Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka plays the Srixon Z-STAR DIAMOND golf ball. This article breaks down the specifics of his chosen ball, explains exactly why it’s a perfect match for his powerhouse game, and offers guidance on how you can use his choice to find the right ball for your own swing.
For years, Brooks Koepka was famously an equipment "free agent," picking and choosing the best gear from various manufacturers to fill his bag. That all changed in late 2021 when he signed a comprehensive deal with Srixon and Cleveland Golf. A major part of that move was his transition to their premium golf ball line, where he has become synonymous with the Z-STAR DIAMOND model.
This wasn't a casual switch. Koepka was deeply involved in the final development of the DIAMOND, providing feedback to create a ball that filled a very specific performance gap. It sits as a unique offering in the Z-STAR family, blending traits from its two sibling models: the Z-STAR and the Z-STAR XV. Koepka's need for a very particular combination of speed, spin, and feel was a driving force behind this ball's design, making it a true reflection of his game.
To understand why this ball works so well for a player like Brooks, you need to look under the hood. It’s a three-piece, tour-caliber ball with a urethane cover, but the magic is in how those components work together. Think of it like a perfectly tuned engine - every part has a distinct job.
The core is the heart of any golf ball, and it’s where distance is born. The Z-STAR DIAMOND uses what Srixon calls a "FastLayer DG Core." This is a sophisticated way of saying the core is softest in the very center and gradually gets firmer toward its outer edge.
If the core is the engine, the cover is the set of high-performance tires. A golf ball cover dictates how the ball interacts with the clubface, especially on scoring shots inside 150 yards. The Z-STAR DIAMOND boasts a premium urethane cover, which is softer and more "grippy" than the ionomer or surlyn covers found on most distance balls.
Srixon takes this a step further with their proprietary "Spin Skin+ with SeRM" coating. SeRM stands for Slide-Ring Material, a special molecular compound that allows the material to stretch but not break. In simple terms, this coating allows the grooves on your irons and wedges to dig deeper into the cover at impact. This increased friction generates significantly more spin, giving players the ability to hit aggressive iron shots that land softly and stop quickly on the green. For Brooks, this means he can fire at pins with the confidence that his ball will bite and hold its line.
Look closely at any golf ball and you'll see a complex pattern of depressions. These aren't just for looks, they are a critical element of aerodynamic design. The Z-STAR DIAMOND uses a 338 Speed Dimple Pattern optimized to do two things very well.
For a player who generates as much speed as Koepka, this stable, penetrating flight is vital. It means his tee shots aren't overly affected by wind, and he can count on predictable distances with his irons, which is the cornerstone of elite golf.
Knowing the technology is one thing, but connecting it to how Brooks Koepka dismantles a golf course is what really matters. He didn’t just pick a ball off the shelf, he chose the one that amplifies his strengths.
Koepka embodies the "bomb and gauge" philosophy. He uses his immense strength and speed to hit the driver as far as possible, leaving him with shorter, more precise clubs into the greens. However, immense speed can also be a liability if it creates too much spin, which leads to shots that curve offline or balloon into the sky, sacrificing distance. The Z-STAR DIAMOND's firm-core characteristics help him tame that spin. It converts his raw speed into forward momentum, giving him the distance he needs without compromising control. It's the perfect balance for a power-hitter.
As much of a bomber as he is, Koepka’s iron play is what wins him major championships. He is consistently one of the best in the world from 175-225 yards out. This is where the urethane cover becomes so important. Whether he's hitting a flighted 7-iron into a back pin or a soaring wedge to a tight front location, he requires the ball to react predictably on the green. The high-spin characteristics of the DIAMOND’s cover allow him to be aggressive, knowing his ball will sit down quickly rather than bounding through the green.
The clearest reason the DIAMOND is his ball is that it perfectly blends the two flagship models in the Z-STAR line.
Koepka wanted the low-spin distance of the XV off the tee but the greenside spin of the standard Z-STAR from his irons. The Z-STAR DIAMOND was engineered to be that perfect middle ground: a firm ball that produces a penetrating, low-spin flight with the driver, but a soft, tacky cover that provides premium stopping power on approach shots.
It’s tempting to think, "If it's good enough for a five-time major champion, it's good enough for me." But that's not how golf equipment works. The most important lesson to take from Brooks isn't what he plays, but why. He plays a ball that is expertly matched to his specific swing dna. Your job is to do the same for yours.
Ultimately, the Srixon Z-STAR DIAMOND is a fantastic piece of technology for a specific type of golfer. If you are a high-speed player who creates plenty of spin and needs a ball that helps manage that off the tee while still providing elite Cntrol around the greens, it absolutely deserves a spot on your test list. For the majority of amateur golfers, a softer model like the Srixon Z-STAR or even the Q-STAR TOUR will likely provide better all-around performance and a more pleasing feel.
Brooks Koepka's choice of the Srixon Z-STAR DIAMOND is a case study in matching equipment to a player’s strengths. The ball's unique construction provides the exact blend of low-spin distance and high-spin Cntrol that his T-6 style of golf demands.
Finding the right ball, just as Koepka did, can make a meaningful difference, but navigating all the options can be confusing. That’s why we built Caddie AI. You can ask our AI coach direct questions about gear, like "Is the Srixon Z-STAR DIAMOND a good ball for a 98 mph swing speed?" or "What ball would you recommend to help me lower my driver spin?" You get unbiased, expert guidance in seconds, removing the guesswork so you can play with more confidence and certainty.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
