What Is The Difference Between 3-, 4- and 5-Layer Golf Balls?

Golf Balls in production

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The golf ball has come a long way since the game’s earlies days and the history of the golf ball's evolution is fascinating.

From wood to stuffed leather to gutta percha, then balata and Surlyn-covered wound balls and more recently, urethane-covered multi-layered balls, the technology is constantly moving onwards.

The R&A and USGA have announced the new regulations to “reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability.”

Although the new tolerances will likely bring the longest drivers in world golf’s averages down by about 13-15 yards, the relative change for the average amateur will be less significant.

Today’s premium golf balls are non-wound and feature multiple layers. But what’s the difference between 3, 4 and 5-layer golf balls?

inside a golf ball — A look inside the 2025 Titleist Pro V1 golf ball

Well basically, using different layers, specifically internal “mantle” layers, allows manufacturers to create balls that perform differently to suit different player requirements. Changing the internal layers creates optimised distance, control and feel for players with different swing speeds.

Generally speaking, more layers means more precision in terms of spin control, with the best multi-layer balls offering a blend of low spin with longer clubs, for maximum distance and high spin with shorter clubs for better control and feel around the greens.

3-Layer Golf Ball

inside a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball — The Titleist Pro V1 is a 3-layer ball

This will be comprised of an inner core, an internal mantle and a cover. The ball is designed to suit a wide range of players who are seeking a blend of power and control.

The core is generally made of polybutadiene rubber. It’s a robust material that compresses on impact and returns to its original shape quickly to deliver spring.

The mantle tends to be made of synthetic polymers, often ionomer resins like Surlyn. Its function is to act as a buffer between the core and the cover, this can help with spin control – reducing it on the harder-hit shots, increasing it on the softer, shorter strokes.

The cover on multi-layer balls is soft yet durable and made from an ionomer or urethane. It’s designed to offer the player feel and feedback on all shots.

Famous examples of 3-layer balls include the Titleist Pro V1, Srixon Z-Star and the Callaway Chrome Tour.

4-layer Golf Ball

inside a Callaway Chrome Tour X golf ball

A four-layer ball is normally made from an inner core, two distinct mantle layers and a cover. The extra mantle layer is designed to offer more precise spin control.

Sometimes a 4-layer ball might feature an inner and outer core (dual core) to produce better energy transfer and so more distance.

The 4-layer ball is for players who swing a little harder and are seeking more control – less spin with the driver, more with the wedges.

Examples of the best four-layer balls include the Titleist Pro V1x, Callaway Chrome Tour X and the Wilson Staff Model X.

5-layer Golf Ball

inside a TaylorMade TP5 golf ball — TaylorMade makes a 5-layer ball - the TP5 and TP5x

These are normally made featuring a core, three mantle layers and a cover. But sometimes there might be a dual core featured, as with the 4-layer ball above.

The extra layer is included to maximise spin management. The idea is that the ball will perform differently when different clubs are used, delivering the ultimate in performance from driver down to wedge.

The 5-layer ball is designed with elite players in mind – golfers looking for absolute precision with every shot.

The only major manufacturer that makes a 5-piece ball is TaylorMade with its TP5 and TP5x, which have been reinvented for 2025 with a new microcoating paint application for better consistency of flight.

Which golf ball do you use? Let us know in the comments below!

Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.

He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.

Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?

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