What Golf Ball Does Collin Morikawa Use?

Collin Morikawa plays the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball, and his choice is a masterclass in selecting equipment that perfectly complements a player’s strengths. This article will go beyond just the name of the ball, we’ll look at the specific performance reasons why one of the world's best iron players trusts the TP5. More importantly, we’ll turn those insights into a practical guide you can use to find the right golf ball for your own game.

The Straight Answer: What Golf Ball Does Collin Morikawa Use?

For everyone looking for the quick answer, here it is: Collin Morikawa uses the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball.

He has played a version of the TP5 for years, and it's a staple in his bag alongside his TaylorMade clubs. The TP5 is TaylorMade's tour-level, five-layer golf ball designed for what the brand calls "complete performance." This means it’s engineered to be long off the tee, feel soft, spin a lot around the greens, and provide exacting control on iron shots. And as we’ll see, it’s that last part - the pinpoint precision with his irons - that makes this relationship between player and ball so effective.

Why the TaylorMade TP5? A Deeper Look at Morikawa's Game

Choosing a golf ball is about more than just finding what's newest or most popular, it’s about finding a predictable partner for every shot. Morikawa's game is built on a foundation of elite ball-striking and accuracy. He doesn't overpower courses, he dissects them. The TaylorMade TP5 is the tool that gives him the feedback and performance he needs to fuel that style of play.

The Shotmaker's Demands

Collin Morikawa is an artisan with an iron in his hands. He has an almost uncanny ability to control trajectory, shape, and distance. To do this, he needs a golf ball that listens. The TP5's secret sauce is its 5-layer system. A soft-cast urethane cover - the outermost layer - is what allows for tremendous spin on shots inside 100 yards.

When Morikawa needs to hit a low, checking spinner or a high, soft-landing fade, he knows exactly how the TP5’s cover will grab the grooves of his wedge and produce the desired result. For an average golfer, high spin can sometimes be hard to manage. For a player of his caliber, that high spin equals ultimate control. It’s what lets him fire at flags that others would aim away from.

Balancing Power with Finesse

While Morikawa is famous for his iron play, he's still a top-tier professional golfer who needs to hit it far enough to compete. This is where the complex layering of the TP5 comes into play. The concept is called "spin separation." Deep inside the ball are softer layers, and as you move outwards, the layers get progressively firmer. This works in two ways:

• With a driver: When the ball is struck at high speed, the entire ball compresses. The firm outer layers help reduce spin, which creates a lower-spinning, more penetrating ball flight for maximum distance and rollout.
• With a wedge: On a shorter, slower swing, the ball doesn't compress as much. The grooves mostly interact with that soft outer urethane cover, producing very high spin for greenside control.

The TP5 finds that sweet spot for him - providing enough speed and low spin off the tee to keep him in perfect position in the fairway, while giving him that high-spin performance where scoring truly happens.

Performance in the Wind

Amateurs play in whatever conditions the day offers, and so do the pros. A golf ball that balloons into the wind can turn a well-struck iron shot into a disaster. Recently, TaylorMade updated the TP5 with what it calls the "Tour Flight Dimple Pattern," which is designed to be more aerodynamic. The goal is a more piercing flight that is less affected by crosswinds or headwinds.

For a player who relies on hitting a specific number with every club, having a ball that flies predictably through the wind is a non-negotiable. It provides the confidence he needs to commit to his shots, knowing the ball won't get knocked down or taken offline easily.

What About the TaylorMade TP5x?

When you head to the pro shop, you’ll see the TP5 sitting right next to its sibling, the TaylorMade TP5x. This can be confusing. While they share the same five-layer DNA, they are built for slightly different players and flight characteristics.

Think of it like this:

• TaylorMade TP5 (Morikawa's ball): It feels softer, launches a bit lower with the irons, and is the higher-spinning of the two on mid-iron and wedge shots. It's often chosen by players who prioritize feel and "workability" - the ability to shape the ball with fades and draws.
• TaylorMade TP5x: It has a firmer feel and compression. It generally flies higher, is slightly faster off the driver, and spins a little less on iron shots. It's often chosen by players seeking maximum distance and a higher overall trajectory.

