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New Titleist EXP-01 golf ball: Giving all golfers the prototype testing experience

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A blank Titleist “white box” of prototype balls always gets a golfer’s heart racing. Fortunately, Titleist is bringing that experience to every consumer with the launch of the EXP-01 ball to select pro shops and retailers in North America starting October 1st.

If you are unfamiliar with the “white box experience,” let me get you up to speed: As the undisputed leader in golf balls, Titleist is constantly testing and prototyping in research and development, and also with players of all skill levels—from professionals to amateurs alike. Unless you are part of the process as a professional, the next best thing is being a part of Team Titleist, where you can opt in to potentially test and give feedback directly to Titleist on sample sleeves.

With the EXP-01, Titleist is being very hush-hush on the exact specs of the ball, and for good reason—they want you, the golfer, to give them as much unbiased feedback as possible and approach testing with an open mind—and I pushed for answers! The initial limited release is very similar to how Titleist first launched the now hugely popular AVX ball—before it was rolled out in full release.

From Titleist

“EXP•01 is being released as part of the Titleist EXP Project, a new and ongoing initiative created to provide golfers the opportunity to experience new golf ball technologies still in the experimental phase. The Titleist R&D and Golf Ball Product Management teams will be actively seeking performance feedback from golfers who play EXP•01 during its availability.”

2020-titleist-exp-golf-ball

Titleist EXP-01: A New Approach

Titleist is approaching the EXP line in a way like the Concept Series of irons but without the premium price point

  • To better understand how new technologies work in the hands of real golfers
  • To get performance feedback
  • To give players of all skill levels the opportunity to be a part of the final prototype process to future products

Titleist has intentionally not provided any clue on where the EXP-01 ball might fit into the current lineup, but it’s safe to make a couple of assumption based on what we do know so far about the EXP-01.

titleist-exp01-ball

$39.99 a dozen puts the EXP-01 in line with the current Titleist Tour Soft ball at $38.99 a dozen, but with one big difference—a urethane cover. It’s not likely Titleist is going to try test selling consumers a $29 ball at $40 because, well, that just not a very good idea (I’m sure much smarter people than me concluded that a long time ago).  It’s either going to be a line extension of the premium line, or it’s going to be a new urethane ball at a slightly less expensive price point vs. the current $47.99 ProV1 and AVX line.

“We want the EXP-01 to be the first of many opportunities for us to work directly with consumers to not only gain personal feedback but also provide golfers with the chance to be a part of the decision making process,” Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Golf Ball Marketing, Titleist

“The EXP Project invites golfers into the early stages of our R&D process and allows us to broadly test experimental materials, constructions and processes that could be integrated into any segment of our golf ball line. EXP•01 is truly an exploratory product and there’s no better way to evaluate our progress than getting it into the hands of dedicated golfers.”

More of What We Know

Without giving any specifics away, Titleist did give us enough information about the specs for us to start looking around and trying to figure some things out.

  1. As mentioned, the Titleist EXP-01 will be a urethane-covered ball, and urethane offers the most amount of greenside spin when paired with proper core and mantle construction.
  2. Speaking to construction, the EXP-01 will be a three-piece ball. There are not many three-piece urethane covered balls that are not designed to absolutely maximize performance from tee to green, so it’s going to be interesting to see how these perform.
  3. MTR Cover system. We were able to get the acronym out of Michael Mahoney, but unfortunately, that was as far as he was willing to go. It’s is a new technology that Titleist has been testing for some time now that offers even more enhanced short game spin and control.
2020 Titleist EXP-01 golf balls

2020 Titleist EXP-01 golf balls

Titleist EXP-01 Feedback & Availability

Each box of EXP-01’s will include an insert card for golfers to go online and provide valued feedback about the ball to Titleist. For example: How they liked the feel, distance, and spin performance among other questions both qualitative and quantitative.

The EXP-01 with be available in October in select pro shops, so check with your local pro shop or retailer to find out how you can get your hands on some.

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Ryan Barath is a club-fitter & master club builder with more than 17 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. He is the former Build Shop Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Modern Golf. He now works independently from his home shop and is a member of advisory panels to a select number of golf equipment manufacturers. You can find Ryan on Twitter and Instagram where he's always willing to chat golf, and share his passion for club building, course architecture and wedge grinding.

18 Comments

18 Comments

  1. Spin Master

    Oct 6, 2019 at 8:34 pm

    I’ve been hitting chips with a sleeve for a couple days. These have no action at all. I’m seriously disappointed. I might as well be playing the new Try Soft ball. This is a waste of a urethane cover.

  2. steve

    Oct 5, 2019 at 2:12 pm

    Just one more example of how the major golf manufacturers have golf enthusiast by the “balls“ ( pardon the pun? ). Convincing people to buy experimental products is brilliant and not surprising in this industry where people are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a single club based on keeping up with the Joneses mentality.

  3. Buckwheat Zydeco III

    Oct 2, 2019 at 7:01 pm

    I read the comments below and it is safe to say just about none of you have any idea what you are talking about. You sound like a bunch of guys at a strip club trying to do their “aren’t I cool” act with the dancer they just gave half their paycheck to.

