To celebrate the opening of the 2025 PGA Show and the 25th anniversary of the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, Titleist brought in three celebrities who know a lot about milestones during the traditional Titleist Opening Presentation Wednesday in the Linda W. Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center.
Bobby Acciardo, Director, Titleist U.S. Partnerships, began the Titleist Open Day Presentation by addressing the long relationships Titleist has fostered with PGA of America Golf Professionals, and the passion and process with which Titleist utilizes when introducing any new golf product, such as the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls and the new GT1 drivers being launched at the 2025 PGA Show.
“When there is excellence in process, there is excellence in performance,” Acciardo said, noting the quarter-century of evolution of the Titleist Pro V1 ball. “The process is never-ending at Titleist, nor is the commitment to PGA Professionals, who are the messengers who share our story with club members and consumers every day. We thank you and all PGA Professionals for your commitment to Titleist brands.”
Acciardo introduced CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz, who has been the voice of Titleist for 30 years and will be calling his 40th Masters in April. Then, it was 2024 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Tony Pancake, a PGA of America Golf Professional for 40 years and a Titleist ambassador for 37 years. Last but not least, Brendan Walsh, PGA, longtime Director of Golf at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, and a 35-year Titleist staff professional weighed in on the trust and partnerships Titleist has built with PGA of America Professionals during past 90-plus years.
“The product, the people and the culture are what set Titleist apart,” observed Walsh, who shared a few stories about teaching and playing golf with NFL Tom Brady, the eight-time Super Bowl champion quarterback. “To demonstrate that, I have had the same Titleist rep for my entire career at The Country Club. I can’t say that for any other company. With Titleist, it is a true partnership with people who take great pride in taking care of our wants and needs.”
“The relationship between Titleist and PGA Professionals goes beyond a partnership. It’s like being part of a family,” reflected Pancake, who shared his stories of playing golf with another legendary quarterback, Peyton Manning. “Titleist is the easiest company to do business with, and the Titleist brand brings with it instant credibility. If you’re playing a Titleist golf ball, for example, you know you are playing the best ball on the market.”
Nantz, the golden voice of CBS Sports’ golf and NFL coverage, kidded that he has become famous for three catchphrases – “Hello, Friends”, “A Tradition Unlike Any Other,” referring to The Masters, and “Titleist, the No. 1 Ball in Golf.”
“I’m just as proud of that third phrase regarding Titleist as I am the other two,” admitted Nantz. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with the Titleist family for 30 years.”