So, why does Morikawa opt for the slightly spinnier, softer TP5 instead of the x-model? His swing generates plenty of speed and height already. His priority isn't a few extra yards - it's micromanaging spin and feel. That extra grab the standard TP5 provides on the clubface gives him a more connected feeling and the fine-tuned control he needs for his world-class approach game.

Should You Play the Same Golf Ball as Collin Morikawa?

Now for the most important question: Is the TP5 right for you? Just because it works for a two-time major champion doesn't mean it’s the best fit for every golfer. The TP5 is a fantastic piece of technology, but only if your game can unlock its potential. Here’s a simple breakdown of who can benefit from it.

The TP5 Is a Great Fit For:

• Golfers with Higher Swing Speeds: To get the distance benefits of the multi-layer core, you need to be able to compress the ball effectively. This typically means a driver swing speed over 95-100 mph.
• Players Who Prioritize Feel and Control: If your strength is your iron play and short game, the responsive nature of the TP5 will speak your language.
• Good Ball-Strikers: When you hit the center of the face consistently, you'll reap the rewards of the predictable spin and flight a tour ball offers.
• Golfers with a Solid Short Game: This ball really shines from 100 yards and in, offering the stop-and-drop performance that aggressive players love.

You Might Want to Consider a Different Ball If:

• You Are a Beginner or High-Handicapper: The same side spin that allows a great player to hit a fade can exaggerate your slice. Beginner-friendly balls are designed to minimize side spin, helping your misses stay in play.
• You Have a Slower Swing Speed: If you don’t compress the ball enough, you won’t activate those inner core layers, and a softer, lower-compression ball would likely give you more distance.
• You Want to Save Money: Tour balls come with a tour-level price tag. There are dozens of excellent durable-cover and mid-range urethane balls that offer great performance for a fraction of the cost.
• You Primarily Fight a Slice or Hook: Again, minimizing spin is your friend here. More spin will only make that miss worse.

A Pro's Process for Choosing Your Own Golf Ball

Instead of just buying the ball your favorite player uses, adopt the process they use to find their ball. Most golf professionals and expert fitters recommend a "green-to-tee" approach. It's simple and recognizes that your scoring shots happen closest to the hole.

Step 1: Start on the Putting Green

Buy a sleeve of a few different balls you're considering. Head to the putting green. Feel is everything here. Do you like the "click" off the putter face? Does it feel soft like a marshmallow or firm like a rock? There's no right answer - it's 100% personal preference. If you hate the feel while putting, you'll never have confidence in that ball.

Step 2: Chip and Pitch

Move just off the green. Hit some basic chips and a few 20-30 yard pitches. Watch how the ball reacts. Does it hit, check once, and stop? Does it hit and release toward the hole? Find a ball that matches the reaction you expect. This is where a urethane cover, like on the TP5, will show much more spin than a harder Surlyn cover.

Step 3: Hit Mid-Irons

Back up to your comfort yardage - maybe a 7 or 8-iron. Hit a series of shots focusing on flight. Does the ball launch at a window you like? Does it hold its line in the wind? Does it land softly on the green or run out? This is the heart of ball fitting.

Step 4: Pound the Driver

Finally, go to the driver. By now, you've probably narrowed it down to one or two favorites. Smash a few drives and confirm that you haven't sacrificed too much distance or created wild spin off the tee. The driver is the last check, not the first.

Once you find a ball that feels good on the putter, provides the short-game reaction you like, and flies acceptably with your irons and driver, stick with it. Playing the same model of golf ball every round is one of the easiest ways to build consistency into your game.

Final Thoughts

Collin Morikawa's choice of the TaylorMade TP5 is a calculated decision based on a need for a soft feel, high spin when called for, and complete control over the golf ball - all hallmarks of his game. However, building confidence doesn't just come from the ball, it comes from knowing how to approach every shot, and understanding that the best choice for a pro may not be the optimal one for you.

While the right ball makes shots more predictable, smart course management is what truly lowers your score. When you're stuck with a difficult lie or you're just unsure what club to pull, a tool like Caddie AI acts as your on-demand course expert. It gives you tour-level analysis of any situation - you can even snap a photo of your lie for instant advice. With clear, simple guidance in your pocket, you can play with more confidence, eliminate guesswork, and focus on hitting great shots.