GOLF gear
having a
BALL
There are few greater feelings than standing on the first tee and taking out a brand new golf ball. Here we look at Bridgestone's offerings for 2026
BY BEN KARPINSKI
Golf audiences have been spoilt these past few months with the number of high-quality professional events that have been held in South Africa, taking in stops on the DP World Tour, HotelPlanner Tour, Sunshine Tour and Sunshine Ladies Tour, and more. We've also had big crowds following the action.
One of the advantages of being in the gallery is watching a player straying off line with their shot and it's sitting, either with a good lie or a bad one, off the fairway. There's a rush to surround the ball, and a fascination with staring at the ball much like we see spectators looking at a cricket pitch for signs of cracks and greenness. It's just what spectators do!
This month we take a look at the new range of Bridgestone Tour B, which again features four different models. Two of them are designed with higher swing speeds (over 170km/h) in mind and two for average golfers, with the emphasis on offering higher short-game spin.
When it comes to offering more ball speed, the Bridgestone president Dan Murphy says: 'It took a tremendous amount of work to develop VeloSurge technology. I'm confident saying this is undeniably the most advanced iteration of the Tour B golf ball we've ever produced.'
When it comes to promoting their range of balls, Bridgestone have applied the same reference to all of them: These balls are pushing the limits of distance, New VeloSurge core-mantle integration technology delivers breakthrough velocity for unmatched distance off the tee and The Reactiv iQ cover adheres to the clubface longer, generating tour-level spin and precision control on shots around the green.
WHAT BRIDGESTONE SAYS
'All these models are pushing the limits of distance. New VeloSurge core-mantle integration technology delivers breakthrough velocity for unmatched distance off the tee. The Reactiv iQ cover adheres to the clubface longer, generating tour-level spin and precision control on shots around the green.'
RANDOM REVIEWS
'The 2026 Bridgestone Tour B golf balls keep everything that golfers have loved for the last several years and makes them – potentially – faster. Given the rules limiting equipment, that's no small feat. They're absolutely worth a try on the chance that you gain the promised 9m off the tee.' – pluggedingolf.com
'Bridgestone has been making golf balls for ninety years and has been the number one brand in its native Japan for almost as long. If professional endorsements alone aren't enough to tempt you, then consider that Bridgestone makes some of the best golf balls for all levels of players. If you're looking for more distance, less spin and greater accuracy then there's likely a Bridgestone to fit your requirements.' – golfmonthly.com
TOUR B X
Who benefits: Ideal for high-speed players (swing speeds 170km/h or higher) wanting a mix of low spin off the tee and high spin on approaches. It is widely considered a top-tier performer for 2026.
Who benefits: Ideal for
high-speed players (swing
speeds 170km/h or higher)
wanting a mix of low spin off
the tee and high spin on approaches. It is widely considered a top-tier performer for 2026.
TOUR B XS
Who benefits: Provides the softest feel and highest greenside spin, favoured by players who prioritise control and feel. For swing speeds of 170km/h and higher.
Who benefits: Provides the
softest feel and highest
greenside spin, favoured
by players who prioritise
control and feel. For swing speeds of 170km/h and higher.
TOUR B RX
Who benefits: A great option
for moderate swing speeds,
with improved distance
and good spin control.
Who benefits: A great option for moderate swing speeds, with improved distance and good spin control.
TOUR B RXS
Who benefits: Similar to the
RX but offers a higher
spinning, softer, and more
controlled, shorter-game
experience for amateur golfers. For swing speeds of 170km/h and lower.
Who benefits: Similar to the RX but offers a higher spinning, softer, and more controlled, shorter-game experience for amateur golfers. For swing speeds of 170km/h and lower.
WIN!
Stand a chance to WIN a dozen Bridgestone golf balls
Bridgestone and The GOLF Mag are giving 12 lucky readers the chance to win a dozen golf balls each in this month's competition.
Bridgestone Golf is recognised as the No1 ball fitter in golf, having conducted over 2.1-million fittings.
Readers are encouraged to enter by answering the simple question and go into the draw.
We will randomly select 12 different winners who will receive their prize and get the chance to put their skills to the test with brand new golf balls in their bag!
enter now
competition with BRIDGESTONE
Bridgestone and The Golf Mag are giving 12 lucky readers the chance to win a dozen golf balls each in this month's competition.
COMPETITION RULES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The prize/s is as indicated, no alternatives or cash will be provided, nor are they transferable.
The decision of The Golf Mag will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into. Under no circumstances shall The Golf Mag, GolfRSA, Bridgestone or its appointed representatives and the prize donors be liable to anyone who enters these prize draws for an indirect or consequential loss howsoever arising which may be suffered in relation to the prize and/or draws.
PRIZE DRAW RULES
The prize draw is only open to all entrants who are over 18 years of age and reside in South Africa. Employees of The Golf Mag, GolfRSA and Bridgestone and their respective advertising, media and PR agencies, as well as the family members, consultants, directors, associates and trading partners of such organisations and persons are ineligible for the draw. Participants can only win one competition.
The prize winner will be notified via email or telephone call and their names will be published in the magazine. Only one participant or entrant per household is entitled to win one prize in any competition. If the prize is not claimed within 30 days of the winner being announced, the winner automatically forfeits the prize and we reserve the right to redistribute or dispose of the prize at its discretion.
Any violation or attempt to violate any of these terms and conditions will result in the immediate disqualification of the participant or entrant.
POPIA TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By subscribing or entering these competitions, readers make themselves subject to receiving promotional information. The Golf Mag will not rent or sell potentially personally identifying and personally identifying information to anyone. The Golf Mag discloses potentially personally identifying and personally identifying information only to those of its employees and to Titleist that (i) need to know that information in order to process competition on The Golf Mag’s behalf or to provide services available at The Golf Mag’s website, and (ii) that have agreed not to disclose it to others. All personal information (‘personal data’) supplied by participants shall be processed in accordance with South African data protection legislation and the promoter’s privacy policy. Entrants are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.
bridgestone / supplied
