Equipment

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

Published

7 years ago

Oct 1, 2019

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.”

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.

$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.

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.
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.
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

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

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

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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
drkviol801

Oct 1, 2019 at 8:57 pm

Tp5 flat out exposed the prov1

Reply Report comment
- Juan Baldez
  
  Oct 2, 2019 at 6:54 pm
  
  Did you pull down your pants in front of your foursome again?
  
  Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
JP

Oct 1, 2019 at 12:40 pm

NXT Tour U

A urethane covered NXT Tour S

Reply Report comment
James

Oct 1, 2019 at 10:56 am

Replacing the NXT Tour.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Richard

Oct 1, 2019 at 10:20 am

Will it be a conforming ball?

Reply Report comment
- 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?
  
  Reply Report comment
- APFPilot
  
  Oct 1, 2019 at 3:22 pm
  
  It is on the conforming list
  
  Reply Report comment
APFPilot

Oct 1, 2019 at 10:16 am

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

Reply Report comment
- 2putttom
  
  Oct 1, 2019 at 12:04 pm
  
  that and a prettier script
  
  Reply Report comment
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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Equipment

Interesting clubs at top of bag – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

16 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, users are talking about top of bag setups that are non-traditional or thought-provoking in some way. Original poster @SuperSpurs106 inquired about other members who might use unorthodox set-ups to help with gapping issues or weak spots.

They wrote:

“I currently have a PING G430 driver, TM Qi35 3W and a TM Qi4D 7W. Driver and 7W are fine but can’t get on with my 3W and have always struggling with this club over the years. Thinking of adding a 2H which I know would look odd. Just wondering if anyone else had a weird set up at the top of their bag?”

Our members in the forum have offered up their thoughts and personal experiences with non-traditional top of bag set-ups, and their reasoning for thinking outside of the box to begin with. 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.

BowMain42: “Don’t worry about what “looks” odd. If the club does what you need it to do, it’s the right club.”
scooterhd2: “I cant hit 3 woods either. Thats why I roll with a unicorn XL Hibore 2 wood. 400 cc head at 16 degrees of loft and its just a monster 3 wood off the tee. Off the deck, we are playing the f6 baffler. 5 wood at 41.75 inches and its easy to control.”
phizzy30: “I had driver, 3 metal, 2/4 hybrid once upon a time as a higher ss player. 4 hybrid is gone and in place is a driving iron nowadays. I don’t think what you’re proposing is weird in anyway, however the yardage gap might be glaringly huge between driver and 2 hybrid. What is it about your 3 metal that has got you all messed up? You could always go 4 metal with shorter shaft and see if that works.”

Entire Thread: “Interesting clubs at top of bag”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!

Equipment

Members of the Mini Driver Club – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

16 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, one user has gone searching for fellow users of a mini driver. In a post, @TightFade asked for other mini driver users to chime in with their weapon of choice, the reason for employing a mini, and what club follows it in the bag.

@TightFade asked:

“What mini are you playing? What spot in the bag did it take over? What’s the next club after it? For me: Elyte mini 13.5. Replacing 3w. Next up club looks like it’ll be 5w.”

Our members in the forum have been sharing their own bag setups featuring the mini driver, and the various reasons they purchased one in the first place. 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.

RCGA: “Ping G430 Max 12* ‘Thriver.’ Next club is a 4w and 2i (I play a weird course).”
JMB3: “R7 at 12.75 with Diamana BB 63s. 3w replacement. Next Club: Elyte Ti 5w at 17*.”
ColdOkieGolf: “R7 15.5 turned down to 13.5 It replaces the 3w. I found it surprisingly easy to hit off the deck, and it’s very rare that I need or want to hit something beyond 250 from the fairway, so next club is my 7w.”
ChaosTheory: “I’m sub-90 MPH with driver. But I’m able to hit DOD. I have been wanting something like the R7 15.5, so I just ordered one. I have a spot in the bag so nothing has to go. But I could see it replacing my trusty 4 wood, which I never use for approach shots. Just tee shots and lay ups. If I drop the 4 wood, I will turn my 7 wood down to ~20 degrees and will have good gaps. I recently tried a thriver build: 12 degree driver turned to 14, with a heavier 44 inch shaft and added head weight. I hit it great. Very accurate and not overly high, but the problem was that it sometimes went as far as a typical drive. And that’s not what I needed. So I will probably turn the 15.5 up to 16.5 or even 17.5. It’s all theoretical at this point. ?”

Entire Thread: “Members of the Mini Driver Club…Check In.”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!

Whats in the Bag

Chris Gotterup WITB 2026 (June)

Published

16 hours ago

Jun 3, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

Chris Gotterup had >14 clubs in his bag when photographed prior to the Memorial Tournament.

Drivers: TaylorMade Qi4D (8 degrees), Ping G440 LST (9 degrees @8), Ping G440 LST (7.5 degrees)
Shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Grey 6.5 TX 70 g, Project X HZRDUS T1100 Handcrafted 6.5 TX 70 g, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Grey 6.5 TX 70 g