WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The new Pinnacle Distance ball reflects a renewed approach to a singular focus on the long ball, all based on golfer input and preferences research. Replacing the former two-pronged approach of Pinnacle Rush and Pinnacle Soft, Pinnacle Distance adopts the two-piece, high-velocity core construction of Rush. Further emphasising the distance commitment, the Pinnacle Distance will now be the official ball of World Long Drive.
PRICE: Australian pricing for a 15-ball pack (in white and yellow) is still to be announced.
3 COOL THINGS
1. A familiar refrain. Pinnacle has been the distance ball brand for Acushnet, the parent company of ball giant Titleist, since it was first introduced in 1972. Back then, the idea of a non-wound two-piece ball construction was a new approach, but today the two-piece ball with its large polyubutadiene rubber core and ionomer cover is the affordable alternative to many average golfers seeking longer, straighter tee shots. With a heavy emphasis on distance-enhancing low spin and high energy transfer through its larger core, the Pinnacle Distance continues that legacy of the original.
The new Pinnacle Distance replaces the former Pinnacle Rush and Pinnacle Soft combination. The Pinnacle Distance features the same two-piece, highly resilient core construction of the former Rush, but it does so not on a whim. Rather, extensive research by the Acushnet Golf team with the target Pinnacle player reflected a larger interest not only in the Pinnacle’s lower price point (about 62 percent less per ball than the current average selling price for golf balls, according to figures from industry research firm Golf Datatech), but also in the performance aspect of distance through the bag. Just as Rush did, Pinnacle Distance places “distance” as a priority with a high-energy core, a softer, durable cover for feel and an icosahedral dimple design with 332 dimples for a consistent, penetrating ball flight.
2. Officially long. Part of the distance strategy is Pinnacle’s new re-affiliation with World Long Drive. Pinnacle Distance will be the official ball of World Long Drive, and it will make its debut as the presenting sponsor for three WLD tour events and the official sponsor of a fourth event in 2025, starting with the Clash in the Canyon in Mesquite, Nevada, from March 21-23.
The company also announced that Sean Johnson, 2024 WLD world champion, and current No.4-ranked Jack Smith will serve as official Pinnacle Ambassadors. Pinnacle has been associated with long drive competitors for decades, including one of long drive’s earliest heroes, two-time world champion Evan “Big Cat” Williams.
3. Future plans. Just as the decision to focus the Pinnacle brand on the long ball technology of Pinnacle Distance was based on golfer input, the future of Pinnacle balls will reflect that same intensity of golfer/user research, including direct impact with the competitors using Pinnacle Distance in WLD events.
“I’ll be straightforward, I am very excited to be using the Pinnacle golf ball again,” Johnson said. “The first ball I ever played with was the Pinnacle Gold when I was 12 years old, and I appreciate the opportunity to represent the brand as I continue my long drive journey. The brand is synonymous with distance.”
