tour golf balls

124th U.S. Open

Pinehurst No. 2

Golf Digest Logo Hot List

The best new golf balls of 2024

Photo Illustration by Lisa Sheehan. Golf balls photographed by Dom Furore and Ben Walton.

Finding the right ball shouldn't be like looking for a needle in a haystack. What you need is a magnet. Consider the Hot List your lodestone. The goal with our annual review of the best-rated golf balls is to help you take the first step toward better defining your playing needs and how certain balls might meet those requirements. We also know it’s only a beginning. A golf-ball fitting, something formal with a qualified fitter or more informal with you and a few sleeves, might change your mind, or even better, confirm that what you have been using is the right one.

Our process focuses on two categories. Golf balls with a Urethane Cover generally appeal to the best players and those with a certain level of competency from driver through wedge. These balls offer a greater variety of shot-making options in terms of trajectory, spin control and feel, particularly near the green—all without sacrificing much of anything in terms of full-swing distance. These are the best balls by far in our evaluations, scoring on average a full point higher across all performance aspects on our five-point scale, according to our players, and spinning an average of 31 percent more on a half-wedge shot in our robot testing. Golf balls with a Non-Urethane Cover typically provide less spin on full shots through the bag for better distance and improved accuracy than higher spinning balls. Relative to most urethane-cover balls, non-urethane models lack the same degree of wedge spin, but the nine balls that made our list showed above average grab on those short-game shots.

First, consider which characteristics best support your game—distance, spin, feel. Matching what you need with the array of options available is a personal process. We’re just here to help. In a landscape in which everything looks essentially the same, a little intel can go a long way. —MS

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HOW WE GOT HERE

In 2024, we embarked on our most comprehensive golf-ball Hot List process ever. It combined both player and robot testing to narrow a field of 75 candidates to these final 46 models. Robot testing was conducted by Cool Clubs in Arizona, under the direction of Tom Mase, Ph.D., retired professor of mechanical engineering at Cal Poly and a member of the Hot List Technical Panel. The robot test used half-wedge shots for the spin and launch characteristics of each model. In player testing, elite golfers (5-handicap or less) put finalists through a full range of shots, scoring them on a five-point scale (1 for “poor” to 5 for “excellent”) with the short game, half-wedge, 7-iron and driver. Players also assessed scores in Feel from 1 (“Soft”) to 5 (“Firm”). The graphics reflect our judges’ assessment of the collective players’ ratings. Throughout player testing, all logos and distinguishing marks were blacked out. —MS

Gold Urethane Golf Balls

Bridgestone tour b rx/rxs/x/xs.

WHAT’S SPECIAL: The four models are made for different swing speeds (the “R” versions are for players with average swing speeds, and the “S” versions target players who are looking for more spin on all shots). All four feature a new combination of additives in the cover and mantle layers. These compounds increase the resiliency of the cover for distance on tee shots and longer contact time with the face on short shots. They also stiffen the mantle layer for more energy on tee shots and provide a firmer backing to help squeeze the softer cover for spin on shorter shots. All four offer a “Mindset” optional visual pattern to improve pre-shot focus. $50

Bridgestone Tour B RX

IS IT FOR YOU? 

• For swing speeds of 105 mph or less 

• Preference for distance over workability 

• Low spin for straighter shots but also yields slightly less greenside spin vs. other Tour B balls

Bridgestone Tour B RXS

•  Targets swing speeds under 105 miles per hour •  The softest feeling ball in the family •  For players who want spin on all shots

Bridgestone Tour B X

• Targets golfers with high swing speeds (105-plus mph) whose priority is distance 

• The firmest-feeling model in the lineup 

• Current ball of choice for Tiger Woods, Jason Day and Matt Kuchar 

Bridgestone Tour B XS

• Targets golfers with fast swings (105+) who like to work the ball and prefer a softer feel 

• Has the most short-game spin in the Tour B family, according to robot testing. 

• Softer than its high-speed counterpart, the Tour B X 

CALLAWAY CHROME SOFT/TOUR/TOUR X

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Callaway’s most extensive overhaul of its premium ball lineup includes two models targeting the best players (Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X) and its familiar lower-compression urethane model (Chrome Soft) that works for all golfers. The fundamental changes start with a new chemical mixture in the core to produce higher ball speeds than previous models. The lineup also includes a new collection of aerodynamic dimple patterns (including selectively located circular dimples for the first time in two decades) to improve consistency of flight and deeper downrange flight. $55

Callaway Chrome Soft

Is It For You?

• Targets aspirational golfers looking for tour-level greenside spin 

• The softest feeling of the three Chrome balls by a considerable margin 

• Slightly higher flying with more ball speed than past versions 

Callaway Chrome Tour

IS IT FOR YOU?

•  Designed for better golfers looking for soft feel and driver distance  

•  Softer and faster with a more penetrating flight compared to last year’s Chrome Soft X 

•  Played by more than a third of Callaway’s tour staff 

Callaway Chrome Tour X

•  Made for better golfers seeking driver distance and maximum ball speed through the bag  

•  Produced the highest spin of the Chrome models on half-wedge shots in our robot testing 

•  The highest compression, firmest feeling model in the lineup 

MAXFLI TOUR/TOUR S/TOUR X

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Making golf balls is not as easy as it sounds, particularly if you are interested in consistency from ball to ball and dozen to dozen. That is why these designs all use the side stamp as a graphic reminder of the location of the center of gravity. Lining up that spot with the center of the clubface will produce the most consistent energy transfer off the driver and a truer roll on your putts. The mantle’s resilient feel dials down driver spin for better distance. The array of models covers three types of feel preferences, all at a bargain price. $40.

Maxfli Tour

•  For players with above-average driver swing speed who favor control and workability  

•  Designed to yield a lower flight on full swings 

•  Softer feeling than the Tour X 

Maxfli Tour S

•  Softest of the three balls with less spin off the driver for average swing speeds 

•  Same cast-urethane cover as the Tour and Tour X for elite-level greenside spin 

•  Slightly lower flight than Tour and Tour X  

Maxfli Tour X

•  The firmest of the three balls targets faster swing speeds and emphasizes distance with short-game spin  

•  The four-piece design yields the highest full-swing launch of the three models 

•  Highest spinning of the three models on our half-wedge robot test 

SRIXON Q-STAR TOUR

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Srixon believes moderate swing-speed players (75 to 95 miles per hour with the driver) get more satisfying results with a softer golf ball. This version has a slightly higher compression than past models but keeps the past models’ improvements in greenside spin. It also features a reformulated core that is designed with increased firmness of the outer edges to boost resiliency. The center of the core remains soft to help average golfers launch tee shots with less spin for better accuracy. $40

Srixon Q-Star Tour

•  Targets moderate- to average-swing-speed players (75 miles per hour and above swing speeds with the driver)  

