Sitting in my hotel room in Himeji, Japan, I am watching Rick Shiels video on the Titleist VG3, a ball only available in Japan. That’s when I realize that I’m in Japan! From then on, I had only one idea in mind, I had to bring some back.
Back in Europe with only 6 balls (yes the VG3 version is very popular there and hard to get), I launch my “classic” test to find out if the ball could please me in the long term. The same way I did for the Volvik Vivid, the Pinnacle Soft, or the RB566 from Mizuno. And as every average golfer will surely have the opportunity to do when they find a ball they want to try; touch, feel, look, durability, and price.
Although I know that the supply will be complicated.
Why is VG3 only available in Japan?
With 1 in 10 people playing golf, Japan is an attractive market for brands. Le Coq Sportif and Fila have a range of golf clothing only for Japan. Even if the market in volume is tending to shrink, it is huge compared to any country in Europe and brands can afford to offer exclusive products. This is the case in the United States for example, where certain brands do not attempt to penetrate the European market.
This is how the VG3 label was born. Moreover, at Titleist, this label is not limited to this golf ball. It is found on golf clubs.
Released in 2018, the VG3 range also includes irons, long irons and hybrids. In short, it was normal to have a ball that had the same blaze as all these clubs.
What is a Titleist VG3 ball?
If we are to believe Titleist marketing department on the website and on the box, the ball guarantees more distance on drives and irons, while having a soft touch. You know the song; every year with each new product, we have more control, distance… Here it’s the same.
Otherwise it is a 3 piece ball, available in 3 colors, white or should I say rainbow pearl, green and yellow. It can be purchased in Japan for 19.92€ ( variable conversion rate) the two boxes of 3 balls, i.e. around €38 per dozen. Which puts it in the same price range as the Tour Feel.
A white like no other
You noticed it above, the ball in “white” version is called rainbow pearl. On closer inspection, and with the rays of the sun, the ball has a pearlescent finish. Depending on the orientation of the light rays, a slightly colored spectrum appears on the ball.
Other Unique Features
In addition to a different finish, the VG3 ball features a slightly thicker Titleist logo. Then there is the double numbering. In Japan, it is not uncommon to see balls with the double numbering. And Titleist is no exception here.
Tour Speed 
VG3
Last detail. The model of the ball and its marking have evolved. Instead of having the alignment line integrated into the logo, two strokes at the bottom and top of the logo were added.
With these different logos, it is possible to know how long the ball you have just found in the woods has been resting for.
Very decent durability
During my tests in the bunker, around and on the green, I did not notice its soft feel, unlike a Pinnacle soft. On the long shots, however, I felt the ball was less buoyant and hooked the green more, compared to similar shots I’ve been able to make with other balls.
In the cover durability test, which consists of making 10 bunker exits, the Titleist VG3 ball has only a slight scratch.
If you don’t lose it in the meantime, the VG3 is solid and visible from afar with its pearl finish.
Why not us?
To tell the truth, its only fault is that it is not available here in Europe. Finally a little if, via imports or reconditioned balls.
Also, there is little chance that it will become my ball of choice. At 3.30€ per ball, it is 1 euro more expensive than the new balls that I use regularly. On the other hand, what I loved is the “rainbow pearl” finish which gives this Titleist VG3 a unique appearance.
And you? Willing to pay more to play a ball only available in Japan?
Verdict
Overview
Feeling
Durability
Price
Nice aspect and assured exoticism, Its only fault is to have only its equivalent the Tour Speed.
Yoy can buy VG3 on eBay from FL, cheaper and faster than from Japan.
Hi Walter,
I’ve seen in my research that getting those balls from the US is easier than from the Europe or other regions (except Japan, obviously).
how do you know you are not buying a knock off VG3 on ebay?
Hi Frank,
Well, the rainbow pearl effect on the ball seems to be complicated to counterfeit. Unless someone out there has a factory that can produce golf balls and can replicate the same effect on it.