Video: Bridgestone, Tiger Woods introduce 2020 Tour B golf balls

COVINGTON, Ga.—Bridgestone Golf U.S.A. engineers partnered with Tiger Woods to solve a nagging problem: the inverse relationship between driver distance and greenspin.

The solution, Bridgestone said, is 2020 Tour B family of golf balls, which uses the commpany's patented Reactiv to deliver a combination of driver distance and greenside control.

"I've worked with Bridgestone's R&D team for nearly 20 years now, so I know they are the market leader in golf ball innovation, but the last couple of years have been different," Woods said in the press release. "Working closely with the R&D team, I've been able to take ownership of this design more than any other ball spec in my career."

Reactiv is what Bridgestone has dubbed the world's first smart urethane. It uses an impact modifier to create shock-absorbing soft cover on slow-impact shots, which allows for more spin and control. At the same time, the material has a high resilience on high-impact shots for greater power and distance, Bridgestone said.

The 2020 Tour B family of golf balls includes two high-swing speed models, Tour B X and Tour B XS, which are specifically designed for players with driver swing speeds of 105 mph and above. Two other Tour B models, the Tour B RX and Tour B RXS, are intended for players with more moderate swing speeds.

Based in Covington, Bridgestone Golf U.S.A. manufactures golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands.

The company has manufactured golf balls since 1935, and has about 800 golf ball patents.