•  Improved ball speed off the driver compared to most recent model 

•  The softest feeling Srixon ball with a urethane cover 

SRIXON Z-STAR/Z-STAR ◆/Z-STAR XV

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Changes to the rubber cores in these three balls target the needs of three player groups. The core on the standard Z-Star is softest for higher spin on short shots and iron approaches but is slightly firmer for better ball speed. The XV is built for higher-swing-speed players seeking a higher flight. This is accomplished through a single-core design that features a greater transition from the soft center to the core’s extra firm outer edges. The Z-Star ◆ uses its core to bring the speed and distance of the XV with the softer feel of the standard Z-Star for better middle-iron spin. $50

Srixon Z-Star

•  The softest feeling of the three Z-Star balls  

•  Additional coating enhances how the urethane cover grabs the grooves for maximum spin 

•  Best for players who seek greenside spin 

Srixon Z-Star ◆ 

• Offers a combination of Z-Star’s thicker cover for spin with XV’s firmer compression core for high-launch and distance

• Ideal for players looking for more green-holding middle-iron spin

• Additional coating enhances how the urethane cover grabs the grooves for better spin

Srixon Z-Star XV

•  The firmest feeling of the three Z-Star balls  

•  Ideal for high-speed players (driver swing speeds of 100 mph or more) who want distance and higher flight 

•  Additional coating enhances how the urethane cover grabs the grooves for better spin 

TAYLORMADE TOUR RESPONSE

WHAT’S SPECIAL: A urethane cover is one way to give average golfers the kind of spin control on short shots that elite players enjoy with their style of ball. That is why this ball uses the same cast urethane cover as the TP5/TP5x and emphasizes what average golfers need more: speed. Borrowing the same high-reflexive intermediate mantle layer and the same dual-radius dimple found in TaylorMade’s tour-level balls lets average golfers get the same distance benefits. $43

TaylorMade Tour Response

•  The softest feeling urethane-cover ball in the TaylorMade family

•  Designed to increase distance (driver and irons) for non-elite swing speeds (sub-105 mph)  

•  An option with a wide aiming stripe improves target awareness   

TAYLORMADE TP5/TP5X

WHAT’S SPECIAL: These new tour-level models for 2024 upped their speed potential by developing a new core chemistry that creates extra energy for better distance. The more aggressive resilience comes without altering the ball’s softer feel. On top of that, the distinctive five-layer design better tunes the intermediate mantle layers to maximize energy transfer. The key is that the firmness varies from the softer center to the firmer outer layers by a greater range than before, leading to lower spin off the driver and higher spin off the wedges. $55

TaylorMade TP5

• Increased speed while maintaining soft sound   

• Softer feeling option compared with TP5x 

• Ideal for players who seek short-game spin  

TaylorMade TP5x

•  Targets high-swing-speed players who prefer reducing driver and long-iron spin   

•  Firmer compression should lead to more iron distance 

•  Increased speed while maintaining similar soft sound to previous model thanks to new core chemistry  

TITLEIST AVX

WHAT’S SPECIAL: This new generation of Titleist softer-feeling, flatter-trajectory, tour-level, urethane-cover ball gets an influx of improved iron distance and short-game spin for 2024. The latest upgrade to AVX is designed to provide a little more distance on middle irons and more greenside spin than past versions. The key changes involve more velocity from a high-gradient core combined with short-game spin from a thicker, softer cover. The core has a firmer outer range to add velocity, and a new firmer, high-flex mantle works with the core to produce better ball speed. $50

Titleist AVX

•  Softest urethane cover in the Titleist lineup

•  Expect the AVX to fly lower, spin less and feel softer compared to the Pro V1 

•  Ideal for players looking for distance through the bag by lowering spin 

TITLEIST —PRO V1X/PRO V1/PRO V1X

WHAT’S SPECIAL: The Pro V1 and Pro V1x (the specialty high-speed -Pro V1x is unchanged) found more energy in the design of the cores. The key improvement came from firming up the outer regions of the rubber core to increase ball speed. That turned the single-core Pro V1 into the same core-stiffness range as the old dual-core Pro V1x. On the dual-core Pro V1x, that outer core is stiffer, and the soft, lower-compression inner core is larger, helping to further reduce spin for distance.

Titleist —Pro V1x

• Targets players looking for less spin on all shots • Tends to fly high like the Pro V1x but with less spin • Firmest feeling of the three Pro V1 models

Titleist Pro V1

• Ideal for players looking for distance and less spin on the longer clubs • A more penetrating flight than Pro V1x • Softest feeling of the three Pro V1 models

Titleist Pro V1x

• Targets faster swingers looking for higher flight with more spin  • Expect more long-game spin to help with carry • Firmer feeling than Pro V1  

VICE PRO/PRO AIR/PRO PLUS

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Vice’s three urethane-cover balls embrace a collection of attributes (and we’re not talking about the array of colors, fades and drip patterns that have become a fundamental part of the company’s overall aesthetic). The three designs use four- (Pro Plus) and three-piece constructions and alter the core firmness and compression to meet the needs of different swing speeds. This mostly direct-to-consumer brand uses its database of customers and millions of data points from its online fitting tool and partnership with HIO, Europe’s largest custom-fitting center to address six player types. Also central to all designs is a thin, cast-urethane cover and a spin-reducing mantle intermediate layer. $40

•  Built for players looking for a more penetrating flight with workability in the irons  

•  Slightly softer compression than the Pro Plus 

•  Slightly less spin on approach shots than Pro Plus 

Vice Pro Air

•  Aimed at moderate-swing-speed players 

•  Low compression helps to increase launch and lower spin  

•  One of the softest-feeling urethane-cover balls our panel rated  

Vice Pro Plus

•  Designed to produce the most ball speed and spin for higher-swing-speed players  

•  The firmest compression of the Vice Pro line 

•  Two intermediate mantle layers: inner one reduces driver spin and outer enhances short-game feel 

WILSON STAFF MODEL/STAFF MODEL X

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Both models have four-piece constructions with two intermediate mantle layers to control spin, increase velocity and soften feel, but it’s the cores on the high-speed X and spin-control standard model that cater to specific player types. The soft but firmer core on the X enhances resilience with the softness to help high-swing-speed players control driver spin. The softer core on the standard model can help those players just shy of ultra-elite swing speeds reduce spin on tee shots to boost distance. Both balls have the softest cast-urethane cover of any Wilson ball ever. $50

Wilson Staff Model

• Softer compression and lower spin rate on full swings than Staff Model X  • Trajectory on drives and iron shots is more penetrating than the X version • Expect a little higher spin on iron shots compared to typical lower-compression, urethane-cover balls

Wilson Staff Model X

• Firmer feeling, higher compression model aimed at higher swing speeds  • Provides a touch more driver spin for extra workability with the driver • Designed for higher spin on iron shots

Silver Urethane Golf Balls

Honma tw-s/tw-x.

