Reader Test: Callaway Chrome Soft Ball

Phil Mickelson calls it the best ball he’s ever had. Callaway says it’s the ball that changed the ball. The new Chrome Soft is said to provide both the feel and distance that golfers have traditionally had to choose between. But does it live up to the hype? We gave four readers a dozen each at Peterborough Milton Golf Club in Cambridgeshire to put the claims to the test.

Ryan Slater – Hcap 18:

How did it perform from the tee?
It easily went further than the soft ball I currently use. The distance was impressive.

What about the ball flight?
I hit it a touch higher with my irons, allowing me to get some more stop.

Did you get much greenside spin?
I don’t spin the ball at all so it was great to see a couple of iron shots spin back.

How was it on the greens?
I couldn’t get it to the hole and felt like I had to over-hit it to get it there.

Will you keep them in the bag?
Distance and spin were better than my current soft ball so I definitely will.

Neil Smith – Hcap 8:

How did it perform from the tee?
I was initially concerned about distance. I use a firm ball because I’m not the longest hitter, but I didn’t lose distance with this. It held its own and felt good off the face.

What about the ball flight?
The trajectory was good and it travelled straight and true in the air.

Did you get much greenside spin?
It stopped quicker on chips and pitches, which let me be more aggressive.

How was it on the greens?
It felt a bit lifeless and I struggled to gauge distance with the putter. However, it was good on off-centre hits. With a firmer ball it usually feels terrible if you don’t middle it, but this felt good and rolled out.

Will you keep them in the bag?
It will be a big change for me but they’re much cheaper than the balls I currently use.

Alex Dalton – Hcp 12:

How did it perform from the tee?
When I felt how soft it was I was worried that I might lose yardage. However, I was surprised that it kept its distance and, if anything, seemed to add five or 10 yards.

What about the ball flight?
My ball travelled slightly lower than normal which saw me go long on a few occasions and I had to adjust.

Did you get much greenside spin?
I never usually get much, but got it to stop quickly with my wedges.

How was it on the greens?
I struggled for feel with the putter.

Will you keep them in the bag?
I need to get used to it, but it’s possible.

Chris Savage – Hcp 5:

How did it perform from the tee?
Off the driver face I wasn’t massively keen because it felt so different to the harder ball I normally use. It definitely held its distance, though, out-performing other soft balls I’ve tried.

What about the ball flight?
The flight was consistent, similar to the firmer ball I use at the moment. 

Did you get much greenside spin?
It definitely spun more around the greens than I’m used to which was good as I can struggle to get grab on my wedge shots. 

How was it on the greens?
It was too soft for me and the insert on my putter exaggerated that.

Will you keep them in the bag?
The feel is so different to what I’m used to that means it’s a no for me.