2020 GOLF BALL GUIDE
We look at balls from all the big names in the market, broken down by price point, with the aim of helping you pick the best ball to let you play your best golf for the rest of 2020.
Golf balls. We all use them and there are plenty of options available from a wide range of companies at a variety of prices. But how do you know what the right category and model for your game and specific needs is?
It is well established the game’s top players stick to one golf ball model and it takes significant time to switch to another, and it is a lesson worth learning from. The world’s best want consistency in their game and using the same golf ball round after round takes one variable out of a game full of them.
Over the following pages, we take a look at balls from all the big names in the market broken down by price point, with the aim of helping you pick the best ball to let you play your best golf for the rest of 2020.
We suggest trying more than one, then if possible, picking and sticking and following the example set by the best players in the world.
BRIDGESTONE TOUR B
The latest iteration of Bridgestone’s premium ball is broken down into four models designed for four specific players. Three of the four Tour B models are used on Tour by Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, Lexi Thompson and Fred Couples among others.
Split into two categories of players, swing speeds over 105 mph – Tour B XS and Tour B X – and under 105 mph – Tour B RXS and Tour B RX – the S in the model name denotes a softer feel and maximum spin around the greens, while the X produces maximum ball speed for distance.
To improve upon the popular predecessor of the same name, Bridgestone incorporated some of its proven technologies, as well as the addition of the new ‘REACTIV cover technology’ that removes the need for golfers to significantly sacrifice spin or distance in favour of the other.
Among the existing technologies, ‘Seamless Cover technology’ ensures consistency, a ‘Gradational Compression core’ produces higher initial ball speeds and less side spin and ‘Dual Dimple technology’ enhances the Tour B’s aerodynamics. The new REACTIV cover is a “smart Urethane” that reacts differently depending on the force at impact. At higher speeds the ball is more resilient and adds speed, whereas on approach shots, the ball slows allowing for more spin to be imparted.
RRP: $74.99. www.bridgestonegolf.com.au
CALLAWAY ERC SOFT
Named for innovative Callaway founder Ely Reeves Callaway, the ERC Soft ball marks a significant achievement for Callaway: a distance ball with soft feel and greenside performance.
The first ball to include Callaway’s ‘Triple Track Technology’ that improves alignment compared to a standard sidestamp and is now an option on the company’s Chrome Soft and Odyssey putters, the ERC Soft is Callaway’s longest ball.
Like the Chrome Soft balls, the ERC Soft utilises a Graphene-infused Dual SoftFast Core for distance and low spin, while the multi-material ‘Hybrid cover’ is the hero technology that delivers the ball’s unique performance combination.
Engineered for ball speed resulting in distance throughout the bag, the cover also works to increase spin around the greens and offers an especially soft feel.
RRP: $59.99. www.callawaygolf.com.au
CALLAWAY CHROME SOFT & CHROME SOFT X
Not satisfied despite the Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X golf balls achieving popularity with Tour players and average golfers alike, Callaway set about completely reinventing its Tour offerings for 2020.
Benefiting from a large investment into its ball manufacturing plant in Chicopee, Massachusetts, the new models are engineered for more speed and distance, while maintaining spin and feel synonymous with the Chrome Soft name.
The softer option of the two models, and offering a straighter flight with the most forgiveness, the 2020 Chrome Soft features a ‘Dual SoftFast’ core with a 34 percent larger inner core and thinner, graphene-infused outer core combining to achieve higher ball speeds and spin around the green, while a new mantle system promotes more speed and a thinner cover with a more aerodynamic dimple design delivering a more consistent high launch, low spin flight with the long clubs and maintaining spin and control for approach shots.
The firmer, lower launching and more workable X model similarly incorporates a larger core, thinner cover and enhanced aerodynamics compared to the previous model, as well as a dual mantle system that utilises a new ionomer blends to offer faster ball speed through the soft inner mantle and greater spin and control around the greens courtesy of the firmer outer mantle.
RRP: RRP:$ 74.99. www.callawaygolf.com.au
MIZUNO RB TOUR & RB TOUR X
Marking the first time Mizuno released the same ball in Japan, Europe, Australia and the US, the RB Tour and RB Tour X feature a dimple that is the result of 12 years of wind tunnel testing conducted at the company’s test facility.
