Few would have predicted the sudden emergence of Tobias Dier to win the TNT Dutch Open at the weekend. It has now been revealed that it could be down to the new ball he’s testing.
A prototype spin-off of the Maxfli A10 ball, the makers claim it’s longer than the A10 but still conforms to USGA and R&A restrictions.
He not only won the title, but carded a course record, Tour-equalling 60 in the first round with the ball, which Maxfli plans to launch to amateur golfers in October.
"As far as I’m concerned, this ball doesn’t need much more testing," said Dier. "It performed brilliantly for me. I was driving
consistently longer which gave me great confidence. This is clearly the ball for me."
He was also using a newly launched 500 Series driver from TaylorMade, giving the driver a clean sweep of wins on the European Tour since it’s official launch at the Open Championship earlier this month, in the hands of Ernie Els.
Meanwhile Lee Trevino used a new ball in his made-for-TV golf match with Sergio Garcia against Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus last night.
They lost the match 3&2 but Trevino, aged 62, contributed three birdies using the new Top-Flite Tour ball – a multi-layer, three-piece construction, with 66 compression, that will challenge the likes of Pinnacle, Dunlop and the new Callaway Warbird.
* Look out for a new iron from Mizuno soon. Dutchman Marten Lafeber put the top-secret MP-30 in play at the TNT Dutch Open in Hilversum last Thursday and shot a first round 66. "Everyone is very excited about this club," said Andy Kikidas, who manages the mobile Mizuno workshop on Tour.
