I Played One Golf Ball For the Entire Year. Here’s What I Learned In The Process
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I Played One Golf Ball For the Entire Year. Here’s What I Learned In The Process

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I Played One Golf Ball For the Entire Year. Here’s What I Learned In The Process

In the fall of 2024, I got fitted for a golf ball.

After going through that awesome experience and learning a thing or two about my game, I decided I would stick with that ball for all of 2025.

For the first time in my golfing life, I primarily played one ball the entire year.

As a disclaimer, there were occasions where I switched up for a few holes. For example, when Callaway came out to show us a new ball, I played with it. But in large part, every one of my rounds was played with the ball I was fitted for, the Bridgestone Tour B X.

Here’s what I learned after spending the entire year with one golf ball. Well, not the same actual ball, but the same model!

1. Consistency matters

Learning about and knowing what to expect from your golf ball is a real advantage. I found that particularly around the greens, my shots were more consistent because I knew how the Tour B X would react.

Switching to a different ball, even mid-round, makes it nearly impossible to accurately predict what your ball will do on those scoring shots from 100 yards and in. This is where I noticed the biggest difference and improvement factor: sticking with one ball.

2. It helps with confidence

Golf is mental to the “nth” degree. Anything you can do to boost your confidence and mental fortitude is a surefire way to see better results on the course. And, honestly, finding and sticking with one golf ball that I really liked provided that for me.

As mentioned, when I know exactly what the golf ball is going to do on a well-struck shot, it’s much easier to pick a club, aim for a spot and swing with confidence.

3. It leads to real improvement

We know after testing golf balls for years that your choice of golf ball really matters. Heck, one ball can cost you 10 to 15 yards over another. So why not pick a good golf ball and stick with it?

It can be tempting to tinker and try a bunch of different balls all the time. But if you’ve found one that already performs how you want it to, you’re much better off sticking with it.

You can always switch golf balls and get worse but you’ll seldom find one that makes you better if you’re already happy with the results you’re getting out of your ball.

Bottom line: Get fitted for the right ball for your game and stick with it.

Your turn

What golf ball are you playing and how long have you been playing it for? Let me know!

For You

For You

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Connor Lindeman

Connor Lindeman

Connor Lindeman

Connor is MyGolfSpy's resident sneakerhead and the authority on all things golf shoe performance. He's tested over 150 different pairs (and counting). When he isn't scrolling Twitter to find his next golf shoe purchase, you can find him at the piano or trying a new dessert place with his wife and daughter. #Lefty

Connor Lindeman

Connor Lindeman

Connor Lindeman

Connor Lindeman

Connor Lindeman





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      Mike

      6 months ago

      I use the Ballnamic fitting tool for summer vs winter conditions. I was fit into the Q-Star Tour for the winter, and the Z-Star for summer. I have been really happy with the performance of both balls. I have ~95 mph swing speed, and tend to have too high of ball flight, so I prefer a mid-launch ball.

      Reply

      Gary

      6 months ago

      I am the perineal changer of golf balls. I find balls I like: Maxfli Tour X, Callaway Tour X, Pro V1X, but then I am always trying something new. I am totally the “maybe this new ball is different!” guy. I love the MGS Ball Tests because I can go to the Data charts and select balls to compare them. Right now, the Callaway Tour X is a ball of interest. It’s just a little sensitive to scuffs compared to other balls. I have some Pro V1 balls, but they are not as long off the tee as the Maxfli or the Callaway, for me. My primary goal with a golf ball is Angle of descent into the greens with irons shots, and the spin on those balls. Stopping the ball on the green, and greenside chipping are my biggest needs. 10y of Driver distance is not as important as stopping the ball on the green. I am very interested in the new Bridgestone’s. I like their B X Tour ball. But I want to try the new ones. I keep saying I am going to play “one” ball, but alas, my “need” to try something new often lures me away, like a Siren song. Thanks for the data you all put out. I find the Ball Test to be hands down much better than the Ball selection tools online. I confess, I have the same approach to clubs. Like my current bag set up, but I am always looking at the “new” clubs too! It’s a bad habit. Just ask my wife!

      Reply

      The Swami

      6 months ago

      thanks to a few robot testing of golf balls (here and elsewhere) i’m able to significantly narrow down the balls that might be useful for my swing speed to try. one less fitting cost I can avoid (or a demo tent where they harass me to buy after).

      thanks to that, i went away from the more pricey TaylorMade for equivalent in Maxfli Tour X this year and was not disappointed!

      Reply

      Roger K

      6 months ago

      I have been playing TaylorMade Tour Response for 3 years. This year I used it in all climates whereas I used to switch to a softer ball in colder weather. Very happy with performance and consistency. I like the softer feel over a TP5 or ProV1 but it’s not too soft like Tour Soft/Speed Soft style balls. At 90-95 mph driver speed, this ball feels perfect for me. Stir firm feel & great feedback across all clubs.

