This Callaway golf ball was the real star of the show
Wwelcome to Full Fit 2026the new GOLF platform to give you real-golfer insight into which 2026 gears might best suit your game. So far, we've brought together six GOLF content creators of varying abilities and sent them through a six-pack full-size golf bag (driver to putter!) at six major club manufacturers in Phoenix and Carlsbad, Calif. We hope that you may see the shadows of your game in one of our editors and learn something and inspiration from their relevant experience. In this installment (below), Johnny Wunder details the one golf ball that changed his game this year, the Callaway Chrome Tour X. You can browse our panelists' full 2026 dream bags here:
Jake Morrow (0 handicap) | Johnny Wunder (2) | Wadeh Maroun (2) | Jack Hirsh (2.4) | Maddi MacClurg (5.6) | Sean Zak (7.8)
FULLY FIT: The Fully Fit hub page | Why we're 'testing' golf clubs differently this year | Within 6 days of installation and testing | Browse 2026 drivers | Browse 2026 instruments | How 5 days of club fitting changed my mind about golf equipment
If you've been following along on my IG, Fully Equipped Podcast or other Fully Equipped content, you would know by now that the entire equipment market is so competitive that it's almost impossible to make a bad decision.
At any stage.
Every company not only has “the best” but that “best” goes all the way. YES, there are some parts where the volume isn't rounded to ten (some mixers, a few instrument sets, etc.), but overall it's probably the most competitive year in recent memory.
However, for me, there was one piece of equipment that stood out above the rest: the Callaway Chrome Tour X golf ball.
Of all the things that I have tested, that I have put into play, that I like, that I have preached about, this ball has gained a lot of steam. Why? It was the only piece of equipment that when introduced at the right time, improved my performance numbers in a unique way. It's not just me and me; see for yourself in this video with Charles Howell III. The results were laughable.
I tested the camera myself on most of my installations, when I finally switched to the Chrome Tour X, and almost like Thanos snapping his fingers, the atmosphere would change. Ball speed UP 2-4MPH, launch down 1-2 degrees, spin retention improved, dispersion strengthened and gap suddenly fixed.
Look, I'm 49 years old, I have 2 disabilities, and I'm in a job where I don't call often. This ball was the first time (in a long time) that a piece of equipment eliminated any need for more testing than anything else. In the entries, if the driver had close numbers, I would enter the CTX at the end, and the numbers would go from good to “My God.”
All of our selected markets are independently selected and selected by a team of editors. If you purchase a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn money. Prices may vary.
Callaway Chrome Tour X 2026 White Golf Balls
The Chrome Tour X is designed for outstanding tour performance with innovative speed technology for players seeking maximum speed and ultimate control, outstanding distance, efficiency, spin and tee-to-green performance. FAST: New Tour Fast Mantle The revolutionary new Tour Fast Mantle utilizes a distance-enhancing material with an improved core/layer system. CONSISTENT: Advanced Seamless Tour Aero The uniquely designed aerodynamic package is designed for incredible distance and flight consistency on every shot. Precision Technology also ensures that other technologies are carefully calibrated with industry-leading manufacturing, over 150 million proof points, to provide ultimate consistency. CONTROL: Tour-Grade Urethane Cover This high-performance cover is designed for incredible feel and core control.
View Product
Here's a quick example, and I won't name another ball.
Same session, warmed up, 10 balls each:
Driver (other ball)
Ball speed: 162.2 MPH
Temperature: 13 degrees
Speed: 2087RPM
Driver (CTX)
Ball speed: 164.6 MPH
Presentation: 11.2
Speed: 2346RPM
7-iron @ 32 degrees (one ball)
Ball speed: 121.9
Implementation: 17.4
Spin: 6109RPM
7-iron @ 32 degrees (CTX)
Ball speed: 124.1
Presentation: 16.1
Speed: 6456RPM
This was just a recent example, and honestly, it was like this EVERYWHERE I went. What's even cooler is that I can now start looking at metal sets that might be on the less forgiving side because the CTX actually raised my ceiling and my floor at the same time. That doesn't happen. Is it good outside the range? In the course? However, I played six rounds of golf this year, both in tournaments (yes, that's true). All the rounds were in very windy conditions on hard, fast greens, and I never made a bogey or worse due to a lack of control in the wind: No floats, no knuckle balls, nothing.
Some may think I'm biased because of my employment history… I'm not. When I left Callaway in 2025, I went straight into the No. 1 contender's ball. 1 and I had a great summer with it. When I put the new CTX back into the mix, I literally went from 49 years old trying for dear life to keep my ball speed in the low to mid 160s until now I think 170 MPH is literally in my hand.
Do the test. If you don't, you're not doing it right.
It's that simple.
Are you ready to get your wallet ready for 2026 like our Fully Fit panelists? Find a club fit near you at True Spec Golf.
“>
