TaylorMade Golf Company has launched two new premium golf balls, the Tour Preferred (TP) Red and TP Black, both of which are already used on tour by Sergio Garcia and Paul McGinley and many others. “The TP Red and TP Black push the limits of ball performance to the very edge of those allowed by the games’ authorities,” said a company spokesman. “Both feature a revolutionary new NdV4 core designed to rapidly increase the speed at which the ball leaves the clubface, giving all golfers the power to generate more distance.”
The development of this advanced core technology was part of a three year research programme behind the most advanced balls in TaylorMade’s history. The mantle of the ball, which is the part between the core and the outer cover, has been designed to play a key role in controlling its launch angle from both drivers and the irons. It also supports the core to increase the speed with which the ball is launched from the clubface. What’s more, the new ‘PDP’ (Pentangular Di-Pyramid) dimple pattern on the outside of the ball is TaylorMade’s most innovative yet, with the shape of each dimple helping to promote longer carry and extra distance.
It is well known that switching equipment is a huge step for any professional player, but it is not just the likes of Garcia and McGinley who can appreciate the benefits of the TP Red and TP Black. Intensive testing has shown that even the average club golfer can expect to enjoy many of the performance advantages of both balls. Mid-to-high handicappers will not only benefit from increased distance but also improve their approach shots to the green, particularly in terms of improved consistency and the fact that shots will stop more quickly on landing.
Importantly, both balls have also been designed to penetrate the wind and hold their line in blustery conditions. This is a key consideration for golfers of all abilities.
The main performance difference between the TP Red and TP Black comes in the variation in size of their core diameters and mantle thicknesses. The TP Red’s larger core and thinner mantle produces a slightly lower, tour-like launch angle, than the TP Black, giving all players the power to gain greater control and accuracy over their shots. In contrast, the TP Black’s thicker mantle allows the ball to slide up the face at the point of impact to give a higher launch angle, helping to promote increased carry and distance. In summary, the key performance features are:
TP Red
Accelerated ball speed for greater distance
High-launch and low-spin off the driver for increased control
Low-launch and high-spin off the irons for precise control
Slightly softer impact response
TP Black
Accelerated ball speed for greater distance
High-launch and low-spin off the driver for longer carry and increased distance
High-launch angle and high-spin off every club for longer carry and increased distance
Slightly firmer impact response
Benoit Vincent, chief technical officer for TaylorMade, said, “Our goal was to build two tour-quality balls that generate faster ball speed and more distance than any other ball in the category. From that came the creation of TP Red and TP Black, which we believe delivers a better performance package than any other golf ball of its kind.”
Paul McGinley said: “I first switched to the TP balls in the week before The Masters. Some would say it is daft to change equipment in Major week but their performance was excellent. I have been using them ever since and for me they are the most consistent balls I’ve used. Not only do they travel faster and carry further they also offer incredible control.”
Sergio Garcia said: “The TP Red outperforms any ball I’ve used before. Shots come off the face quicker than anything I’ve tested, adding yards to my game.”
The TP Red and TP Black will be available to buy from September 2006 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of £40 / €55 per dozen.
TaylorMade Golf www.taylormade.com