Callaway’s New Tour I and Tour IX Golf Balls Reviewed
Long Off The Tee and Short Game Spin
Callaway introduced two versions their new tour golf ball recently and have publicized immediate tour acceptance and testimonials. We had our staff professionals compare them on the range, the practice green, and most importantly “in play”. Both balls share a similar construction with a low density inner core and a tungsten infused mantle, but the engineers made subtle differences for alter spin characteristics at different swing speeds. They share a hex or what the company calls a sub-hex dimple design. The dimple design is made up of deep depressions in the cover pattern that make for an optimized aerodynamic flight. The result is a very thin cover that provides maximum distance off the tee and still offers tour caliber spin in your short game.
Tour i For Short-game Spin and Control
The Tour i Golf Ball, according the company’s marketing, provides the perfect balance of breakthrough distance and control. A softer core formulation provides unparalleled tour feel and the softer urethane cover generates more short-game spin for precision control and aggressive shot-making. We found that the low compression inner core does provide good distance due to reduce spin with a driver.
Around the green, it stops predictably on chips and pitches. The higher compression outer core provides high shot spin around the green. Our recommendation is that if distance is not your primary concern this a golf ball you should try, especially if you are having difficulty holding your pitches on the green.
Tour ix For Maximum Distance Off The Tee
The Tour ix Golf Ball features 4-piece inertia technology and dual core construction designed to optimize distance. The ball’s high-density outer core moves weight away from the center of the ball for increased moment of inertia (MOI) resulting in even more reduced driver spin for increased distance and accuracy. Callaway claims this is the longest tour ball they have ever made.
It is long. Our pros said longer than what they have been playing (both play Titleist Pro V1x), but not by all that much. They estimated 8 yards longer, but that is not a scientific estimate. It is longer than the Tour i by a couple yards.
The key is always in our humble opinion from 100 yards in. Predictable spin control is more important to many low handicap players than distance off the tee (assuming they can already carry the ball 240 yards or more off the tee).
Our recommendation is to try the Callaway Tour ix if your tee shots average less than 240 yards. The ball reacts well on chips and pitches. It is predictable off your short irons. It just spins less than its sister the Tour i.
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