The new Titleist AVX golf balls 2026 - More control and soft feel

The search for the perfect balance between maximum distance and precise control on the green enters the next round. Titleist has announced the new edition of its AVX for 2026. While the core identity of the ball - low spin and a soft feel - remains untouched, the engineers have worked on the short game performance in particular.

Since its launch in 2018, the AVX has occupied a very specific niche in the market leader's portfolio. It is aimed at golfers who are looking for the performance of a urethane shell but require a flatter trajectory and less spin than the Pro V1 models offer. With the new 2026 model year, Titleist is now responding directly to feedback from the global community.

Targeted evolution: what makes the 2026 Titleist AVX golf balls stand out

The biggest challenge during development was to fulfill the desire for more grip on chips and pitches without sacrificing the aerodynamic advantages on the drive. The solution lies in a physical adaptation of the layers. The new Titleist AVX golf balls use a significantly softer and thicker urethane outer shell. This ensures a longer contact time of the club face with the ball during slow swings - a decisive factor for control around the green.

Frederick Waddell, Director of Golf Ball Product Management at Titleist, explains the strategy behind the new development: "AVX golfers know exactly why they play AVX. They appreciate the length, the low spin in the long game and, above all, the soft feel. [...] At the same time, they told us that, if anything, they wanted more spin and control in the short game, as long as the other typical AVX characteristics were retained."

The technology behind the "spin slope" of the Titleist AVX golf balls

In order to master the balancing act between the different types of shots, Titleist relies on a three-part construction in which each layer takes on a specific task. The aim was to steepen the so-called "spin slope" - i.e. to increase the difference between the desired low spin on the tee shot and the high spin around the flag.

A newly tuned, particularly reactive casing layer (high-flex casing) works under the soft shell. This acts as a counterpart to the soft core and shell to reduce the rotation rate on hard hits by players at high speeds.

Mike Madson, Senior Vice President of Golf Ball Development at Titleist, explains the principle: "These soft-over-hard and hard-over-soft relationships largely determine the spin characteristics of a golf ball. A soft shell over a firmer cover layer increases the spin on shorter shots [...] A firmer cover layer over a softer core reduces the spin at high speed impact moments, such as with a Driver or Hybrid."

The Titleist AVG golf balls in comparison

• The Titleist AVX golf ball is the ideal choice if you tend to hit the ball too high or struggle with too much spin on the Driver. It offers the lowest drag and softest feel of the three premium models.
• The Pro V1 is considered the standard for most players. It offers a balanced combination of distance and control with a medium trajectory.
• The Pro V1x is designed for those who prefer a high trajectory and want to stop the ball immediately on shots into the green (maximum spin).

Aerodynamics and trajectory: The Titleist AVX golf ball in practice

Another feature of the 2026 generation is the optimized dimple design. The 346 dipyramid pattern has been refined to maintain the characteristic "drilling" flight that makes the ball particularly resistant to wind. Interestingly, the flight has been calibrated to remain flat on long shots but reach a higher apex on medium Iron shots. This makes it easier for golfers to stop the ball in a controlled manner, even on firm greens.

Madson emphasizes the holistic nature of the concept: "With the AVX, we use every single layer of its construction to fine-tune the spin and give players exactly what they want from this ball."

Conclusion: For whom is the new Titleist AVX golf balls worthwhile?

The AVX will remain the "specialist" among premium balls in 2026. It is the logical choice for all players whose ball flight is too high or has too much spin with a Pro V1x. The improved shell brings it closer to its "Tour siblings" in terms of short game performance without losing its identity as a distance chaser.

The new Titleist AVX golf balls will be available from specialist retailers from January 26, 2026. It will be available in white and high-optic yellow at a recommended retail price of €59.99 per dozen.