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Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on the latest TaylorMade TP5 golf ball – the choice of ball for Rory McIlroy.
TaylorMade has made significant strides in its golf ball line up over the past few years. The newest iterations of the TP5 and TP5x models might just be the best yet. But what’s different, and how do they perform on the course? Currently, Rory McIlroy plays with the TP5, and our testing reveals exactly why it’s his ball of choice. Discover the details in our latest TaylorMade TP5 golf ball review….
It’s not hard to see why the TaylorMade is entrusted by so many Tour players. The distances off the tee are fantastic but it is around the greens where this golf ball really comes into it’s own.
The spin rates are optimal for enhanced control and extra spin. It also feels really soft of both the wedge and putter face thanks to the premium urethane cover. There really isn’t anything to complain about with this golf ball, it has that all-round premium quality.
PROS
Quality distances off the tee
Amazing soft feel
Comes to life around the greens
All-round premium performance
CONS
Faster clubhead speed players might prefer the firmer feel of TP5x
It can be quite hard to comment on your first impressions of a golf ball, what with them being round and white pretty much every time. But TaylorMade has given us something to talk about when it comes to the Pix model! A design that you might see if a fan of Tommy Fleetwood.
I definitely like the Pix pattern from triangle to diamond, and I’m pleased TaylorMade have changed the side stamp to a simple black line with text in the middle. With all this new visual technology, having to use a Sharpie to draw a line on the ball would have been such a shame, but this is no issue on the TP5 Pix.
Right out of the box, the TP5 exudes quality. With options available in traditional white (which I went on to test below), high-visibility yellow, and eye-catching visual designs like the PIX pattern and ClearPath Alignment stripe, there’s something to suit every golfer’s eye.
The ball features the same Speed Wrapped Core seen in the Tour Response model, but it steps things up a notch with four additional layers and a super soft urethane cover.
NGC Verdict
What sets the TP5 apart is its versatility and consistency throughout the bag – something I am sure Rory McIlroy would be demanding from a golf ball.
Off the tee, the TP5 delivers impressive performance. With a ball speed average of 163 mph and a carry distance of 290 yards I was able to record a total distance of 312 yards. That makes it one of the longest balls I have tested.
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As you can see from the data below, my spin rates were around 2000 rpm. This may be slightly on the lower side, but that helps maximise rollout and overall distance off the tee without sacrificing too much control for good accuracy.
With the irons, I found the ball continued to shine. Using a 7-iron, I recorded a carry distance of 166 yards, a ball speed of 118 mph, and spin rates hovered around 5600 rpm. While not the highest spinning ball in its class, the steep descent angle ensures excellent stopping power into the greens.
Around the greens and with wedges, the TP5 certainly came into its own for me. Thanks to its soft urethane cover and layered construction, it generates significant spin and provides the kind of feel and control that tour players demand. At 50-yard shots, spin rates in the region of 7230 rpm deliver plenty of bite, making it easier to attack tucked pins with confidence. Something Rory McIlroy has been striving for and has seen him switch to this ball from the TP5x.
I found the putter feel to be similarly impressive. It was soft, responsive, and predictable. It’s nearly identical in feel to the Tour Response Stripe, thanks to the shared cover material.
Overall, the TaylorMade TP5 is a standout in the crowded tour ball category. With exceptional distance off the tee, reliable iron performance, excellent spin around the greens, and a price point that undercuts many competitors. I think it’s a genuine five-star performer.
Whether you’re a scratch player or a serious weekend golfer, the TP5 is a ball that delivers the goods. No wonder it’s a favourite among TaylorMade’s tour staff. Premium performance, without the premium price tag, what more could a golfer need?
