Titleist Begins Seeding 2027 ProV1 Golf Balls On The PGA Tour

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 15: A detailed view of a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball on a tee prior to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 15, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The Baycurrent Classic, played at the Yokohama Country Club in Japan, has a field of big name players, but the main story of the week might come from an equipment release – Titleist’s 2027 version of the ProV1 line of golf balls.

“Seeding” is the term used by golf equipment companies when they give the product to professionals to test, ahead of the public release. This week in Japan, many players will be using the 2027 version of ProV1 and ProV1x golf balls from Titleist.

Three weeks ago, during the Biltmore Championship, the golf balls first were seen on the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) conforming list. After months of research and lengthy feedback from players and designers, the ball is now being put into play by some professionals.

Professional players are notoriously picky about the golf ball they play. Many players such as Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas, Lottie Woad and Viktor Hovland have been quietly testing the new balls since this spring.

“When we’re in the middle of a testing session and a player asks me how soon he can play the new ball, I know we’re onto something,” Titleist’s Director of Tour Research & Validation, Fordie Pitts, said in a release. “That’s how it’s been the last couple months.”

While indoor swings and range sessions with a launch monitor can be helpful, professional players want to see how the golf ball reacts on the course, under all types of conditions. This leads to this “seeding” season where players are testing the balls in tournament conditions. Robert MacIntrye and Neil Shipley are among the players who have already put the 2027 version of the ProV1 or ProV1x into play.

Shipley had his career best round in Asheville, North Carolina, a few weeks ago at the Biltmore Championship. With the new ProV1 in play, Shipley fired a 62 in round two, his lowest round on the PGA Tour. He also had his best finish in his young PGA Tour career with a T3. It is safe to say that he will be gaming this ball for the foreseeable future.

If history tells us anything, Titleist should roll the newest version of the ProV1 out to the public in late January, around the PGA Merchandising show. Pro shop and store availability will likely follow in the spring.

Mike is a founding member of Break80 Golf and a contributing golf and sports writer for Forbes with PGA Tour and LIV Golf media credentials. Mike can be reached at break80podcast@gmail.com for inquiries or story leads.