Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion known for his athletic swing and incredible power, plays the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash golf ball. This isn't your standard off-the-shelf option, it's a specialized, tour-proven model designed for a very specific type of player. This article will break down exactly what that ball is, why a powerhouse like Woodland chooses it, and most importantly, guide you through the process of figuring out if a similar type of ball could be the right fit for your game.
First, let's clear up what that mouthful of a name means. The Pro V1x "Left Dash," as it's known, started as a Custom Performance Option (CPO) for Tour players. Think of it as a special-order item. While you can now order it, you won't typically find stacks of it at your local pro shop next to the standard Pro V1 and Pro V1x.
Its defining characteristic? It's the firmest, highest-launching, and lowest-spinning golf ball in Titleist’s premium lineup. Let’s break that down:
Think of it as the Pro V1x on steroids, but with a governor on the spin rate. It maintains the high launch of the standard 'x' model but strips away spin for players who generate too much of it on their own.
To understand why any pro uses a certain ball, you first have to understand their game. Gary Woodland is one of the strongest and fastest swingers on the PGA Tour. His physique is more like a linebacker than a traditional golfer, and his swing speed consistently hovers in the top percentile, often north of 120 mph with the driver.
This immense speed creates certain "problems" that need to be managed by his equipment. It's a great problem to have, but it needs a solution nonetheless.
When a player generates as much club head speed as Woodland, they also tend to create a lot of backspin. While backspin is your friend with a wedge, it can be a distance killer with a driver. Excessive spin causes the ball to "balloon" or "climb" too high into the air, losing forward momentum and getting knocked around by the wind.
Imagine a powerful hose pointing straight up versus one pointed at a 45-degree angle. The one pointed up might shoot water impressively high, but it won't go very far. Woodland needs his golf shots to have a powerful, piercing trajectory, not a high, floating one.
This is where the Pro V1x Left Dash comes in. It meets his game perfectly:
In essence, the Pro V1x Left Dash allows Woodland to unleash his greatest asset - his power - without paying the penalty of excessive spin. It's a tool custom-built for his powerful, athletic motion.
So, the big question is, should you rush out and try to find a ball like the Pro V1x Left Dash? The honest answer is: probably not, but maybe. This type of ball is designed for a very small segment of the golfing population. However, understanding who it's for can help you better understand your own needs.
Ask yourself these questions to see if you fit the profile:
This is the most important factor. High-performance, low-spin balls are built for high-speed players. Generally, you’d want a driver swing speed of 105 mph or higher to truly benefit from a ball like the Left Dash. If your swing speed is below 100 mph, a softer, higher-spinning ball will almost always perform better for you, helping you generate the spin needed to keep the ball airborne longer for maximum distance.
Do you hit high, "floaty" drives that seem to hang in the air and fall straight down? When you hit a strong drive into the wind, does it feel like it hits a wall and balloons upward? If you answered yes, you are likely generating too much spin. A low-spin ball could help turn that climb into a more piercing, forward-moving flight.
This is the counterbalance question. If you struggle to get enough spin to stop the ball on the green with your 8-iron or wedges, a low-spin ball will only make that problem worse. A player who benefits from a ball like the Left Dash naturally creates a lot of spin due to their steep angle of attack and high clubhead speed. They can afford to give some of that spin away with the ball choice. If you need help with spin, you should look for a softer, mid-to-high spin ball.
Some players love the soft, "buttery" feel of a gentle golf ball. Others prefer a more solid, "clicky," and powerful sensation. The Pro V1x Left Dash delivers a very firm, audible feedback. This is purely a personal preference, but it’s part of the overall experience.
The Verdict: If you are a high-speed player (105+ mph) who fights a high, spinny ball flight but has no problem stopping the ball on the green, this category of golf ball is absolutely something you should test.
You don’t need a multi-million dollar setup to find the right ball. The pros look for consistency across the entire bag, and you can, too. Here’s a simple process:
This may sound backward, but your scoring happens here. Go to a practice green. Get a sleeve of your current ball and a sleeve of the new ball you’re testing. Hit a variety of shots: short chips, pitches from 30 yards, and some bunker shots.
Take both sleeves to the range or on the course. Hit a series of shots with a 7-iron. The primary goal here is to observe trajectory and distance control. The ball you choose should produce a consistent flight and land in a predictable yardage window. If one ball is flying significantly higher, lower, or giving you inconsistent distances, that's a red flag.
Finally, hit the driver. This is where you might see the biggest difference between tour-caliber balls. A low-spin offering like the Left Dash should produce a more piercing flight, especially when hit into a breeze. Compare the trajectory of a well-struck drive with your current ball to the test ball. Which one gives you a more penetrating flight that looks like it will run out after it lands?
By a working from the green back to the tee, you prioritize feel and scoring before you get seduced by raw distance. A ball that flies 10 yards farther but won't hold a green is not going to lower your scores.
Gary Woodland uses the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash because its unique combination of high launch, low spin, and firm feel perfectly complements his powerful, high-speed golf swing. It allows him to maximize his distance off the tee without sacrificing the control he needs to compete at the highest level.
For the amateur golfer, the most important lesson from Woodland’s choice is the value of matching your equipment to your swing's specific characteristics. Simply playing the same ball as your favorite pro isn't the path to better golf, understanding *why* they play it and applying that same logic to your own game is. You first have to understand your tendencies, and that’s where having an expert in your pocket helps. We've built Caddie AI to deliver those kinds of personalized recommendations. You can get instant advice on club selection, analyze your shot patterns, and finally get a clear picture of your game to make smarter equipment choices. We're here to help you stop guessing and start playing with the confidence that comes from knowing you’ve got the right tools for the job.
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.
