Since it launched in 2017, TaylorMade’s TP5 golf ball (as well as the TP5x version) has become one of the hottest in the game. It’s used by the best in the game, including World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and Spanish star Jon Rahm. When Rory McIlroy made the switch to TaylorMade in 2017, he called it “the best ball I’ve ever hit.”

Why has TP5 connected with golfers?

Eric Loper, TaylorMade’s Director of Golf Ball Development and Research, says there are plenty of reasons why the TP5 has become such a hit with the best players in the world and amateur players alike— and it comes down to the ball’s five-layer construction.  “The goal of any golf ball is to have it spin less on longer shots so it flies farther, and still spin around the green,” Loper says. “That’s exactly what the five-layer ball allows us to do.”

The core is key

Since it came out last year (and it remains unchanged since its launch), the impressive characteristics of the ball are based in its construction. Like any golf ball, it all starts with the core—in this case TaylorMade’s Tri-Fast core, which Loper says is a key element of the ball. The basis of the ball is the large core, which reduces spin on drives and shots with a long iron, says Loper, while the additional layers add speed.

Watch this video to see how a prototype TP5 / TP5x golf ball is made.

Cover improves chips and putts

But a ball that simply flies a long way won’t resonate with better players who demand golf’s Holy Grail—long where it matters, but feels soft on chips and putts. That’s where the cast urethane cover comes into play, making the ball tour quality. The soft cast urethane is pushed into the grooves on chips, making it come off with higher spin and more stopping power.

TP5 or TP5x?

The TP5 is an 83 compression ball, while the TP5x moves it to a 90 compression, meaning it knocks spin off longer shots, but still feels soft on chips and putts.