TP5 and TP5x

For many the golf ball is either one of two things in relation to their golf game. An afterthought, or the center piece of the entire bag. Some players are just happy to play with a golf ball that doesn’t have any scuffs or tears in it. Some are more than happy with the ProV1 they find in the woods or desert. Other though, are extremely loyal to their golf ball and it will take an act of God for them to change.

I decided I wanted to try a different golf ball, and the TP5 and TP5x caught my interest. They are TaylorMade’s premium golf ball offering, that consist of a wide array of designs to suit almost any golfer. The big draw for me to try these golf balls was the unique 5-piece construction that each ball is made of. Most premium golf balls on the market today are either 3- or 4-piece construction. Vice Pro, ProV1, Chrome Soft, and Z Star golf balls all feature a 3-piece construction. A urethane cover, inner layer, then solid core. Chrome Soft X, Vice Pro Plus, and ProV1x all offer a 4-piece ball. The big difference here is an extra inner layer, designed to help with energy release, higher launch, and more spin on wedge shots. So, what will an EXTRA inner layer provide for a mid-handicap golfer? Let’s find out.

I took the TP5 and TP5x out onto the course to see how it performs without any inside simulator numbers. I thought before the round that I don’t swing fast enough for all 5 layers to activate, but let’s give it a chance. From a feel perspective with driver down to putter, the TP5x had a bit firmer, almost clicky feel to it. I prefer that sound and feel, while others will find the softer and muted sound of the TP5 more appealing. With driver I did not notice much difference at all, both traveled about the same distance and had good roll out. I did think that the TP5 had slightly more cut spin on the ball, but then again, my swing isn’t the most consistent and that plays as a major variable when. testing. I couldn’t tell any difference in launch with the naked eye, which is a major selling point to the TP5x. In the Stealth review I mentioned that the TP5x had more launch and distance when compared to other golf balls. This tells me the 5 layers of the TP5/TP5x make it stand out against others, but to each other we begin to split hairs. My playing partners did mention to me they thought it went higher, but not by much. When testing with irons and wedges I did begin to find more pronounced differences in the golf balls. The TP5 had much more stopping power with iron shots into the greens that the TP5x. Again, I had a hard time seeing the difference in launch between the two, but more than once I felt the TP5x released much more than the TP5. Wedge shots, chip shots, and bunker shots I noticed a complete 180-degree change. The TP5x had much more check and stop on the greens, which was highlighted by some nippy bunker shots I hit. Much like with the irons I felt the TP5x released to much, that is how the TP5 performed with shot game shots. I did on more than one occasion had to walk up and double check which ball I just hit to see if I actually was noticing the differences or if I was going crazy.

What I do like about the TP5/TP5x is the different finish options they offer. I did try the standard white, yellow, and Pix patterns. But that is where the confusion for me begins. I didn’t hit any cart paths, rocks, a few balls did roll into the desert sand, but that was about it. The yellow balls looked like they just got done going through a warzone. The number of scuffs, markings, and discolored bits made it look like I played 36 holes in a gravel pit yet I only had a handful of shots with it. Both the TP5 and TP5x balls experienced this, and that tells me there is an issue with the type of paint or coloring that is used. The standard white ball had a few scuff marks, but nothing crazy or out of the ordinary. Now, the Pix ball was the surprise for me. I don’t know if it is my eyes or the pattern or what, but I had to look really hard to find scuffs and marking on the ball. I did find some, but they seemed to blend in real well. This pleased me because I was very upset with how the yellow held up. When I spend north of $45/dozen I expect the balls to hold up for more than 9 holes. The yellow failed, yet the Pix got an A+. I didn’t use the Pix patten to line up putts at all, but I didn’t think it interfered with my putting.

If you are someone who likes yellow or bright color golf balls and want a premium ball, I don’t think the TP5/TP5x is the one you want to spend your money on. If you are fine with standard white or a Pix design, then you should at least give this ball a chance. The short game spin and check I got from the TP5x was remarkable. For a mid-handicap golfer to see chip and bunker shots hit then green and stop like you see the pros do was such a cool feeling. I liked the control the TP5x offered off the tee as well, I saw that the fade was tamed down and I was in more fairways which helps any level of golfer. I just wish the TP5x had the same control with the iron shots that the TP5 had. As someone who loves hitting irons, this could have really made the TP5x a permanent fixture in my bag. Both golf balls performed well, and if you are in the market for a premium ball, go into your local PGA Tour Superstore or pro shop and pick up a sleeve or two and find out if all you need for your golf game is an extra layer.