, play hard!".

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