Tommy Armour 845 Tour Spin Review

[sixiron150]

Pleasantly surprised... actually shocked!

This ball caught my eye about a week ago. My local Sports Authority has a sale going on these (2 dozen for $20). What caught my attention was that they are a 3 piece, low compression ball. I wrote them off at the time because I automatically think low quality "rock" when I hear the name Tommy Armour. Well, I had a change of heart a couple of days ago (3 piece ball for $10/dozen allurement) and purchased two dozen. I reasoned that if I hated them, I could take one dozen back and get $10. I could then give the rest to my son who is a minor and will play anything.

Concerning my game, I typically shoot in the upper 70s to low 80s. My average drives are in the 250 to 260 yard range (with roll out in normal conditions). My balls of choice lately have been the TF D2 Feel and Srixon AD333. Even though I could afford ProV1's, I'm always on the look out for a budget ball that performs above its price level.

Here is my take on these balls:

Brief Company Description - 3 Piece, Soft Ionomer Cover; New Larger, Low Compression Core; Firm Ionomer Mantle; Advanced, Alternating, Dual Radius 408 Dimple Pattern.

What I found:

Driver
I was a little off my game with the driver starting out. I noticed more side spin with the TA as opposed to the balls mentioned above. However, on the back 9, I started hitting some really nice drives. The TA did not disappoint. Caught it pure on one hole and ended up hitting a wedge into the green as opposed to an 8 iron that I normally have to use. Also, did some comparisons off the tee with some distance balls that I found on the course (Laddie X, Noodle L&S, and Wilson Titanium). The TA was just as long or longer as all of these.

Irons
The TA's were fine for me off the irons. They tend to be a high trajectory ball (which the box shows). Didn't feel real soft or real hard. Distance was comparable to the TF and Srixon.

Approach/Pitching/Chipping
No complaints here either. These balls aren't ProV's of course but they check up nicely with some roll out. Got up and down several times with them. These greens tended to be firm and I had no problems with the ball rolling off the back.

Putting
This is where I thought this ball would fail. I'm very picky about how a ball feels off the putter. Tried some Wilson 50's one time and couldn't stand them because they felt like putting marsh mallows. Also, tried some Maxfli Rev EXT Spins recently that ended up being a little to "clicky" or hard feeling off the putter. Surprisingly, these TA's felt good off of the putter also.

Durability
The balls hold up very well. No visible degradation after several holes.

As you can probably tell, my expectations for this ball were very low. I definitely thought that I would be taking them back. Now though, I plan to keep playing them. Unfortunately, the season is almost up where I live.

For $10 a dozen, I think this has to be one of the best golf ball deals out there.

Thanks for reading!

[borker]

Thanks for taking the time to fill us in. This being a 3-piece ball should be better than any 2-piece around the green.

Keep in mind though that NO Tommy Armour ball from Sports Authority is on the official USGA Conforming ball list, so these would be illegal to use in any competition.

I once tried these 845 Spin balls and after trying for a few holes ended up donating them to the practice range...

[sixiron150]

[quote name='borker' timestamp='1318326212' post='3656141']
Thanks for taking the time to fill us in. This being a 3-piece ball should be better than any 2-piece around the green.

Keep in mind though that NO Tommy Armour ball from Sports Authority is on the official USGA Conforming ball list, so these would be illegal to use in any competition.

I once tried these 845 Spin balls and after trying for a few holes ended up donating them to the practice range...
[/quote]

Well shoot. Didn't realize that. Guess I always assume that non-conforming balls will be labeled as such. That's probably why I was getting such great distance with them. Think I'll take the remaining dozen back and get some Wilson Zips. They had those on sale for around $15.

Thanks for the heads up.

[storm319]

[quote name='borker' timestamp='1318326212' post='3656141']
Keep in mind though that NO Tommy Armour ball from Sports Authority is on the official USGA Conforming ball list, so these would be illegal to use in any competition.

[/quote]

1. There are a few balls listed under "845s" at the top of the list rather than under the TA name.
2. Just because a ball is not on the list doesn't mean it doesn't conform to the USGA/R&A's limits. The fact that this ball is not on the list is likely due to the fact that the USGA hasn't tested it yet or it was never submitted for testing because anyone playing this ball isn't likely to care. I am sure it conforms.
3. Non-conforming balls are only illegal in tournaments with the Conditions of Competition in effect. With exception to pro/semi-pro or USGA sanctioned amateur events, most tournaments/events do NOT have this in effect.

[sixiron150]

Thanks for the reply. I think I'm still taking them back. I really like them for putting, iron shots, and chip shots. However, I played them again today and there is just too much side spin with a driver. I'm thinking I need to go back with a two piece ball. Read several reviews of the Wilson Zip today and I suspect that it will be too soft off the putter. I'm thinking about trying the Noodle + L&S. I read a report where robot distance testing determined that it was one of the longer (legal) balls out there.

[Phireside]

Love the Zip! Don't count it out.

[storm319]

[quote name='sixiron150' timestamp='1318382109' post='3660279']
Thanks for the reply. I think I'm still taking them back. I really like them for putting, iron shots, and chip shots. However, I played them again today and there is just too much side spin with a driver. I'm thinking I need to go back with a two piece ball. Read several reviews of the Wilson Zip today and I suspect that it will be too soft off the putter. I'm thinking about trying the Noodle + L&S. I read a report where robot distance testing determined that it was one of the longer (legal) balls out there.
[/quote]

That was 3 years ago under one set of swing conditions. A different swing could very well find different results. To be honest, there will be little difference in performance between low compression 2-piece surlyn balls.

[sixiron150]

[quote name='TheShaun' timestamp='1318382857' post='3660335']
Love the Zip! Don't count it out.
[/quote]

You know your probably right. Years ago, I used to play the WS Smartcore Professional Distance. Thought it was a great ball. The Zip is appealing because your getting a 3 piece ball for the same price as a 2 piece ball (cheaper in some cases). I'll give it a shot. I'd rather have it soft off the putter as opposed to a clicky rock.

Thanks.

[Phireside]

you can actually get a double dozen of Zips from budget golf for $20 with their instant rebate. I have about 7 dozen stocked up now.

[Par Fore]

This is a complete thread jack, I apologize, but a local golf shop had tf gamer v2's for 9 bucks a dozen. That is a good price for a quality ball.

[sixiron150]

[quote name='Par Fore' timestamp='1318480065' post='3666341']
This is a complete thread jack, I apologize, but a local golf shop had tf gamer v2's for 9 bucks a dozen. That is a good price for a quality ball.
[/quote]
Well yes, for $9 a dozen I would definitely hop on those. I tried the original Gamer when it came out and really liked it. Most local places (usual suspects: Dick's, Walmart, Meijer, SA, etc.) around here have it for $19.99.