When it comes to professional golf, a pro’s choice of golf ball is more than cosmetic — it can make a measurable difference in spin, launch, and control. On the PGA Tour, where every yard and every shot counts, the world’s elite players gravitate toward the best balls engineered for performance, with one important caveat. Many of the top players in the world are under handsome contracts to play a ball manufactured by their sponsor. There aren’t very many ball “free agents,” but those who are most commonly play a Titleist model, which is what the B&B brain trust also does.
Here’s a breakdown of the most-played golf balls among the top 150 TOUR players currently dominating the professional circuit
Nothing else on Tour comes close in popularity. With 47 players in the top 150 choosing this model, the Pro V1x combines long-distance performance with excellent greenside control and a dynamic flight shape. Titleist has been making balls since 1935. They know a thing or two, and their quality control is second to none. Ryder Cuppers Harris English and Viktor Hovland, and other top players tee up a Pro V1x.
Close behind, Pro V1 remains an iconic choice for players seeking a softer feel and balanced spin. Its wide usage reflects its versatility across swing speeds and conditions. Forty-five pros tee it up with the Pro V1, placing it right behind the Pro V1x in our list. Look no further than Scottie Scheffler for affirmation of the quality of this ball, which he has played since his college golf days.
A tour-favorite for players who prefer a slightly different ball flight and feel, the Left Dot variant has carved out its own niche with nine users among the elite. Late-season winner Cameron Young plies his trade with a Left Dot.
A trusted performer with eight players in the top 150. As far as we can tell, each of the 15 players teeing it up with Callaway balls is a tour staffer. Jon Rahm continued to play the Chrome Tour even after being exiled by Callaway when he joined LIV. He’s back on Callaway staff today and continues to play the Chrome Tour.
Seven players choose this version of Chrome Tour for added distance and spin control. Sweet swinging Sam Burns and New Zealand’s skinny ripper, Min Woo Lee, play the Chrome Tour X.
A five-layer design that’s a go-to for players seeking a blend of distance and spin. This is a very good ball. We are surprised more Free Agents aren’t playing TaylorMade models. Rory makes a boatload to play the TP5. Would he play it if he wasn’t getting paid millions to do so? Hmmmmm…
Seven players rely on this ball’s greenside feel and tour-level spin. U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun plays with the Z-Star Diamond. If it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for us!
Also with seven users, this model focuses on penetrating flight and workability. Ball striking studs Sepp Straka, Shane Lowry, and Ichiban Hideki Matsuyama play the XV.
With five players selecting this model, Bridgestone continues to hold its own among Tour brands, thanks to long-term contracts. It also happens to be the ball of choice for the GOAT, Mr. Tiger Woods.
Tied for 10th, with two players each, are the Bridgestone Tour B X Mindset (Jason Day is a believer) and the TaylorMade TP5x Pix models (Tommy Fleetwood). Both of these models feature kitschy design characteristics, but they work for their pros, especially for Tommy Boy, who had a breakout 2025 campaign.
A Breakdown of the Top Brands on Tour
Here’s a snapshot of ball-brand popularity among the top 150 PGA Tour players (brand & approximate count).
Titleist – 102
Callaway – 15
Srixon – 14
TaylorMade – 10
Bridgestone – 8
Maxfli – 1
Clearly, Titleist — especially through the Pro V1 and Pro V1x — enjoys overwhelming dominance, chosen by more players than all other brands combined.
Key Takeaways from What the Pros Are Playing
- If you’re aspiring to play like the Tour pros, the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the most consistent performers on the highest level.
- Many top players prefer slightly different designs (Left Dot, Chrome Tour, Z-Star variants) produced by their manufacturers based on feel, spin, or ball flight preferences. Lots and lots of testing.
- Experimenting with premium balls — ideally through a launch monitor fitting — remains key to finding the right match for your game.