Tiger Woods & Chris Gotterup’s Bridgestone Ball Boost Distance & Control | 2026 Review
- The January product launch season in golf is well underway, and while new clubs are grabbing headlines, Bridgestone’s revamped Tour B family of golf balls is already making...
- Chris Gotterup’s win at the Sony Open in Hawaii, achieved with a prototype version of the 2026 Bridgestone Tour B X, served as a powerful endorsement.
- The key to this performance lies in the new core material, dubbed VeloSurge.
The product launch season in golf is well underway, and while new clubs are grabbing headlines, Bridgestone’s revamped Tour B family of golf balls is already making a significant impact on the professional tour. The new line, featuring the Tour B X, Tour B RX, and Tour B RXS models, has secured a victory on the PGA Tour before its official release, signaling a potential shift in the distance and control landscape for golfers.
Chris Gotterup’s win at the Sony Open in Hawaii, achieved with a prototype version of the Bridgestone Tour B X, served as a powerful endorsement. He followed that up with a victory at the WM Phoenix Open, further solidifying the ball’s early success. Bridgestone claims that Gotterup, along with other Tour staffers and amateur players, have experienced an average increase of 2.3 mph in ball speed and 8.7 yards in distance when switching to the new Tour B X.
The key to this performance lies in the new core material, dubbed VeloSurge. This technology is designed to deliver breakthrough velocity, translating to increased distance off the tee. However, Bridgestone hasn’t sacrificed control for distance. The Tour B X also features a Reactiv iQ cover, engineered to adhere to the clubface for a longer duration, generating tour-level spin and precision around the greens.
“With the new TOUR B X, I’m getting max speed and distance off the tee, and total control when it matters most around the greens,” Gotterup said in a release. “As far as I’m concerned, This represents the best golf ball I’ve ever played, and the sky is the limit for the rest of the season.”
Gotterup has been playing the Tour B X since , when he signed with Bridgestone. The Tour B X is positioned as the firmest ball in Bridgestone’s lineup. Notably, Tiger Woods has also transitioned to the Tour B X in recent years, moving away from the softer and spinnier Tour B XS model.
The impact extends beyond professional golfers. Even Woods himself has acknowledged the improvements, stating he saw an increase in ball speed and confirmed he would use the new ball upon his return to competition in . This endorsement from a player of Woods’ stature underscores the potential of the new technology.
Bridgestone isn’t limiting the advancements to just one model. Recognizing that not all golfers have the same swing speed, the company also offers the Tour B RX and Tour B RXS. These models are designed for players with swing speeds under 105 mph, offering a softer feel and easier compression for optimal performance.
Adding another layer to the Tour B X is the “MindSet” model, developed in collaboration with Jason Day and his coach. This version incorporates a visual cue printed directly on the ball, intended to help players focus during their swing. The MindSet approach emphasizes a three-step process: identifying the target, visualizing the shot path, and focusing on the visual cue on the ball.
Gotterup’s performance at the WM Phoenix Open exemplified the benefits of the new ball and the MindSet approach. He opened with a 63 and closed with a 64, ultimately winning the playoff after birdying six of his final seven holes. This dominant performance further validates the claims surrounding the Bridgestone Tour B family.
The early success of the Bridgestone Tour B series suggests a competitive edge for players who adopt the new technology. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to observe how the ball performs in various conditions and with a wider range of players, potentially reshaping the landscape of distance and control in professional golf.