TaylorMade

Everybody wants a golf ball that goes faster and farther, but TaylorMade’s latest improvements to its five-layer TP5 and TP5x focus a lot of attention on improving these balls as they lose speed. Specifically, the dimples were redesigned with a flatter, less curved bottom. The idea is to have an aerodynamic pattern that features reduced drag at the start of the flight but converts to one that increases lift at the apex of the flight when the ball is slowing down. That extends the back end of the flight by squeezing a little more carry when the ball is transitioning into its descent. The ball’s five layers include an especially resilient fourth layer just underneath the cast urethane cover that helps improve initial velocity.

Is it for you?

TP5: Added speed, but it’s still the softer model and appeals to a broader range. The TP5 is best if greenside spin matters the most.

TP5x: Lower spinning on longer shots, it’s ideal if you like higher launch. Firmer, its greenside spin is higher and feel is softer than the 2019 version.