TaylorMade TP5 Review: Why the 2026 Version Is the Best Yet

TaylorMade made big changes to the TP5 for 2026. Well, big changes is a stretch unless you engineer golf balls for a living. Things like a larger core, a new (and therefore improved, right?) dimple pattern, and even – get this – a new way of painting the darn ball.

I highly doubt any 10-handicapper has ever hit a previous version of TP5 and said “TaylorMade should really reconsider the dimple pattern,” but here we are.

And the funny thing is, it worked.

In our 43-ball test, the new TP5 ranked second in distance and tied for fourth in overall performance, churning out the longest carry distance of any urethane ball we tested. 

How We Tested TaylorMade TP5 2026

We put the 2026 TaylorMade TP5 through our published golf ball testing protocols using the SkyTrak ST Max launch monitor. That means human swings under strict bands for swing speed, impact quality, and delivery dynamics.

To see performance from tee to green, we test driver, 7-iron, and 50-yard wedge shots with each ball.

We tested 43 golf balls in total for 2026 then translated the raw data into 1-10 scores in the categories that matter most to your game. That lets you easily see how each ball stacks up to the field.

See the complete list of every golf ball we've tested or dive into the full TaylorMade TP5 test data here.

TP5's five-layer construction has always revolved around one core idea: generate maximum ball speed with the driver while maintaining iron and wedge spin. The new larger core for 2026 doubles down on that. TaylorMade says it decreases contact time at impact for more energy retention while the new dimple pattern promotes a more penetrating flight.

Our test suggests it paid off. TP5 led our field in carry distance among tour-tier urethane balls and posted wedge and iron scores that are competitive against the field. The one area where TP5 trails the elite balls is stopping power, where its mid-iron spin profile puts it 13th. Still, 13th out of 43 balls isn’t a weakness, just something to consider if stopping power is your top priority.

Distance: 9.2/10

TP5’s ball speed (137.9 mph) and carry distance (230.6 yards) in our driver test were both among the best in our test. Its total distance of 247.4 yards was second only to Callaway ERC Soft of the 43 balls we tested, and it was comfortably the longest urethane ball. Maxfli Tour, the next-longest urethane ball, was about a yard behind.

TP5’s high-launch, mid-spin combo kept it in the air long enough to maximize carry without ballooning.

Stopping Power: 7.9/10

TP5's mid-spin profile in our iron test produces solid stopping power, though not elite.

The 41.1-degree descent angle and 10.4 yards of roll put it 13th out of 43 in stopping power. That's perfectly functional. TP5 will hold greens when you hit a quality shot. If you need a ball that sticks to greens like velcro, you’ll find more stopping power from Pro V1 or Chrome Tour X. But for most players, TP5's iron performance is more than adequate and it comes with the best driver distance in its class.

Wedge Control: 8.5/10

TP5 produced 6,955 RPM of spin and a low-launch profile in our 50-yard wedge test, rolling out just 3.0 yards. That's a middle of the pack rank, but the spread is tight at the top. It won't suck back off the green, but it provides enough short game spin to flight wedges and control distance.

For context, TP5x scored higher in wedge control (8.9) with slightly more 50-yard spin. If the short game is your primary concern and you're choosing between the two TaylorMade tour balls, TP5x has the edge around the greens. If distance off the tee is the priority, TP5 is your winner.

Accuracy: 8.2/10

TP5 landed 16th out of 43 in accuracy, which reflects its balanced mid-spin profile. Driver sidespin of 158 RPM and 5.5 yards offline in our driver test were both respectable. It was also tidy in our iron test with 147 RPM of sidespin, hovering around the average of our 43-ball field.

TP5 is not an active sidespin killer like some lower-spin balls in our test, but if you hit it well, it won’t punish you.

Value: 7.4/10

At $57 a dozen with no bulk pricing, TP5 is competing in the most expensive tier of our test alongside the likes of Pro V1 and Chrome Tour. With a strong overall performance score of 8.5, tied for fourth-best in our test overall, it outperforms most competitors that cost the same. However, it trails in value to balls like Ben Hogan GS53 ($41 in bulk) and Bridgestone Tour B X ($54) that put up similar or better overall numbers but cost less.

If you're not deterred by the $57 price point and you prioritize distance, TP5 is the call. If you want to stretch your budget further without giving up much performance, there are a few alternatives worth exploring.

Read More: TaylorMade TP5 vs. Kirkland Signature: Is The Difference Worth $38?

Who is TaylorMade TP5 For?

TP5 is for the player who wants the most distance out of a premium tour ball without sacrificing iron and short game performance. If you're a mid-to-low handicapper who's already spending $57 on golf balls, nothing in our 43-ball test is longer at this price point.

If stopping power is your top priority and distance is secondary, Chrome Tour X or Pro V1 are worth considering. And if you want more short game spin and a firmer feel, TP5x is the natural alternative within the TaylorMade family. 

For players who want a do-everything tour ball that leads with distance, TP5 is the strongest choice of 2026.