Titleist, a renowned golf equipment brand, is heavily focused on research and development, with its central hub located at the Acushnet headquarters in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The research and development building consists of offices in the front and laboratories in the rear, where various processes related to ball-making can be carried out on a smaller scale. The walls of this building are lined with around 1,500 patents related to Titleist golf balls, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and technology.
Despite the most recent patent dating back to 2018, Titleist has been awarded almost half of all U.S. golf ball patents issued in the last 20 years. The lack of wall space for new patents highlights the brand’s need for a renovation to accommodate all their patents since the first one in 1935. The patents act as both decor and inspiration, affirming Titleist’s status as an intellectual property juggernaut in the golf industry.
The golf ball research and development team at Titleist focuses on various aspects such as aerodynamics, construction, materials, and processes. The team is led by Mike Sullivan, who has over 1,000 U.S. patents to his name, ranking him ahead of legendary figures like Einstein. The celebration of research in different forms is a key aspect of Titleist’s history, with the first-ever patent obtained by founder Phil Young not even related to golf balls, but to a piece of test equipment.
The evolution of Titleist’s flagship product, the Pro V1 golf ball, has been marked by innovation and technological advancements. Each of the 12 generations of the Pro V1 ball has required a unique side stamp to comply with competition regulations, utilizing over 125 patents in the process. One notable patent related to a tiling method that allowed Titleist to combine highly symmetric dimple patterns with a wavy, camouflaged parting line around the ball.
In 1935, Phil Young received Titleist’s first patent for a ball testing machine, marking the beginning of the brand’s legacy in golf ball innovation. The Acushnet Golf Ball Demonstration Machine, designed to showcase the performance of Titleist balls compared to competitors, highlighted the brand’s commitment to quality and technology. Overall, Titleist’s focus on research, development, and patent acquisition has cemented its reputation as a leader in golf ball technology.
One of Titleist’s latest offerings, the Pro V1x Left Dash golf balls, offers players a high flight similar to the Pro V1x with lower full swing spin and a firmer feel. Originally developed as a customized performance option for the PGA Tour, the Pro V1x Left Dash model has received positive feedback from players, allowing them to fine-tune their flight, feel, and spin preferences. Available for special order, the Pro V1x Left Dash exemplifies Titleist’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of golfers.
Evan Rothman, a former executive editor of GOLF Magazine, now works as a remote contract freelancer focusing on custom publishing. He is known for writing, editing, and securing client approval on travel advertorial sections. Rothman’s freelance work spans various topics such as equipment, instruction, travel, and feature writing. His expertise in the golf industry adds depth and insight to his contributions to both GOLF and GOLF.com publications.
