The Top 5 Golf Balls at the 2026 Masters

When it comes to The Masters, every detail and every part of each player's game matters, from handling the firmness of Augusta National’s greens to the precision required on approach shots.

That’s why the world’s best dial in their golf balls so much, and practise hard to discover which balls suit them.

While there are dozens of options on the market, the vast majority of top players we can expect to see at the top of the Masters leaderboard this week gravitate toward just a handful of tour-proven models. 

Below, we break down the five most popular golf balls used at The Masters, and why they’re trusted on golf’s biggest stage.

Titleist Pro V1

Used by: Scottie Scheffler, Viktor Hovland, Bob MacIntyre, Harris English, Corey Conners, Gary Woodland, Adam Scott, Rickie Fowler

The Titleist Pro V1 is arguably the gold standard in professional golf. Known for its softer feel and penetrating ball flight, it’s the go-to choice for players who like to prioritise consistency and control.

At Augusta, where precise iron play and a touch around the greens are essential, the Pro V1 can help a lot in this department. Its lower spin off the tee helps players like Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland, while still offering exceptional greenside control.

It’s no surprise that the Pro V1 remains one of the most widely used balls on tour. Its all-round performance makes it a more-than reliable option.

 

 

Titleist Pro V1x

Used by: Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Cameron Young, Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Åberg

If the Pro V1 is about balance, the Pro V1x is about adding that little bit extra in terms of performance. It offers a slightly firmer feel, higher launch, and more spin, particularly on approach shots. 

This makes it ideal for players who aim to produce maximum stopping power on Augusta’s fast, undulating greens. Multi-major winners like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas rely on that extra spin to attack tucked pins, while longer hitters like Bryson DeChambeau benefit from the higher launch characteristics.

The Pro V1x is one of the most played balls on the PGA Tour, forming a huge percentage of the little white spheres in play week in, week out.

 

 

Callaway Chrome Tour

Used by: Jon Rahm (Chrome Tour X), Xander Schauffele (Chrome Tour Dot)

Callaway’s Chrome Tour family has become a popular choice. Designed to combine speed with soft feel, these balls offer impressive distance without sacrificing control.

For players like Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, the Chrome Tour provides a powerful ball flight off the tee alongside excellent feel around the greens. This balance is crucial at a venue like Augusta, where players must switch seamlessly between aggressive drives and delicate chips and pitches.

The Chrome Tour’s performance characteristics are strong.

 

 

TaylorMade TP5 / TP5x

Used by: Rory McIlroy (TP5), Collin Morikawa (TP5x), Tommy Fleetwood (TP5x pix)

The TaylorMade TP5 series stands out thanks to its unique five-layer construction, designed to optimise performance across every club in the bag.

The TP5 offers a slightly softer feel, while the TP5x delivers a firmer feel with more speed and a higher ball flight. This versatility allows players to fine-tune their ball choice depending on their playing style.

At Augusta, players like McIlroy benefit from the TP5’s control and feel, while Morikawa and Fleetwood use the TP5x for its added precision and workability. The result is a ball that performs equally well off the tee and into the greens, which is key to Masters success.

 

 

Srixon Z-Star Series (XV / Diamond)

Used by: Brooks Koepka (Diamond), Shane Lowry (XV), Hideki Matsuyama (XV), Keegan Bradley (XV)

Srixon’s Z-Star range has quietly become a favourite among the best players on the PGA Tour. These balls are engineered for high-speed performance, offering a firmer feel and exceptional control.

The Z-Star XV, in particular, is designed for faster swing speeds, delivering strong distance and increased spin off the driver. Meanwhile, the Diamond model offers a more balanced profile, blending distance with enhanced greenside spin.

At Augusta, where precision is everything, players like Hideki Matsuyama and Brooks Koepka trust the Z-Star for its ability to generate spin and control in key moments of their rounds.