    • Rascal

      Oct 3, 2019 at 12:55 am

      Thanks for sharing your nightlife experience with us. Me, I’d keep that kind of detail to myself really.

  4. Superior Spin Desired

    Oct 1, 2019 at 9:37 pm

    The more it spins around the green the better. I’ve heard the new Bridgestone picks up some serious green side spin. I can’t wait to try these Titleist. I love the AVX off the driver but it’s just not as fun around the greens. This needs to be more skinny than the Pro V1 line.

  5. drkviol801

    Oct 1, 2019 at 8:57 pm

    Tp5 flat out exposed the prov1

    • Juan Baldez

      Oct 2, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      Did you pull down your pants in front of your foursome again?

  6. John J Burns

    Oct 1, 2019 at 7:54 pm

    Titleist is starting to go down that slippery slope of having too many ball options and confusing the consumer!

  7. Mark

    Oct 1, 2019 at 5:04 pm

    OK, nice move but when we can get the other pro V1 and Pro V1x as everyone knows Titlest have 4 balls not just 2 from ProV range for the pros. This could be a great one. I understand the logistics and marketing of 4 premium not just 2 but it can be the right time now.

  8. JP

    Oct 1, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    NXT Tour U

    A urethane covered NXT Tour S

  9. James

    Oct 1, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Replacing the NXT Tour.

  10. Alex

    Oct 1, 2019 at 10:26 am

    Titleist stop taking the Taylormade and Callaway bait. Either you need spin and go for the x or need less spin and go for the regular Pro V1. If you are distance crazed and want another premium ball to be a club longer on every shot get the AVX. Other wise the Tour Soft is the new NXT Tour if you dont want to spend $50 a dozen and the velocity and the tru soft are the glorified range balls.

  11. Richard

    Oct 1, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Will it be a conforming ball?

    • Thomas A

      Oct 1, 2019 at 10:51 am

      Of course not. Why would the leading golf ball manufacturer make a conforming ball to sell to the public and use in competition?

    • APFPilot

      Oct 1, 2019 at 3:22 pm

      It is on the conforming list

  12. APFPilot

    Oct 1, 2019 at 10:16 am

    So it is basically their version of the ERC Soft just with a full Urethane cover?

  13. the dude

    Oct 1, 2019 at 9:25 am

    titleist marketing genius……proto’s you pay for….all the while the lines will be running to put these puppies on the shelf regardless of the feedback. 🙂

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Whats in the Bag

Nelly Korda WITB 2024 (March)

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  • Nelly Korda’s WITB accurate as of her win at the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship.

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 Max (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 60 S

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7 S

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 S

Hybrid: Ping G425 (26 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB 7 S

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (5), TaylorMade P7MC (6-PW)
Shafts: AeroTech SteelFiber i80 cw

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 54-SB), Vokey Design WedgeWorks (58-T)
Shafts: AeroTech SteelFiber i95 cw

Putter: Scotty Cameron Special Select Squareback 2 Prototype

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

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From the Forums: Should I play a 3-wood or 5-wood?

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In our forums, our members have been discussing 3-woods, 5-woods and bag setups. WRXer ‘Cole Fleming’ is currently unsure of his setup, and reached out to fellow members, saying:

“Thoughts on people playing 3 vs 5-wood? I have a high SS 118 with driver 280s + carry. I really never use my 3-wood now as my course doesn’t really have the need unless I move to the back tees. I usually carry it about 260+. I’m ultimately looking for something easier to hit and maybe start trying to use it off the tee some to keep me out of trouble.

I also play a 7-wood. Love it so don’t want them to be to0 close. Ive never even considered or looked at a 5-wood. I have a fitting today so I’m sure I could test them, but wanted somewhat of an idea going into it to tell the fitter so I’m not swinging so many clubs.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts on the matter, as well as mentioning what has worked best for their game.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • pu_golf88: “I’m dropping the 3 wood this year for a 5 wood. I hit my drivers a similar distance as you and find that my 3 wood isn’t a fairway finder, I really only use it if there’s a dogleg where a driver would go thru where I want to land the ball. I think a 5 wood goes far enough to use it as a fairway finder off the tee when I want more distance than hitting my 3 driving iron.”
  • T626G: “I myself have decided to try a 5-wood. Never really had much luck or need with a 3-wood. Should be easier to hit. I’m going to cut it down a 1/2″ just to help control it and swing easier.”
  • jedc: “Adjustable 5-wood turned down to 4-wood loft (and open looking face is nice). I had a fitting last month and really liked the PXG Black Ops 5-wood.”

Entire Thread: “From the Forums: Should I play a 3-wood or 5-wood?”

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Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (3/25/24): TaylorMade 300 blackout mini driver

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a TaylorMade 300 blackout mini driver.

From the seller: (@jetro110): “TaylorMade 300 Mini Blackout, All stock with Tour Velvet +4 grip, includes headcover $300.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TaylorMade 300 blackout mini driver

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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