Curious about which golf ball the 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry trusts to power his game? The short answer is the Srixon Z-STAR XV. This article will not only confirm his choice but also break down exactly why this specific model is a perfect match for his world-class game. More importantly, we’ll use this as a learning opportunity to help you understand how to choose the right golf ball for your own unique swing.
Shane Lowry is a longtime Srixon staff player, and his ball of choice is the Srixon Z-STAR XV. This isn't just a random pick, it's a piece of equipment meticulously chosen to complement the distinct strengths of his game - namely, his powerful drives and his phenomenal touch around the greens.
While professional golfers occasionally test other equipment on the sly, Lowry’s connection with Srixon is deep-rooted. He trusts their products from driver to ball, and the Z-STAR XV has been in his bag for multiple victories, including his fairytale win at Royal Portrush. Let's look at what makes this ball tick so you can understand the method behind the choice.
Not all tour-level golf balls are created equal. They are engineered with specific player profiles in mind. The "XV" in Z-STAR XV stands for "Xtreme Velocity," which is the first major clue about this ball's primary design intent. It’s built for golfers who can generate a lot of clubhead speed and want to translate that speed into a powerful, penetrating ball flight.
Here’s a breakdown of the key technology and what it means in practical terms:
At the center of the ball is Srixon’s proprietary core technology. Think of it as a golf ball with a split personality, in a good way. It's soft in the very center and gets progressively firmer toward the outer edges. This design achieves two crucial things:
This is arguably the most important feature for a player with Lowry’s incredible short game. The Z-STAR XV features a very thin, soft urethane cover. Unlike the harder surlyn or ionomer covers found on most distance-focused or budget balls, a urethane cover is “grippy.”
When a wedge comes into contact with this cover, the grooves on the clubface can bite into it more effectively. This "bite" is what creates high levels of greenside spin. It's how Lowry can hit those dipping pitch shots that take one hop and stop dead or even spin back. For elite players, this control is non-negotiable.
The dimples on a golf ball aren’t just for looks, they are a vital part of its aerodynamics. Srixon’s 338 Speed Dimple Pattern is designed to be deep, which helps the ball maintain its flight path even in windy conditions. The dimples reduce drag and increase lift after the ball reaches its apex, allowing it to hang in the air longer for maximum carry distance. This aerodynamic stability is a massive advantage, especially for a player like Lowry who grew up playing in the demanding winds of Ireland.
Now that we understand the ball's design, let's connect it directly to Shane Lowry's game from a coaching perspective. His equipment choice is a masterclass in selecting gear that enhances your natural strengths.
Shane Lowry is not just a touch player, he possesses impressive power. His typical driver swing speed is well over 110 mph, placing him comfortably in the "high-speed" category. The firm nature of the Z-STAR XV is engineered specifically for players like him. He can swing aggressively, compress the ball fully, and trust that it will launch with high velocity and low spin, maximizing his distance to set up shorter approach shots.
This is the magic combination. Where many "distance" balls sacrifice feel, the Z-STAR XV uses its premium urethane cover to deliver elite greenside performance. Lowry’s short game is his biggest weapon. He has an uncanny ability to control trajectory and spin on shots inside 100 yards.
Whether he's hitting a low, chasing pitch that checks up by the hole or a high, soft flop shot that lands like a feather, he needs a ball that responds precisely to his every command. The soft urethane cover gives him the dependable spin and feedback he needs to visualize a shot and then execute it with complete confidence. He can feel the ball compress on the face, giving him the sense of control that is essential for shot-making artistry around the greens.
Think back to his dominant victory at The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019. The weather was classic Irish links - tough, gusty, and unpredictable. This is where the 338 Speed Dimple Pattern pays dividends. A ball that wobbles or gets thrown offline by the wind is a death sentence in those conditions. The Z-STAR XV’s stable, penetrating flight allows Lowry to trust his lines, knowing the ball will hold up against crosswinds and into headwinds much better than a lesser-designed ball.
It's tempting to think, "If it's good enough for an Open Champion, it's good enough for me." But that's not always the best way to approach equipment selection. Using the wrong ball for your swing speed and game can actually hurt your performance.
The honest answer is: you should only play the Srixon Z-STAR XV if your game profile seriously aligns with its design.
Instead of just copying a pro, think like one by finding the ball that is optimized for *your* game. Here is a simple process to follow:
Shane Lowry plays the Srixon Z-STAR XV because it is the perfect tool for his job, flawlessly matching his high swing speed with his world-renowned short-game touch. For the average golfer, the key takeaway is to understand the *why* behind his choice and apply that same logic to your own game to find a ball that will elevate your strengths.
Navigating the complex world of golf equipment can be confusing, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're struggling to decide between club choices or need a second opinion on a tricky shot, I built Caddie AI to act as your personal on-demand golf expert. You can get instant, personalized strategic advice on the course, helping you make smarter decisions and swing with the kind of confidence Shane Lowry does, no matter which ball you play.
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