WHAT’S SPECIAL: These two cast-urethane-covered balls are popular in Japan. The TW-S emphasizes spin and a softer feel and features a larger core than past Honma models. The intermediate ionomer layer is soft and flexible to enhance backspin and feel. The TW-X’s large core is surrounded by a high-flexing intermediate layer to maximize ball speed. The 326-dimple design was developed over a rigorous three-year design process and helps produce a stable trajectory in windy conditions. $36

•  Softer feel than the TW-X •  Ionomer mantle layer adds spin on iron shots •  Soft core is better for slower swing speeds

•  Large-diameter core maximizes distance •  Highly elastic mantle layer enhances repulsion at impact •  Cast urethane cover aids greenside grab

MIZUNO RB TOUR/RB TOUR X

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Dimple design in golf balls is a tedious, underappreciated process. Their designs involve near-microscopic changes in shapes, curves, angles and edges. However, chief among the reasons a dimple pattern is routinely overlooked might be the fact that the everyday golfer likely doesn’t know what those differences mean. For these two urethane-covered balls, a 272-dimple pattern features a slightly skewed bottom, tilted at every turn. The intent is to produce higher flying shots with the driver mixed with flatter trajectory wedge shots. $43

Mizuno RB Tour

•  Lowest spinning of the two is for faster swingers •  Mantle layer provides a distance boost •  Softer feel than the RB Tour X

Mizuno RB Tour X

IS IT FOR YOU?   • More controlled flight with shorter irons • Low spin off the driver but not as low as RB Tour • New cover provides enhanced durability

WHAT’S SPECIAL: PXG is attempting to simplify the ball-selection process by producing a single ball that accommodates all player types. In terms of spin, speed, trajectory, approach shot, short shot and even feel, the idea is to make the Xtreme ball less about those who swing ultrafast or super slow and more about those who reside in the middle. A three-piece ball with a urethane cover that has 338 dimples, the Xtreme is designed to achieve height in the long clubs with a flatter trajectory in the scoring clubs, all with plenty of pop off the tee. $40

IS IT FOR YOU?   • Firm mantle layer enhances distance • Urethane cover produces a soft feel • Bold alignment feature helps golfers line up putts accurately

RENEGADE MBU

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Golfers who shop for urethane-covered golf balls under $40 a dozen are thrifty. They want not only performance but durability. That led Renegade to work with its manufacturer to develop a cover material with an additive to achieve that goal. The compound increases the flexibility of the cover material, allowing the ball to dwell longer on the face to deliver control. A firm, higher-compression (85) mantle layer combines with the thick urethane cover to reduce driver spin. $35

Renegade MBU

IS IT FOR YOU? •  A firm mantle reduces spin off the driver •  Urethane cover uses an additive so that the ball stays on the face longer for control •  One of the lower-priced, three-piece urethane balls on the market

WHAT’S SPECIAL: A direct-to-consumer brand that has been producing golf balls since 2015, Seed has continued to evolve. The third generation of the SD-02 is a four-piece construction with a cast-urethane cover that seeks to deliver low spin and flatter flight off the driver and maintain enough greenside spin to be useful. A new core formulation includes metalloid additives to fine-tune the ball’s density and weight distribution. That optimizes the core’s compression and launch characteristics. $35

•  Lower spin off the driver •  Flatter trajectory off the tee •  Four-piece construction with an ultra-thin mantle and inner cover produces slightly firmer feel

WHAT’S SPECIAL: A two-piece ball with a urethane cover is unusual but not unheard of (remember the Bridgestone e5?). To produce such a ball is complex at the price point the company is trying to achieve. Seed walked that line well with the SD-17. Adjusting the molecular weight of the rubber used for the core allowed for the use of a soft, urethane cover, and that results in a large core without the risk of the core deforming more than it should at impact, which would rob speed. The urethane cover also has the benefit of more spin than an ionomer cover around the greens. $30

•  Lower ball flight off the driver •  Urethane cover promotes greenside spin •  Discounts for the purchase of two dozen or more

VOLVIK CONDOR/CONDOR X

WHAT’S SPECIAL: In recent years Volvik has lost its way with serious golfers by dabbling in nonconforming balls and spheres adorned with The Hulk or Captain America. These balls change that. The standard Condor is an 85-compression three-piece ball with a urethane cover aimed at golfers seeking soft feel and spin around the greens. The X is a four-piece construction but is firmer (95 compression), which helps reduce spin—and therefore promotes accuracy—with the long clubs. $43

Volvik Condor

IS IT FOR YOU? •  Softer of the two models •  More greenside spin than the X •  Dimple pattern designed for stability in the wind

Volvik Condor X

•  Firmer of the two models •  For players seeking accuracy off the tee •  Slightly more shot-shaping capability than Condor

WILSON TRIAD

WHAT’S SPECIAL: What if you could find a few more fairways? That would lead to hitting more greens and making more putts. Such an improvement could turn an 82 into a 79. It is that kind of mind-set that drove the design of Wilson’s Triad golf ball. The Triad moves weight from the core of the ball to its mantle layer. Doing this makes the density of all three layers (including the urethane cover) the same. That produces a ball that is better balanced with a higher moment of inertia to promote less movement of the ball in flight as well as less wobble on the greens. $40

Wilson Triad

IS IT FOR YOU? •  Urethane cover provides bite on short-game shots •  Consistent density of layers fosters better roll on the greens •  For players seeking accuracy over pure distance

Silver Non-Urethane Golf Balls

When our annual golf ball Hot List comes out, we’re often asked why we bother to have non-urethane-cover golf balls on the list. It’s a fair question. There’s no doubt multilayer, urethane-cover golf balls are technologically superior—that’s why the pros play them. To determine what benefits, if any, belong to non-urethane balls, we ran a non-scientific test. Chris Watson, a scratch who has qualified for the U.S. Mid-Am, and I (a 12-handicap but once a very good player) played nine holes with a urethane ball and nine with a non- urethane ball and chronicled our scores and observations.

Presented with a blacked-out sleeve of each in white boxes, we set out. I knew by the third hole which ball was which. It was obvious by the way the non-urethane ball slid up the face on a 50-yard wedge shot. If you want to stop the ball using height instead of spin, that works. I didn’t see much difference on iron approaches, but pitches behaved decidedly different. The urethane ball had more grab, and the non-urethane model rolled out. If you play shots along the ground, a non-urethane ball works fine. Off the tee, the non-urethane ball spun less, especially on off-center strikes. One tee shot I was certain was headed for the right trees held its line and left me with a shot from the rough.

Watson found the non-urethane ball firmer and clickier on virtually all shots. He also found distance control to be an issue, airmailing a green on an approach that left him befuddled. That extended to pitches and chips, which he found “jumpy.”

