Of all the new golf balls out for 2019 — and every brand has debuted them this week at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando — it’s easy to predict that the most-popular will likely be the latest versions of the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x. These are history’s most successful golf balls, in terms of sales, Tour wins and general amateur usage. The Pro V1’s been around since 2001 and the Pro V1x since 2003 — with new editions emerging every two years. The 2019 models are billed as being faster — meaning you’ll hit them longer. Their thinner, cast urethane covers rev up ball speed. Inside, a faster ionomeric casing layer and new core also contribute to more distance, as well. Yet both balls still stop nice and quickly when they hit the green with short irons. And this go-around, Titleist will offer the balls in high optic yellow (starting in mid-March) — in addition to the plain old white that’s available now. Some 200-plus Tour pros are already smitten with the new balls — none more than Charles Howell III who won the RSM Classic — his first PGA Tour victory in 11 years — the week he first switched to the new Pro V1.
