Bridgestone Golf Unveils Evolution in Ball Fitting Program

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THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE - THP has an interview with Bridgestone President, Dan Murphy, about this subject, and you can watch that here https://www.thehackersparadise.com/behind-scenes-2019-pga-merchandise-show/

Bridgestone Golf Unveils Exciting Evolution of Its Industry-Leading

Ball Fitting Program


Testing off the tee now complemented by approach shot data and greenside considerations

COVINGTON, Ga. – (January 23, 2019) - Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, is announcing exciting changes to its groundbreaking Ball Fitting program that will help golfers determine which golf ball is best suited for their game for tee shots, approach shots and greenside performance.

To date, Bridgestone’s Ball Fitting program has relied on a method of head-to-head driver testing - with a player’s current golf ball selection being pitted against a selection from the Bridgestone line that was derived from a series of driver swing measurements on its Science Eye launch monitors. In 2019, in addition to the trusted driver performance analysis, Bridgestone will begin measuring approach shot performance using an 8-iron as its testing control. Bridgestone will look at spin rates, launch angle, ball speed and other key measurements to help determine changes in accuracy, consistency and distance on approach shots from ball-to-ball. Once a player is fit into a category of ball based on the driver and approach shot testing, Bridgestone will provide that player with 2-ball sample sleeves to conduct their own greenside testing before making a final determination as to which ball they make their “gamer.”

“In 2006, we launched a program that changed the conversation golfers were having from which players were playing which balls on Tour, to which ball should I play that best fits my game,” said Adam Rehberg, Golf Ball Fitting Manager, Bridgestone Golf, Inc. “As we have continued our efforts to educate consumers through many different methods about the best way to choose a golf ball fit for them, technology has advanced and consumers have become more sophisticated about what questions to ask. So, in 2019, we are adding approach shot analysis and short-game considerations to our in-person fittings. We will be able to confidently fit golfers the same way they play the game, from tee to green.”

Bridgestone’s Ball Fitting program, which launched in 2006 as “The Bridgestone Challenge,” is credited with being the first consumer-focused system to use science-based launch monitor data to educate golfers on how different golf balls affect their games - encouraging them to choose golf balls based on data metrics rather than the emotional appeal of what Tour players are playing. What Bridgestone found was astonishing. An incredible 7 out of 10 players tested benefitted from being fit for a golf ball, gaining distance and/or accuracy off the tee. Through 2018, Bridgestone has conducted over 300,000 in person fittings and over 2.1 million golfers in total have been aided in their golf ball selection with tools like B-FIT Chat, On-Line Golf Ball Selector and the B-FIT Swing App that allows golfers to conveniently measure their swing characteristics using their smart phone’s camera. In addition to being used as a diagnostic tool, Bridgestone has also relied on Ball Fitting in product R&D with several balls being developed as a result of information gleaned through the program.

In 2019, Bridgestone will return to a greater emphasis on its in-person fittings, relaunching teams of ball-fitting professionals to conduct one-on-one fittings at golf courses, retailers and other special events throughout the golf season.

“Greenside testing is challenging because feel is so subjective when it comes to player preferences on chips and pitches, so what better way for a player to ensure they have a ball that fits their game on and around the greens than doing some testing of their own with complimentary balls,” said Rehberg. “We are confident that with the evolution of our Ball Fitting methodology golfers will have a clearer picture than ever before about how a golf ball’s construction impacts every facet of their game.”

Bridgestone’s new Ball Fitting program will kick-off in Atlanta during the Super Bowl Experience at the Georgia World Congress Center and Super Bowl LIVE in Centennial Park. This spring Bridgestone’s evolved Ball Fitting will make its way to select Sunbelt markets, expanding its reach nationwide this summer and fall. For more information about Bridgestone’s enhanced Ball Fitting program visit www.BridgestoneGolf.com.

About Bridgestone Golf
Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone Golf USA manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Today, as the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone has conducted over 2.1 million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection and its B-FIT App. The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative new golf ball designs, yielding industry-leading performance products for the entire range of players, from recreational golfers to the best in the world. Bridgestone Golf is proudly represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson. Bridgestone Golf USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. More information: bridgestonegolf.com.
 
And this, is a huge step on the road to redemption.
 
Really happy to see them bringing this back. I thought this was a huge differentiator for them.
 
It's good to see Bridgestone return!
 
This is steps bridge stone needs to make after losing so much market share.
 
Really happy to see the ball fitting coming back!
 
Love the idea to incorporate approach shots into each fitting!


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Very happy to see this.
 
Glad to see this coming back - Great way to interact with customers one on one.
 
Great news. Looking forward to when the fitting events come here.
 
That is awesome! I was one that really enjoyed the Tour B line even though some of the marketing was a little confusing, but I’m glad to see with new leadership their getting back to what worked well in the past. Hopefully the marketing becomes a little more clear also.
 
Super pumped to see this, I've got to find one this season!
 
Just really happy to see Bridgestone make a turn around for the positive in all aspects of their branding.
 
Good to see this coming back and incorporating more into it. Played the RXS alot in the past and it was a great ball. Look forward to trying these balls again
 
This is outstanding, so exciting that this is coming back!


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That’s great! No better place to get fit than at a golf course.


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This is a great step for Bridgestone and the consumer. I remember doing the Bridgestone testing at my club on a real range and there is nothing like that when compared to a simulator. The experience is so much better. Unfortunately at the time, the Bridgestone ball did not perform better than my current ball at the time, but the experience and assurance was truly valued. It elevated my opinion of Bridgestone and the company. Today, I am happy to say, Bridgestone is one of my favourite balls.
 
I saw on Instagram a Bridgestone fitting for Lexi Thompson at the PGA Show range. It was interesting with the wind, some of the conversations couldn't be heard. They tried multiple balls.
 
I like this approach quite a bit. Prefer 8i approach testing vs 6i - I can live with a little more or less action into greens with a 6, but I’d prefer to have a short iron dialed in more accurately.

I think it’s certainly well thought out. Hope this leads to growth again.


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Love to see their emphasis on ball fitting return. Very smart to expand the fitting to include approach and short game.
 
I lost respect and interest in them when they made what seemed to be a horrible decision to end the fitting program, so I'm really glad to see this come back and evolve.

It's like they went from being a business case study for "how horrible decisions can destroy your differentiators and potentially entire business" to a case study for "how to admit you made a mistake and come back from it".
 
Glad to hear they are getting back to, and expanding, on what made them the #2 ball sales and #1 ball fitter in golf. Might be time to get back to the Tour B line.
 
really glad to see this. I'd love it if other OEMs would do some of the something. I think the ball is going to be the next big place for innovation over the next few years.
 
Great move bringing this back! Lot of happy golfers today!
 
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