Equipment

Titleist

Titleist’s script began with a sheet of paper and an office secretary’s handwriting. In the company’s account, Helen Robinson was asked to write the name as the first Titleist balls were being prepared in 1935. Her lettering became the basis of the mark still used today.¹

Titleist Mark unavailable

Archive-held mark. Date of introduction unverified. Logo source

An early Titleist ball bearing the script name above Acushnet and the number one. — One of the first Titleist balls, circa 1935, as identified by Titleist. Photograph: Acushnet Company. Image source

The ball itself had taken three years to develop. Phil Young brought fellow MIT graduate and rubber specialist Fred Bommer into Acushnet to lead its golf division. Their work produced the first Titleist ball in 1935.¹

Acushnet initially sold its golf balls through golf professionals’ shops. In 1936, it took its ball-demonstration machine to courses, showing golfers how its balls performed. A handwritten name and a practical demonstration helped introduce the new product.¹

At a glance

First Titleist ball: 1935¹
Script origin: Helen Robinson’s handwriting, according to Titleist¹
Demonstration machine: Toured golf courses in 1936¹

Sources

Titleist / Acushnet CompanyThe History of Titleist Golf

At a glance

Sources

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