Titleist Introduces New AIM Designs for AVX, Tour Soft, Velocity and TruFeel Golf Balls

Testing has shown that players using Titleist AIM designs are up to 35% more precise in aligning their putts

(FAIRHAVEN, Mass.) — Titleist expands upon its player-validated golf ball alignment offerings with the introduction of four new Alignment Integrated Marking (AIM) models to help golfers achieve more precise alignment on the greens.

Complementing the AIM designs already available on Pro V1, Pro V1x and Pro V1x Left Dash, the addition of four unique patterns on Titleist’s AVX, Tour Soft, Velocity and TruFeel models rounds out a complete lineup of advanced alignment designs across the entire golf ball family.

AVX and TruFeel models are both offered with new AIM 360 markings, custom printed around the circumference of the golf ball, while AIM Performance designs are featured opposite the sidestamp on both Tour Soft and Velocity, the fourth pole of design space on the golf ball. All four new Titleist AIM golf ball models are now available in golf shops worldwide and on Titleist.com. 

“We’ve conducted significant testing around alignment tendencies and how accurate players are with different types of markings,” said Scott Cooper, Titleist’s Director of Golf Ball Product Development. “The data consistently shows improvement for most golfers when they align their putts with our AIM designs. When we talk about improved performance, it needs to be discernible and impactful to the golfer.”

"Interestingly, AIM is more valuable as you get farther from the hole,” said Frederick Waddell, Director of Golf Ball Product Management. “On a four-foot putt, you might be okay lining up your ball with a standard sidestamp because it's such a short putt. But as you go back to 12 feet or 16 feet, you could be off by up to a foot on either side of the hole as that dispersion cone gets wider. The data really illustrates that, for golfers who like a form of alignment on their ball, our AIM designs can help them be more precise on the greens.”

PRECISION VALIDATED: BEHIND THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS FOR AIM MODELS

Before every new Titleist golf ball model is introduced, it must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate discernible performance advantages for the golfer. Titleist Golf Ball R&D and manufacturing teams have approached advanced alignment designs with the same intentionality.

“Golfers expect Titleist to deliver real performance benefits, and that was our goal from the start,” Waddell said. “As we always do, we went to the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour to understand their use of alignment features and preferred designs.”

Roughly 65% of Titleist golf ball players on the PGA TOUR mark their Pro V1 or Pro V1x with some kind of alignment cue. The first AIM Performance design, currently available on Pro V1 family models, was inspired by the most popular of those tour player additions: a long, straight line. 

Titleist also extended AIM research to dedicated golfers, testing more unique, custom alignment features with Team Titleist members to gauge design appeal. There was clear interest, and not just from Pro V1 and Pro V1x players.

To assess the effectiveness of AIM designs, Titleist Golf Ball R&D developed a proprietary device that measured how precise golfers were in aligning their golf ball to a target in a controlled test. The new technology helped Titleist uncover thousands of data points around alignment tendencies through player testing. 

Golfers were instructed to line up their golf ball to the hole using a variety of alignment cues, and precision was evaluated by measuring the left-right proximity of their aim to the hole through absolute angles. Results revealed a noticeably tighter alignment distribution for golfers using AIM alignment aids compared to those using a standard length sidestamp. Specifically, golfers using AIM were up to 35% more precise with their alignment.

AVX AIM 360

Distinctive alignment design that gradually softens around the circumference of the ball for improved aim and accuracy.

AVX player profile: AVX is designed for players seeking long distance, low spin and a penetrating flight in the long game along with impressive stopping power into the green and a very soft feel.

The new AVX improves short-game control with a softer urethane cover and dials in long-game performance with a faster core formulation and a re-engineered high flex casing layer. 

AVX AIM 360 MAP: $49.99

TOUR SOFT AIM PERFORMANCE

Premium extended three-line alignment for more precise aim and accuracy, available in blue and black or red and black.

Tour Soft player profile: Tour Soft is designed for exceptional performance from tee to green for golfers seeking an excellent combination of distance, feel and spin at a lower price point. 

