At the Pro-Shop, or Walmart, it is my understanding that the balls we purchase are the exact same ones played by the professionals. I wasn't able to find it doing a quick search, but Acushnet ran some advertisements back in the 50's or 60's that basically said the same thing, the pros use the same ball we do. I believe it's been that way since the very beginning. As it should be.

Generally, yes. The exception is that many tour players get pre-released equipment, stuff that has been approved by the USGA but still being tested before released to the general public. A good example would be the Vokey SM7 wedges that the players have been using for the last several weeks.

For the most part, Titleist is the same. There are custom grind Vokey wedges and prototype Cameron putters but for the many play the available commercial products. As part of the R&D some balls will be prototypes for some players, but most play the standard. Unlike the OEM for the famous LH player with a 64 wedge. Most of his equipment is "prototype" and is never released for the average golfer. At one point they released a "PM" wedge series - but RH ony.

When I tookm the tour at Titleist Ball Plant 3 for pro v production they assured us it's the same product that they play. The only difference they said was they look over the balls in quality control extra long to ensure perfection. Know you are playing what the pro play is why Titleist is the best!

Often wondered this myself.

Josh B is rite. Tour players use the best of the best

I had a set of 714 MB's given to me by a buddy on the Web.Com, they have a different sole grind than mine. Not significant, but certainly different. When you're talking Tour players, I'd say the QC at manufacturing/fitting is at a slightly higher level, if there is one. Titleist equipment is always spot on in my book.

Don’t think a ball, but equipment I do. I’m sure the tolerance and exact specs are dead on for pros. At retail, they might or might not be exact. Scotty”s are a whole different animal, with 009 shapes and stamping

Many PGA players use a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS (made with German stainless steel). I wish it would be available to everyone.

I wonder if the metals are measured for the pros to make sure they get the hottest heads?

I find it interesting that there hasn't been a comment from a Titleist representative on this issue. I believe that the balls are the same except for prototypes. I'd say that the pros do have access to the very best Titleist has to offer like the stainless steel Scottys. I will say that there is a higher quality grip that is on the demo clubs that normal Titleist enthusiasts like myself don't have access to. Believe me I've tried. Anyways it would be interesting to talk to one of the members of the tour van. They hold the keys to the kingdom. Us normal folks just have to settle for really solid clubs.

if you check out https://thepeoplesclubs.com they do all tour issue stuff. A friend of mine knows guys that have bought stuff off him and claim they notice a difference. I'm not real sure if i believe it but i've never hit one.

Michael Breed just did his show from the Titleist plant 3 and ask if there was any difference between the tour and retailers versions of the ball. The only difference was cosmetic

Tour players use the same ball that the general public does. I think their equipment is either prototypes that are approved by USGA but not yet released to public or extremely well "fit" clubs that come off the same assembly lines as general public clubs. You'll never see a Pro playing a club that hasn't been specifically setup for them by the Titleist club fitter. Shaft, lie angle, loft, sole grind, grip, all specific to that Pro. This Titleist club fitting is available to general public, for a price.

Thanks for the education!