The Japanese Pro V1 Hits The States. GP’s Golf Clubs Return The Favor

It’s touted as the Japanese Pro V1 and it fetches an unthinkable $80 (U.S.) per dozen in Japan. In fact you can’t even purchases them retail here in the States. So when our friends at Lostgolfballs.com suggested a demo we jumped at the chance. And I could think of no better test than our annual pilgrimage to The Black course at Bethpage, the site of the 2009 U.S. Open.

After the arduous front nine I came to the following conclusions: The Black’s rough was having its way with me and that the GranZ was no Pro V1. That being said, I thought it was a quality golf ball that most average golfers would benefit from trying. It was long off the tee and easy to keep in play - both crucial. And while it didn’t spin like a Pro V1, I was able to hold the greens with ease. This is attributed to its flexible Shima cover and Large/Soft Polybutadiene core technology. I even thought it was softer off the putter than my premium ball. All in all, I was very pleased with the GranZ’s performance, despite being thrashed by The Black.

The GranZ sets up well for the average golfer. Playing a ball with a harder cover not only makes it more durable, but reduced spin will lessen that slice of yours. Unless you have higher swing speeds and make solid contact consistently, using a premium ball is a waste. Let’s be honest most of us can’t spin the ball back anyway so why pay $4 a ball? The GranZ survived Bethpage, which is more than I can say for Eric.

Cost: $10-$30 @ Lostgolfballs.com