The Best Golf Balls in the World: Why 15 of the Top 25 PGA Pros Use These $4 Balls

Published May 1, 2025 5:56 am ET


The Best Golf Ball in the World? Why 15 of the Top 25 PGA Pros Use These $4 Balls

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In the high-stakes world of professional golf where one missed shot might mean missing a cut, the equipment a player chooses is beyond critical. And out of all your possible gear, only the ball actually goes into the hole, which is why there are a million different club choices, but when it counts, all the top players use a small handful of balls.

So when 15 of the top 25 PGA Tour players choose either a Titleist Pro V1 or Pro V1x, it’s worth finding out why, and how it’ll help your game, too. Here’s why multiple PGA Tour Champions (including the number one-ranked player in the world) trust these two premium golf balls,

Note: While 15 of the current top 25 PGA tour players use (or have used) the Pro V1 and V1x, world rankings are constantly changing. However, I also included other PGA tour professionals who have used the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x in the past, and in some cases, why they chose it.

Players love the Titleist Pro V1 for consistency, control and feel

The Pro V1 is renowned for its consistency, control and soft feel. Its multi-layer construction and urethane elastomer cover provide a combination of low long-game spin and high short-game spin, which appeal to the nuanced needs of professionals. The new 2025 iteration offers improved aerodynamics and a more responsive feel.​

Top-25 players who use a Titleist Pro V1

Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1): Despite his equipment deal with TaylorMade, Scheffler opts for the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, valuing its consistent performance and control. According to Golf 365, Scottie says,​ “I feel like I’ve gotten that consistency with the Titleist ball over the years, and I really trust how it reacts.”

Viktor Hovland (World No. 9): Known for his precise iron play and improved short game, Hovland trusts the Titleist Pro V1. He appreciates its consistent feel and control, which aligns with his performance needs. According to Titleist, Viktor used the Pro V1 to pick up his seventh PGA tour victory in March of 2025.

Maverick McNealy (World No. 10): McNealy developed an analytical approach to the game and trusts the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball for its consistent flight and control. According to the PGA Tour, McNealy used the new 2025 Titleist Pro V1 to pick up a win at the RSM Classic in November of 2024. McNealy said, “I was really excited, every ball came out exactly how I wanted to, held the wind, went through the wind and that gave me a ton of confidence.”

Wyndham Clark (World No. 15): Although Wyndham previously used the Pro V1x, he switched to the Pro V1 in 2025, according to Golf Week. Wyndham said, “The golf ball is so important, and that’s ultimately what goes into the hole. Having faith and trusting your golf ball is huge.”

Robert MacIntyre (World No. 21): The Scottish left-hander’s aggressive play style benefits from the Titleist Pro V1’s combination of distance and spin control, essential for his diverse shot-making repertoire.​ In June of 2024, Robert used the Pro V1 and secured his first PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open, according to Titleist.

Brian Harman (World No. 22): Brian uses the Pro V1 and took his first victory using the ball since the 2023 Open Championship, according to the PGA Tour. He told Titleist back in 2022, “The reason I switched back to Titleist was because of windy days and with Open Championships and major championships in mind. To flight the ball and not have to worry about it getting up and getting out of hand was a big deal.”

Corey Conners (World No. 23): Today’s Golfer says that Corey uses the Pro V1. Corey told Titleist, “I played a Titleist golf ball for as long as I can remember. The (Pro V1) checks all the boxes for me”.

The Titleist Pro V1x launches high and feels great

The Pro V1x‘s reputation is for higher launch, firmer feel and exceptional distance control. Designed with a dual-core construction and high-flex casing layer, it minimizes long-game spin while maximizing ball speed.

Its urethane cover ensures precision around the greens, offering the spin and control that champions demand. The 2025 model enhances stability in windy conditions and delivers a consistent trajectory for more confident shots.

Top-25 players who use a Titleist Pro V1x

Justin Thomas (World No. 5): According to Titleist, Justin has used the Pro V1x for many years. He says, “The Pro V1x, it fits my game for a lot of reasons, but I mean my first test is always around the greens chipping. I like the sound and I like the feel of it chipping.”

Ludvig Åberg (World No. 6): Ludvig used the new Pro V1x to win his second PGA Tour victory in February 2025, according to Titleist. He told them, “I like to put spin on the ball. I like to hit it a little bit higher to have a little bit of a different angle coming into the firmer greens that we play here on the PGA TOUR. So I think the Pro V1x helps me with that and it helps me to be able to compete against the best players in the world.”

Russell Henley (World No. 8): Russell took his fifth PGA Tour victory in March using the Pro V1x, according to Titleist. He said, “The minute that I changed to Titleist in 2016, the first thing I realized was how good my practice became. The confidence I got from my practice was just immediate for me. And the feel of the golf ball was just tremendously better. “

Justin Rose (World No. 14): Rose was using a Pro V1x prototype before he made the switch to the Pro V1x. Titleist’s Director of Tour communications said, “[Rose] found more optimal spin numbers throughout the bag with the ‘25 Pro V1x,”

Patrick Cantlay (World No. 16): In a video on NBC Sports in April 2025, Patrick said the Pro V1x was, “Hands down the best golf ball because of its consistency.”

Tyrrell Hatton (World No. 18): Golf 365 mentioned that Tyrrell uses the Pro V1x and even provided a quote praising the ball: “Titleist has been the number one ball in golf for so long, I grew up wanting to play that ball. It just seems very natural for me that that should be the ball that I use.”

