Tiger Woods to use new golf ball in PGA Tour return at Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods has made a big equipment change and will debut a new golf ball at Riviera Country Club for his PGA Tour return.

Johnny Percival

12 Feb 2024

Tiger Woods has made a big equipment change ahead of this week's Genesis Invitational and will be teeing up a new golf ball on Thursday when he kicks off his PGA Tour return at Riviera Country Club.

Woods will be using the Bridgestone Tour B X Golf Ball, having recently switched from the Tour B XS.

Following extensive home testing, Woods will be using the Tour B X, having found he can achieve greater distance off the tee, and improved spin rates around the green, thanks to the ball's new softer cover.

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Discussing the switch, Woods said:

“I am always seeking more distance off the tee and more control around the green, that’s the Holy Grail, and what Bridgestone’s delivered with the new Tour B X."

According to Golf's Jonathan Wall, Woods has gained nearly ten yards off the tee with the new ball, equating to roughly one less club into the hole on approach shots.

The new Tour B X has been redesigned with a new softer outer layer, which prompted Woods to get refitted for his ball.

Thanks to the new softer cover, Woods has achieved the greenside spin rates and control that drew him to the Tour B XS, but now he can utilise the added distance on offer from the firmer Tour B X.

Speaking to Golf Digest about the change, Woods said:

"Well, the biggest change I saw was ball speed for sure. I saw it was faster and with that came added distance. Sure, it doesn’t spin as much as the XS, but I can offset that by the fact I am hitting less club on [my] approach shots. A lot of it has to do with the situation and course setup also. As my game and my bag evolve, it’s important to always be checking to make sure all of my equipment fits."

As well as a new ball, Woods will likely also be using a TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver, which he had in play at the PNC Championship in December.

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With the 15-time major champion also set to launch his new clothing brand, Sunday Red, later today, fans can also expect to see a whole new wardrobe from Woods when he arrives in LA.

Having not played an official PGA Tour event since the 2023 Masters, where he had to withdraw, Woods will be hoping his 2024 return is more successful and will undoubtedly view the tournament as a good opportunity to test out his durability ahead of a potential return to Augusta National in April.

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