Golfers obsess over their clubs, but how many of you are really thinking about your balls?
“A ball is a ball, right?” If that’s what you’re thinking—you’re still missing the point of golf.
LPGA pros don’t just play with any ball. They analyze every detail—distance, spin, feel—to pick the one that perfectly matches their style.
That means: Every ball in their bag serves a purpose. There’s a reason behind their choice, and if you want to play smarter (and score lower), it’s time you learned what those reasons are.
So let me, the Prince of Golf Geeks, walk you through the 13 balls chosen by LPGA pros in 2025—and why each one could be your next game-changer.
Note: This report on LPGA players’ golf ball usage is based on information as of March 2025.
🟢Why LPGA Pros Choose Their Golf Balls: Distance, Spin, and Feel Explained
Many amateurs underestimate the difference a golf ball makes.
But for LPGA professionals, every ball in play is backed by clear, data-driven reasoning.
Whether it’s maximizing carry distance, optimizing spin rates, or dialing in the perfect feel—tour players choose their ball to match their unique playing style.
And on the LPGA Tour, ball choice becomes even more critical.
Why? Because they’re competing on faster greens, tougher winds, and more demanding layouts than most amateurs will ever face.
Unlike the courses on the JLPGA Tour, LPGA setups often demand a precise balance of distance and spin—and that’s exactly why most players rely on top-tier tour balls.
So, what exactly are the criteria LPGA pros use when choosing their golf ball?
Let’s break it down into the three performance factors that decide their gamer.
✅3 Key Factors LPGA Pros Consider When Choosing a Golf Ball
① Distance Performance: The Right Mix of Carry and Rol
Each golf ball is designed with a unique combination of ball speed
Driving distance is directly linked to scoring success on the LPGA Tour.
Generating solid carry off the tee allows players to approach the green with short irons or wedges—an ideal setup for precise scoring opportunities.
▶ LPGA Pros Who Prioritize Distance in Their Ball Selection
- Nasa Hataoka (Srixon Z-STAR) ➡︎ Low spin and a strong, penetrating trajectory — ideal for windy conditions.
- Yuka Saso (Callaway Chrome Tour X) ➡︎ High ball speed and low spin — optimized for maximum distance off the tee.
② Spin Control (Iron Shots & Approach Stability)
Whether the ball stops on the green or keeps rolling depends entirely on its spin performance.
On the LPGA Tour, fast greens are common, requiring players to rely on spin to stop the ball precisely.
As a result, many players choose high-spin tour balls to gain better control on approach shots.
▶ LPGA Pros Who Prioritize Spin Control in Their Ball Selection
- Ayaka Furue (Bridgestone TOUR B XS) ➡︎ Prioritizes high spin and shot-shaping control.
- Hinako Shibuno (Srixon Z-STAR XV) ➡︎ Known for straight ball flight, with spin when needed around the green.
③ Feel & Feedback: Soft Touch Around the Greens and on the Putter
Feel is one of the key factors pros consider when choosing a golf ball.
Some players prefer a softer feel at impact, while others want a firmer response with a crisp sound to reinforce their swing feedback.
Feel during putting is just as important—many pros value the “grippy face contact” and “smooth, consistent roll” on the greens.
▶ LPGA Pros Who Prioritize Feel in Their Ball Selection
- Minami Katsu (Srixon Z-STAR) ➡︎ Prefers a firm feel with an emphasis on distance.
- Yuna Nishimura (Callaway Chrome Tour X) ➡︎ Chooses a soft feel with extra spin for better control.
✅ Do LPGA and JLPGA Players Choose Balls Differently?
① Tackling Fast Greens: U.S. Grass vs. Japanese Turf
LPGA Tour greens are known for being fast and firm.
This makes it difficult to hold the green unless you’re using a ball that generates high spin on approach shots.
On the JLPGA Tour, greens tend to be softer and more receptive, making the ability to control roll with bump-and-run shots equally important.
This contrast in conditions directly influences how pros select their golf balls.
▶ Spin-Heavy Balls for LPGA Conditions: Mastering Fast Greens
- Titleist Pro V1 — Excellent greenside spin and soft feel, trusted by many LPGA pros for stopping power on fast greens.
- Bridgestone TOUR B XS — Delivers high spin and precise control, ideal for firm green conditions and aggressive wedge play.
▶ Golf Balls Suited for JLPGA: Built for Softer Greens
- Srixon Z-STAR — Balanced performance with responsive feel and mid-to-high spin, ideal for soft greens.
