How to choose the right golf ball

In this video, we observe the process of a Titleist ball fitting to see how amateur golfers can discover which golf ball offers the best performance for their game

In this video, we observe the process of a Titleist ball fitting to see how amateur golfers can discover which golf ball offers the best performance for their game

The golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every shot during a round so it makes sense to ensure you’re using the model best suited to your game. One way you can discover your perfect match is through a Titleist ball fitting, which all competitors at the recent Howdidido Grand Final at the Belfry, were lucky enough to go through.

We observed this process from start to finish it wouldn't be inaccurate to say that many of those that took part were positively surprised by their findings.

Titleist are the leader in golf balls and recommend a ‘green-to-tee’ strategy when it comes to prioritizing performance. In fact, a mere seven yards separates Titleist’s longest ball, the Titleist Pro V1x, and shortest balls in the brand’s entire range. Where the more significant differences lie is in the short game performance – spin control from shots of 100 yards and in.

Titleist ball fitting

The first stage of a Titleist ball fitting is a game assessment. In consultation with your fitter, between you both it will be established what you look for from your ball and how big an impact price and personal preference has on your decision. You then try all of Titleist’s different models in and around the short game area, hitting putts, chip and pitches of various lengths and from different lies to assess feel, flight and greenside control.

The second stage moves you to the course, whereby golfers then hit a wider variety of shots including irons shots and drives but still placing an emphasis on the performance experienced into and around the green.

Titleist ball fitting

From your testing and discussions with your fitter, you’ll receive a recommended ball and an alternative ball to try on the course over a longer period of time, hitting different shots from different lies. This is the final part of the fitting process, after which you will have hopefully gained enough insight into which ball models works best for you and be fully confident that under pressure, your ball is going to do exactly what you expect it to time after time.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x