Practically every golf ball manufacturer out there has an option or design with some type of visual alignment aid implemented into it. However, Bridgestone Golf had been a notable holdout, until now. Previously, the brand stood by the notion that they weren’t going to follow trends for the sake of it, but would entertain such an offering if there was one they believed to be both unique as well as a difference maker.
Apparently, it took Bridgestone staff member Jason Day and his mental coach to get there.
Bridgestone Golf MINDSET Visual Technology
With a name like “MINDSET”, it makes sense that a mental coach was involved with this one. However, it isn’t just any mental coach, it is Jason Day’s mental coach, Jason Goldsmith. The two worked in coordination with Bridgestone golf to create a “graphic pattern” which originates with the three-step mental game process which Day has been using for almost a decade.
“Jason Goldsmith and I worked together to develop a pre-shot technique that went beyond the simple visualization I did when I was a kid,” said Day. “He understood how critical pre-shot visualization was to my game but also knew I needed a more structured, complete routine. The MINDSET process we developed gives me everything I need to perform at my best on every shot.”
You, like me, are surely asking aloud at this point, “but what is it”? Well, that is a complex question. The process which the design is rooted in hinges around three steps: Identify, Visualize, and Focus. Those steps are each represented on the golf ball by three circles. The red outer level coincides with working to “Identify” the shape, trajectory, distance, and club choice of the given shot. Once those decisions are made, the yellow then prompts the golfer to “Visualize” the shot to its entirety within their head. Once there is a picture painted within the mind, the green inner dot should remind the player to “Focus” on execution. Green, of course, also means “go”.
Seem like a lot to follow? Well, Jason Day’s mental coach breaks it down as such:
“The MINDSET process allows anyone to do what all professional and high-level players do, which is to utilize a pre-shot routine that gives them the focus they need to perform at their best,” said Goldsmith. “When we started developing the pattern it consisted of concentric circles only, and there was no flow to the design. After some experimentation we came to the current pattern with three different colored circles with arrows, which provides a natural progression through the process. I’m very happy with the final product and believe it can be effectively used by players of all skill levels to improve their scores.”
The Details
Bridgestone always said that they wouldn’t do any type of “printed golf ball” unless it was unique, and it certainly feels like the Bridgestone Golf Mindset checks that box.
This new MINDSET pattern will be available 2/16/24 and be an option on all four of the 2024 Tour B golf ball models. They will not cost any more as the price per dozen will remain at $49.99.
The idea intrigues me, it’d be worth a sleeve alone just to try. Look forward to seeing how well it does, always wish they would offer a sort of Bridgestone B style soccer design as well on the ball as that would look pretty cool.
I’m all for new stuff, but, I honestly have to say…[IMG alt=”Seth Meyers What GIF by Late Night with Seth Meyers”]https://media4.giphy.com/media/koZ45XZKjcbHMN7UQp/200.gif[/IMG]
I’ll be honest, I don’t get this one. It’s…odd, and a bit awkward. If you’re going to pound your chest for years about not “printing graphics” on golf balls, and then this is what finally gets you to break your own stance….oof.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094384, member: 1579″]
I’ll be honest, I don’t get this one. It’s…odd, and a bit awkward. If you’re going to pound your chest for years about not “printing graphics” on golf balls, and then this is what finally gets you to break your own stance….oof.
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Definitely not what the market was asking for :/
Hmm…. will Day be using the mark? It feels a little forced but Ill roll one from the [USER=59233]@Golfers Anonymous[/USER] sleeve.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12094388, member: 62865″]
Hmm…. will Day be using the mark? It feels a little forced but Ill roll one from the [USER=59233]@Golfers Anonymous[/USER] sleeve.
[/QUOTE]
He has been. That’s the point to them releasing it to the public.
Issue is the public didn’t know he was using it…
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094392, member: 1579″]
He has been. That’s the point to them releasing it to the public.
Issue is the public didn’t know he was using it…
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Thanks, that’s at least a start to maybe get folks to consider it but still seems a little too out there to really take off
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12094399, member: 62865″]
Thanks, that’s at least a start to maybe get folks to consider it but still seems a little too out there to really take off
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In my personal opinion, it’s WAY too far out there.
I thought the TM Pix alignment was useless and automatically wrote it off. Then, when I finally tried it, I was blown away. I will wait until I try it before making assumptions.
yep, no thank you…..wayyyyy to busy
I can see the advantage on the tee, and on the green. To focus on this spot on the ball as sometimes my eye wanders, especially while putting. But, I still think an alignment line, or something like Triple Track is better.
Watching JDay in his prime I have no problem with his visualization technique. Don’t really see how this is “technology” if it’s just a reminder on the ball to do the technique. And now that I’ve read about it I can do it with any ball right? Not following this one
I’m not sure what to think about this TBH….
