Titleist, a name synonymous with premium golf balls, has introduced the Tour Speed – a new offering targeted at golfers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. This ball promises distance gains off the driver without sacrificing feel and control in the scoring zone.
But how exactly does the Tour Speed perform? Is it a worthy contender for mid-handicappers and aspiring players seeking that extra edge? This review delves into the core aspects of the Titleist Tour Speed, analyzing its distance capabilities, spin characteristics, greenside feel, and overall value proposition.
We’ll explore how the Tour Speed stacks up against its pricier siblings, like the Pro V1, and whether it delivers the performance demanded by golfers who want to take their game to the next level.
By dissecting user reviews, professional insights, and independent testing data, this review aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Titleist Tour Speed and its potential place in your golf bag.
Titleist tour speed golf ball short reviews
Titleist Tour Speed targets mid-handicappers and aspiring players seeking distance without sacrificing greenside control. It offers a good balance of performance. However, golfers with very high swing speeds or those prioritizing ultimate feel over distance might want to consider other options.
Titleist tour speed golf ball Specs
- Construction: 3-piece
- Cover: Urethane
- Dimple Pattern: 346 Quadrilateral Dipyramid
- Compression: around (85-90)
Why Should Golfers Consider the Titleist Tour Speed?
A Titleist Tour Speed golf club offers several benefits to golfers based on their skill level, swing speed, and playing style. The following are some reasons why it might be a good fit for you:
Skill Level:
- Mid-Handicappers (10-20 handicap): For golfers in this range, the Tour Speed provides a good balance between distance and control. It offers more distance than a Tour Soft but maintains enough spin for workable shots around the green compared to a Pro V1.
- Aspiring Players: As players develop their swing and aim to lower their scores, the Tour Speed can help them achieve more distance and improve accuracy. It offers a stepping stone to higher-performance balls without the premium price tag.
Swing Speed:
- Average Swing Speed (90-105 mph): The mid-compression core of the Tour Speed is designed to compress efficiently at these swing speeds, generating good ball speed for longer distances.
- Slightly Above Average Swing Speed (up to 110 mph): Even with slightly higher swing speeds, the Tour Speed should still offer a good feel and control thanks to its construction and urethane cover.
Playing Style:
- Distance Focus: If you prioritize maximizing distance off the tee, the Tour Speed delivers. Its aerodynamic design and core technology promote longer carries.
- Balanced Approach: For golfers who want distance but also value some control for scoring shots, the Tour Speed provides a good compromise. It offers enough spin for a greenside feel without sacrificing too much distance potential.
Features
Distance:
This ball is all about going long! The core and dimple pattern work together to help you squeeze out extra yards off the tee and with your longer irons.
Feel:
Even though it prioritizes distance, the Tour Speed still provides a good feel of impact. It won’t feel rock-hard like some distance balls, giving you satisfying feedback on your shots.
Spin Control:
The Tour Speed offers decent spin control, particularly with your wedges. This allows you to stop the ball on the green and hold it close to the pin for more birdie chances. While it might not have the most spin compared to very high-end balls, it finds a good middle ground for most golfers.
Durability:
You can expect the Tour Speed to hold up for a reasonable amount of time, especially considering its price point. However, compared to some of the most durable balls on the market, you might see some scuffing after a few good hits.
Pros
- Great for maximizing yardage off the tee and longer irons.
- Offers a satisfying feel at impact, unlike some distance balls.
- Provides a decent spin for stopping power and control around the green.
- More affordable than Titleist’s premium balls while offering good performance.
Cons
- Might not spin quite as much as some very expensive balls, impacting control on finesse shots.
- Not the most durable ball, might scuff after a few rounds.
- May not be ideal for golfers with very high swing speeds or those prioritizing ultimate feel over distance.
Design
The Titleist Tour Speed is built like a three-layer sandwich to give you both distance and feel on the course. The center is a big, energetic core that acts like a powerful spring, pushing the ball further. Finally, a thin outer cover acts like the tasty cheese on the outside, providing grip for spin and a nice feel when you make contact with the ball. This three-layer design is common for many golf balls that aim to give players both distance and a good feel.
The outer layer of the Tour Speedball called the cover, is made from a special material Titleist developed themselves and named TPU. This fancy name means it’s tough enough to last for a good number of rounds, but still feels nice when you hit the ball.
Dimples are those little bumps all over the ball, and they make a big difference in how it flies. The Tour Speed has a particular dimple pattern with 346 tiny squares that have four pyramid-shaped sides on them. Titleist says this design helps the ball launch high in the air and spin less off the tee, so you can hit it farther. But it also keeps some spin for control so you can still aim accurately.
The core of the Tour Speed isn’t as soft or as hard as some other balls. This “middle ground” firmness, which golfers call “compression,” is likely around 85-90. This is a good fit for players with average swings, not too slow or too powerful. It helps the ball launch well off the club for a distance without feeling rock-solid on impact.
Finally, the Tour Speed comes in the classic white color, which is the preferred choice for most golfers for better visibility on the course.
Alternatives of Titleist Tour Speed Golf Balls:
Titleist tour speed golf balls have three alternatives
Conclusion
So, is the Titleist Tour Speed the right golf ball for you? It depends on what you’re looking for in your game. If you’re a mid-handicapper or aspiring player who wants to hit the ball farther without sacrificing too much feel or control around the green, the Tour Speed is a great option. It offers a good balance of performance at a reasonable price point.
However, if you have a very high swing speed or prioritize ultimate feel over distance, there might be better choices out there. Ultimately, the best way to find out if the Tour Speed is a good fit is to try it out for yourself and see how it performs in your game.