We both scored better with the urethane ball (one shot lower for me, two for him). The difference seemed magnified for the better player, so maybe there is no reason to ever play non-urethane. However, if you’re north of a 10-handicap and play the short game along the ground and need less spin off the tee (along with saving a few bucks), the non-urethane-covered balls on this list are worth your consideration. —EMJ

BRIDGESTONE E12 CONTACT

WHAT’S SPECIAL: The second iteration of the e12 Contact uses a dimple that has a raised area in the center, resulting in more clubface contact at impact than traditional dimples. The design goals are to provide more efficient energy transfer, activate the core quicker for faster ball speeds and reduce sidespin off the longer clubs. An impact modifier is used to further enhance contact, leading to more dwell time on the face so that grooves can engage more and provide additional spin. $35

Bridgestone e12 Contact

•  An impact modifier produces a firm feel on long shots and a soft feel on short shots •  The dimple design with a raised area in the center promotes a flatter flight •  Also available in matte red, green and yellow

CALLAWAY ERC SOFT

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Golf-ball manufacturing has been likened to baking a cake. Much like a two-layer cake uses more than two ingredients, a golf ball often has more than just the few parts that comprise it. In the case of the ERC Soft, more than 100 materials are used. Callaway developed an innovative technology that reacts with certain material groups to produce more elastic energy at impact when the ball deforms. A new urethane coating on the ionomer cover produces extra spin. $40

Callaway ERC Soft

•  Preference for distance with a soft feel •  Putters who struggle will appreciate the Triple Track alignment feature •  Better greenside spin than many non-urethane balls

CALLAWAY SUPERSOFT

WHAT’S SPECIAL: This low-compression ball offers more than just a nice feel. It is also more forgiving because it spins less on long shots. The low-spin characteristic promotes distance with the driver and the irons and increases accuracy because as spin is reduced, the ball will tend to go less offline. A tweak to the core also brought significant improvements. Without getting into the chemistry and jargon associated with it, the result is that Callaway was able to get more speed out of the core at the same compression. $25

Callaway Supersoft

IS IT FOR YOU?  •  The soft cover enhances feel •  Reduced spin on longer shots to improve accuracy •  Better greenside control through a revised cover

SRIXON Q-STAR

WHAT’S SPECIAL: This two-piece ball has a low compression that is designed to maximize the performance of average golfers. The low compression helps tee shots spin less for better distance and accuracy and produces a pleasing feel. It also has the same dimple pattern as the company’s tour-level balls for extra distance. An upgraded core design aims to increase launch angle, and the dimple pattern is designed to yield a more penetrating flight. The real hero, however, might be the cover coating that creates a more elastic surface that allows the grooves on wedges and short irons to grab the ball because of enhanced friction, leading to higher short-game spin. $28

Srixon Q-Star

•  Best for golfers with moderate and below-average swing speeds •  The cover coating promotes added spin on short shots •  Designed for those seeking more height without ballooning

SRIXON SOFT FEEL

WHAT’S SPECIAL: This lower-compression ball stays true to its name, even in its 13th iteration. The company says its “FastLayer” core is the key to providing soft feel and enough distance. The core is extremely soft in the center and gets gradually firmer as you get more toward the outer part of it. Srixon says it is one of its softest to date, and the core is highly resilient, snapping back into shape quicker after impact to deliver more distance while reducing spin off the longer clubs. $23

Srixon Soft Feel

•  Dimple pattern reduces drag, allowing the ball to cut through the air with less resistance •  A thin, soft cover offers enough grab on chips and pitches •  A Brite model comes in matte red, matte orange and matte green

TAYLORMADE SPEEDSOFT

WHAT’S SPECIAL: A recent survey of avid golfers by Golf Datatech reveals that two-thirds were interested in playing a low-compression or soft-compression golf ball. The player group likely to benefit most from value-priced, low-compression golf balls is also the most interested in playing them. TaylorMade appeals to that audience with a two-piece design that features the company’s first foray into sub-50, low-compression technology. The key, of course, is not to get too soft because it can lose velocity. The core in this ball addresses that concern with an extra-large, super-low compression core that also is resilient. $25

TaylorMade SpeedSoft

•  Sub-50 compression provides a cushiony feel at impact •  Ionomer cover is highly durable •  SpeedSoft Ink delivers a paint-splatter visual

TITLEIST TOUR SOFT

WHAT’S SPECIAL: Titleist knows that many players seek golf balls that perform more well without costing you the equivalent of a filet mignon dinner for a dozen. The focus on soft starts with the larger core (the largest ionomer-covered core in the market) in this two-piece model. The size provides energy for more ball speed, and the low compression improves feel and reduces driver spin. The flexible “FusaBlend” cover material has been reformulated to increase spin and control into and around the greens. $40

Titleist Tour Soft

IS IT FOR YOU? •  Cover material provides spin and feel typically not found in ionomer covers •  Large core delivers increased ball speed •  Low compression fosters a soft feel at impact

WILSON DUO SOFT

WHAT’S SPECIAL: This two-piece ball uses its soft feel to reduce spin for maximum distance. The ultra-large core provides energy for extra distance, and the firmer cover enhances energy transfer at impact. The secret is the presence of additional zinc pentachlorothiophenol in the core. For those not interested in looking that up, using more of it helps amplify the power of a player’s swing, especially for those swinging in the 90-mph range or slower. Wilson also revamped its cover with a new 302-dimple pattern with shallow dimples to provide the kind of aerodynamics that result in lower spin and thus straighter shots, especially off the tee. $23

Wilson Duo Soft

IS IT FOR YOU?  •  More short-game spin than most low-compression balls •  The dimple pattern fosters reduced spin off the tee •  Four colored matte finishes: green, red, yellow and orange

XXIO REBOUND DRIVE II

WHAT’S SPECIAL: This three-piece ball, an overhaul of the original Rebound Drive, combines a soft, low-compression core and a softer cover with a firmer layer between. The mix of soft, firm, soft is meant to boost ball speed and provide a soft feel (the compression is in the 40s). The intent is to combine the distance advantages of ionomer-cover balls with the feel and spin of urethane-cover balls. That is achieved with a multilayer construction and a special ionomer-blended cover for more greenside spin than typical ionomer-based covers. The multilayer construction is tuned to improve energy transfer on full swings and enhance feel on partial swings and putts. $50

XXIO Rebound Drive II

•  Low compression offers a soft feel in a distance ball •  The 338-dimple pattern is designed to promote a higher flight •  Also available in lime yellow and pink

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2022 Bridgestone Tour B X, Tour B XS, Tour B RX & Tour B RXS Golf Ball Review

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50 Words or Less

The 2022 Bridgestone Tour B golf ball line up continues to lead the industry.  A Tour ball for every player type and swing speed.  Modest changes over the 2020 versions.

Introduction

In 2020, the new Bridgestone Tour B golf balls were the surprise stars of the PGA Show [full review HERE ].  They debuted a new cover material that allowed the ball to spin less in the long game and more in the short game – the holy grail of golf ball performance.  Two years later, there’s a new Tour B.  Can it possibly outperform its show stopping predecessor?

On the green, the feel of the Bridgestone Tour B line up has been tweaked slightly.  The Tour B X remains the firmest of the group , though it’s still slightly softer than a Pro V1 to me.  As in previous years, the Tour B XS is noticeably softer than the Tour B X .  The sound off the putter is quieter and duller.

The change comes on the RX side of the family.  In the past, the RX has been very similar to the XS and the RXS has been far and away the softest.  For 2022, Bridgestone has matched the feel of the RX to the X and the RXS to the XS.  This gives players with sub-105 MPH swing speed the ability to have a slightly firmer, more responsive ball on the green.

With wedges and irons, I found that the Tour B X and Tour B RX had a soft, solid feel with a slight click at impact.  The softer versions, the XS and RXS, feel even softer and don’t have any click.

Matt Meeker and I tested the 2022 Bridgestone Tour B golf ball line up independently to see how they performed for a player under 105 MPH and one at/slightly above 105 MPH.

