Tour pros can be a finicky group when it comes to finding the right ball. One model might be terrific around the green but lacks distance off the tee, while another performs great off the middle irons but doesn’t spin enough on the shorter shots.
Enter the TaylorMade Penta TP, the first five-piece ball. Based on the premise that different swing speeds and clubs activate different parts of the ball, each layer optimizes performance in five key-shot categories—driver, long-irons, middle-irons, short-irons and partial wedges. In addition to the core and cover, there are three inner mantles with each reacting to certain ball speeds.
The low-compression core promotes high launch and low spin off the driver. The fast inner mantle, which surrounds the core, gives long irons a softer feel and higher launch. The semi-firm middle mantle helps mid-irons achieve a mid-launch, while the firm outer mantle allows short-irons to stop quickly without spinning back too far from the pin. Finally, the soft Urethane cover produces a higher than average spin-rate on those crucial wedge shots.
The Penta TP picked up its first major tour win on January 24th at the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi Championship. On the par-5 final hole, fast-rising German star Martin Kaymer crushed a 3-wood 277-yards uphill and then two-putted for a one-shot victory.
Now that trophy is one for the mantle.
$46 per dozen, taylormadegolf.com
