Callaway truly broke into the premium ball market with the launch of the original Chrome Tour golf ball, but the brand will be hoping its newest iteration will make it a true heavyweight.
The previous generation Chrome Tour was reliable and stable, however, as someone who would typically gravitate towards the Chrome Tour X for its firmer feel and higher long-game spin, I was curious to see if the new Chrome Tour could be considered one of the best golf balls on the market.
The headline technology in this new iteration is what Callaway calls the Tour Fast Mantle. This layer is made from a new material that is stiffer and more elastic than what it has used before - think of it like a tighter, more powerful spring. When you strike the ball, this layer compresses and then snaps back into shape at what Callaway claims is 16 percent faster than previous materials.
This rapid energy return is what translates directly into that increased ball speed off the face - something that was immediately apparent during my initial indoor testing using a Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor.
Testing began with the driver, and the data I collected was immediately impressive. The ball is designed to be low spinning, and it certainly delivered on that front, hovering just over the 2000rpm mark. While this is slightly on the low side, it is exactly what this ball is designed to do in order to maximize distance.
Despite the low spin, I didn't struggle for hang time as I averaged a peak height of 135ft, which, combined with a ball speed of 168mph, produced an average carry of 304 yards. For players who generate plenty of speed but want to scrub off excess spin for maximum distance, it seemed like a strong option straight away.
The 7-iron spin was also definitely on the lower-spinning side, clocking in at just over 5100rpm. This is consistent with the ball's design philosophy - prioritizing speed and stability over maximum workability.
This powerful engine is wrapped in Callaway's Advanced Seamless Tour Aero package. Essentially, the dimple pattern has been scientifically optimized to reduce drag, helping the ball cut through the air efficiently.
To put this to the test, I took this ball outside to test on the course and get an understanding of its performance in different scenarios, particularly its down-range dispersion when hitting driver, and how this may be affected by the exposure to the elements. The graphic below shows the dispersion pattern on a particular hole, compared to what is seen as the pinnacle of the premium golf ball market - the Titleist Pro V1.
As you can see, there is very little to separate the dispersion of the two golf balls, and given that they are both the lower-spinning siblings in their respective families, both balls produced a similar, high, yet penetrating ball flight. This flight means I saw really solid distance and stability out of both balls, which is great for those who tend to play in the wind.
Finally, the manufacturing process uses Precision Technology to ensure that every single ball in the box is built to the same high standard, so you should be able to fully trust every ball will perform as you’d expect and like every other ball in the box.
Usually, I prefer a firmer feeling ball, which is why I tend to play the Chrome Tour X. Soft balls can sometimes feel a little springy off the face, making distance control difficult on delicate shots. However, I think I could be swayed by this new Chrome Tour due to just enough responsiveness when clipping wedges.
It feels soft, but not in a way that feels uncontrolled, and so this sensation allowed me to keep excellent control with my wedges and scoring clubs. The data backed up this feeling, generating really impressive amounts of spin on shorter shots - just over 7000rpm with a 50-yard pitch shot. It bites hard when you need it to, providing that drop-and-stop performance that I look for, particularly when trying to access tucked pin positions.
For players who want tee-to-green performance, exceptional speed, and a consistent flight through the bag, the Chrome Tour is a serious contender. Even if you, like me, usually prefer a firmer feel from the putter and wedges, the feel and feedback from the new Chrome Tour is impressive enough that they just might change your mind.
