C
Clarity News Hub

Do pro golfers use soft balls?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 11, 2026

On average, 55% of professional golfers use a softer feeling golf ball. Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, and Rory Mcilroy use softer balls and some of the more popular choices are the Taylormade Tp5/Tp5x and the Titleist Pro V1.

Do Tour players use soft balls?

The top 100 PGA Tour players use 9 different golf balls produced by 5 manufacturers. 69% play a Titleist Pro V1 or Pro V1x with Callaway's Chrome Soft X the next most popular.

Are softer golf balls better?

Lower compression balls tend to be softer and compress more to create more distance. Higher compression balls offer more control and are used by better players who can produce faster swing speeds to compress the ball.

What balls do most pro golfers use?

Titleist. Without a doubt, Titleist is the most widely played ball on the PGA Tour and they have more Top 50 players on their books than any other manufacturer. The latest stats show that 69% play a Titleist golf ball.

Do any pros use Chrome soft?

World number one Jon Rahm uses the Callaway Chrome Soft X golf ball having signed with the brand in 2021. The X model's design differs from the Chrome Soft in several ways. Rather than having a dual core, it features two mantle layers between the core and cover.

19 related questions found

What golf ball does Dustin Johnson use?

Dustin Johnson uses TaylorMade's TP5x golf ball.

What ball does Justin Thomas play?

Titleist Pro V1x golf ball

It is the highest-flying, highest-spinning golf ball in the Titleist stable, and also the company's firmest-feeling ball. Traditionally, Titleist releases an update to the Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls every two years.

What are soft golf balls good for?

A low compression ball helps to reduce the amount of ball speed lost on mis-hits and provides performance through the bag to help golfers get the most out of every shot they encounter on the course. Softer golf balls also allow the golfers to hit the ball higher which is beneficial to most golfers.

Who Should Use Pro V1x?

If you're looking for a softer feel, especially in the short game department – select the Pro V1. If you normally hit a high ball off the tee and don't mind launching a little lower, the Pro V1 is again the answer. However, the low-ball hitter will definitely benefit from the Pro V1x.

What ball does Phil Mickelson use?

A close-up image of Phil Mickelson's Callaway Chrome Soft X golf ball has emerged on social media this week and it's interesting to note that he does not have a number on his dimples, but instead his own logo.

Do I want a soft or hard golf ball?

In almost all cases, an average golfer will prefer a softer golf ball over a firmer ball. Softer balls normally have a lower compression rating which means it will take less club speed to properly compress the ball. This will result in straighter shots and a better feeling golf ball.

Do softer golf balls spin more?

As said, the softer ball feels superior when you hit it. Also, it spins almost five times more than the hardball, which is an incredible amount of spin. Still, if you want to see the difference on your own, then head to the driving range with a few hardballs and softballs.

Are soft golf balls more forgiving?

The softer ball offers more game control on poorly centered hits and offers increased distance on low impact shots. I've ranked them a bit lower because of cost. These Titleist Tour golf balls are ideal for beginner golfers who require plenty of forgiveness on their hits. What do golfers have to say?

What Srixon ball is like Pro V1?

The ball that most closely resembles the Pro V1x is the Srixon Z-Star XV. The balls above aren't all identical to the Pro V1x but they should perform pretty similarly. They all have a compression rating around the same number, they all have a high amount of wedge spin, and are built for fast swing speeds.

How often do pro golfers change balls?

Professional golfers will change golf balls every five to six holes. The modern golf ball technology can last for quite some time as the materials used to make these golf balls are more durable and resistant to cuts.

Can high handicappers use Pro V1?

For high handicappers looking to improve their scores with minimal effort, deciding to play with the Titleist Pro V1 is the best choice a golfer can make. As a result of the high-quality construction of the Pro V1 comes incredible performance in every aspect of the golfing game.

Which ball goes further Pro V1 or Pro V1x?

The Pro V1 is designed to produce a more penetrating ball flight and descends at a shallower angle ultimately leading to more roll. The Pro V1x on the other hand launches higher and falls out of the air at much steeper angles of attack.

What ball does Jordan Spieth play?

Jordan Spieth uses the Titleist Pro V1x (2021) golf ball.

Do softer golf balls go straighter?

What are the characteristics of soft balls? It is generally agreed that soft golf balls spin less than firmer golf balls so from the tee they should be longer as well as straighter, having less back and sideward spin.

What golf ball goes the farthest?

Analyzing the individual ball statistics we can see that the Titleist Pro V1x averaged the farthest distance as well at 266.7 yards. Meanwhile, the Callaway Chrome Soft X averaged the shortest distance at only 259.3 yards. This results in a difference between the average maximum and minimum of only 7.4 yards.

Do warm golf balls go further?

Generally, a warmer golf ball travels farther. The rubber materials used to make golf balls respond better if they are more resilient. Warmth enhances resiliency. A warmer ball will come off the clubface with more velocity and spin than a colder ball, encouraging loft.

What clubs does DeChambeau use?

Bryson DeChambeau uses Cobra King Tour MIM irons that are all the same length as his seven iron. His irons start with a couple of Cobra King One Length Utility irons (4-5) before transitioning down to Cobra King One Length MiM Tour irons which go from six-iron down to pitching wedge.

What ball does Brooks koepka play?

Brooks Koepka uses the Srixon Z-Star Diamond golf ball.

What shafts does Rory McIlroy use?

The irons in his bag remain unaltered for 2022 with McIlroy gaming the the TaylorMade P770 3-iron and P730 Rors Proto irons from 4 to PW with Project X 7.0 shafts. McIlroy is also sticking by his TaylorMade MG3 wedges in 54 and 58 degrees, in Project X 6.5 shafts.