Chris Gotterup’s early-season breakout and the golf ball driving it

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Chris Gotterup’s red-hot start to the PGA Tour season—two wins in his first three starts—has put a spotlight on both his game and the decisions behind it. At the heart of his success, he says, is a careful approach to equipment, particularly the Bridgestone 2026 Tour B X golf ball he’s been using in competition for the last month.

For Gotterup, starting his third full season on tour, switching balls isn’t about chasing endless distance; it’s about finding something that reacts the way he expects, letting him focus on execution rather than second-guessing.

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Golf Digest caught up with the 2022 college player of the year at Oklahoma ahead of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to talk about how he tests golf balls, how subtle changes can make a noticeable difference in a round and why the 26-year-old chose to put a new ball in play for the first time during one of the most important weeks of his career.

Golf Digest: When did you first consider playing a Bridgestone ball?

Chris Gotterup: When I transferred to Oklahoma [in fall 2021], they had been playing Bridgestone balls for years. Coach had some leftovers, and he was like, “Just give these a try.” I’d been playing TaylorMade balls, then a couple Titleist balls, so I was open to testing. We messed around with it, but I ended up playing Titleist when I first came out of school.

Later, going into Korn Ferry Q-School, I learned Bridgestone was interested in working with me.

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I actually went to the Haskins Award ceremony in Georgia, and we went over to the Bridgestone facility. We did a whole testing session in the wind. I got to see the people making the ball, we did all the robot testing in the wind and I thought, Wow, this thing is amazing. That was before even hitting it.

Then, after hitting it, I was like, Alright, I’m playing the final stage of Q-School, I’m gonna throw it in for that. If I like it, great. I ended up coming in third, and the rest is history.

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GD: So you just threw it in for one of the biggest weeks of the year and said, if it works, it works?

Gotterup: Yeah, I mean, if there’s a time to find out if you like it or not, that’s about it.

GD: Talk to me about switching into this new Tour B X. What was that testing process like?

Gotterup: Honestly, it’s been about as easy a transition as you could ask for. I’m not someone who’s stuck in the past. If the new ball is better, I’m open to changing. Bridgestone listens to us, so what we say actually matters. It’s one of the things I like the most about being on a smaller staff.

I played a few rounds with the new ball, and I noticed a bit more speed off the tee, but it didn’t feel uncontrollable. It felt familiar, just a touch better.

GD: You mentioned the smaller staff gives you more input. Was there anything you requested during development?

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Gotterup: Everyone always wants the same thing: long irons to go high, short irons a bit lower, driver to go far but not lose spin. For me, the biggest thing is flying wedges while keeping spin around the greens. They’ve managed to decrease driver spin while maintaining wedge spin—and that’s why I switched. Picking up speed without losing control, that’s impressive.

GD: Over your last three starts, do any shots stand out where you felt like the new ball made the difference?

Gotterup: It’s hard to pinpoint one shot. I can’t say there was a specific shot I couldn’t hit before. I think it’s just a little better overall, predictable in the wind, which is huge. Phoenix had some wind, Hawaii a lot more. The Bridgestone ball just flies true. It’s reliable.

GD: Have any peers asked you about the ball during your hot streak?

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Gotterup: Not directly. I played with Jacob Bridgeman—he switched to a new TaylorMade ball. We were hitting shots for fun in 30 mph wind at Spyglass, and I told him, “The Bridgestone ball is the best in the wind, bar none.” Guys say it, and even Jason Day told me, “You’re gonna hit some shots; don’t be scared that you’ll short-side yourself in a bunker. The ball hangs in there.” He was right. I’ve seen the performance in competition.

GD: How do you conduct ball testing?

Gotterup: I’m not a TrackMan guy who is poring over the numbers. First thing I do is chip; most feel comes off the face there. Then I take it on the course, make sure I can hit the shots I want. Then it’s about dialing in wedges, shots I’m comfortable with. After enough reps, you don’t even think about it, you’re just in control.

Some guys test everything; some throw it in and see. I fall in the second camp, but once it clicks, you know.

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GD: When you test a new ball, is there a shot it has to execute to make the bag?

Gotterup: For me, it’s the fairway-finder with the driver first. It’s gotta feel controlled, not a flat, spinless shot flying everywhere. Needs some spin, still goes far, but feels like I’m controlling the ball, not the elements. With wedges, I need a low flight and spin control, especially when I’ve got 80 yards in. That’s where my mind goes with the golf ball.

GD: You use Bridgestone’s Mindset technology on your ball. How did that start?

Gotterup: It started at a Bridgestone photo shoot. Jason Day and his coach were involved, and they suggested I try it. I don’t use it as deliberately as Jason—mostly for putting, to free my brain up. It’s hard to use on the fairway, but it’s helpful. I would say it’s definitely played a small role in my recent play.

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GD: For amateur golfers trying to test balls, what’s your advice?

Gotterup: It depends on your level. High-level golfers might focus on spin or shot shape; someone shooting mid-80s needs different guidance. Bridgestone does a great job with fittings on their website—swing speed, soft vs. firm, different spins—and it points you in the right direction. Try a ball, see how it feels, then go from there.

Everyone is different when it comes to their ball, so I’m not sure there’s an approach that fits everyone. What’s important is that you try different options in different conditions and see which one gives you the most confidence.