- Srixon Q-STAR TOUR — Softer compression and easy launch, designed for moderate swing speeds and smooth stopping power on receptive greens.
② Playing in the Wind: Choosing a Ball with Stable Flight
American courses often feature strong winds,
so players tend to favor low-spin balls that resist ballooning and maintain distance in windy conditions.
In contrast, many Japanese courses are tree-lined and sheltered, meaning wind is less of a factor—making high-spin balls a more popular choice among players.
▶ Wind-Resistant Golf Balls (LPGA Favorites)
- Pro V1x — Low spin and a strong, penetrating trajectory that cuts through the wind.
- TP5x — High initial velocity and stable flight, making it reliable in windy conditions.
▶ Shot-Shaping Control (Favored on the JLPGA)
- Bridgestone TOUR B XS — Excellent spin control for precision approach shots and greenside play.
- Srixon Z-STAR XV — Offers a balanced mix of straight flight and responsive spin control.
③ Course Setup Differences: Power vs. Precision
Courses in the U.S. tend to be longer with more bunkers.
This makes golf balls that offer strong carry distance highly preferred.
In contrast, Japanese courses often emphasize accuracy over distance, with a greater demand for delicate shots around the green.
As a result, many players opt for golf balls with higher spin performance.
✅ Do LPGA Pros Really All Use Spin Balls Just Because They Don’t Hit Long?
In the past, spin balls were the standard for women’s pros due to their shorter driving distances.
But today, with advancements in training and swing mechanics, many LPGA players are achieving significantly longer drives.
As a result, more players are now opting for distance-focused balls such as the TP5x and Pro V1x.
▶Current Golf Ball Usage Trends Among LPGA Pros
Golf Ball Usage Breakdown Among LPGA Pros (2025):
- Spin-Type Balls (Focus on Control): 60%
Notable players: Ayaka Furue (Bridgestone TOUR B XS), Yuna Nishimura (Callaway Chrome Tour X) - Distance-Type Balls (Focus on Carry): 40%
Notable players: Yuka Saso (Callaway Chrome Tour X), Minami Katsu (Srixon Z-STAR)
In other words, it’s no longer about “women pros = spin balls” —
we’ve entered an era where ball choice is defined by play style.
🔥 Summary: Choosing the Right Ball Like an LPGA Pro
✅ LPGA pros choose their balls based on three key factors: distance, spin, and feel
✅ Ball preferences differ between LPGA and JLPGA due to course characteristics
✅ Even among LPGA players, more are now opting for distance balls as power gains increase
🟢🏌️♀️ What Golf Balls 13 Top LPGA Pros Use in 2025 [Full List]
The golf balls used by professional players reflect their playing styles and course strategies. Below is a breakdown of the golf balls currently used by 13 Japanese LPGA pros as of 2025.
| Player | Ball Used | Reason for Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Ayaka Furue | Titleist Pro V1 | Focus on spin control and wind-resistant trajectory |
| Mao Saigo | Bridgestone TOUR B XS | Prioritizes shot shaping and spin control |
| Yuka Saso | TaylorMade TP5x | Maximizes distance with high speed and low spin |
| Nasa Hataoka | Srixon Z-STAR XV | Emphasizes straight flight and high trajectory |
| Hinako Shibuno | Titleist Pro V1x | Prefers firm feel and distance performance |
| Yuna Nishimura | Callaway Chrome Soft X | Soft feel with excellent spin performance |
| Minami Katsu | Bridgestone TOUR B X | Focuses on distance and straight flight |
| Miyuu Yamashita | Dunlop Srixon Z-STAR | Seeks stability through balanced performance |
| Chisato Iwai | Mizuno RB TOUR X | Emphasizes feel and spin control |
| Akie Iwai | Honma Golf D1 | Prioritizes cost performance and distance |
| Yuri Yoshida | Titleist AVX | Low spin and soft feel for enhanced distance |
| Reo Takeda | Bridgestone TOUR B RX | Combines soft feel with strong spin control |
| Mone Inami | TaylorMade TP5 | Focus on overall balance and consistent trajectory |
As you can see, each player selects their golf ball based on their individual playing style and the specific performance they seek. For example, players who prioritize distance tend to choose balls with low spin and high initial velocity, while those who focus on spin control prefer balls with higher spin characteristics.
The Golf Know-It-All Boss“You can tell a player’s style just by their ball choice! So—what’s the right one for your game?”
Chloe the Golf Newbie“I really want to try the balls that the pros are using too!”
