New Titleist Pro V1 Star is born

Not content with already a lion's share of the ball market, Titleist is stepping up its efforts to get even more weekend players to play their products.

The Titleist Pro V1 caused a storm when it appeared 12 months ago, with top players revealing that it gave them both better length and more control than ever before.

New, improved Pro V1 ball.

Despite the downturn in golf product sales and a worldwide recession around mid-season, handicap golfers’ demand for the ball remained unabated.

Now Titleist is bringing out an improved Pro V1 and a Pro V1 Star, in a bid to deliver even more distance and more consistnet ball flight.

The Pro V1 Star, is allegedly a lower-spinning ball intended to provide a lower trajectory and greater distance off the tee for low handicap golfers who tend to hit it hard and high.

Titleist’s George Sine, said at this week’s Orlando Trade Show launch: "By complementing our flagship improved Pro V1 ball with a companion we aim to provide the ultimate high-performance options for professionals and amateurs."

With a suggested retail price of £10.95 for a three-ball sleeve (available from April), you’re going to have to be already a pretty straight and consistent striker to get full value.

Notable Tour players already using the improved Pro V1 include Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, David Toms, Vijay Singh, Jesper Parnevik, Retief Goosen, Mike Weir, Tom Kite and Karrie Webb.

Already using the Star ball are Davis Love III, Ernie Els, Mark O'Meara, Kirk Triplett, and Frank Nobilo.

Other highlights from the show, not already revealed on golfmagic, include a new line of Rossa putters from Taylormade and White Hot long (upto 50 inches) and mid-putters (upto 45 inches) from Odyssey. The extended putters will be available in the UK in April at £149 apiece.