For Meeker , there was a 500 RPM bump with the Tour B RX over the Tour B RXS .  This didn’t produce significant differences in carry or total distances, but the Tour B RX did fly higher and had a steeper landing angle.  This cuts against the expected results and is more evidence that every player should test a few different models.

I tested all four models and found all of them within the average to high range for short game spin .  The Tour B X stood out as the lowest spinning, though not by a lot.  Tour B XS spun more for me on pitches and full wedge shots, but the gap was only a few hundred RPM.  The gap between the RX and RXS was quite small for me – both spun at the same level as the XS.

For Matt Meeker , the Tour B RX and Tour B RXS were “amazingly similar” with the mid irons through the driver .  I suspect this is due in large part to his robotic consistency.  Also, Meeker’s swing is not extreme.  Players with very steep or shallow angles of attack will likely see large performance differences between models.  Ditto for players who severely deloft or “flip” the club at impact.

In my testing with Foresight GCQuad , I got great speed and consistency from the Tour B X and Tour B XS .  Tour B X has iron spin in the average range for a Tour ball, Tour B XS was about 500 RPM higher, on average.  It’s always worth mentioning that I’m a fairly low spin player, so you may find larger gaps between the models.  Neither the Tour B RX or RXS are my prescribed fit.  That showed in less consistent speed and spin numbers.

Moving to the driver, I got the same exceptional ball speed from the 2022 Tour B X and Tour B XS that I got from the previous generation.  As expected, I saw less spin from the Tour B X compared to the XS.  Again, the difference was not huge for me – a couple hundred RPM.  It may be larger for higher spin players.

Two out of two Matts agree that the 2022 Bridgestone Tour B golf balls are fantastic.  Not only is each ball a great performer, but the messaging is clear and sensible.  As Meeker said, “You can play the same technology as Tiger, but refined for your game.”  Check out one of Bridgestone’s many ball fitting options and find the best one for your game.

Visit Bridgestone Golf HERE

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15 Comments

When referencing swing speed, is that for driver?

Thanks for the review. Did you happen to hit the RX and RXS off the driver also? I’m interested to know if there are ball speed differences between that and the X and XS.

Additionally, did you happen to notice launch angle/ peak height differences in the wedges?

I did not find any ball speed differences between the X and XS or notable launch angle differences with wedges.

What a great write up, very much appreciated guys. I am 105-110 mph driver swing speed and love the old model Tour B RXS, can’t wait to try the new models

Have hit the RXS for 2 years with driver swing speed of 106 and loved them. Just recently tried the be Srixon Z Star Diamond and have been extremely impressed with all aspects. Any reviews for that ball planned?

We have a review of the Z Star Diamond here: https://pluggedingolf.com/srixon-z-star-diamond-golf-ball-review/

With a driver swing speed averaging 95, I bought a box of RX and RXS. B-Stone touts RX as having more greenside spin this year, which I value. Played the RXS last year and thought it needed slightly more greenside spin. I thought the 2020 B – XS was great around the greens in comparison but I don’t have the speed for that on the long ball.

Sounds as if you are finding that greenside spin on the RX and RXS has improved. DId I get that right?

Great review. Did Matt Meeker test the X or XS balls? I know his SS is less than 105, but it would be interesting to read his results. Ping’s Ballnamic recommended the X for me, although my driver SS is in the low 90s. I haven’t given it a try due to Bridgestone’s recommendation that the R X would be the better ball for me based on SS, although I am curious as to how the X or XS would react at slower SS.

I did not test the X or XS George. If you get a chance to compare, let us know your results.

– Meeks

Really enjoyed this review of the Tour B line. I am one of those rare players that have a slower swing speed, but have best results with the XS due to the spin I get from it. All in all the Tour B line is terrific!!

I’m a 8 handicap with a 98to101 swing speed I play the Bridgestone E12 contact ball it is the straightest and best ball I’ve found would like to no your thoughts

We have a full review of the e12 here: https://pluggedingolf.com/bridgestone-e12-contact-golf-ball-review/

If the xs and the Rxs were both hit at 100 club head speed how much distance would the xs lose as it is designed for over 105

I don’t think there would be a significant difference in ball speed, if any.

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What are “Tour” Golf Balls?

by Jeane Derouen · December 13, 2018

Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls, image: callawaygolf.com

“Drive for show, putt for dough” may be the most time-worn old saying in golf. It also might be the truest, especially when choosing a golf ball to play. The relentless push of technology has brought golf to the point that almost all golf ball brands market “maximum distance” off the tee and in fact, the results are pretty close between comparable balls from each brand. Given the fact that the average golfer produces a wide disparity of contact from shot-to-shot, consistent performance from a golf ball is hard to achieve.

Consumer balls with two-piece construction and a durable Surlyn cover have long been the favorites of the weekend hacker. These balls produce less spin, fly further off the tee and stand up tougher to mishit iron shots. Tour balls produce more spin off the clubface which makes them easier to control. Typically, the covers of high-performance Tour balls are fashioned from pliable polyurethane.

The Tour Ball Comes to the Masses

In most cases, it is best for the average player to not pay too much attention to anything made specifically for Tour Professionals – those guys are playing a different game than the rest of us. That is not the case for golf balls, however. Golf ball manufacturers have massaged the high-energy insides of a golf ball to the point where even high spin golf balls can keep up with their hard, two-piece counterparts in distance.

This means that a high handicapper whose main concern is distance off the tee can now play a Tour Ball that offers both distance and feel. One of the joys in golf is being able to every now and then execute a shot exactly as a pro does. Few non-professionals can hope to match a pro’s distance off the tee, but for pitches from 100 yards in, it’s possible to knock it as close as a pro to the hole. Tour balls offer a softer feel and more control on these crucial finesse shots.

You can prove for yourself that it is not just the professionals who can tell the difference in golf balls and consumer balls. Take a few to the putting green and make a few identical putts with each. On these short strokes, you will be able to “feel” the difference in a two-piece ball and a Tour Ball. You will also notice that a two-piece ball travels appreciable further off the putter head than a Tour Ball using the same length of stroke.

Golf’s Most Popular Tour Ball

You can also verify the popularity of Tour Golf Balls among average players for yourself by keeping track of balls you find on the golf course. The Titleist Pro V1 is the most popular golf ball on the PGA tour and is also the ball you’re most likely to find poking through the woods in search of an errant drive. When you find a Pro V1, one thing you will notice is that the covers are rarely scarred. The durability of the new synthetic covers makes these high-performance golf balls very attractive to the mass market.

Titleist Pro V1 Technology, image: titleist.com

Tour Golf Ball Comparison and Compression

While durability, distance, and performance are a winning combination for the amateur player, professionals also look for a desired launch angle and spin rate from their golf balls. Some pros may prefer a slightly firmer golf ball, so it doesn’t spin too much. To that end, Tour Balls are produced with an array of exacting specifications. For instance, the 5-layer TaylorMade Tour Ball comes in different degrees of softness with the TP5 and the TP5X .

