Tiger Woods is making his 2024 season debut at the Genesis Invitational, and all eyes are on his equipment, specifically the Bridgestone Tour B X golf ball. Woods, known for wanting maximum spin, spoke with Golf Digest Equipment Editor E. Michael Johnson about his ball-testing process and how the new Tour B X gives him added distance off the tee and improved performance on short shots.
Woods emphasized the importance of getting fit for a golf ball and continuing to check the fit as circumstances change. While he prioritized short-game spin in the past, he now values extra distance off the tee. The Tour B X not only provides improved distance but also increased spin on short shots, making it a versatile choice for Woods’s game.
When evaluating a ball, Woods looks for consistent ball flight and trajectory that align with his style of play. The Tour B X’s launch may be slightly lower, but with higher ball speed, the overall change in the shot’s apex is minimal, making for an easy transition and boosting Woods’s confidence in its performance.
For Woods, the level of importance in evaluating a ball lies in its performance off the tee and on approach shots. Bridgestone’s Tour B X offers a balance between distance and greenside control, a combo that Woods finds remarkable and essential for his game.
While Woods occasionally plays with his old gear for nostalgia, he acknowledges that the game has evolved, and advancements in equipment have made it more forgiving. However, shot-making and workability remain critical factors in choosing the right setup for his game at any given moment.
Woods’s testing process for golf balls involves a combination of feel, visual feedback, and launch monitor data. He relies on Full Swing launch monitor for distance accuracy but primarily uses his senses for approach shots and shots around the green. This approach allows him to gauge a ball’s performance accurately.
The final decision to put a ball in play comes after testing it on the course, particularly during scoring shots and around the greens. Mimicking tournament conditions at home helps Woods and his group assess the ball’s performance under stress, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards for tournament play.
With his launch angle evolving over the years, Woods values a ball that complements a high launch with low spin for optimal distance. The Tour B X’s design caters to this type of launch, offering an excellent trajectory without ballooning or losing control, especially in challenging conditions.
Speaking to the importance of mindset in golf, Woods highlights the benefits of a purposeful approach to shot execution, similar to what professional players like Jason Day employ. Developing a solid pre-shot routine is crucial for competing under pressure, and amateurs can benefit significantly from adopting this mindset to clear distractions and execute shots confidently.
In conclusion, Woods believes that amateurs often make the mistake of overestimating their abilities and choosing equipment, including golf balls, based on faulty assumptions. Fitting a more forgiving golf ball with a softer compression that suits their swing speed can lead to improved performance and consistency on the course. Forgiveness is key, and utilizing it effectively can enhance every player’s game.