The new Tour Soft features a brand-new dimple design, core dimension and elastomer cover blend for a more consistent flight, better stopping power and a very soft feel.

Tour Soft AIM Performance MAP: $39.99

VELOCITY AIM PERFORMANCE

Distinctive orange and black arrow alignment design for improved aim and accuracy. 

Velocity player profile: Velocity is recommended for players who prioritize distance from tee to green above all other performance attributes. 

The new Velocity features advancements to every layer of the golf ball, helping deliver longer distance off the tee, lower long-game spin and a more penetrating flight.

Velocity AIM Performance MAP: $29.99

TRUFEEL AIM 360

Unique, continuous red arrow alignment design that wraps the circumference of the ball for improved aim and accuracy.

TruFeel player profile: TruFeel, the softest Titleist golf ball, is designed to provide long distance, consistent greenside spin and an ultra-soft feel.

TruFeel AIM 360 MAP: $24.99

PRO V1 AIM OFFERINGS

In addition to the newly introduced AIM designs for 2026, Pro V1, Pro V1x and new Pro V1x Left Dash golf balls continue to be offered in AIM Performance and AIM Enhanced designs.

The Pro V1 family’s AIM Performance marking is designed after one of the most common additions tour players make to their golf ball: a long, straight line. The 105-degree design is printed on the golf ball’s fourth pole. It is available in black, red, blue and pink colors.

The Pro V1 family’s AIM Enhanced marking is an extended three-line alignment design incorporated into the golf ball’s sidestamp. The built-in visual aid measures over 65% longer than the standard Titleist sidestamp.

From Losing His Tour Card to Bay Hill: Joel Dahmen’s Late Charge Lands Him in $20M Signature Event

Joel Dahmen entered the final tournament of last season knowing his PGA Tour future was hanging by a thread. His last chance to retain a full card ended with a missed cut, sending him back to Arizona with more questions than answers.

He spent the next month at home with his newborn son, unsure what the next chapter of his career would look like. One thing seemed certain at the time: a start in a $20 million signature event at Bay Hill wasn’t part of the plan.

Yet this week, Dahmen finds himself in the 72-player field at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The PGA Tour’s new structure — with only the top 100 players keeping full cards instead of 125 — has created tighter schedules and fewer opportunities. For someone in Dahmen’s position, that meant uncertainty about where he would play and how often.

But strong performances in limited chances changed everything.

“It’s nice to hang out with the big kids this week,” Dahmen said Wednesday. “Incredible event. Really hard golf course. It’s definitely elevated, signature event. You can feel it, and I’m just super excited to be here.”

His path to Bay Hill wasn’t paved with sponsor exemptions. Dahmen applied for one nearly every week and received just a single invite — at the WM Phoenix Open — where he missed the cut.

Instead, he played his way in.

He squeezed into the field at Torrey Pines and finished tied for seventh. Then last week, after barely getting into the Cognizant Classic, he delivered a bogey-free final 27 holes to finish tied for ninth.

That surge earned him the final spot in the Bay Hill field — by just five FedEx Cup points over Jordan Spieth, who already had a sponsor exemption.

“No, I could not see myself here,” said Dahmen, 38. “It was the first time in a long time that there was a lot of unknowns in my career. Most players didn’t really know the schedule or what we were going to get into.

“For me, the biggest thing was that every single start is a big start.”

Those starts have suddenly become crucial. Dahmen isn’t eligible for the three signature events following The Players Championship, meaning Bay Hill and The Players represent major opportunities to keep his momentum going. Without his recent results, he could have faced a five-week stretch without a tournament.

Instead, he’s teeing it up against one of the strongest fields of the year.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler — a two-time Bay Hill winner in the past four years — headlines a field that includes 19 of the top 20 players in the world. Justin Thomas also returns to competition for the first time since Ryder Cup following back surgery.

“I’ve got to be realistic,” Thomas said. “I haven’t played a tournament in six months. I feel like I can do anything I want with the golf ball at any given time. It’s just going to be concentrating for four-and-a-half, five hours on a very difficult test.”