TaylorMade TP5 Comparison Chart, image: taylormadegolf.com

Softness is the newest trend in golf balls. A golf ball becomes “soft” from a lowering of the core compression and the adjusting of the polymer-blended urethane covers. This permits the ball to be microscopically compacted at impact to deliver a trampoline effect that delivers extra distance. At the same time, the softer ball will also be more controllable on short shots close to the green. Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls have been the leader in giving weekend players the chance to experience Tour Ball performance without Tour professional swing speeds.

Is a Tour golf ball right for you? It depends on many factors and the best way to know is to getting properly fitting, that way you’re playing the best golf ball for your individual game.

Tags: callaway chrome soft golf balls taylormade tp5 golf balls titleist pro v1 golf balls tour golf balls

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Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball Review

We test the new Callaway premium balls that are hoping to make waves in the 2024 market…

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A beautifully soft feeling golf ball that will appeal to high speed and high spin players. This ball is extremely consistent in its delivery of spin and stability of flight. Look out Titleist, Callaway has upped its game a notch here…

Lovely soft feel

Super stable ball flight

Excellent in the wind

Fractionally slower off driver than some competitors for me

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Callaway has gained a lot of traction in the ball market in recent years with its Chrome Soft franchise , and now - in 2024 - it has released the new Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X golf balls and I was keen to find out if the Chrome Tour ball could establish itself as one of the best premium golf balls out there.

Firstly, to clarify the new landscape and hierarchy of Callaway golf balls, the Chrome Soft is still with us, it now sits just below the Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X which are taking its place as the premium ‘tour’ balls. While one or two staff players may stay with their familiar Chrome Soft ball for a while as they transition into Chrome Tour, it will likely be a previous iteration, Callaway isn't expecting much tour use of the new 2024 Chrome Soft.

Of the two brand new tour balls, the Chrome Tour is designed to be the softer feeling ball but slightly lower spinning through the bag. The player in mind here is someone with a high swing speed who doesn’t want to have to throttle back too much to avoid excessive spin. I was quite excited by that notion when I heard it because it pretty accurately describes my game!

In terms of the tech, a new Hyperfast Soft core has been designed to give as much speed as possible to the new Chrome Tour. Callaway says it has achieved this by using a new rubber system where a new base polymer has been combined with a mixture of other ingredients to create optimal compressions for speed.

The Chrome Tour will also feature a cross-over dimple pattern of both hexagonal and spherical dimples to create an innovative new dimple design which maximizes the stability of the ball flight.

I decided I wanted to test the Chrome Tour alongside the ball I have been gaming for some time - the Titleist Pro V1x - and also the other two new premium Callaway balls, the Chrome Tour X and the Chrome Soft. The data was collated indoors, using the Trackman 4 launch monitor .

In terms of the unquantifiable stuff, the Chrome Tour definitely does feel a touch softer than both it’s sibling the Chrome Tour X and also the Pro V1x. Audibly, it is also a little duller which is something that appeals to me and is more noticeable on the mid and short irons. 

When it comes to the measurables, I found it to be a touch slower off the face than Chrome Tour X and Pro V1x when hitting driver, but we are talking 0.5mph lower than the Titleist and 0.7mph than the Chrome Tour X . Driver spin was basically identical to the Titleist ball and around 100rpm lower than Chrome Tour X. This manifested itself as two yards less average carry than the Titleist Pro V1x and four yards less than its stable mate the Chrome Tour X.

Into the mid and short irons, the data remained much the same comparatively to the other balls, producing marginally less spin than both and - again - a fraction less ball speed. Although, the spin gap between the Tour and Tour X did seem to grow as I progressed down the bag, with the X generating over 200rpm more spin with pitching wedge.

These numbers are neither a good or bad thing, however, they are just characteristics that will suit some players better than others and even conditions. For a player such as myself, this ball might be as close to ideal as I could get. I have always preferred the best soft feel golf balls (probably a throwback to my early days as a junior using balata). I generate a lot of spin naturally and play a lot of my golf on windy, seaside links courses, so the lower spin profile is fantastic for me. I have plenty of speed, so a minuscule drop in driver ball-speed is neither here nor there for me. For others it may be a different story, but that is why these companies provide the luxury of choice.

A lot of my testing was done in very blustery conditions and the stability and consistency of flight was genuinely impressive. The ball seemed to pop obediently out of the same flight window time after time and would resolutely hold its line in some stiff cross winds. In comparison to the Chrome Tour X, I would say that this is more of a robot's dream. Someone who wants repetition and reliability will fall in love with this ball, and those Bubba Watson’s out there looking to shape their way around a course should probably lean towards the Chrome Tour X.

Callaway has done a great job with the new Chrome Tour, creating one of the best golf balls in terms of performance, and for the right player type it’s a dream. Don’t be surprised to see this ball creeping into my bag in 2024…

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Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. After a successful amateur career being involved in England squads at every age group, Joe completed his PGA degree qualification in 2014 as one of the top ten graduates in his training year and subsequently went on to become Head PGA Professional at Ryder Cup venue The Celtic Manor Resort. Equipment has always been a huge passion of Joe’s, and during his time at Celtic Manor, he headed up the National Fitting Centres for both Titleist and Taylormade.  He’s excited to bring his knowledge of hardware to Golf Monthly in the form of equipment reviews and buying advice. 

Joe lives in North Devon and still plays sporadically on the PGA West region circuit. His best round in recent years came earlier in 2023 where he managed a 9 under par 63 at Trevose GC in a Devon & Cornwall PGA Tournament.

Joe's current What's In The Bag?  

Driver: Ping G430 Max 10K 9 degree - Fujikura Ventus Red 6X 45.75"

Fairway wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour - Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro White shaft 70TX 43.25"

Irons: Callaway Apex CB 24'  3-11 - Project X LS 6.5 shafts

Wedges: PXG Sugar Daddy 54 and 60 degree - Project X LS 6.0 shafts

Putter: Odyssey Toe Up #9

Ball: TaylorMade 2024 TP5x 

Here are your options if you want to watch the third men's Major championship of the season this week - the US Open

By Jonny Leighfield Published 11 June 24

Pinehurst No.2's greens and run-off areas will test pros this week at the US Open in a way we don't usually see on the PGA Tour

By Elliott Heath Published 11 June 24

The defending champion says he witnessed multiple players putt their balls off the greens at Pinehurst No.2, venue for this week's 124th US Open

By Elliott Heath Published 10 June 24

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11 Best Golf Balls That Cater to All Skill Levels

It's time to find yourself a go-to ball this summer.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Approaching your golf balls this way is a dangerous game to play—the result always varies between a crisp pearly white ball they bought at their favorite club, or a scuffed-up rock they picked out of the pond two holes earlier. The good news is, you don’t have to be this golfer.

Best Golf Balls

Best Ball Overall

Titleist pro v1.

Best Ball for Beginners

Taylormade noodle long & soft double dozen golf balls.

Most Forgiving Ball

Callaway golf chrome soft x, triple track.

Most Innovative Ball

Taylormade tp5 golf balls.

The Tiger-Approved Brand

Bridgestone e6 2023 golf balls.

Best Yellow Golf Balls

Srixon z-star 8 golf balls.

