More than any other golfer, people want to know what equipment is in Rory McIlroy's bag, and the golf ball is no exception. Rory's current golf ball of choice is the TaylorMade TP5x. This article will not only confirm what ball he uses but, more importantly, explain the technology behind his choice, how it complements his world-class game, and give you a simple framework to figure out if it - or a similar ball - is the right fit for you.
Let's get straight to it. Rory McIlroy plays the TaylorMade TP5x golf ball, and he has been using it for several years as a marquee member of the TaylorMade staff. This isn't a casual choice, it's a deep-seated partnership where rider feedback directly impacts product development. He switched to the 2024 version of the TP5x at the start of the year and has stuck with it since.
While players of his caliber could succeed with many different golf balls, they settle on one that perfectly optimizes the two or three things they value most. For Rory, that’s an unmatched combination of ball speed off the driver and control with his mid-irons, without sacrificing the feel he needs around the greens. The TP5x delivers on every one of these fronts.
To understand why this specific ball is in Rory’s bag, we need to look at what's inside. The TaylorMade TP5x isn't just a simple ball with a core and a cover, it’s a highly engineered piece of equipment. Its signature feature is its five-layer construction, which allows it to perform differently depending on the club you’re hitting.
Think of the TP5 and TP5x models like a layered candy bar, where each layer has a different stiffness and purpose. This is a big departure from traditional 2- or 3-piece balls. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
This design is genius because it solves a classic golf ball dilemma: you want low spin with the driver for distance but high spin with the wedges for control. The 5-layer system allows TaylorMade to separate these performance characteristics. The inner layers handle the driver, and the outer cover handles the wedges.
A golf ball is only as good as the player hitting it. The TP5x is perfectly matched for a powerhouse golfer like Rory who generates elite-level speed and needs to control every yard of its flight.
Rory McIlroy makes his living with the driver. His swing speed is consistently over 120 mph, putting him in the top percentile on Tour. At that speed, side spin is a killer and backspin robs you of distance. The TP5x is designed to be a high-launch, low-spin ball. For Rory, this is the holy grail. It allows him to launch the ball high into the air with minimal backspin, leading to a penetrating ball flight that carries forever and then rolls out. The firmer feel and high-speed core of the TP5x are built to respond to speed, which is a big reason he chooses it.
When you watch Rory hit an iron shot, you'll see a strong, piercing trajectory that doesn't balloon into the wind. This is another area where the TP5x shines. Its progressively firmer internal layers give him the stable flight he needs to hit precise yardages from 200 yards and in. The ball holds its line exceptionally well in windy conditions, which gives him the confidence to fire at pins. He can still shape the ball and hit draws or fades, but he doesn't have to worry about the ball over-spinning and getting pushed offline by the elements.
Despite being a bit firmer than its sibling, the TP5, the TP5x still provides excellent greenside performance thanks to that soft urethane cover. When Rory needs to hit a delicate chip or a high-spinning pitch from 50 yards, the cover allows the grooves of his Milled Grind wedges to grip the ball and generate significant spin. This control enables him to be aggressive with his short game, knowing the ball will check up precisely where he intends for it to land.
Many amateur golfers get confused between the TP5 and TP5x. It's a very common question, and understanding the difference is central to understanding Rory's choice.
So why does Rory choose the "x" version? It comes down to speed. He has more than enough clubhead speed to compress the firmer TP5x and reap its benefits of lower spin and higher velocity off the tee. For him, the slight trade-off in feel is well worth the extra distance and piercing iron flight it gives him.
Now for the most important part of this discussion: what does this mean for you? Playing the same ball as Rory McIlroy can be tempting, but it’s only a good idea if it fits your game. Here’s a simple coach's guide to help you decide.
This is the first litmus test. The TP5x is designed for players with high swing speeds, generally above 105 mph with the driver. If you have the speed, you can compress the ball properly to unlock its low-spin distance benefits. If your swing is slower, you may struggle to get the ball high enough and might actually lose distance compared to a softer, lower-compression ball. The easiest way to know your speed is to visit a golf shop or driving range with a launch monitor and hit a few shots.
Think like a Tour pro for a second and evaluate your game. Ask yourself:
The TP5x is an excellent solution for the first three points. If you answered yes to the last two points, you might find more success with the standard TP5 or another softer, urethane-covered ball.
The single best way to know if a ball is right for you is to perform your own fitting. Don't just make a judgment based on a few full swings on the range. The real test happens on the course. I recommend you a buy a sleeve of the TP5x and a sleeve of another ball you’re considering (like the regular TP5, a Titleist ProV1, or a Callaway Chrome Soft). Go out for a quiet nine holes and hit a few of each from different spots:
Pay attention to the results. Your very own on-course test is more valuable than any equipment review you’ll ever read.
Rory McIlroy plays the TaylorMade TP5x because its 5-layer design is a perfect match for his high-speed, powerful game, offering low-spin distance with the driver and controlled flight with his irons. This choice is deliberate, deeply researched, and tailored to maximize his unique strengths.
While we can learn a lot from his equipment choices, the most important lesson is to understand your own game. Picking the right golf ball isn't about finding a magic bullet, it's a personal fitting process. If you’re ever stuck trying to connect your swing tendencies to the right equipment, I built Caddie AI to give you PGA-level advice in seconds. You can ask anything from "what kind of ball is best for my slice?" to getting an on-course strategy for your next hole, clearing away the confusion so you can focus on hitting great shots.
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