The Titleist Golf Ball Fitting I Never Knew I Needed

By Portia Hill | @portia_lianagolf

Getting fitted for golf clubs feels like one of those big steps we take when getting into golf. We learn quickly why having the right shaft, loft, and lie matters and eventually we become attached to the clubs we know and trust.

But what about the golf ball?

Recently I had an amazing opportunity with Team Titleist to go through the process and learn which golf ball was better suited to my golf game.

I’ll admit, choosing a golf ball has always been far more habitual for me. I find one I like - it feels good, and I keep playing it. 

That was exactly what I wanted to challenge during my Titleist fitting. Why do we put so much thought into every club that goes into our bag, yet give so little attention to the one piece of equipment that is there for every single shot?

As a PGA Associate, I was conscious that my ball fitting experience might be very different to someone who has just begun their golfing journey. So, throughout the fitting, I kept coming back to how the average golfer, particularly women, would benefit from this. 

Would they benefit from a golf ball fitting?

Would they need to understand Trackman Data?

Would their swing need to be consistent enough for the fitting to work?

In short: Absolutely, they would benefit from a golf ball fitting. The data will track the average of YOUR golf shots and quickly determine the best ball for YOUR game. 

All you really need to do is hit your normal golf shots.

The Experience 

The moment I started my Titleist ball fitting, the experience was incredibly seamless. It took around 30 minutes. The fitting started with a short questionnaire, looking at what I prefer and what I am ultimately looking for. This ranged from the flight off the tee to the spin around the greens. The process was surprisingly quick, only 12 swings in total! Three half-wedge shots, three pitching wedges, three 7-irons, and three drivers.

What I found particularly interesting was that half of the shots I hit were wedges. Titleist has created an effective golf ball fitting methodology focused on the areas of the game where players are most likely to score. Taking a green-to-tee approach rather than starting with the driver.  

From talking with the team, wedge shots establish a baseline of how the ball performs at the scoring end of the game. Then, once that was recorded, we could validate the data through the 7 iron and finally, the driver. This really shifted my perspective on how I thought the golf ball performed. I know I am guilty of this, but we are all so focused on how far the ball travels off the tee; but, in doing so, we can easily overlook the importance of those 50-metre wedge shots and approaches into the green. The shots where having the right ball and control can really make a difference.

I think for women and newer golfers, one of the biggest takeaways from this fitting was that you don't need to select a ball simply based on your handicap or swing speed. The golf ball fitting will simply find the ball that best complements your individual game.

One thing I really like about Titleist’s approach to fitting is that equipment isn’t simply categorised by who they think should be using it. “The golf ball doesn’t know your gender, age, or handicap; it simply responds to how you deliver the club.” - Glenn Feast. 

This really resonated with me.

I took up golf around 15 years ago, and I was basically told, “Pro V1 is the ball for you.” So that’s what I played. I never really questioned if I should use another ball. 

However, this year I have moved into playing more competitive golf and started learning more about my equipment. When I went into this fitting, I knew I wanted to see a higher ball flight. I found that talking through the type of flight I wanted to see with the Titleist fitter piqued my curiosity more to see if a different ball could help improve my game. 

Now to the interesting part… For 15 years, I have habitually played the Pro V1. When the results came back, my attitude changed, with the fitting actually suggesting the Pro V1x was the better ball for me. Time for me to put that to the test! Picture of golf ball box with an arrow

RAPID FIRE WITH TEAM TITLEIST

If I hit the ball higher, will I lose distance?

Higher does not automatically mean shorter. It’s a common misconception that a higher ball flight means less distance. The right combination of launch and spin can actually help maximise your carry distance.

Does swing speed determine which golf ball I should play?

Not on its own. Your golf ball needs to perform across every swing speed you produce from a greenside wedge through to your driver. The fitting looks at your overall game rather than putting you into a ball based solely on swing speed.

Do the clubs I use dictate which golf ball I should play?

No. Golf ball fitting is club brand agnostic. It doesn't matter which brand of clubs are in your bag. Your recommendation comes down to how you deliver the club and how the golf ball performs for your individual game.

Why are six of the 12 shots in the fitting wedges?

Because that's where we score. Our methodology works from green to tee. The wedges establish the performance we're looking for in the scoring clubs, the irons help validate what we're seeing, and then we move back to the driver.

So, where and how can I get fitted?

Titleist offers 3 fitting options to fit your schedule. Because we all know how busy life gets.

The Curious Gal: 

Curious about which ball is better suited for you?

Answer a few questions about your game through Titleist's online golf ball selector. It will recommend your best ball for your game. 

The Let's Get It Done Gal:

Book a fitting at your nearest location, and in just 12 swings, a Titleist fitter will use the TrackMan data to recommend the ball that best suits your game. 

The Busy Gal:

If your schedule is busy and you would love to get a Titleist ball fitting. This consultation is done entirely online and will replicate the same conversation you would have in person. You're one step closer to the right ball for your game.

A golf ball fitting isn't just for good golfers. If anything, taking away some of the guesswork could be even more valuable for someone still learning their game.

In Partnership with Titleist.