Taylormade Tour Response ball
£39.99 a dozen
GM verdict
With the 2022 Tour Response, the idea was to take some tech from the tour-level TP5 and TP5X balls and add it to this model, which is aimed at regular golfers seeking all-round performance at an affordable price.
Our initial testing comprised hitting some 50-yard pitch shots on a Skytrak launch monitor against its competitors in the mid-priced, urethane-covered space. Interestingly, the spin rate of 5,574rpm was around 500rpm less than the original Tour Response that it replaces. The spin control was similar to the Wilson Triad golf ball.
On the golf course, we felt this translated into impressive short-game control, but it was during our 7-iron testing that we started to notice a jump in ball speed versus the previous generation. The new Tour Response was 3mph faster and offered around 300rpm less spin. This translated into five extra yards of carry on a slightly higher flight.
It was a similar story off the tee. The 2022 Tour Response was faster off the face by about 3mph versus the previous generation, with a fraction less spin. This created six extra carry yards and seven additional yards in total. It was also a little faster and longer than the Wilson Triad ball – we carried the Taylormade nine yards further on average.
At this point, it is important to say that with a relatively low 70-compression core, we were concerned that our driver clubhead speed of around 111mph meant we would suffer a noticeable drop-off in distance versus a premium ball, like the Titleist Pro V1x, but this wasn’t the case. There was a slight drop-off in distance, but it wasn’t huge. For anyone looking for a midpriced urethane
covered ball, we think this characteristic of the new Taylormade Tour Response makes it a very appealing option.
This Tour Response is also available in a unique ‘Stripe’ version. This bold look might not be for everyone, but we loved it as a striking alternative from Taylormade. It creates a very clear alignment aid off the tee and on the greens. When you putt, the stripe clearly shows how effectively the ball is rolling – end-over-end or not.
The last thing to talk about is the feel and, as you might expect, it offers a lovely gentle sound off the putter face, striking a good balance between feeling responsive while also providing ample speed.
Overall, the 2022 Tour Response ball is a step up in long-game performance versus the prior model, which combines well with the short-game benefits on offer. As such, it is a good all-round golf ball that further differentiates itself thanks to the Stripe alternative. It competes well with the top models on the market and has a design that helps alignment in a big way.
“THIS IS A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BALL AT THIS PRICE POINT. THE STRIKING STRIPE OPTION CERTAINLY ENHANCES THE APPEAL”
Neil Tappin, GM digital editor