Bridgestone Golf has officially introduced its 2026 Tour B line of golf balls, generating excitement among its Tour staff, including golf icon Tiger Woods. As Woods prepares for his much-anticipated return to professional golf, he will be utilizing this new golf ball.
The latest Tour B series features innovative VeloSurge core-mantle integration technology, designed to boost ball speed by an impressive 2 mph and provide an additional distance of nearly 9 yards according to extensive testing. Woods expressed his enthusiasm in a press release, stating, “I am always looking for more pop off the tee, and this new ball absolutely delivers. I’ve trusted Bridgestone for more than 25 years, and this one takes performance to a whole new level.”
This new series has emerged from the VS Proto Project (VeloSurge), which focused on developing a new core material and conducting tests with both amateur players and Bridgestone’s professional staff. The seamless synergy between the core and mantle layers enhances the golf ball’s moment of inertia (MOI), leading to faster ball speeds and improved performance.
Bridgestone president Dan Murphy emphasized the rigorous development process, stating, “It took a tremendous amount of work to develop VeloSurge Technology and the new family of TOUR B golf balls. The results speak for themselves, and I’m confident saying this is undeniably the most advanced iteration of the TOUR B golf ball we’ve ever produced.”
During the prototype testing phase, which included players such as Jason Day and Chris Gotterup, participants across all swing speeds experienced significant gains in ball speed, averaging 2.3 mph, translating to approximately 8.7 yards in additional distance. Notably, Chris Gotterup clinched victory at the season-opening Sony Open using the VS Proto Black, a prototype ball from the new lineup.
The 2026 Tour B offerings include several models catered to various player needs:
– **2026 Tour B X**: The quickest and firmest ball in the series, tailored for players with swing speeds over 105 mph seeking maximum distance.
– **2026 Tour B XS**: Offers a firmer feel than the RX models but spins more around greens, suitable for high-speed players wanting additional spin.
– **2026 Tour B RX**: A lower compression option for players under 105 mph, aimed at maximizing distance with lower launch and spin.
– **2026 Tour B RXS**: Another lower compression design, providing slightly higher launch and spin to enhance distance and greenside performance for players with swing speeds under 105 mph.
The new Bridgestone Tour B golf balls will hit retail shelves on January 30, priced at $54.99 per dozen. Each model also features Mindset technology, a visual training aid developed by Jason Day and his performance coach to help separate analytical thoughts from athletic performance, which Day and other golfers like Gotterup utilize in competition.
With such advancements in golf technology, the new Tour B lineup promises to elevate the game for golfers at all levels, making it an exciting time for both amateurs and professionals alike.