Here's something to think about the next time you dig into your bag for another golf ball: Changing the golf ball changes every shot.

And if you're looking to lower your scores (who isn't, right?), one of the first steps is knowing what to expect out of your golf ball on each and every swing.

This is also a key to developing a more consistent golf game, as it's impossible to gain such feel and understanding while playing different golf ball models from round to round (or even hole to hole).

"We've met a number of golfers who do not buy the same golf ball each time they purchase golf balls, and play whichever ball gets pulled from the bag," Titleist Golf Ball Fitter John Fizer said. "They don't think playing different golf balls has any affect on their game, but that's not the case. They're not giving themselves the best opportunity to shoot lower scores."

Since golf balls have meaningful performance differences, especially on scoring shots into the green, golfers need to know what the golf ball will do when they hit their shot correctly.

During the R&D process we gather feedback from golfers of all levels regarding the performance characteristics they want in their golf balls. Such information is crucial in the creation of the different models of Titleist golf balls.



“Once a golfer has been properly fit into the Titleist golf model that is best for their game, they are one step closer to a more consistent game,” said Mike Gibson, Manager of Titleist Golf Ball Fitting.

“Through our extensive player testing, we’ve seen that eliminating the variable differences in golf ball performance by playing the same golf ball model every round will help improve your chances of hitting more greens in regulation and hitting the ball closer to the pin. Whether you're a professional or amateur, shorter putts go in more often. Every golfer is looking to maximize those opportunities.”

Added Titleist Golf Ball Fitter Michael Collins: "Once you start to learn how your golf ball performs you will see the benefits immediately, especially on the scoring shots to and around the green.”

"For example, when you hit the green with a 7 iron, the ball is going to land on the green and perform in a particular way. Does it hit and stop? Does it bounce a couple times before checking up? That sort of reliance and that confidence in your golf ball can really start to alter the rest of your game."

Titleist's green-to-tee ball fitting methodology is based on the fact that most scoring opportunities are created by shots into the target, and improving your game in those areas will have the most game-changing affects.

There is a reason Titleist golf ball loyalists on the worldwide professional tours go through an extensive fitting process in order to find and trust a single type of Titleist golf ball: When you consistently play with a golf ball that is properly fit for your game, your shot execution will improve and you will give yourself the best chance to lower your score.

You can take full advantage of those benefits by consistently teeing up the best golf ball for your game.

To begin the Titleist Performance Golf Ball Fitting process yourself, click here.

Of all the azaleas at Augusta National Golf Club, there's only one that produces gigantic roars (and groans) from the Masters patrons – the risk-reward 510-yard par-5 13th hole that is named "Azalea" and features over 1,600 of the course's signature plants.

It's a hard dogleg left that calls for a player to work his drive around the corner in order for a chance to go for the green in two. The second shot is almost always from an awkward lie above your feet and the slightly-elevated putting surface is guarded by a tributary to Rae's Creek as well as four back bunkers, which have been known to plant (Azalea) seeds of doubt in many players' minds.

Said Augusta National co-founder Bobby Jones (according to Augusta.com): "Whatever position may be reached with the tee shot, the second shot as well entails a momentous decision whether or not to try for the green.

"Several tournaments have been won or lost here, even though the decision may not have been obvious at the time."

Check out the video above for Titleist Brand Ambassador Geoff Ogilvy's in-depth breakdown of No. 13. (Mobile users click here.)

Lay up or go for it? What would you do?

I just wanted to post a quick blog tonight. I've had a good week and looking forward to getting started tomorrow.

I arrived in Augusta late last week and was able to get three full days of practice before the tournament week started. This is always such a special time of year and there truly isn't anything better than coming back to Augusta.

It's hard to believe it's my 10th appearance! Course, as  
always, is in really good condition but this week it looks even 
better.

I'll be out early, tee off at 8:40 a.m., and I'll be playing with Nick Watney and Dustin Johnson. I played in the Par 3 Contest today with Justin Rose... had closest to the pin on the 5th hole. 

The crowds were huge and atmosphere electric. You could already hear the roars!

Nice low key dinner tonight and off to bed early. See you guys out  
there tomorrow! If you haven't checked it out there awesome pretty good photos posted on my Facebook page from this week. 

– Adam

It was a serious day of work Tuesday at the Masters, both on the course and inside the Titleist Tour Van.

Camera in hand, Team Titleist took a stroll around Augusta National to watch several Titleist players dial in their focus for the pressure-packed rounds ahead. Then it was off to the Titleist Tour Van, where we were excited to find Masters Craftsman Bob Vokey doing what he does best: Building wedges.

Check out all the pictures from Tuesday in the slideshow below.

It's time for a special Masters edition of Team Titleist Trivia!

Our host today is Titleist Brand Ambassador Tim Clark, whose record at Augusta National features four top-13s including a runner-up finish in 2006.

The grand prize? A new Titleist Pro V1 golf ball signed by Tim (pictured below) and one dozen Limited Edition Team Titleist golf balls.

To see today's question, please watch the following video:

To enter the contest, log in to your Team Titleist account and then reply to this blog post with the correct answer to Tim's question by 4:15 p.m. EST today (Wednesday, April 6). Please note: You must be a Team Titleist member to enter. Only one entry per person.

