So, what golf ball does Tommy Fleetwood use? The quick and simple answer is the TaylorMade TP5x pix. But the name of the ball is only a small part of the story. This article will break down exactly why a world-class ball-striker like Fleetwood trusts this specific ball, exploring the technology that powers his game. More importantly, we'll transform that knowledge into practical advice, giving you a pro-level framework for choosing the right golf ball for your game.
Tommy's Choice: Unpacking the TaylorMade TP5x pix
For several seasons, Tommy Fleetwood has put the TaylorMade TP5x pix into play. It's a premium, tour-level golf ball, meaning it's packed with the most advanced technology a manufacturer has to offer. You’ll see this ball, or its slightly softer sibling the TP5, in the bags of many top professionals like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa for a reason. It's designed to offer the complete package: explosive distance off the tee, and delicate spin-control around the greens.
The "TP5x" model is a 5-piece golf ball. Think of it like a layered cake, where each layer has a distinct purpose. This multi-layer construction allows designers to create a ball that doesn't force a player to choose between distance and feel. They can optimize the inner layers for T-shots and the outer layers for approach shots. The "pix™" part refers to the distinctive triangular pattern on the cover, which is far more than just decoration - it's a performance tool we'll look at closely.
Why the "x" Version? A Coach's Breakdown on Performance
You might notice there's a standard TP5 and a TP5x. Fleetwood opts for the "x" model. From a coaching perspective, this choice tells us a lot about what he wants from his golf ball and how it complements his powerful, athletic swing.
1. Built for Speed and Low-Spin Distance
The "x" in TP5x signifies a firmer overall feel and compression compared to the standard TP5. A firmer compression ball is generally better suited for players with higher swing speeds - something Tommy Fleetwood has in abundance. When a high-speed player compresses a firmer ball, the energy transfer is incredibly efficient. The core of the TP5x is designed to spring into action at high impact speeds, launching the ball with a high trajectory and, critically, lower spin with the longer clubs.
Why is lower spin off the driver a good thing for a powerful player? Excessive backspin can cause the ball to "balloon" up into the air, losing forward momentum and getting knocked down by the wind. The TP5x's construction helps Fleetwood convert his clubhead speed into maximum carry and rollout, producing that penetrating ball flight that slices through windy conditions on a links course.
2. Uncompromised Greenside Control
Here’s the genius of a 5-piece ball. While the inner layers are optimized for low-spin distance, the outer layer is made of a soft cast urethane. A urethane cover is the gold standard for premium golf balls because it's soft, durable, and very "grippy." When his wedge or short iron strikes the ball, that soft urethane cover 'squishes' against the grooves of the clubface, generating a huge amount of spin.
This is the best of both worlds. He gets the low-spin, powerful flight with his driver, but on a 100-yard wedge shot, he can get the ball to take one hop and stop dead. This ability to separate performance characteristics - low spin for distance, high spin for control - is why an elite player like Fleetwood will use a 5-layer ball. Softer, two-piece distance balls can't offer this level of greenside performance.
The "pix" Pattern: More Than Just a Cool Design
The unique graphics on Fleetwood's ball, known as ClearPath Alignment™, are a result of a collaboration with former TaylorMade staffer Rickie Fowler. This system isn't just about making the ball stand out, it’s a functional tool that provides direct feedback.
- Putting Alignment: The most obvious benefit is on the greens. The triangles are placed strategically to form a single, long line when you're standing over a putt. This makes it incredibly easy to aim the ball precisely where you want it to start. You no longer have to draw a wobbly sharpie line on your ball, the alignment aid is built right in.
- Immediate Feedback on Your Roll: This is my favorite part from a coaching standpoint. As you putt, you can watch that line roll end-over-end. Is the line staying steady and straight? Great! You put a pure roll on it. Is it wobbling or skidding off the face? That's instant, actionable feedback that your stroke wasn't quite perfect. Without this visual aid, it's mich harder to diagnose a poor roll versus a misread.
