In Titleist R&D, golf ball prototypes are tested in our labs and tested with our robots and then the real validation comes when we begin testing with golfers. That’s when you see Titleist White Box dozens. The Titleist White Box has become a symbol of the next level of golf ball innovation and a critical step in our development process as we gather detailed feedback and validation from Tour players and dedicated amateurs around the world. As Titleist White Box golf balls become more well known, questions have come up. To answer them we asked Titleist Golf Ball R&D and Product Management to help.

What is the history of the Titleist White Box?

As with much of our traditions, White Box has an extremely utilitarian start. The White Box is simply a way to transport and introduce golf balls in a familiar container to players for testing purposes. Reason for the plain, unbranded box is the explicit intent to not communicate any of the performance or construction of the product inside. Over time, the White Box has come to represent “Better”. It represents hope that a more finely tuned golf ball lies within and may become available soon or is available now. That allure has been copied by many, but the reputation of the Titleist White Box is earned through performance and purpose. 

Why does Titleist conduct White Box testing?

We do an enormous amount of lab and robot testing, but robots do not play golf.  The final piece of the puzzle needs to be golfer validation and White Box testing provides us that direct connection to the pyramid of influence. It’s how we validate our potential new products to ensure we have in fact improved the performance and also provides valuable data for future innovation.

Approximately how many players will receive Titleist White Box golf balls?

Several thousand golfers will receive Titleist White Box golf balls. It all starts with the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, DP World and Korn Ferry Tour. It is then followed by Titleist ambassadors at the club professional level, many of whom also compete locally. Finally, elite amateurs and Team Titleist members also have a chance to test and form an opinion.

How much of an impact does White Box testing have on the final design?

All the data we collect impacts our product decisions.  White Box testing is the most crucial step in validating a final construction decision.

Why is the box white?

The White Box is the cleanest, easiest way to communicate nothing about the product performance or construction, yet still stand out among Tour players and dedicated golfers.

Why does Titleist send members of Team Titleist White Box dozens to test?

The pyramid of influence does not stop at the PGA Tour or LPGA Tour. Golfers around the world look up to one another and learn from one another. We absorb a great deal from players of all ability levels. Team Titleist members receive the White Box so that we can improve the performance of our golf balls and help them to shoot their lowest scores.

 
What are some examples of questions posed to White Box participants?

It varies, but a couple of examples would be asking how the prototype golf ball compares to the player’s current golf ball in regard to specific performance benefits like distance, spin and feel.  And what aspects of golf ball performance would players like to see in future Titleist golf balls.

How long does White Box testing last?

White Box testing never ends. We already have new White Box dozens on the tour truck with our reps to test future iterations of Pro V1 and other constructions.

When can we expect these golf balls to be available in golf shops?

Stay tuned…

How can dedicated golfers participate in White Box testing?

Sign up for Team Titleist and make sure your membership is up to date. This is the fastest way to potentially access White Box golf balls. We are routinely testing golf balls with our community and then look to sample and seed new golf balls in advance of a launch with our loyal Team Titleist members.
https://www.titleist.com.au/golf-ball-testing.