Jason Day, known for his powerful swing and deft touch around the greens, plays the Bridgestone TOUR B X golf ball. This article will break down exactly why he uses this specific ball, what makes it perform the way it does, and how you can determine if a similar ball is a good fit for your own game.
Understanding the Bridgestone TOUR B X: Jason Day's Ball of Choice
In early 2022, Jason Day made a significant equipment change, moving to Bridgestone balls after years of playing other brands. This wasn't a casual decision. For a tour professional, the golf ball is the one piece of equipment used on every single shot, from a 340-yard drive to a three-foot putt. The selection is a meticulous process based on launch monitor data, on-course performance, and feel. Day landed on the Bridgestone TOUR B X primarily for its unique combination of explosive speed off the driver and precise, high-spin control on approach shots.
The secret lies in Bridgestone's proprietary REACTIV iQ cover technology. Instead of having to choose between a ball optimized for distance or one optimized for spin, REACTIV iQ offers a "smart" urethane cover that reacts differently based on the force of impact.
- On high-impact shots (like a driver): When you swing fast, like Jason Day famously does, the cover acts firmer. This high-impact "rebound" reduces spin off the driver, translating into a penetrating ball flight and more distance. It helps Day capitalize on his raw power without the ball ballooning or losing energy to excessive backspin.
- On low-impact shots (like wedges and short irons): On feel shots around the green, the cover stays on the clubface for a split-second longer. It acts softer, "gripping" the grooves of the club. This process increases spin, allowing for more control, stopping power on the greens, and the soft feel preferred by elite players for chipping and pitching.
How the TOUR B X Fits Jason Day's Game
Jason Day has a swing speed that easily exceeds 115 mph. He's firmly in the "high swing speed" category, which is exactly who the TOUR B X is built for. The ball allows him to swing aggressively off the tee, knowing that the cover's firm reaction will optimize his launch conditions for maximum yardage.
However, power is only one part of his game. Day is also a tremendous iron player and has a fantastic short game. He needs a ball that won't just fly far but will also respond precisely when he needs to hit a towering 8-iron that stops on a dime or a delicate chip that checks up next to the hole. The softer, grippier feel of the REACTIV iQ cover on these shots gives him the feedback and performance he needs to attack pins with confidence. In essence, the ball complements both his power and his finesse, which is a rare and sought-after combination in golf ball design.
Should You Play the Same Ball as Jason Day? A Coach's Advice
Watching a pro like Jason Day flush a drive makes it tempting to run out and buy the exact same equipment. But as a golf coach, my first piece of advice is always this: play the ball that is best for your game, not the game of the player you see on TV. The Bridgestone TOUR B X is a phenomenal golf ball, but only for the right type of player.
The TOUR B family is actually comprised of four distinct models, each tailored for a different golfer. Finding the right one starts with an honest assessment of your swing.
Figuring Out Your Fit in the Bridgestone Lineup
1. Bridgestone TOUR B X (Jason Day's Ball)
- Who it's for: This ball is designed for golfers with swing speeds over 105 mph who prioritize distance and a penetrating ball flight. It offers excellent greenside spin, but it's slightly firmer than its "XS" counterpart.
- You might like this ball if: You are a faster swinging player who wants maximum yards off the tee without sacrificing the ability to spin the ball with your wedges. You don't mind a slightly firmer feel for exceptional tee-to-green performance.
2. Bridgestone TOUR B XS (Tiger Woods' Ball)
- Who it's for: This model is also for players with swing speeds over 105 mph, but it's designed to be the softest-feeling ball in the "over 105" category. It provides the most spin on approach shots and around the green.
- You might like this ball if: You are a faster swinging player who values feel and spin creativity above all else. If you love to shape shots, hit low-spinning pitches, and want maximum bite on the greens, this is your ball. You are willing to trade a few yards of driver distance (compared to the X) for supreme control.
3. Bridgestone TOUR B RX
- Who it's for: This is a tour-caliber ball for the rest of us. It's designed for players with swing speeds under 105 mph who still want distance-focused performance. It has the same REACTIV iQ cover but is built around a softer core that's easier to compress at moderate swing speeds.
- You might like this ball if: You have an average or slightly-above-average swing speed and want to get as much distance as possible. It helps reduce excessive spin on long shots (which causes slices and hooks to worsen) while still providing decent greenside feel.
4. Bridgestone TOUR B RXS
- Who it's for: Like the RX, this is for golfers with swing speeds under 105 mph. The "S" stands for "spin," and this ball offers the softest feel and highest greenside spin for players with moderate swing speeds.
- You might like this ball if: You have a moderate swing speed and your priority is feel and control around the greens. You want the ball to feel butter-soft off the putter and stop quickly on chips and pitches. You're less concerned with squeezing out every last yard and more focused on your short game.
How to Test Balls and Find Your Perfect Match
Choosing a golf ball shouldn't be a random guess. A consistent golf ball is the foundation of a consistent game. When you use the same model every time, you develop a reliable feel for how it will react on the putting green, on chips, and on full shots. Changing balls from round to round introduces unnecessary variables that can make distance control a frustrating challenge.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step method to test balls and discover what works best for you, just like the pros do.
Step 1: Start at the Green
Your search begins on the putting green, not the driving range. Get sleeves of two or three models you're considering. Hit several 10-foot putts with each.
- Pay attention to the sound and feel. Does one feel "clicky" and hard? Does another feel soft and muted? There's no right or wrong answer - it's about your preference. A ball you like the feel of will inspire confidence over putts.
Step 2: Chipping and Pitching
Move to the chipping area. Hit a variety of short shots - low running chips, soft little pitches, etc.
- Watch how the ball reacts when it lands. Does it release and run out, or does it check up with one hop and stop? A high-spin ball (like a TOUR B XS or RXS) will grab more, while a lower-spin distance ball might run out more. See what kind of reaction fits your short-game style and course conditions.
Step 3: Mid-Irons
Take the finalists from your short game test to the range. Start hitting shots with a 7 or 8-iron to a specific target.
- Evaluate the ball flight and feel at impact. Does the ball launch high and land softly? Does it offer a more penetrating trajectory? Again, you're looking for a flight that matches your needs. Also, a ball that feels powerful and stable through the wind is often a winner.
Step 4: The Driver
Finally, hit the driver. At this point, you're looking for the ball that offers the best combination of feel, trajectory, and consistency.
- Don't just chase distance. While extra yards are great, also observe the dispersion. Is one ball consistently straighter for you? A ball that is 10 yards shorter but always in the fairway is far more valuable than one that's occasionally longer but brings big numbers into play. You're looking for the best combination to help you shoot lower scores, not just hit one bomb.
By following this methodical process, you move from guesswork to an informed decision. You’ll find a ball that not only complements your strengths but also aligns with what you want to feel on every shot.
Final Thoughts
Jason Day uses the Bridgestone TOUR B X because its unique technology is a perfect match for his elite combination of power and finesse. While it might be a fantastic choice for some amateurs with high swing speeds, the most important lesson is to choose a ball that is specifically tailored to your swing and your priorities on the course.
Understanding which ball is right for you, what club to hit in tricky situations, or the best strategy for a tough hole are all decisions that can feel overwhelming. That's why we built Caddie AI. Our app acts as your personal golf coach and caddie, giving you instant, personalized advice anytime, anywhere. You can get a a course-management strategy on the tee box or even snap a photo of a challenging lie to get an expert opinion on how to play the shot, helping you play with more confidence and clarity.