- Spin Visualization: On chip and pitch shots, the pattern gives you a clear sense of how the ball is behaving as it lands. You can see the spin you're imparting. Did it check up hard? Did it release more than you expected? This visual cue helps you understand and begin to control spin around the greens better.
Should You Be Playing the TaylorMade TP5x?
This is the real question, isn't it? Just because the TP5x is the perfect ball for Tommy Fleetwood doesn't automatically make it the right choice for you. Your goal isn't to copy a tour pro, it's to understand their logic and apply it to your own equipment decisions.
The TP5x could be a great fit if:
- You have a high swing speed. Generally, if your driver swing speed is over 105 mph, you have enough speed to fully compress the TP5x and reap its distance benefits.
- You struggle with too much spin off the tee. If your drives tend to climb too high and fall short, a lower-spinning option like the TP5x could help produce a more piercing and longer ball flight.
- You prioritize greenside spin and control. You're willing to invest in a ball that gives you maximum stopping power on approach shots and chips.
- You prefer a slightly firmer feel. Firmer doesn't mean "hard" like a rock. It simply provides a more solid, crisp sound and feel at impact compared to a very soft-compression ball.
The TP5x might NOT be the ball for you if:
- You have a moderate or slower swing speed. If your driver speed is below 100 mph, you might not compress the TP5x enough. This can lead to a less-than-optimal transfer of energy and a potential loss of distance. In this case, the standard, softer TP5 would likely be a much better option.
- You are on a tight budget. At around $50 per dozen, premium tour balls are an investment. If you tend to lose a few balls per round, there are excellent mid-range urethane-cover balls that offer fantastic performance at a lower price point.
- You prefer a very soft, "marshmallow" feel. Feel is personal. Some players love the feel of a a super low-compression ball. The TP5x gives great feedback, but it’s not the softest-feeling ball on the market.
How to Choose a Golf BAll the Pight Way: A 3-Step Process
Instead of guessing, use this simple "green-to-tee" method that a professional fitter would use. It focuses on scoring first, and distance last - which is what leads to better golf.
Step 1: Start Around the Putting & Chipping Green
Grab a sleeve of a ball you're curious about (like the TP5x) and a sleeve of your current gamer. Head to the practice green. Hit several 10-foot putts. How does the ball feel coming off the putter face? Do you like the sound? Do you find the "pix" pattern helpful for alignment? Next, hit some short chip shots. Does the ball check up the way you want it to, or does it release and run out more than you'd like? A golf ball must perform well where you score most of your shots - and that’s on and around the green.
Step 2: Test with Your Scoring Irons
Move back and hit some shots with a 7 or 8-iron. The key here is to observe the trajectory and how the ball lands. Does it fly on a nice, high trajectory that will land softly on a green? Or does it seem to fly a little too low? On a course, this is the difference between a ball that settles near the pin and one that bounces over the back of the green. The ball must give you control with your scoring clubs.
Step 3: Evaluate it with the Driver
Finally, head to the tee. Now you get to see how it performs with the driver. Compare its flight to your current ball. Does it produce a better, more penetrating flight? Does it seem to curve less on your mishits? This is the last piece of the puzzle. By working your way from the green back to the tee, you ensure you're choosing a ball that helps your entire game, not just one that promises an extra five yards you might not even get.
Final Thoughts
Tommy Fleetwood's choice, the TaylorMade TP5x pix, is a technological marvel that combines explosive speed, precise spin control, and an ingenious alignment system. But the most valuable lesson from his setup isn't the specific model he plays, but the principle behind it: selecting a ball that complements his strengths and prioritizes performance from the scoring clubs inward. By applying that same 'green-to-tee' thought process, you can find the ball that truly fits your game.
Speaking of making smarter, tour-level decisions, that's exactly what my goal is with Caddie AI. Figuring out equipment is one thing, but getting expert advice on the course, in the moment, is another. When you're stuck between a 7-iron and an 8-iron or facing a tough recovery shot from the trees, you can get an instant, strategic recommendation right in your pocket. I designed it to be your 24/7 golf coach, giving you that on-demand shot of confidence you need to take the guesswork out of your game and play with more conviction.