Pro V1 makes greatest impact

The Hottest Ball? For those for whom money is no object, the Titleist Pro V1 carries the cachet of the most sought after golf ball. The fact that it works out at £4 has certainly not hampered its appeal.

Where to get it? The club professional's shop of any of the top golf stores but you have to be on the ball literally as stocks vanish within hours. McGuirks' Dave Morgan explains: "We get 18 dozen every three weeks and they are gone within one to two hours. We limit a single purchase to a dozen per person but they still fly out of the place."

The cost factor? At non-sale prices, anywhere between £48 and £52 for a dozen. The recommended retail price is £12.95 per dozen.

Why all the fuss? Well, Titleist claim - and it has been born out by their tour players and also testing by the company - that the Pro V1 flies further, giving the accomplished player an extra 10 yards off the tee. It boasts a higher ball speed and lower spin which combine for long distance. Titleist claim that there is a higher launch with a flatter, less arcing ascent, giving a tighter ball flight that's less affected by wind conditions. They also point out that given the higher flight pattern, it produces a steeper angle of descent, giving drop and stop performance.

Fact or Fiction? The Irish Times conducted its own very primitive test. It does fly further than some of the golf balls tested and on the putting green boasts a nice, soft feel.

The Specifications? Construction: Large core multi-component. Core: Large (1.550) diameter, soft and resilient rubber. Casing: Ionomer. Cover material: Shear resistant elastomer. Cover Aerodynamics: Dual dimple icosahedron.

The golf ball of the future? Not really. The Titleist Pro V2 is already in production and has been approved by both the Royal & Ancient and the United States Golf Association.

Professional backing? Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Davis Love 111 have all waxed lyrical about the Pro V1. Mickelson was moved to claim: "It is the optimum golf ball for every area of shot making. It's a surprise to all players on tour to see a golf ball have this much of an impact."

Main rivals? The Maxfli A 10 or in Ireland, the Mafli Revolution (£27 per dozen, McGuirks); the Strata Tour Ultimate (£34 per dozen, McGuirks); Callaway, Rule 35 Blue/Red (£30 per 10 pack, Nevada Bobs); Nike Combination pack - it includes six Tour Accuracy and six Tour Accuracy Tiger Woods - (£33 per dozen, McGuirks); Taylor Made Tour Ball (£38 per dozen, McGuirks); Srixon Hi-Brid (£40 per dozen, McGuirks)