Thinking about grabbing a box of Prior Generation Titleist golf balls but not quite sure what that means for your game? It's a common question, and you're smart to ask it. This guide will walk you through exactly what these golf balls are, who they’re a great fit for, and how you can use them to get premium performance without paying the top-tier price.
Let's clear this up right away because it’s simpler than you might think. Titleist, like most major golf manufacturers, innovates constantly. They typically release an updated version of their flagship balls, like the Pro V1, every two years. When a new model comes out, the version it replaced is dubbed the "prior generation" or "previous generation."
Think of it like buying an iPhone. When Apple releases the iPhone 15, the iPhone 14 doesn't just vanish. A new, still-in-the-box iPhone 14 is a "prior generation" model. It’s a brand-new, top-quality product, just not the absolute latest release. The same principle applies to these golf balls. They are -brand new-, unused balls - not refinished, not refurbished, and not lake balls - that are simply the preceding model year.
This cycle means there’s a fantastic opportunity for golfers to play a world-class ball without paying the premium for the cutting-edge release.
In a word: absolutely. But it’s important to understand *why* they offer such a great middle ground between price and performance. For most golfers, it's the perfect sweet spot.
The most direct benefit is the hit your wallet *doesn't* take. A new dozen of the latest-release Pro V1s will cost you top dollar. But a dozen from the prior generation could be 20-30% cheaper. When you consider how many balls an average golfer can go through in a season (or even a single round!), these savings add up fast.
This price drop makes premium golf ball technology accessible. It's for the player who understands the benefits of a tour-level ball but just can't justify the expense. It also softens the mental blow of sending one into the woods or a water hazard. Playing with less fear of losing an expensive ball can free up your swing and help you play better, more aggressive golf.
This is where sound coaching advice comes in. Titleist’s Research &, Development team is brilliant, but their new models are about making incremental gains, not revolutionary leaps. Each new generation of a Pro V1 might feature:
These are marginal gains. For a highly-skilled, tour-level professional or a scratch amateur who is fine-tuning their numbers on a launch monitor, these subtle changes can make a difference. But let's be honest, for the vast majority of us playing on the weekend - whether you’re a 10, 15, or 25 handicap - the performance difference is nearly impossible to notice.
A two-year-old Pro V1 is still a Pro V1. It still has the multi-later construction and soft urethane cover that allows for high-spin wedge shots to stop on a dime. The core technology that provides great distance off the tee is still there. The performance gap between a 2021 Pro V1 and a 2023 Pro V1 is tiny. The gap between a 2021 Pro V1 and a non-urethane, two-piece distance ball is immense.
You are getting 98% of the performance for about 75% of the price. That is a trade that most serious golfers should happily make.
Breaking down who gets the most out of these balls helps clarify if they're the right choice for you.
Understanding the Titleist family tree helps you know what you’re buying. Here’s a rundown of common prior generation balls you’ll see on the shelves.
These are the flagships. When you see a "prior-gen" Pro V1, it’s most likely the model from two years ago, as they run on a two-year cycle. Buying a prior a 2021 model in 2023, is the usual scenario. They are the standard for tour-level, all-around performance.
A prior generation of either still offers that signature "drop and stop" control around the greens that hard-covered balls can't replicate.
The AVX is Titleist's third premium option. It's designed for players seeking a distinctly soft feel and lower ball flight compared to the Pro V1 family. It's a fantastic ball that prioritizes lower spin on long shots for more distance and a straighter ball flight. A prior-gen AVX is a phenomenal deal for a player who wants a tour-quality ball with a soft feel and less spin with the longer clubs.
These non-urethane balls sit a tier below the Pro V1 family and focus on providing excellent feel and distance.
Prior-gen versions of these are excellent for mid-to-high handicap golfers who want top-tier quality from a trusted brand without needing the high greenside spin of urethane.
These balls are all about pure distance (Velocity) and the softest possible feel (TruFeel). Prior generation offerings provide incredible value for beginner golfers, casual players on a tighter budget, or for playing in frosty winter conditions.
Shopping for prior generation balls is easy, but keep a few things in mind.
Look for them at authorized golf retailers, both online and in-store. Reputable dealers will clearly label the balls as "Prior Generation" or list the model year (e.g., "2021 Model"). This transparency is your friend. Always confirm that you are buying new balls, not used or refurbished balls, which is a completely different category. Stick with trusted sellers to get exactly what you’re paying for: a brand-new, excellent golf ball at a great price.
Prior Generation Titleist golf balls aren't a secret trick, but they are a smart strategy. They are brand-new, high-quality balls from a previous model year that offer nearly all the performance of the latest release at a significantly lower cost. For the huge majority of amateur golfers, they are an outstanding way to improve performance without breaking the bank.
Choosing the right ball is a big part of playing better, but so is strategy on the course. Often, confidence comes from simply knowing the right play in a difficult situation. To help with that, I’ve designed Caddie AI to act as your personal course expert. You can get instant advice on how to play a hole, get a club recommendation when you're between yardages, or even share a photo of your ball in a miserable lie to get a smart way out. It’s about taking the guesswork out of golf so you can commit to every swing with confidence, regardless of the ball you choose.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