I’ve seen it on social media for a while, but didn’t know what it is. Now that I know, I like the idea, but idk how well the masses will adopt to it.
With all that said, [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] you did a great job articulating this article!
From a personal standpoint, I do like the fact that it is one “logo” as opposed to stuff printed all over the ball like the Truvis and Pix. I get the visual and mental que aspect of it but question if it is really necessary to have that printed on the ball to achieve that purpose. Definitely would not be opposed to using a ball with it on there but not sure it would actually change my pre-shot routine any.
That is not what I expected to see at all. Not sure that is something the mass public wants but we will see. It seems like a lot to process when looking at the ball.
I’m not against this, but I’m also not really interested in it.
The one thing I do like is that it’s origin story. While I think it’s probably far too personal to Day to be relevant on a large scale, at least it’s 100% his thing.
It looks interesting and may work for some. I was expecting a bigger story for some reason.
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12094522, member: 50607″]
I thought the TM Pix alignment was useless and automatically wrote it off. Then, when I finally tried it, I was blown away. I will wait until I try it before making assumptions.
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This is a far cry from that. That, had actual alignment design behind it, this, looks like three circles and a random arrow.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 12094566, member: 37622″]
It looks interesting and may work for some. I was expecting a bigger story for some reason.
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As was I.
This would be the kinda thing you release to the public after JDay putts the lights out for 3-4 straight weeks, leaving the masses asking, What got into JDay?
I mean, we are asking that question, but it’s all about his pants, not his putting.
With the attention span of the world these days, I don’t see this catching on. It seems so unique and tailored to JD and what he tries to accomplish.
No thanks.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094384, member: 1579″]
I’ll be honest, I don’t get this one. It’s…odd, and a bit awkward. If you’re going to pound your chest for years about not “printing graphics” on golf balls, and then this is what finally gets you to break your own stance….oof.
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My thoughts too, just really odd.
This seems so specific to Jason Day and the routine he has setup with his mental coach that I’m not sure what the benefit would be to the general public if you don’t know anything about that routine. I’m sure maybe some will then try to find out more about it, but this doesn’t appeal to me.
Fun with Sharpies.
[QUOTE=”TWright971, post: 12094631, member: 11048″]
I’m not sure what the benefit would be to the general public if you don’t know anything about that routine. I’m sure maybe some will then try to find out more about it
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This is me.. I identified last year that I need to sure up my mental game and become more mindful of things like focus and preshot routine. I knew nothing about Jason Day’s mental approach until 5 minutes ago when reading the article. I’ve got 3 tabs open right now looking more into his approach to it. Everything I’m finding is from 2016-ish.
[MEDIA=youtube]wn7Sswh0X9o[/MEDIA]
I’m not entirely sure how the mental game he describes in the video above translates to the graphics we see on this ball, if it does at all for that matter. There is a HUGE opportunity for Bridgestone to create a very strong story about Day and his mental approach to golf that doesn’t seem to be out there very well now.
I’d listen if they started telling that story
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12094672, member: 65950″]
This is me.. I identified last year that I need to sure up my mental game and become more mindful of things like focus and preshot routine. I knew nothing about Jason Day’s mental approach until 5 minutes ago when reading the article. I’ve got 3 tabs open right now looking more into his approach to it. Everything I’m finding is from 2016-ish.
[MEDIA=youtube]wn7Sswh0X9o[/MEDIA]
I’m not entirely sure how the mental game he describes in the video above translates to the graphics we see on this ball, if it does at all for that matter. There is a HUGE opportunity for Bridgestone to create a very strong story about Day and his mental approach to golf that doesn’t seem to be out there very well now.
I’d listen if they started telling that story
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I think it’s more about a routine than anything.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094682, member: 1579″]
I think it’s more about a routine than anything.
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Yes, most likely. But we shouldn’t be sitting here guessing about it. It should be front and center with a bunch of videos with him sitting with Bstone engineers, maybe a video of him with his coach explaining why this graphic works for him, and/or some demonstrations. If we don’t see that very soon and know EXACTLY what this new graphic means and how we should use it then the whole concept is dead in the water.
I dig it, but it’s not what I look for when thinking about what I want on a golf ball. I feel like this is a release for Jason Day, not the masses. Whatever it takes to make you right when setting up for a shot is great, but I feel like this is a bit on the personal side for one golfer, not the rest of the world.
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12094691, member: 65950″]
Yes, most likely. But we shouldn’t be sitting here guessing about it. It should be front and center with a bunch of videos with him sitting with Bstone engineers, maybe a video of him with his coach explaining why this graphic works for him, and/or some demonstrations. If we don’t see that very soon and know EXACTLY what this new graphic means and how we should use it then the whole concept is dead in the water.
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You don’t have to tell me that, it’s exactly how I feel, and I wrote the article.