Sungjae Im (World No. 20): The South Korean professional golfer uses the Pro V1x, according to Titleist. While he’s not on record speaking about the ball, he has several Titleist clubs in his bag, highlighting his trust in the brand.

Billy Horschel (World No. 24): Although Billy is on record touting the benefits of the Pro V1, he has since switched to the Pro V1X in 2025. Billy told Titleist, “Having that confidence in that golf ball when you’re over a pressure shot… a big shot, it’s crucial.”

Rankings and Titleist ball choices (as of May 2025)

RankPlayerBall
1Scottie SchefflerV1
5Justin ThomasV1x
6Ludvig AbergV1x
8Russell HenleyV1x
9Viktor HovlandV1
10Maverick McNealyV1
14Justin RoseV1x
15Wyndham ClarkV1
16Patrick CantlayV1x
18Tyrrell HattonV1x
20Sungjae ImV1x
21Robert MacIntyreV1
22Brian HarmanV1
23Corey ConnersV1
24Billy HorschelV1x

Other pros who won with Pro V1 or Pro V1x

A Lim Kim: The LPGA star finished on top at the season’s opener, closing in 67 to win by two, using the 2025 Pro V1 golf ball. ​ According to Titleist, A Lim Kim said, “I’ve been playing a Titleist golf ball for about 10 years. Before I used (two different competitive brands) but Titleist in my opinion is more consistent.”

Billy Andrade: Billy experienced a significant performance boost when he first used the Pro V1 during the 2000 Invensys Classic, leading to a pivotal win in his career. ​According to Hackers Paradise, Billy said, “The ball was 20 yards longer than the Tour Prestige that I was playing at the time. I chalked some of it up to altitude but the distance, in addition to the overall performance of the ball, was like nothing I had ever played.”​

Yealimi Noh: Yealimi Noh used the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball to win her first LPGA Tour title in February of 2025, hitting 35 greens in regulation during a bogey-free weekend, according to Titleist.

Harris English: Harris picked up his fifth PGA Tour title at the Farmers Insurance Open in January 2025 using the Titleist Pro V1. Titleist mentioned that Harris gave high praise to the ball when he said, “I have total trust in the golf ball that I’m playing. With the Pro V1, I mean, I’ve practiced with it every day.

“I have Pro V1’s back home at Sea Island that I hit balls with, that I chip and putt with. I have 100 percent confidence in the ball that I know it’s all on me, I have to execute.”

Georgia Hall: Back in 2018, Georgia took her first LPGA tour victory in the United States using the Pro V1x, according to Titleist.

Which is better, Pro V1 or Pro V1x?

Both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x are excellent professional-level golf balls and your choice will depend on several factors. Here are some of the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your skill level and preferences:

Titleist Pro V1 Vs Pro V1x

FeaturePro V1Pro V1x
Construction3-piece with 388 dimples4-piece with 348 dimples
FeelSofterSlightly firmer
FlightMid trajectoryHigher trajectory
Long game spinLowerHigher
Short game spinHighSlightly higher
Launch characteristicsMore penetrating flight with less spinHigher launch with increased spin
Ideal forPlayers seeking a softer feel and lower flightPlayers desiring higher flight and more spin for shot-stopping control
Price (dozen)$55$55

The Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x each bring a unique performance profile to the table, whether you prioritize the Pro V1’s softer feel and penetrating flight or the Pro V1x’s higher trajectory and added spin control.

The Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x provide (somewhat) affordable excellence

These aren’t exactly Walmart range balls, but despite their premium performance, both the Pro V1 and Pro V1x remain relatively accessible to amateur golfers (especially if they help you lose fewer balls). Priced around $4, it’s an accessible way to experience professional-grade equipment without breaking the bank.

FAQs

What is so special about Pro V1 golf balls?

In addition to several of the top PGA tour players using the Titleist Pro V1, the competitive golf ball has a three-piece construction with a soft urethane elastomer cover and a high-gradient core. It delivers a mid-trajectory flight with low long-game spin and high short-game spin. This design provides golfers with the ability to achieve longer drives while maintaining precise control around the greens.

Can high handicappers use Pro V1?

High-handicap golfers can use Titleist Pro V1 golf balls, but whether they should depends on individual preferences, skill level and budget considerations.​ The V1 offers consistent distance and control that can help golfers improve their game. However, since the Pro V1 is a premium-priced ball, it might be a concern if you’re prone to losing balls frequently.

Why are Titleist Pro V1 balls so expensive?

​Titleist Pro V1 golf balls command a premium price (typically around $55 per dozen) due to a combination of advanced technology, rigorous quality control and substantial research and development investments. The Titleist Pro V1 is also marketed heavily with professional golfers and tours, which adds to the overall cost of the golf ball.

Nick Hazleton is a San Diego-based journalist with over 18 years of health and nutrition experience. He joined the A360 Commerce team (now McClatchy Media) as a performance marketing content writer in 2024. Nick is passionate about helping others lead happy and healthy lives. In his free time, he’s researching a new healthy recipe or looking for a new restaurant in San Diego to take his wife.

David Traver Adolphus

David Traver Adolphus

Editor McClatchy Media

David is Editorial Lead for the Performance Marketing division at McClatchy Media (formerly a360 media). He has been a journalist and editor since 2005; and before that had careers in construction and performing arts. As a photographer, he’s also done more than two dozen book and magazine cover shoots, and his writing and photography has been in The New York Times, BBC, Esquire, Popular Science, Road & Track and dozens more.

In 2012, he originated and was a producer on two seasons of the web TV show American Detours.