Best for Beginner and Intermediate Players

Callaway golf supersoft golf balls.

Best Bargain

Kirland signature golf balls.

Best If You Want to Add Distance

Oncore elixr.

Another Great ball from Titliest

Titleist velocity 2024 golf balls, what to consider.

While it’s tempting to scour every hole for balls left behind by the wayward swings of others, the best way to really get the most out of your golf experience is to commit to buying golf balls that match your game. Believe it or not, a proper golf ball that fits your play style can actually make a huge difference, especially when it comes to factors like shot consistency, distance, and spin control. Here are some details you can look at if you're on the fence about which golf ball to buy.

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The price for golf balls is greatly varied and most of the main brands will have a few options at each price point. The goal, though, is to find a ball you know you can consistently keep on hand. You can go for the most expensive balls, for sure, but for the more average player, there’s no need to spend $60 on a dozen golf balls, especially if you’re just going to end up losing half of them over the span of a couple rounds.

Skill Level

Like most golf equipment, only the most experienced and skilled players will be able to truly harness the technology that comes with more expensive golf balls. You wouldn’t buy a set of pricey PGA Tour-worthy irons if you don’t have the skill to hit them. Similarly, the most expensive golf balls may not be the best option for the weekend warrior. Be honest with yourself and try to determine what matters most to you. If you swing hard and produce a lot of spin, you might want to play a softer golf ball that maximizes accuracy in your iron and wedge play. For softer swingers that don’t hit the ball as far, a more firm ball will give you better distance and less spin off the tee, resulting in more accurate shots throughout the course.

Read more: Best Golf Clubs for Beginners

Feel of the Ball

We mentioned how soft and hard golf balls match up with certain skill levels and player profiles, but a huge factor will be simply enjoying the way the ball feels when you hit it. If you find a ball you enjoy hitting, stick with it. For some, a soft golf ball will provide a bit of an extra confidence-building feel, while other golfers may prefer the pop they feel when a harder golf ball launches off the face of their club. We recommend trying a few different brands and ball types, that way you can get a feel for everything that's out there.

How We Selected

For the past two years, Men's Health editors and writers have been testing golf gear to find the best equipment in the game. To narrow down our favorite golf balls, we evaluated golf balls based on durability, performance, and feel. We also considered price, as some golf balls provide a better overall value than others.

The self-described “Number 1 Ball in Golf” is arguably the best golf ball for everyone, though at almost $60 a dozen these are not for the faint of heart. Tons of pros play these balls because of their exceptional feel and high spin around the green, so if those are attributes you’re looking for, we couldn’t recommend a better ball.

Pro V1s are not optimized for distance, though, so more average players may want to choose a ball that is designed for length off the tee and with long irons. Plus, the soft covers on these are easy to cut up, so they’re not going to last long unless you’re hitting it pure every time.

Read more: Best Golf Gadgets

TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft Double Dozen Golf Balls

If you are just getting into golf, then get familiar with Noodles. The classic rookie favorite ball from Titleist packs almost around $1 per ball, making it less of a burden when you shank one (two, and three) balls into the woods and water. But don't get it twisted. Noodles are well respected in the golf community. Even the experienced golfer is down to buy a pack for backup or for emergency, depending on the situation.

The downside to buying Noodle? Some golfers say you can get a few duds in a pack from time to time. Overall though, this is pretty good quality for a beginner to learn the game and see how the ball responds to each swing.

Read more: Ways to Improve Your Golf Swing

Experts across the game agree that the Chrome Soft X is one of, if not the best, feeling golf ball on the market right now. Callaway’s Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core offers Tour-level ball speed, spin rate, and control from the tee to the green. For the more experienced player with high swing speeds (think intermediate to advanced skill level) this ball will work wonders.

Read more: 4-Week Golf Workout

The most innovative golf ball on our list, the TP5 from TaylorMade is made with not two, not three, but an unprecedented five layers. This construction results in high speeds off the tee and high spin around the greens. The TP5 also utilizes TaylorMade’s Tour Flight Dimple Pattern, which makes for a steep angle of descent, resulting in better control and stopping power.

Many players liken the TP5 to the Pro V1, and so really the main reasons people jump from Pro V1 to TP5 comes down to feel and the cheaper price.

Bridgestone balls are now the top choice of Tiger Woods, do you even need to know more? You probably do, so here’s what you need to know about the brand’s affordable e6 line. They’re a soft-feeling, long-distance ball that is ideal for the average player looking to get a little extra distance. Players will get soft contact off the club face, resulting in a smooth stroke off the club with high forgiveness level on bad shots.

Read more: Tiger Woods Loves These Recovery Slides

Yellow golf balls aren’t just cheapos anymore. The Z Star 8 from Srixon is a Tour-worthy golf ball that add maximum distance while still giving skilled players the workability they need from tee to green. The soft cover digs into the grooves of your irons to add valuable spin, while the cushy core provides ample ball speed.

And if you don’t like yellow golf balls, don’t fret, they come in white, too.

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The SuperSoft from Callaway is a great ball for the average amateur player. While Titleist’s Pro V1s are made with pros in mind, the SuperSoft is a great golf ball that provides value for everyone else. They offer a soft feel, long distance and a straight ball flight, all of which are vital for the amateur. If you need help with consistency, these are the balls for you.

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It wouldn’t be a Costco product if it didn’t come in bulk. The only ball on the list that comes exclusively in a 24-pack, the Kirkland Signature Golf Ball took the amateur golf world by storm when they were first released, winning praise for their superior affordability and penetrating ball flight.

They’re long off the tee, made to last, and won’t break the bank. What more could you ask for?

Made with high ball speed in mind, the Elixr from OnCore is a great option for those looking to add extra length to their golf shots. They are best for players with 90-100 mph swings, which is about average for the amateur male golfer. For reference, most PGA pros average 110 or more mph on their swings. These are high-quality balls that come in at a very attainable price point.

Another ball from Titleist that you should consider is the Velocity. Coming in at the opposite end of the price spectrum from ProV1s, the Velocity is just $30 per dozen. While this isn’t exactly cheap, they’re downright affordable when compared to ProV1s. The Velocity adds immense distance for the mid-to-high handicapper, utilizing a high launch angle combined with low spin to maximize yardage across the course.

You’ll also find that these are a much more durable option than Pro V1s, which is key for more average players who may not be striking the ball pure as often as much more experienced players.

TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Balls

For the average player or weekend warrior, sometimes just getting the best ball at an affordable price is what matters. While most golf balls have skyrocketed in price over the past decade, you can still get balls from the best brands on a budget. The TaylorMade Distance+ is the most affordable on our list, but it still provides exceptional advantages for a golfer looking to add distance without sacrificing too much quality.

Should I Invest in Expensive Golf Balls?

Golf balls can cost a lot, but they don’t have to. More affordable golf balls may not come with the same attributes as the priciest of the bunch, but it’ll be easier to stomach when you send one into the pond or way out of bounds. Basically, if you think you’re going to lose a bunch of balls due to inconsistent play or are spending a few rounds playing more difficult courses, don’t spend $60 on a dozen golf balls when you could get three dozen for that much.

