I personally prefer using the standard white TaylorMade Soft Response golf balls because I’ve always played white models. However, I did enjoy the high-visibility yellow golf ball for its ease of traceability in the air. I feel it’s a valuable asset to golfers with visual impairments tired of losing sight of their ball in the sky or in the cabbage patch. I feel the highly compressible, easy-launching design of the ball suits slow and moderate-swing-speed golfers. Affordability I produced consistent ball speed results thanks to a more effective rebound off the clubface on high-impact strikes. Extended Flight Dimple Pattern A healthy portion of this particular group is made up of what the industry likes to refer to as moderate swing speed golfers. Moderate, as we’ve covered before, is code for slow-ish. Guys, they’re just being nice.

Ideally, I’d prefer a golf ball that spins lower and optimizes length. However, I welcomed the easy launching nature and consistent carry distance it produced. This combination prompted a hassle-free, towering launch, high ball flight, and a soft landing. Although the soft landing cost me total length, I welcomed the consistency of the launch and its strike ability. Spin The reduced ball speed and higher spin levels led to less total length. However, I was content with the results, given their consistency. DistanceOn the course, both balls launched well and reached a healthy peak height that meant shots held the greens well. There is also further help in the form of a prominent side stamp in the shape of an alignment lineon the side of the ball, with the 338-dimple pattern working extremely well to deliver a reduction in drag and to get the ball airborne as easily as possible. A softer golf ball is good for getting more feel off the clubface especially when it comes to hitting shots around the green, and when on it as well. In the past using a soft ball would've meant compromising on distance but this is not really the case anymore because of technology.

The easy-launching nature of the TaylorMade Soft Response golf balls was one of my favorite features. As an average golfer, I enjoyed having one less factor to worry about. Thanks to the rapid rebound off the clubface, the ball launched into the air with moderate spin and consistent velocity, resulting in an elevated launch.While faster soft balls are all the rage right now, it’s important to remember our key fitting considerations. In some cases, the lower spin properties of soft balls can make up for the speed penalty; however, they often bring with them lower spin, which can be problematic in the iron game. I found the Tour Response to offer more short game control and while the Soft Response felt great on the wedge and putter, it released more on chip shots and doesn’t offer the same precision as expensive models like the TP5 and TP5x balls. Which ball should you choose? I suggest golfers with visual impairments select the easier-to-follow yellow balls. There are no performance or price differences between the 2 options. It comes down to personal choice. After testing the TaylorMade Tour Response from the same range I was excited to test out the TaylorMade Soft Response as I was impressed with the quality and performance from a mid-range ball.

The simple story behind the new TaylorMade Tour Response and Soft Response golf balls is that they’re made for you. The made for you thing comes from the fact that when TaylorMade asked golfers what features they want in a golf ball, the #1 answer was, “I want a golf ball that’s designed for me.”

Fitting Considerations

Sam is a member of North Hants Golf Club in Fleet, Hampshire, where he won the club championship 3 times in succession from 2015-2017. His golfing highlight to date is shooting a round of 10-under 60 at his home club, narrowly missing a wedge shot for a magical 59. Allowing for the reality that nobody can design one, or even two golf balls that are ideal for everyone, the likely context here is that amateur/recreational golfers want balls designed for the realities of their games (and want to pay less for them). Guys, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but that firmer mantle is a necessity. A low compression core without a significantly firmer outer layer is how you make a really slow golf ball. Given their lower price point, both balls deliver good distance, stable flight and solid spin control spin on hitting the green. Like my drives, I saw a drop in ball speed on 7-iron shots, leading to fewer yards than usual. I operated with an average of 113 mph, making it approximately 3 mph slower than my top speed.