I play ALOT of golf. Consequently, I have played many golf balls. I don't currently play this ball--I switched to the Professional, but I used to play is and here are the pros/cons.

First, these are probably the softest ball on the market. Maxfli makes a soft one too, but I think the Titleist is softer. That means that you can really spin them--they will ballon up if you can't control them into the wind, they will hook and slice like crazy if you mis-hit them, and they will scuff and deform on almost every hit (even the clean ones!) I personally don't like them off the tee or on any full shot into a green with less than a six iron because you lose distance off the tee and I spin the ball enough that I get too much spin with full swing short/mid irons. There is nothing more frustrating than hitting a ball that lands next to the flag and watching it back up 20-50 ft!

Second, you can do things with this ball around the greens that are simply not possible with any other ball. This is why the pros play them so much--the ability to spin the ball on chips and pitches around the green. So much of the game at the higher levels is being able to recover and turn "3 into 2" and this is the ball that enables you to do that in some situations when it wouldn't be possible with another ball.

Third, they are EXPENSIVE. Now hold on--I know that the Professional, the NIKE, and the Pro V1 are alot more--but you will go through alot more of these!! In a typical round I would have to change balls at least every 5-6 holes. I've heard that the pro's typically change every 2nd or 3rd hole--rarely ever playing the same ball for nine holes. So, even though they aren't as expensive up front...the long term expense will probably be even more.

If you are a top-notch golfer and money isn't an issue--then have a blast and play the Tour Balata. I know that they will force you to become a better player (or break your bank account trying) if you stick with them long enough, but I don't think they are the right ball for very many golfers.


Recommended: Yes