The Cone (C) dimple is designed for improved wind performance, adding a larger number of trigger points keeping fast flowing air closer to the cover for longer allowing for greater workability and a longer more penetrating flight.
Adding the new dimple technology to the existing soft feel and feedback of Mizuno’s previous golf balls, the four-piece RB Tour models cater to golfers of varying needs.
The softer compression RB Tour produces less spin with driver, while the firmer RB Tour X will spin slightly more and benefit players with an upward angle of attack who are looking for even more ball-flight control.
RRP: $79. www.mizuno.com.au
SRIXON Z-STAR & Z-STAR XV
Charged with the task of improving upon the already popular and Tour-winning Z-Star and Z-Star XV, Srixon added a new ‘FastLayer Core’ and ‘Spin Skin technology with Slide-Ring Material’ (SeRM) to increase distance and maximise spin.
The new core progressively graduates from a soft centre becoming firmer towards the cover to enhance ball speed without sacrificing soft feel o the clubface.
A urethane compound coating the cover of every Z-Star series ball, the Spin Skin with SeRM digs further into the grooves of irons and wedges without breaking its molecular bonds to increase spin and maintain durability and is the only premium ball with the technology.
Made with a three-piece construction, the Z-Star ball is the softer of the two models despite a slightly higher compression than its predecessor and firmer mantle layer to increase ball speed and lower spin. In contrast, the four-piece Z-Star XV features a softer cover than the previous model adding more spin and control to its greater distance characteristics – both models benefitting from ‘338 Speed Dimple Pattern’ that boasts improved aerodynamics for reduced drag.
RRP: $59.95. www.srixon.com.au
TAYLORMADE TP5 & TP5X
Among the various constructions of golf balls using differing pieces, TaylorMade stands out with its five-layered TP5 and TP5x models ... The concept tha t more layers allow for improved characteristics in more areas of the game.
The company’s ‘Speed-Layer System’ comprises four increasingly stiff layers incorporating ‘HFM’, an extremely fast material the company describes as “essentially a tightly wound spring that when compressed generates more rebound energy for more ball speed.”
Using more layers means the TP5 and TP5x are able to have inner cores with extremely soft compression for soft feel and increased carry distances, while the ‘Dual- Spin Cover’ combines a firmer inner cover and softer outer cover that is pushed further into the grooves for more spin.
The two models are both now available in a high visibility ‘pix’ version developed with, and used on Tour by, Rickie Fowler.
RRP: $74.99. www.taylormadegolf.com.au
TITLEIST AVX
AVX was first introduced by Titleist in 2018 following a consumer testing period to sit alongside the company’s industry-leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls as the lowest flying and spinning premium ball with the softest feel.
The 2020 version has been reengineered after feedback from AVX users to further improve on the characteristics that make it their ball of choice and help produce lower scores.
The low compression core has been enlarged and reformulated, delivering softer feel and works together with a high flex casing layer to produce more ball speed and less spin with the long game. Also raising ball speeds, a thinner cover specially designed and formulated for AVX increases spin and control around the greens. And a unique ‘Catenary Aerodynamic Dimple Design’ lowers trajectory.
Offered in both white and high-optic yellow, the AVX is aimed at golfers craving distance and soft feel in a premium golf ball.
SRP: $76.95. www.titleist.com.au
TITLEIST PRO V1 & PRO V1X
Already the number one golf ball on Tours around the world, Titleist set about adding more speed and distance in the latest Pro V1 and Pro V1x, both available in highoptic yellow for the first time.
Designed to maintain the feel and performance characteristics throughout the bag of the previous iteration, the new models feature a new cover, casing layer and cores.
Seventeen percent thinner than its predecessor, the cast urethane elastomer cover system was the result of technology advancements by the company that delivers ball speed without sacrificing “DropandStop” control and soft feel. A thicker and faster ionomeric casing layer similarly creates more speed while also lowering long game spin. And new ‘2.0 ZG Process Cores’ are sti er in the outermost portions, yet soft in the centre to produce the same distance enhancing combination.
The Pro V1 will suit most players with optimal flight and spin, whereas the Pro V1x o ers a higher flight and more iron spin and a firmer feel.
SRP: $72.95. www.titleist.com.au
VOLVIK TOUR S3 & S4
Unlike Volvik’s colourful array of other models, the new Tour S3 and S4 are o ered only in white to identify them as “the company’s most serious technology ball” for elite players.
