PGA Tour pro Ben Griffin trusts the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash for his game. This article will break down exactly what makes this specific golf ball unique, why it’s a perfect match for a high-level ball striker like Griffin, and, most importantly, help you figure out if a similar ball could benefit your own game.
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Decoding the Choice: Ben Griffin and the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
When you see a professional golfer stick with a specific piece of equipment, it’s not just a sponsorship deal - it’s a carefully considered choice. For Ben Griffin, that choice is the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash. This isn’t the standard Pro V1 or Pro V1x that you see advertised everywhere, it's a special, tour-proven model that offers a very distinct performance package.
Unlike many pros who might switch balls based on new contracts, Griffin’s use of the Left Dash shows a commitment to a piece of gear that perfectly complements his playing style. He's a player who relies on powerful, consistent ball striking, and this ball is engineered to reward just that.
What Makes the Pro V1x Left Dash Different?
The name "Left Dash" might sound a bit technical, but it simply signifies a variation of Titleist's popular Pro V1x model. Think of it as a custom-tuned version of a high-performance car. Here’s a breakdown of what sets it apart and why a player like Ben Griffin would gravitate towards it.
Higher Flight, Lower Spin: This is the hallmark of the Left Dash. Compared to the standard Pro V1x, it’s designed to launch higher but with significantly less spin, particularly off the driver and long irons. For a powerful player, this is the recipe for maximum distance. Less backspin reduces drag and helps the ball carry a bit farther before falling from its apex.
A Much Firmer Feel: Players who hit the ball with authority often prefer a firmer sensation at impact. The Left Dash delivers this in spades. It provides a solid, crisp feeling off the clubface, which can translate to a sense of more direct energy transfer and control for high swing speed players. It’s a feel that says, “I’ve compressed this perfectly.”
Greenside Control with a Twist: While it’s prized for its low-spin characteristics off the tee, the Left Dash doesn’t completely sacrifice greenside performance. It still uses a soft urethane cover, which allows skilled players to generate enough spin on short irons and wedges to stop the ball on the green. However, it will spin less than the standard Pro V1 or Pro V1x on these shots. This requires precision from the player, something tour pros possess.
In essence, the Pro V1x Left Dash is built for a specific type of golfer: one with high swing speed who generates plenty of their own spin and is looking to "tame" that spin off the tee for more distance and a penetrating ball flight, while still demanding control around the greens.
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So, why does this specific combination of high launch, low spin, and firm feel work so well for Ben Griffin? It boils down to matching technology to his athletic strengths on the golf course.
Maximizing the Driver
Griffin is a strong player who can generate serious clubhead speed. Without the right ball, that speed can lead to excessive backspin. Too much spin off the driver can cause the ball to "balloon" up into the air and lose distance, especially into the wind. The low-spin nature of the Pro V1x Left Dash acts as a governor. It converts his high speed into forward momentum, not just upward launch. This allows him to hit powerful, high-launching drives that bore through the air and run out once they land, giving him an advantage on par 4s and par 5s.
Dialing in the Irons
With his irons, Griffin’s objective changes from pure distance to precise distance control. The higher-than-average flight of the Left Dash helps him hit iron shots that descend steeply onto the greens. This steep angle of descent is another way to stop the ball, complementing the urethane cover. He knows he can hit an iron and trust it to fly a specific yardage and stop without relying on excessive backspin, which can sometimes be inconsistent from lie to lie.
The firm feel also provides the auditory and sensory feedback he needs to know exactly how he struck the shot. He can instantly feel if he caught it flush, a little thin, or on the toe.
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It's always interesting to know what the pros use, but the most important question is: what should you use? This is where a golf coach's perspective is vital. Just because it works for a PGA Tour player doesn't mean it’s the right choice for an amateur golfer.
Who This Ball is Built For
Frankly, the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash is a tour-level ball designed for a niche group of elite golfers. You might be a good candidate for this ball if you consistently check these boxes:
High Swing Speed: You need to have a driver swing speed well over 105 mph to properly compress this ball and reap its benefits.
You Struggle With Too Much Spin: If your natural shot is a high-spin shot that tends to lose distance, this ball could help you gain yardage off the tee.
You Prefer a Firm Feel: If softer golf balls feel "mushy" or like they jump off the face uncontrollably, the solid feel of the Left Dash might give you the feedback you crave.
You're a Low-Handicap Player: Consistent ball striking is non-negotiable. This ball is not very forgiving on mishits and requires you to generate your own short-game spin through technique.
When to Look at Other Options
The vast majority of amateur golfers will likely find better performance from a different ball. The Left Dash could actually hurt your game if:
YourSwing Speed is Average or Slower: If you swing under 100 mph, you won't be able to compress this ball effectively. You’ll lose distance, and it will feel like hitting a rock. A softer ball like the standard Pro V1, a Callaway Chrome Soft, or a TaylorMade TP5 would be a much better fit.
You Want to Maximize Greenside Spin: If you rely on the ball to help you create check and spin on chip and pitch shots, the slightly lower spin of the Left Dash might cause your shots to roll out more than you'd like. The standard Pro V1 or Pro V1x are built to offer more of this "drop-and-stop" performance.
You Value a Softer Feel: The firm feel is not for everyone. Many golfers prefer a softer, quieter sound at impact, which often leads to more confidence, especially on and around the greens.
The Ultimate Advice: Get Fitted for a Golf Ball
The best way to find your perfect ball is not to copy a pro, but to test them yourself. Go through a ball fitting, either with a professional or on your own. Here’s a simple process:
Start Around the Green: Hit chips and putts with 3-4 different models. Pay attention to the feel and sound. One will likely feel better to you than the others. This is your first filter.
Move to Wedge Shots: Take your top candidates and hit 50-70 yard wedge shots. See how they react on the green. Do they stop? Do they release? Which one gives you the most predictable reaction?
Test Your Mid-Irons: Now, hit some 7-iron shots. Look at the ball flight. Do you prefer a higher or more penetrating trajectory? Does one feel more stable in the wind?
Finish with the Driver: Finally, hit the driver. Compare distance and dispersion. Don't just look at your best shot, look at your average shot. The ball that gives you the best combination of distance and accuracy is often the winner.
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Ben Griffin uses the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash because its unique formula of firm feel, high launch, and low spin perfectly suits his powerful, world-class swing. It’s a specialized ball that helps him harness his speed off the tee and control his trajectory into the greens.
Choosing the right equipment is one of the quickest ways to improve your scores, but it often brings up more questions than answers. When you’re on the course trying to make a smart play or at home trying to diagnose your game, sorting through all the variables can feel overwhelming. That is precisely why we developed Caddie AI. Our app provides you with on-demand expert advice, acting as both a 24/7 golf coach and a real-time caddie, so you can stop guessing and start playing with clarity and confidence on every shot.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
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