The golf balls used by top Japanese LPGA players reflect their individual playing styles and on-course strategies. Below is a summary of five standout players, the balls they use, and the reasons behind their choices.
| Player | Ball Used | Reason for Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Nasa Hataoka | Titleist Pro V1 | Spin control and wind-resistant trajectory |
| Yuka Saso | TaylorMade TP5x | High ball speed and low spin for maximum distance |
| Ayaka Furue | Bridgestone TOUR B XS | Emphasis on workability and spin control |
| Hinako Shibuno | Dunlop Srixon Z-STAR XV | Straight flight and high launch |
| Minami Katsu | Dunlop Srixon Z-STAR XV | Straight flight and high launch |
Each of these players selects their golf ball based on their unique playing style and the specific performance they are looking for.
Next, let’s take a look at the market share of golf ball brands used on the LPGA Tour. While exact data for the LPGA is not publicly available, domestic women’s tours in Japan have reported the following brand shares.
| Brand | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Bridgestone | 42% |
| Dunlop | 34% |
| Titleist | 13% |
| Callaway | 11% |
*Note: The above data reflects the Japanese women’s domestic tour and does not represent LPGA Tour statistics.
🟢Which Golf Ball Is Best for You? Let’s Compare!
Now that you know which balls LPGA pros are using, the next question is probably: “So, which one should I choose?”
Will using the same ball as the pros really improve your score? Or is there a better fit for amateur players?
In this section, we’ll break down the differences between spin-focused, distance-focused, and balanced balls, recommend options by swing speed, and explore whether pro models are suitable for you.
✅ Spin Type vs Distance Type vs Balanced Type (Features & Differences)
Golf balls can generally be categorized into three types: spin-focused, distance-focused, and balanced. Understanding the characteristics of each will help you choose the ball that best matches your playing style.
| Ball Type | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Representative Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spin Type | Soft feel, high spin | Excellent spin for short game, stops well on greens | Slower initial speed, limited distance | Pro V1, TOUR B XS, Z-STAR |
| Distance Type | Firm feel, low spin | Faster ball speed, longer roll for maximum distance | Harder to stop on greens | TP5x, Pro V1x, TOUR B X |
| Balanced Type | Mid-range spin and distance | Balanced performance for spin and distance | Lacks standout strengths | Q-STAR TOUR, Chrome Soft X |
▶ Who Is Each Ball Type Best Suited For?
✅ Spin Type ➝ For golfers who want precision in their short game
✅ Distance Type ➝ For golfers who want maximum distance
✅ Balanced Type ➝ For golfers seeking all-around performance
✅Recommended Golf Balls by Swing Speed
The most important factor in choosing a golf ball is matching it to your swing speed.
If your swing speed doesn’t align with the ball’s design, you won’t be able to maximize its performance.
| Swing Speed | Recommended Ball Type | Representative Models |
|---|---|---|
| 45 m/s and above (Advanced) | Low spin, high launch distance balls | TP5x, Pro V1x, TOUR B X |
| 40–44 m/s (Intermediate) | Balanced type – mix of spin and distance | Z-STAR XV, Chrome Soft X, Q-STAR TOUR |
| Below 39 m/s (Beginner/Average) | Spin-focused or soft-feel balls | Pro V1, TOUR B XS, Z-STAR |
▶ Approximate Swing Speed and Driver Distance Guide
✅ 45 m/s and above ➝ Power hitters who can drive 260 yards or more
✅ 40–44 m/s ➝ Average golfers who drive around 230–260 yards
✅ Below 39 m/s ➝ Players who typically drive under 220 yards
If you’re thinking, “I don’t know my swing speed…” — it’s definitely worth measuring at least once.
There are affordable swing speed measurement devices available for just a few thousand yen, so give it a try if you’re curious!
✅Do Tour Balls Really Suit Amateur Golfers?
“If I use the same golf ball as the pros, will I play better?”
Many amateur golfers believe this, but you need to be cautious.
✅ Major Differences in Swing Mechanics Between Pros and Amateurs
- Pros ➝ Create solid spin with a forward-leaning (hands-first) impact
- Amateurs ➝ Often struggle to generate spin, leading to lower launch and less carry
✅ Tour-level Balls Require High Swing Speed to Unlock Their Full Potential
For example, Pro V1x and TP5x are designed for low spin & high ball speed.
But if your swing speed is too low, you won’t get enough lift, and the ball may lose distance.
▶▶ Should Amateurs Use Tour-Level Golf Balls?
✔ If your head speed is 40 m/s or higher, tour-level balls may be worth trying!
✔ If it’s below that, balanced balls designed for amateurs are the smart choice!