Designed for players with swing speeds over 95 mph, the threepiece S3 and fourpiece S4 feature Volvik’s bismuth rubber core construction. Bismuth is a heavy metal incorporated in the outer area of the core to increase resiliency and energy transfer for more distance, the material also moving weight towards the outer edges of the ball to raise moment of inertia (MOI) to better maintain spin properties, both low with driver and high around the green.
Featuring a lower compression, the S3 produces a midlaunch and midspin, while the S4 launches higher with lower spin with driver and features a dual core, which uses a softer outer core that has energy transferred to it from the solid inner core for distance.
RRP: $69.95. www.championsports.com.au
MIZUNO RB566V
Utilising a unique 566 D-Dimple pattern, Mizuno’s RB566V is a soft compression three-piece ball designed for greater distance.
Micro-dimples sit inside the main dimples and function early to keep the ball in the air for longer, while the new high energy Butadiene core is built for both soft feel and more ball speed.
O ering a mid ball flight with mid-high spin around the greens, the RB566V’s ionomer cover is durable and delivers enhanced feel on short game shots.
RRP: $45. www.mizuno.com.au
SRIXON Q STAR TOUR
Srixon’s Q-Star Tour is designed to transcend two categories, o ering Tour ball spin and distance with a softer feel.
Transitioning from a softer inner core becoming firmer towards the outer edge, the ‘FastLayer Core’ works like a core with thousands of layers according to the company, to increase ball speed and produce high spin around the greens, without compromising the soft feel so many golfers prefer.
Like the company’s top Z-Star series, the Q-Star Tour’s cover includes ‘Spin Skin with SeRM’ for maximum spin, as well as a new alignment aid sidestamp to help make more putts.
Once again like Srixon’s premium models, the mid-range Q-Star Tour features a 338 Speed Dimple Pattern that increases launch and reduces drag for a penetrating ball flight.
RRP: $44.95. www.srixon.com.au
TAYLORMADE TOUR RESPONSE & SOFT RESPONSE
Directed by feedback from golfers, TaylorMade created the new Tour Response and Soft Response. Golf balls designed for average golfers.
Intended to o er Tour performance at a more reasonable price, the Tour Response utilises a 100 percent cast urethane cover with soft compression.
The durable cover digs into grooves more to provide greater spin, while the same engine that powers the TP5 range, a ‘Speedmantle with HFM’, and soft ‘ZnO Flex Core’ provide ball speed and an ‘Extended Flight Dimple Pattern’ keeps the ball in the air for longer.
Aimed at slower swing speed players, the Soft Response uses the same U-shaped dimples to maintain flight, partnered with a soft ionomer cover and low compression for extremely soft feel without sacrificing distance. www.taylormadegolf.com.au
TITLEIST TOUR SOFT
First introduced two years ago, Titleist’s new Tour Soft has been redesigned to o er real improvements to golfers preferring a softer feeling ball.
Featuring the largest core in company history, that is also faster than the previous iteration, the Tour Soft o ers outstanding distance from the tee combined with a feeling at impact favoured by many golfers. The larger core required Titleist’s engineers to produce a thinner ‘4CE grafted cover system’ that delivers greater spin around the green and utilises a ‘spherically-tiled 342 cuboctahedron dimple design’ for a penetrating flight.
O ered in both white and high-optic yellow, the latest Tour Soft also includes a new ‘T’ sidestamp for better alignment that was developed based on popularity of the style through the company’s ‘My Titleist customiser’ service.
SRP: $49.95 www.titleist.com.au
TITLEIST VELOCITY
The Velocity from Titleist is designed for just that, velocity creating distance. And when seeking feedback from Velocity devotees, Titleist discovered the way to improve the already popular model was to add even more velocity.
To achieve this, the company added a larger, higher speed ‘LSX Core’ that creates low spin o the tee, greater initial ball speed and also increases stopping power, developed a faster ‘NaZ+ Cover’ which is also engineered for improved feel and created an all-new ‘Spherically-Tiled 350 Octahedral Dimple Pattern’ that produces a higher flight and is stronger aerodynamically to maintain the ball flight for longer.
To further enhance the model’s appeal, Titleist now also o ers the Velocity in three matte colour options – Pink, Green and Orange. – as well as white. The new-look covers have been specially developed to maintain their colour and o er durability.