Dahmen isn’t the only player who fought his way into the event. Austin Smotherman, fresh off a runner-up finish last week, also earned a spot.

For Collin Morikawa, stories like Dahmen’s are part of what makes the Tour compelling.

“That’s part of why people love seeing maybe slightly bigger fields — the underdog story,” Morikawa said. “On any given week there are a lot of guys in the world who can play golf. But opportunities aren’t just handed out. You have to go earn them.

“Joe was given an opportunity. He’s taken that opportunity and turned it into something great.”

A few months ago, though, Dahmen’s career outlook looked far less certain.

The offseason was filled with family time — celebrating his newborn son, hosting Thanksgiving dinner and spending plenty of time on the couch. His golf clubs stayed tucked away until late December, when his wife casually asked if he had thought about what came next.

It was Dec. 27 when he realized it might be time to start practicing again.

“Yeah, the path to the Tour is rougher,” Dahmen said. “The path to stay on Tour is tougher than it’s ever been. There’s a lot of talk about it being more of a closed shop.

“But on the other side, I’m proof that in four events you can play well enough and earn your way into these events.”

Now he has two more chances — Bay Hill and The Players — to keep the comeback going.

“And if you play well in one of these next two,” Dahmen said, “you keep going on the upward trend.”

Health Inspectors Cite Rodents, Insects at Trump National Golf Club Westchester

A recent health inspection at Trump National Golf Club Westchester turned up several violations, including the presence of rodents and insects in the facility.

The upscale golf club in Westchester County, New York — one of several courses owned by Donald Trump — received five health code violations during its most recent inspection, according to a publicly available report from local health authorities.

Among the issues noted by inspectors were rodents and insects present in the establishment, along with plumbing problems, improperly stored food, and concerns related to lighting and ventilation.

While isolated violations can occur at any restaurant or food service facility, inspection records indicate that the “rodents and insects present” citation has appeared at the club multiple times dating back to 2016.

The findings come roughly a year after another property, Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey, drew scrutiny following a health inspection that resulted in a failing score.

According to reports at the time, the Somerset County Department of Health gave the Bedminster club a 32 out of 100, citing numerous violations and labeling the situation an “unacceptable health risk.” The score was reportedly the lowest among the county’s 115 retail food establishments during that inspection period.

Details from that report, cited by Forbes, said the person in charge of food and beverage service “failed to demonstrate knowledge of food safety.” Inspectors also found the establishment out of compliance with requirements related to protecting food from contamination.

Additional violations included expired milk, improperly stored raw meat, and a dishwasher that failed to reach the required sanitation temperature. Inspectors recorded 18 total violations at the facility, nine of which were categorized as critical.

The report also noted the presence of a household microwave in the kitchen — equipment inspectors ordered removed because retail food establishments are required to use commercial-grade appliances.

Despite the violations, both clubs remain part of a portfolio of high-end golf properties frequently visited by members and guests.

Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog Reopens Following Year-Long Restoration

Pete Dye’s Legendary Layout Returns Following Enhancement Project Led by Jerry Pate Design

(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including its world famous and top-ranked golf courses – announces the reopening of its iconic Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog course following a year-long restoration and enhancement project led by Jerry Pate Design. 

Teeth of the Dog reopened for resort play on Dec. 7 and now showcases the brilliance of Dye’s creative genius while honoring the course’s celebrated heritage. Aimed at elevating the playing experience for today’s golfer, the project modernized and updated the layout with an assortment of mostly cosmetic enhancements while honoring Dye’s original vision. A formal “Grand Re-opening Celebration” is scheduled for March 8 – 11. New photos of Teeth of the Dog can be found HERE.

The centerpiece of the restoration led by Pate and his team was a complete re-grassing of Teeth of the Dog with Dynasty Paspalum, an ideal grass for seaside courses. The new innovative turf is now featured  on the tee boxes, fairways, and greens. Three inches of sand were added to the fairways before the reseeding, which aims to improve playability and irrigation.