      Reply

      Darren Cannon

      6 months ago

      My main reason for sticking to one ball is that if I lose a ball during a round or have to hit a provisional ball, I always have a supply of the same used balls to use. The main thing is consistency especially with the short game.

      Reply

      John J.

      6 months ago

      I’ve played the Callaway Chrome Soft pretty much all year. Of course, I did test a few balls this past season just to see if my performance was more consistent. I tried the Amazon Core Soft golf ball just because it was new on the market and it performed pretty well. Not as much spin as the Chrome Soft, but durability and distance was good. I don’t really lose many balls so price is not a factor, but I do prefer a softer ball. Also helps keep the ball in the fairway, which the Chrome Soft has done for me. I’ve been hard pressed to find a ball with the compression numbers of the Chrome Soft and can match the distance with driver and irons that it provides.

      Reply

      Christine Goody

      6 months ago

      After playing with soft golf balls for many years I found this summer that Titleist prov 1 have given me extra length. My friends all collected them for me now.

      Reply

      RansomGetty

      6 months ago

      I’ve been playing Vice Pro Plus (which I’ve enjoyed, and started playing better once committing to it) consistently for years. I’ll switch in the Vice Pro on days when it’s colder, to give some feel back. And I also will put the ProV1 Left Dash in often, if I’m feeling it (were price not an option, I’d likely play this full time, because for some reason it just seems to stay in line even when I feel I’ve not struck it beautifully.)
      HOWEVER. I might be straying from Vice this year once the reservoir runs dry in my inventory. Their shipping has been dreadful lately, and consistently arrives late, and they always offer “we’re sorry, here’s a discount on your next offer” codes. At this point, just fix your shipping partners. I probably will try out some of the Urethane Maxfli’s this year if I run out.

      Reply

      Pat

      6 months ago

      I just keep going back to prov1. It always works for everything. I ordered a bunch of Tour soft which are a nice value option that I drive better than anything but they only hold greens in damp conditions. Not enough spin for when greens are dry.

      Reply

      Tom W

      6 months ago

      I played the PXG tour all year and noticed a lot more fairways and greens. Can’t say I gained a bunch of distance but I was not losing anything. I felt more control and consistent and confident with that ball and have stayed with it. My experience with one ball in the bag mirrors yours.

      Reply

      Fake

      6 months ago

      I did the online Golf Galaxy fitting tool and ended up with the Maxfli Tour X, which may or may not be a big surprise. With that being said, I love the ball. I hit nice drives and irons, my wedge game is good, and I have a good feel for it with the putter.

      Reply

      Lefthack

      6 months ago

      I play pretty much anything I find on sale, but I ordered 100 custom balls from a manufacturer on Alibaba that I tested, but haven’t played yet. I got a 4 piece and a 3 piece urethane and the 3 piece I got raw unpainted which has been another interesting test. I am playing tournaments this year, so I will be playing one of the 2 customs I got.

      The 4 piece was $2.10 each, the 3 piece was $1.90 each. They are basically Pro V1 and 1x copies.

      Reply

      Johnnydang

      6 months ago

      I usually play whatever I find as long as it’s a quality ball and isn’t scuffed too much. Typically Prov, TP5 or Pinnacle soft.

      Reply

      Seamus

      6 months ago

      Same. But I usually have enough stray ProV in the bag to avoid the pinnacle soft 😆.
      I have recently, with shop credit, bought sleeves on ProV, -X, and AVX to test against each other to try to find one to stick with. I always seem to like AVX when I find one.

      Reply

      Carl

      6 months ago

      I played the Wilson Staff X ball last year for the first time. I used the data from the golf ball test and it seemed Wilson Staff model X fit the bill. I am quite happy with it and actually gained a full club in the iron game over my old standard the Pro V1 X. I saw in your data that Pro V1X had less than optimal iron distances and you guys were correct. Everything else was about the same. I like the Staff model X ball and am going to continue playing it.

      Reply

      ctg44

      6 months ago

      I love how the Tour B X plays off my irons and wedges. It’s ok for putting. However, it really straight up sucks for driving the ball…badly. I’m not sure there could more of a difference between online performance and proper spin ratios with the irons versus the absolutely brutal side spin issues off the tee (and it’s been that way w/ multiple drivers too)!

      My current ball is back to the Maxfli Tour X until I can start buying the 2026 Pro V1x Left Dash. I did the white box testing of those and loved that ball.

      Reply

      Glenn Baggett

      6 months ago

      I played a few based on the 2025 golf test(Maxfli Tour X, Vice Pro Plus)and have decided the Maxfli tour S works great. The Vice Pro is about equal too but the price is a bit higher. I agree that a consistent ball helps and will play the Tour S for 2026

      Reply

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