Equipment
2015 Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls
Srixon’s fourth-generation Z-Star and Z-Star XV golf balls have a new outer layer, dimple pattern and inner core, providing more spin, feel and distance than their predecessors, which were already top-tier golf balls.
The 2015 versions of the Z-Star and Z-Star XV balls use what Srixon calls next-generation SpinSkin for more spin and softer feel. For added distance, the balls use SpeedDimples and an Energetic Gradient Growth core.
Srixon’s SpinSkin, specifically designed for shots around the green, increases friction by up to 18 percent over its predecessors, with a cover that’s 21 percent softer. If you’re not a numbers person, that means the new golf balls are softer and spin more, increasing feel and performance on scoring shots.
Since the new golf ball is softer, won’t that affect distance? Srixon’s new dimples and core technologies are designed to increase distance despite having a softer cover.
The 324-dimpled SpeedDimple design increases surface area coverage, helping reduce drag, and the Energetic Gradient Growth core was designed to enhance Srixon’s S.T.A.R. performance — Spin, Trajectory, Acceleration and Responsiveness.
The fourth-generation Z-Star (90 compression) and Z-Star XV (105 compression), are available in Pure White and Tour Yellow and sell for $44.99 per dozen.
Equipment
Neal Shipley, AKA, the “Big Fridge’s,” custom stamping
Neal Shipley was the first to admit that he enjoyed his food while in college. But since his days at Ohio State, he’s slimmed down and earned a PGA Tour Card.
That hasn’t stopped him from having fun with his wedge stampings, though it’s led to some misunderstandings.
On the 54 (degree), we have ‘Big Fudge,'” Shipley told GolfWRX. “It was supposed to be ‘Big Fridge,’ so this happened a little while ago. ‘Big Fridge’ was a nickname between my college teammates and I, with ‘fridge’ meaning stomach, a big stomach.

“We told the Ping guys to put … ‘Big Fridge’ on it, and I think maybe some bad cell service or something, and they thought I said ‘fudge,’ so they put fudge on it.”
On Shipley’s 50-degree he also continues the food theme, this time with his go-to order at the “Golden Arches,” and his stamping “DONS 7.”
“The number 7 meal, the two cheeseburger meal, that was my McDonald’s order, back when I would have McDonald’s frequently,” Shipley shared.
Equipment
From the GolfWRX Classifieds: L.A.B. Purple DF3 with Masters cover
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @raw10628 has a L.A.B. DF3 putter and Masters putter cover up for grabs.

From the listing: “Some great items here today, time to thin out and make room for next set of gear. All prices include shipping.
LAB DF3 Purple 33.5” 68° lie with TPT – $725. LAB Masters release DF3 cover – $150.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
Whats in the Bag
Maria Torres WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 5-M4

3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4

5-wood: Ping G440 Max (19 degrees @18)
Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4

Hybrid: Ping G440 (23 degrees)
Shaft: Oban Isawa Red Hybrid Shaft 04 Flex 70 Gms

Irons: Srixon ZXi7 (5-P)
Shafts: Aerotech SteelFiber Private Reserve i80

Wedges: Cleveland RTZ (50-MID, 54-FULL, 58-MID)
Shafts: Aerotech SteelFiber Private Reserve i105

Putter: L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i
Shaft: ACCRA Putter Shaft

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet


Speedy
Mar 5, 2015 at 7:26 pm
Right on, leftright. Forget the new ‘n improved, the ’14 Z Stars are $24.99 at Pro Golf Discount (WA).
setter02
Feb 24, 2015 at 6:59 am
Always been a very underrated and appreciated ball.
David M
Feb 22, 2015 at 12:23 pm
The little bit I have played the previous versions of this ball I was impressed. I will definitely try these out sometime since I am always looking for an alternative to the Pro V-1X.
Teaj
Feb 23, 2015 at 9:10 am
and now that a box of Pro V1’s are $60 a-ya
rgb
Feb 21, 2015 at 12:54 pm
No wonder Golftown is selling last year’s stock for 27.98 now.
Brad
Feb 20, 2015 at 2:43 pm
I agree with Liam. Im excited to compare them to the Taylormade TP. Ever since the Lethal, ive been hooked, so im excited to give these a whirl.
leftright
Feb 19, 2015 at 10:43 pm
I play the old Z-stars, can get them for 30 a dozen now all over the place. It’s a good ball, longer than a ProV1 and has a little less spin for me. Obviously I will compare the new Srixon with the old and try to find the difference. I’m getting old though and won’t be much longer and I will be playing Pinnacles.
Liam B
Feb 19, 2015 at 4:02 pm
So a premium ball that was made ever better… Really excited to try these out in 2015! In my opinion, there will be no better ball this year for the price and it will compete with the new pro vs because no one will be able to explain why you should pay $15 dollars more for a comparable ball.