Additionally, the surrounding edges of Teeth of the Dog’s greens have been returned to their original size as first fashioned by Dye, with some slight recontouring as well. All greenside bunkers have been reshaped and expanded to flat bottoms with enhanced faces for a sharper, more dramatic look. All cart paths now feature new concrete, along with new rock paths curving around the tees and greens. The core objective of the restoration was to preserve Dye’s strategic intent, maintaining his lines of play, contours, angles, and the iconic defensive features that define the course.

“This restoration solidifies Teeth of the Dog and Casa de Campo as truly providing one of the outstanding golf experiences in the world,” said Jason Kycek, Chief Marketing Officer at Casa de Campo. “By preserving and elevating an iconic course like Teeth of the Dog, we have ensured that Pete Dye’s genius and artistry remain intact while reaffirming our resort’s position in the highest echelons of world-class golf.”

“Teeth of the Dog is truly one of the great courses in the world, and preserving the essence of Pete Dye guided us every step of the way,” said Jerry Pate, Founder and CEO of Jerry Pate Design. “Our role was to faithfully rebuild using modern techniques so the original design can live on for many decades to come.”

Since opening in 1971, Teeth of the Dog has become widely known as a Dye masterpiece and has long been considered the No. 1 course in the Caribbean and consistently rated as one of the best in the world. Dye’s genius design hallmarks are all showcased on the dramatic seaside layout: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, hand-sculpted putting surfaces, and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. The seven exceptional oceanfront holes are astoundingly beautiful, causing Dye to famously quip, “I created 11 holes, and God created seven.”

For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www.casadecampo.com.do/. 

The Club at Olde Cypress Unveils Transformed Clubhouse, Redefining Private Club Living in North Naples

(Naples, Fla.) – The Club at Olde Cypress has reopened its newly reimagined clubhouse following the completion of Phase I of a multi-million-dollar renovation, marking a defining moment in the club’s evolution.

The project represents a lifestyle transformation. With sophisticated new interiors, energized social spaces, and expanded amenity offerings, Olde Cypress is one of the most sought-after private club communities in the Naples area.

The renovation represents a significant investment by Stock Hospitality, part of the Stock Family of Companies. The initiative reflects the company’s broader strategy of enhancing lifestyle-driven communities and reinforces its commitment to delivering elevated club experiences across its portfolio.

“This is not simply the unveiling of a renovated building, it’s the beginning of a new era for Olde Cypress,” said Jerrod Tumbleson, general manager of The Club at Olde Cypress. “We’re at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, and our new clubhouse amenities will allow us to set a new standard of excellence for our membership experience.”

A Bold Reimagining of the Club Experience

The redesigned Bar, Members’ Grille Room and Main Dining Room now showcase a dramatic wraparound bar with expanded seating and a lively gathering atmosphere. Modern, sophisticated finishes blend seamlessly with warm, inviting design elements, creating a space equally suited for casual cocktails, elegant dining, and festive celebrations.

Newly unveiled lifestyle spaces include:
● The Cypress Room, an elegant multipurpose gathering space anchored by a grand piano and designed for intimate social events and member programming.
● Private Dining Room, a stunning wine-tasting room featuring handcrafted wine racks beneath a custom vaulted ceiling.
● Full Swing Simulator Room, offering year-round practice, golf instruction and club fittings, as well as virtual rounds and interactive multisport competitions.
● The Club Room, a refined lounge complete with billiards, plush seating and a relaxed viewing zone for gatherings.
● Three new Bocce Ball Courts, equipped with lighting and shade structures to support an expanding social program.

Together, these additions will help fuel a vibrant calendar of events and strengthen the club’s reputation as a lively and engaging community.

“I’ve watched Olde Cypress grow and evolve for 15 years, and this is truly one of the most exciting moments in the club’s history,” said Melissa Hansen, Director of Membership and Marketing. “The renovations, paired with expanded social programming, have completely transformed how members connect, gather, and enjoy the club. The energy right now is remarkable.”