Alright, about to read the article.
Pre-read thoughts: No.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 12094711, member: 2320″]
Alright, about to read the article.
Pre-read thoughts: No.
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Likely won’t change. But, at least they don’t cost more.
A golf ball that needs to come with an instruction manual is… a choice. I’m all for the mental game and such, but this is just so specific to Day… At least it is an option and not on all of the balls. I’d imagine once these don’t sell they will quietly disappear and you’ll only find the normal versions at retail.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 12094711, member: 2320″]
Alright, about to read the article.
Pre-read thoughts: No.
[/QUOTE]
If you’re looking for an explanation, in-depth reason why, or how every golfer can use it, then no offense to [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] but it’s just not there, from Bridgestone….. yet.
article read. Take unchanged. That’s a shame.
I putt with nothing visual on the ball to distract me. I’m working on changing that, but I’ll be focused on something meaningful that helps my alignment, not something that makes me think harder.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094716, member: 1579″]
Likely won’t change. But, at least they don’t cost more.
[/QUOTE]
I’m not even sure I’d be interested if they cost less, honestly.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 12094723, member: 2320″]
article read. Take unchanged. That’s a shame.
I putt with nothing visual on the ball to distract me. I’m working on changing that, but I’ll be focused on something meaningful that helps my alignment, not something that makes me think harder.
[/QUOTE]
But green means go, Dan! ?
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 12094723, member: 2320″]
article read. Take unchanged. That’s a shame.
I putt with nothing visual on the ball to distract me. I’m working on changing that, but I’ll be focused on something meaningful that helps my alignment, not something that makes me think harder.
[/QUOTE]
I’m the same, much prefer to stare at the blank space on the ball vs something that tells me I am probably lined up incorrectly.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 12094566, member: 37622″]
It looks interesting and may work for some. I was expecting a bigger story for some reason.
[/QUOTE]
This part. I feel like Jason Day found something that works for him and they just kind of threw it on with no real explanation behind it. Do I aim the arrow at my line? Do I focus on the circles? Do I try to hit the dot in the middle? Just not really enough story or explanation behind it.
[QUOTE=”Jtubb17, post: 12094731, member: 68843″]
This part. I feel like Jason Day found something that works for him and they just kind of threw it on with no real explanation behind it. Do I aim the arrow at my line? Do I focus on the circles? Do I try to hit the dot in the middle? Just not really enough story or explanation behind it.
[/QUOTE]
I mean, I broke down the process they’re recommending in the article. ?
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 12094729, member: 6727″]
I’m the same, much prefer to stare at the blank space on the ball vs something that tells me I am probably lined up incorrectly.
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Thirded, but is this even a putting alignment aid? I don’t think we even know that.
Trying way too hard. Feels like a rushed college project with a lot of words trying to justify why something looks so bad
[QUOTE=”That post, post: 12094736, member: 65950″]
Thirded, but is this even a putting alignment aid? I don’t think we even know that.
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[IMG alt=”season 1 friends GIF”]https://media0.giphy.com/media/JQotslsBDTIjfq5ncb/200.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 12094739, member: 52381″]
Trying way too hard. Feels like a rushed college project with a lot of words trying to justify why something looks so bad
[/QUOTE]
To me it feels like offering something for the sake of having something, which is interesting because they always swore they would never do that.
Reminds me of Saintnine “Mental Mates”
I’m “Meh” like most here – I’d play it and might use it if it was given to me and probably wouldn’t go out of my way to purchase it.
I think that what fascinates me is the decision to create 4 additional SKU’s, manufacture it and inventory it. (Not even considering the additional equipment to produce it, if needed).
Certainly marketing studies were done to determine the “Marketability” and “ROI” before they went through with it.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094742, member: 1579″]
To me it feels like offering something for the sake of having something, which is interesting because they always swore they would never do that.
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Yeah some higher up said come up with a unique alignment marking to bring to market. And they punted it to the intern.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094728, member: 1579″]
But green means go, Dan! ?
[/QUOTE]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9237810[/ATTACH]
Here’s another funny thought.
How to use Tiger: Have him help design a golf ball
How to use JDay: Have him help add green eggs and ham to a golf ball
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12094735, member: 1579″]
I mean, I broke down the process they’re recommending in the article. ?
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I know you did but I guess my point was it’s a bit too busy. I don’t want to be standing behind a ball thinking any more than I should. For me a visual aid should be, set it up, it helps you with this. These circles just seem like so much over thinking.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 12094767, member: 2320″]
Here’s another funny thought.
How to use Tiger: Have him help design a golf ball
How to use JDay: Have him help add green eggs and ham to a golf ball
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”Jimmy Fallon No Difference GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”]https://media0.giphy.com/media/gCeh1KDeDaxGu8no4A/200.gif[/IMG]