▶ Tour-Level Balls Suitable for Amateurs
| Ball | Features | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Q-STAR TOUR | Moderate distance with spin control | Golfers who want a Pro V1 feel but need more forgiveness |
| Chrome Soft X | Soft feel with excellent spin performance | Players looking to experience a tour-level feel |
| TOUR B RX | Balanced performance between control and distance | Golfers who want both spin and distance |
“Just because a ball is used by pros doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for amateurs. In fact, choosing a ball that matches your swing is the real shortcut to lowering your score!”
📢 Conclusion: The Right Ball Can Change Your Game
✅ Understand the key differences between spin, distance, and balanced ball types!
✅ Choosing a ball that matches your head speed is essential!
✅ If you’re going for a pro-level ball, make sure it suits your swing characteristics
The Golf Know-It-All Boss“I get it—you want to use the same ball as the pros. But have you really thought about whether it fits your swing?”
ビギナ-OLちあき“I’m curious about spin balls! But I want more distance too… it’s so hard to choose! 💦”
🟢 Conclusion: This Is Your Ideal LPGA Pro Ball!
If you’ve made it this far and are still wondering, “So which ball should I actually choose?”—don’t worry.
I’ve handpicked the best options based on head speed, skill level, and cost performance.
Find the ball that truly fits your game, and start shaving strokes off your score!
📌 “For Head Speeds Over 40m/s: These Balls Are Built for Power Hitters!” (Advanced Players)
For golfers with a head speed over 40m/s, choosing a distance-type ball with a firm feel, high ball speed, and low spin is the smartest move.
These are the same models favored by pros—balls built for hard hitters—and they’re engineered to bring out your full potential on every shot.
| Ball Model | Key Features | Representative Player |
|---|---|---|
| Titleist Pro V1x | Low spin & penetrating trajectory for maximum distance | Hinako Shibuno |
| TaylorMade TP5x | High initial velocity, low spin – built for windy conditions | Yuka Saso |
| Bridgestone TOUR B X | Excellent straight flight and control around the greens | Minami Katsu |
📌 Recommended For These Golfers
✅ Spin-Type Balls ➝ Ideal for players who want more control around the greens
✅ Distance-Type Balls ➝ Perfect for those who prioritize maximum carry and rollout
✅ Balanced-Type Balls ➝ Great for all-rounders looking for versatility and consistency
📌 “Looking to Break 100? These Balls Are for You!” (Intermediate Players)
If you’re aiming to break 100, it’s essential to choose golf balls that offer a good balance of distance, spin, and feel.
We’ve selected models that feature tour-level spin performance while still being easy for amateurs to handle.
| Ball | Features | Representative Player |
|---|---|---|
| Srixon Z-STAR XV | High straight-line stability with great spin-distance balance | Hinako Shibuno |
| Bridgestone TOUR B XS | Excellent spin control; stops well on greens | Ayaka Furue |
| Callaway Chrome Soft X | Great feel and forgiveness on mishits | Yuna Nishimura |
▶ Recommended For:
✅ Golfers with a head speed of 38–42 m/s looking for consistent distance and spin
✅ Those aiming to improve approach shots and break 100
✅ Players who want a “pro-level ball” that’s still easy for amateurs to handle
📌 “Top 3 Pro-Style Balls with Great Value!” (Beginner Friendly)
“I want to try the balls pros use, but they’re just too expensive…”
For those golfers, here are carefully selected models that offer pro-level performance at an affordable price!
| Ball | Features | Approx. Price (1 Dozen) |
|---|---|---|
| Srixon Q-STAR TOUR | Well-balanced spin and distance | ¥4,000 |
| Bridgestone TOUR B RX | Soft feel and easy to generate spin | ¥5,000 |
| Titleist AVX | Low spin and high straight-line stability | ¥5,500 |
▶ Recommended For:
✅ Beginners and amateurs who want to try “pro-level balls”
✅ Golfers who value cost performance but still want good spin control
✅ Those looking for a soft-feel ball that’s easy to control
📢 Summary
✅ If your head speed is over 40 m/s, go for distance-type balls to maximize your carry!
✅ If you’re aiming to break 100, use balanced-type balls to stabilize your short game!
✅ For beginners and amateurs, the smart choice is a cost-effective “lite” version of pro-level balls!
The Golf Know-It-All Boss“Finally understood how important ball selection is, huh? Now you’ve got no excuse—go pick the perfect one for your game!”
Chloe the Golf Newbie“I see! Since I’m aiming to break 100, I’ll give the Srixon Z-STAR XV a try!”
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