SRP: $43.95. www.titleist.com.au
CALLAWAY SUPERSOFT MAGNA
Callaway developed the Supersoft Magna with one aim, to make the game easier with a larger ball.
Conforming to the Rules of Golf, the Supersoft Magna features the same technologies and performance as its namesake in an oversized model.
The larger size creates a higher centre of gravity (CG) and MOI to allow launch conditions as if the ball were teed up from any and every lie. The better contact and higher shots adds to the confidence-inspiring look of setting your club down behind a physically bigger ball for players who struggle with consistent contact.
RRP: $39.99 www.callawaygolf.com.au
SRIXON SOFT FEEL
Srixon’s Soft Feel is into its 11th generation, the popularity of the ball with Australian golfers making it easy to understand why the model remains a consistent part of the company’s expansive golf ball oering.
Suited to golfers looking to maximise distance and control while also enjoying a soft feel at impact, the new model is oered in both ‘Pure White’ and ‘Tour Yellow’.
Featuring an ‘Energetic Gradient Growth Core’ producing a high launch, low spin flight o the tee and a soft, thin cover that enhances the feel of the soft core and produces more spin around the greens, the new Soft Feel utilises 338 Speed dimples to reduce drag for longer drives and better wind performance.
RRP: $34.95.
CALLAWAY SUPERSOFT
It is easy to understand why a long, straight distance ball that’s incredibly soft is extremely popular with golfers. The new Callaway Supersoft has been designed to further increase those same performance characteristics that have made it the choice for so many players.
The company’s lowest compression core ever is complimented by a refined ‘HEX Aerodynamics’ that increase lift and reduce drag, the combination producing more distance and accuracy, while the new softer ‘Trionomer cover’ increases greenside spin and maintains the extremely soft feel the Supersoft model built its reputation on.
RRP: $39.99 www.callawaygolf.com.au
MIZUNO RB566
Utilising the same dimple technology as the ‘V’ model from Mizuno, the RB566 is a softer compression two-piece golf ball perfect for golfers with mid to low swing speeds.
The softest feeling ball in the Mizuno range, the RB566 oers a mid-launch, low spin flight o the tee with increased spin around the green that is partnered with improved feel from the ionomer cover at a lower price point.
RRP: $35. www.mizuno.com.au
SRIXON Q STAR
Another of the mainstays in the Srixon golf ball range, the new Q-Star takes its technological lead from the company’s premium models in a more a ordable option.
An all-new FastLayer Core gradually sti ens from soft in the centre to generate speed and distance combined with outstanding feel o the clubface.
Like the Soft Feel, the Q-Star is available in white and yellow options to cater to any preferences and incorporates the company’s 338 Speed Dimple Pattern on the cover, which uses Spin Skin with SeRM like the Z-Star and Tour version to create more spin around the greens.
The combination? A ball built for all-round performance and impressive feel.
RRP: $39.95 www.srixon.com.au
SRIXON ULTISOFT
Designed for slower swing speed players, the Srixon UltiSoft is an ultra-soft model o ering improved launch conditions for distance.
The extremely low compression Energetic Gradient Growth core assists those unable to compress firmer models to achieve higher launch angles with low spin for maximum distance o the tee.
The soft, thin cover incorporates the same number of aerodynamically-designed dimples as the other balls in the Srixon range and creates greater control and an optimal trajectory, as well as more spin when its needed and enhances the soft feel.
RRP: $34.95. www.srixon.com.au
TITLEIST TRUFEEL
The softest feeling golf ball in Titleist’s expansive range, the TruFeel produces consistently longer distance and enhanced control.
Available in white, optic yellow and matte red, the TruFeel replaces the DT TruSoft as Titleist’s o ering for golfers preferring an extremely soft feel, with the addition of a new sidestamp to aid alignment.
The fast, low compression ‘TruTouch Core’ delivers low spin for distance o the tee, while a proprietary cover formulation called ‘TruFlex’ adds to the softer feeling formula of the TruFeel and increases control on approach shots.
A specially designed dimple pattern has been optimised to improve aerodynamic performance for increased distance in the TruFeel, which, like all Titleist balls, is made at one of the company’s ball manufacturing plants in Massachusetts.
SRP: $36.95. www.titleist.com.au