Do Golf Balls Actually Make a Difference?

The short answer is yes. Different balls are suitable for different players and finding the right ball for your game will make a huge difference. For more average players, look for a ball that adds distance and promotes a straight ball flight. Better players may look for a ball that adds spin and control, making it easier to hit different types of shots. Playing the wrong type of ball likely won’t make or break your ability to score well, but finding one that’s suited to how you play will make you much more comfortable and confident.

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Power Rankings: 124th U.S. Open

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OK, it’s finally time to identify the best golfer. As if! With enduring respect for the late Sandy Tatum, we already know who it is. He would, too.

As chairman of the competition committee for the U.S. Open, it was Tatum who coined the famous phrase concerning the setup for the U.S. Open at Winged Foot Country Club 50 years ago this week. Hale Irwin survived best at, yikes, 7-over 287, and then added victories in the major in 1979 and 1990. The best golfer was identified and then validated.

The U.S. Open this week is staging its 124th edition. Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s No. 2 Course hosts for the fourth time. While it’s highly unlikely that the winner will be over par at its conclusion, no doubt that he truly will feel like the best has been identified.

Scroll or swipe past the projected contenders for what’s in store for the field of 156, what’s different at Pinehurst since it last hosted 2014 and more.

As if you needed the resolution that the opening tease points directly at Scottie Scheffler. The five-time PGA TOUR winner in the last three months sits at No. 1 in the FedExCup and the Official World Golf Ranking. His lead of 2,171.417 points over Xander Schauffele in the former would rank third overall, while his margin of 7.6798 points (also) over Schauffele in the latter would slot fourth. In other words, half-a-Scheffler still is a world-beater.

If that isn’t extreme enough, try Pinehurst No. 2 on for size. The stock par 70 can stretch to 7,548 yards, so there’s that. A cursory analysis of how it tested 10 years ago suggests that it’s entirely a second-shot track. After all, the field averaged 70.02 percent in splitting fairways. That’s 9.8 (of 14) per golfer per round, which is absurd execution. But how many will take a back seat to where? Read on.

Pinehurst also checked in as third-most challenging in hitting greens in regulation throughout the 2013-14 season at just 56.51 percent (10.17 average per golfer per round). And off that, things really got tough.

The course was hardest in converting GIR into par breakers (2.1 of the 10.17 GIR), putts per GIR (1.884) and scrambling (a click under 50 percent). It also was third-stingiest in avoiding three-putts no matter when the ball stuck on the perched greens. (Since the last time that Pinehurst hosted, ShotLink has been added to measure every stroke at every U.S. Open, so more granular data will be available this week.)

What that means for the field is to embrace what the course gives. Merely finding the short grass will be considered a statistical push relative to others. Instead, positioning on approach and precision into targets that play smaller than their square footage because of runoffs in almost all directions are paramount. Course management, patience and grit are invaluable intangibles. The 36-hole cut is low 60 and ties.

As of midday Monday, 29 golfers in this week’s field have scar tissue from 2014 when the course averaged 73.076; well, all but Martin Kaymer who prevailed by eight strokes at 9-under 271. He genuinely could be accused of absurd execution. After an opening 65 to lead by three, his margin grew to six at the midpoint. It shrunk to five after the third round but he was not challenged to convert the wire-to-wire title.

Since then, the bentgrass greens have been replaced by Ultradwarf Bermudagrass. That alone is significant but it’s also historic because it’s the first time that the tournament will be played on this strain. Flanking the welcoming fairways is native area teeming with wiregrass, which up close is reminiscent of the hair on a troll pencil topper. Only one of those two things is fun. Bunkers also abound and add to the striking visuals of the property.

The U.S. Amateur was held at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2019. Fifteen participants of that competition qualified this week, 10 of whom advanced to the match-play component, so they have a head start on how the new putting surfaces will test.

As it was five years ago, the annual top-level event for amateurs in the United States is held in August. We’re not there yet but it will feel like it at times this week. Daytime highs are expected to touch 90 degrees every day. It’ll climb higher than that on Friday and Saturday. Despite a risk for it on the weekend, rain would be a surprise at any point and early indications suggest that the wind won’t be much of a nuisance. So, Pinehurst is poised to present its best self. (Wednesday’s Golfbet Insider will include a revisit of the weather.)

In addition to forever being known as the winner of the 2024 U.S. Open, he will be exempt into the next 10 editions of the major and the next five years of the other three. He’ll also be eligible for a PGA TOUR membership exemption through 2029.

ROB BOLTON’S SCHEDULE

MONDAY : Power Rankings TUESDAY *: Sleepers WEDNESDAY : Golfbet Insider FRIDAY : Medical Extensions SUNDAY : Points and Payouts; Qualifiers; Reshuffle

* - Rob is a member of the panel for PGATOUR.COM’s Expert Picks for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, which also publishes on Tuesday.

Rob Bolton is a Golfbet columnist for the PGA TOUR. The Chicagoland native has been playing fantasy golf since 1994, so he was just waiting for the Internet to catch up with him. Follow Rob Bolton on Twitter .

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2024 U.S. Open odds, predictions: Five sleeper picks that could surprise by winning at Pinehurst No. 2

The u.s. open has not been immune to the longshot winner in recent years.

Scottie Scheffler arrives to the 2024 U.S. Open as the clear-cut favorite to snatch the third major championship of the year. A winner in five of his last eight tournaments, the world No. 1 golfer has widened the gap between himself and the rest of the game. While many prognosticators are suggesting this championship is over before it has even started, Scheffler has been outplayed in his losses and not necessarily by household names.

Davis Riley and Stephan Jaeger are among the two players to win when Scheffler has teed it up since the beginning of spring. Their victories give hope to others that this U.S. Open could mirror a couple recent ones including last year's when an 80-1 Wyndham Clark broke through for his maiden major triumph.

Clark was already a winner at a signature event in 2023 when he raised the trophy at Los Angeles Country Club, so he didn't necessarily come out of left field. Without much major success in his corner, Clark proved one does not need to check all the boxes coming into the week to be the last man standing Sunday evening.

Matt Fitzpatrick had prior knowledge of The Country Club when he won for the first time in the United States as a professional at the 2022 U.S. Open. The Englishman wasn't among the favorites that week listed around 40-1, though he was a popular selection given his ties to the course. His win could be an indicator that players like Rickie Fowler and Jason Day may find success this week like they did in 2014 the last time the U.S. Open was played at Pinehurst.

So, while Scheffler's supremacy may well continue in North Carolina, there is a roughly 75% implied probability that it does not. That means someone unexpected could walk away from Pinehurst with the U.S. Open trophy in hand.

Let's take a look at a handful of sleeper choices for the U.S. Open, and be sure to check out a full slate of  2024 U.S. Open picks and expert predictions  from CBS Sports along with a ranking of the top of the U.S. Open field from 1-24.

2024 U.S. Open predictions: Sleepers

Who will win the U.S. Open, and which longshots will stun the golfing world?  Visit SportsLine to see the projected U.S. Open leaderboard , all from the model that's nailed 12 golf majors, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship.

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