Tiger Woods has signed a multi-year agreement to exclusively play and promote Bridgestone’s high-performance golf balls. The former world number one, who made his comeback at the recent Hero World Challenge after nearly 16 months recovering from two back operations and is due to make his US PGA Tour return in the Genesis Open in February (formerly the Los Angeles Open), selected the Bridgestone Tour B330-S ball after thoroughly testing it against competing models from all major brands. Woods determined through his personal research that the Bridgestone ball provided superior distance and accuracy off the tee for him, as well as optimal spin on shots into and around the green.
"Finding the right golf ball is extremely important. It's an essential part of my equipment, and the Bridgestone B330-S ball is hands-down the best for my game," said Woods. "Controlling launch and trajectory is critical, and with this ball I feel I have total control to hit all shots accurately. I'm not just here to play – I'm here to win, and the innovative breakthroughs of the Bridgestone B330-S ball can help me do that."
According to Bridgestone, Woods' findings align with what the company’s ball-fitting sessions with amateurs had proven. “Data from these sessions show the B330-S flies six yards longer and is more accurate than the leading competitors. Bridgestone golf balls have a record of success for Tour players as well. FedEx Cup champion Brandt Snedeker, Olympic bronze medallist Matt Kuchar, US Masters winner Fred Couples, three-time major champion Nick Price and rising star Bryson DeChambeau are Bridgestone Golf ambassadors, while scores of fellow professionals – including 2016 winners on the PGA and LPGA Tours – choose to use Bridgestone balls without compensation.”
Angel Ilagan, president and CEO of Bridgestone Golf, notes that, “No one spends more time perfecting their equipment than Tiger Woods, and no one holds their equipment to a higher standard. His choice of Bridgestone sends a clear message that our golf balls are superior to all others."
As part of the partnership, Woods will be featured in digital, social, print and broadcast marketing globally as a Bridgestone Golf ambassador.
The winner of 14 major championships and 79 PGA Tour events, he says he is excited to support the Bridgestone ball-fitting programme, which he believes can stimulate a new generation of golfers and increase enjoyment for all players. "Bridgestone wants to make golf easier for everyone. Knowing that every golfer's game and swing is unique, it works to match each individual with the best ball for his or her game. If you're not switching to Bridgestone, you're missing out on better scores and a better experience."
Bridgestone introduced the Tour B330-S in early 2016 after more than four years of research and development. “The catalyst for distance and accuracy gains over leading competitors is the patented TOURcore. Now six per cent larger than the prior model, it produces even faster speed and less spin off the driver via Bridgestone's gradational core formulation. For increased greenside control, the B330-S wears the breakthrough SlipRes cover, which increases stopping power without the usual negative effects of added driver spin.”