Phase II: Greenside Grille and Outdoor Experience Coming Soon

Phase II of the renovation, set to conclude in the coming weeks, will introduce the highly anticipated Greenside Grille, along with an outdoor bar and patio designed for relaxed alfresco dining and social connection.

The expanded outdoor venue will feature:
● A full-service kitchen, including a pizza oven for artisan creations
● Covered and open-air seating overlooking the golf course
● A social outdoor bar setting with central TV viewing features
● Lounge areas for celebration and connection, enhanced by firepits and relaxed seating

Once complete, the Greenside Grille and outdoor bar will further elevate Olde Cypress as North Naples’ leading private club destination.

A Modern Private Club for Today’s Lifestyle

Beyond the clubhouse, Olde Cypress continues to offer a fully immersive lifestyle experience. In addition to its renowned championship golf course designed by legendary P.B. Dye, the club offers:
● Active pickleball, tennis and bocce programs
● A well-equipped fitness center with wellness programming
● Social events designed for couples, families and multigenerational members

The result is a club environment where neighbors quickly become close friends and community is at the forefront.

The clubhouse renovation has spurred even greater interest in membership with a limited number of resident and non-resident Full and Associate Golf memberships still available.

As Naples continues to evolve, Olde Cypress stands at the forefront -- a club that blends championship golf with elevated dining, social energy and an authentic sense of belonging.

For more information contact Melissa Hansen, Director of Membership and Marketing at mhansen@oldecypress.com or visit www.OldeCypress.com.

Rahm Charters Rescue Flight to Get Stranded LIV Players to Hong Kong Event

Seven LIV Golf players caught in escalating Middle East tensions arrived safely in Hong Kong this week — thanks to a private jet arranged by Jon Rahm.

A group of players had been practicing in Dubai ahead of LIV Golf’s Asian tour stop when airport closures left them stranded following weekend strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. The conflict quickly widened, with retaliatory strikes impacting locations across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

According to the golf-focused social media account Flushing It, the affected players were Lee Westwood, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Sam Horsfield, Anirban Lahiri, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk and Caleb Surratt.

“It was terrifying,” Surratt told Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine via text on Tuesday about being in the region during the attacks. “But since then, it’s been OK. It was bad Sunday and Monday here with missile interceptions, but all day today was fine.”

Spanish outlet MARCA reported that Rahm arranged a charter flight to ensure the group could reach Hong Kong in time for the tournament. Seven players were on board. Canter did not take the flight but is still expected to arrive ahead of his Thursday tee time.

Westwood, Canter and Horsfield compete on the same LIV squad, while McKibbin and Surratt are members of Rahm’s team, Legion XIII.

The U.S. Department of State on Monday urged Americans to depart more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as tensions continued to rise.

As of Wednesday, LIV Golf had not issued an official statement regarding the travel disruption.

Wanna Bet? John Daly II in the Puerto Rico Open

The PGA tournament in Puerto Rico this weekend doesn't carry the same star power as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but there are a few notable rising stars competing.

The biggest of which ... John Daly II.

John Daly's 22-year-old son is making his PGA Tour debut this week at the Puerto Rico Open behind a sponsor's invitation.

There are also four teenagers in the field, ranging from 17 to 19.

BetOnline.ag has created some prop bets around these storylines. Daly II is a longshot to make the cut, and even longer to win the tourney, but maybe he can conjure some of his dad's magic from yesteryear and pull off the upset.

Will John Daly II win the Puerto Rico Open?

- Yes       300/1

Will John Daly II make the cut?

- Yes       +550

- No        -1000

What will happen first?

- Daly II birdie or better   +100

- Daly II bogey or worse   -140

Most strokes by John Daly II on any hole

Over/Under      7 strokes

Lowest Round by John Daly II

Over/Under      74.5

Will John Daly II make a PGA Tour cut this season?

- Yes       +150

- No        -200

Teenager w/Best Finish

- Blades Brown    +125

- Miles Russell     +150

- Yanhan Zhou     +400

- Evan Pena         +800

John Daly II props can be seen here: https://www.betonline.ag/sportsbook/futures-and-props/specials/john-daly-ii