One of the many joys of golf is that recreational players can play the same courses and equipment as the world’s best. Of course, we may not hit driver like Rory McIlroybut we can still customize it a TaylorMade Qi4D driver for our personal specifications.
Professionals occasionally use prototype equipment that is not available to the general public. But for the most part, we can play what they do, right down to the golf balls.
Now, is picking a ball from a professional the best choice for you? Not necessarily – but maybe! Choosing the right ball it involves a number of different factors, but a lot depends on your preferences for spin, flight and feel.
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Best golf balls 2026: Our top golf ball picks for distance, spin and control
Ryan Noll
With that in mind, it’s perhaps no surprise that the top 5 players in the world all play a different ball. Scottie Scheffler prefers the Titleist Pro V1 (lower flight, mid spin, softer feel), Cameron Young plays a Pro V1x Double Dot (Lower spin and flight with a stronger feel) — a prototype that isn’t even available for purchase — and Matt Fitzpatrick chooses the Titleist Pro V1x (higher flight and spin with a mid-range feel). Three title golf balls, and three completely different performance profiles.
On the TaylorMade front, Rory McIlroy plays the TaylorMade TP5 while Collin Morikawa plays the TP5x. What is the difference between the two? The TP5 is specifically designed for higher spin and a smoother feel than the TP5x, which boasts faster ball speed, longer distance and higher launch.
The best way to decide on the right ball for your game is to try it yourself. And if you want to emulate the selection of the world’s best, their ball designs are listed below, along with links to purchase.
Scottie Scheffler: Titleist Pro V1
Titleist Pro V1 2025 Golf balls with high game numbers
New faster high-gradient core delivers more speed and iron and wedge spin for more control.
Rory McIlroy: TaylorMade TP5
TaylorMade TP5 2026 Golf Balls
The microcoating uses precision application technology to ensure uniform coverage over the entire surface of the ball.
Cameron Young: Titleist Pro V1x Double Dot
(Young’s actual ball it is a prototype and is not available for purchase – a similar option is listed below.)
Titleist Pro V1x 2025 Standard Play Golf Balls
Penetrating and stable flight from a 348 spherical plate tetrahedral dimple design.
Matt Fitzpatrick: Titleist Pro V1x
Titleist Pro V1x 2025 Standard Play Golf Balls
Penetrating and stable flight from a 348 spherical plate tetrahedral dimple design.
Collin Morikawa: TaylorMade TP5x
TaylorMade TP5x 2026 Golf Balls
The TP5x is designed to deliver low spin and unmatched distance from the tip and world-class feel and control where you need it most around the green.