We will randomly draw the grand prize winner from all approved entries with the correct answer; Two (2) runners-up will each receive a Limited Edition Team Titleist golf towel (pictured below).

(Sorry U.S. only. Here's some more info: Why are Titleist sweepstakes U.S. only?)

Sweepstakes Rules and Community Policy

**UPDATE: Thanks everyone for playing. For the correct answer, check out the following video:

Congratulations to our grand prize winner (Team Titleist golf balls and Tim Clark-signed Pro V1):

• Chris M

Congrats to our two runner-ups (Team Titleist towels):

• Brandon A
• Cole W

To our winners: Please make sure the address in your Team Titleist profile is up to date, as we will be shipping your prize to that address. Thanks!

Thanks everyone for playing! And thanks to Tim for hosting!

We really enjoyed catching up with Team Titleist member John L. in this latest edition of our Team Titleist Member Spotlight, where we get the chance to learn even more about the passionate and knowledgeable members of Team Titleist and their unique connections to the game.

John grew up in Georgia but is currently stationed in Japan as a member of the United States Air Force. We were thankful to hear from John recently on the Team Titleist discussion boards, where he let everyone know that "myself and my extended family are fine" in the aftermath of the Japan tsunami.

While John has been busy aiding in the recovery actions in Japan, he is hoping to tee up his Titleist Pro V1x again at Gosser Memorial GC on the Misawa Air Base by mid-April and start getting his game back in shape.

We're sure he's also looking forward to grabbing that hamburger – "the best burger I have ever had" – at the turn…

TEAM TITLEIST: How did you get started in golf? Who introduced you to the game?

JOHN L.: Going with my Father and Uncle Jack to the golf course every year when my uncle visited. I couldn't tell you how old I was – but I was young. I was mostly the ball finder, but they would let me hit one every once in a while.

TT: How often are you thinking about your golf game and getting better? What are you currently working on?
 
JL: According to my wife, "too much." She says I have "a golf sickness." She told me I should see a doctor. So I told her that my regular foursome includes three doctors, and asked her which one she recommends.

I always want to get better. The greatest part of golf is you can never beat the game but you can change the location. Tempo and mental strength!

TT: What's your best score and where did you shoot it?

JL: 120 at Misawa Gosser Memorial GC! It was a challenge day tournament and I played horrible. When I finished, the course pro said “You did a great job, you finished the tournament and didn’t give up." OK, so it’s not my best score, but it felt good to know finishing is better than walking off. Sometimes humility is better than glory.

TT: What's the most special moment you've ever had on the golf course?
 
JL: I played a small course in Wisconsin with my uncle Jack, father and cousin Frank, when I was a teenager. I had always wanted to play with them when I was growing up. I lived in Georgia and my uncle and cousin lived in Wisconsin.

TT: How do you mark your Titleist golf ball? Does it have any special significance?
 
JL: Nowadays I write "Simba" in red opposite the AIM line of the Pro V1x. It's what everyone calls me.

TT: What's your favorite Titleist club in the bag?
 
JL: My 2009 Scotty Cameron Studio Select Fastback 1.5! It has a great feel and the first time I hit it I knew it was the putter for me. 

TT: If you had to play one golf course every day for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
 
JL: Gosser Memorial GC. It’s a great course, has some holes that can be difficult, some that can be easy. You can walk it if you like, and the 18th has a great view of snow capped mountains in the spring.

It has a small, but great staff, and they seem to know everyone’s name. It just feels right when you play there.

TT: How did you hear about Team Titleist? What are some of your favorite features of the community and what kind of things would you like to see in the future?
 
JL: I was just surfing the Titleist Web site one day and saw the forum and signed up. It’s a great community of golfers that share a passion for the game and you get to see lots of different perspectives about the game.

I'd like to see a Titleist Van tracker, you know a little map showing where the van is now and where it’s going next. Maybe a photo of the Van and its people working with customers or something. Just a thought.

TT: Do you consider yourself a tinkerer? How often do you change equipment?

JL: Tinkerer no, junkie maybe! I change about every two years with the irons. Wedges as they wear out. I change drivers too much, but I’m looking to curb that.

TT: Favorite golf movie?
 
JL: I think you can’t go wrong with "Caddyshack." Everyone quotes the movie on the course.

TT: Favorite golf book?
 
JL: "Play Better Golf: The Short Game and Scoring" by Jack Nicklaus. I found a copy in my dad’s golf bag as a kid. It’s the first golf book I ever read.

TT: Favorite 19th hole meal?
 
JL: A hamburger at Misawa Gosser Memorial GC! They make the best burger I have ever had. Every one I know gets them at the turn – it’s like a ritual or something.

TT: What is your favorite golf destination?

JL: The 18th green of any course! It usually means I had a great day playing golf.

TT: Do you have any on-course superstitions? (I.e. always mark your ball with a heads-up quarter)

It’s a new superstition. I have a ball mark from the 5th RS Recon Squadron. I point it to where Oscar is facing the cup. He's a recon cat so I’m hoping he'll give me a good read.