Why a breakfast cereal ingredient is playing a key role in one of the world’s best golf balls!

By James Hogg, Golf Equipment Writer

Last updated: 06 February 2025

Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball Series 2025

Srixon Z-Star series 2025 golf ball cores

Everything you need to know about the ninth-generation Srixon Z-Star golf ball series featuring new core and cover technology

Srixon have announced the launch of the ninth generation of their Z-Star golf ball series. Unlike previous generations, the cover of the 2025 golf balls is made from corn. I bet none of you guessed that! As one of the most popular golf ball ranges on Tour, this is a highly anticipated release in 2025. Srixon are known for manufacturing quality golf balls and their Z-Star range challenges the best golf balls in the game.

The Z-Star family consists of the Z-Star, Z-Star XV, and Z-Star Diamond. All three models are premium golf balls, played by some of the best golfers in the world on both the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour. Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry, Hannah Green, Nasa Hataoka, and Ashleigh Buhai are just a handful of golfers playing with the best Srixon golf balls. The 2025 Srixon Z-Star XV has already tasted victory on Tour, at The Sentry, won by Matsuyama with a record-breaking score of 35-under par. On his way to victory, the Japanese golfer hit over 87% of greens in regulation.

By offering three golf balls within the Z-Star series, Srixon are able to cater to a wide range of golfers. Regardless of your wants and needs of a golf ball, at least one of the three models will suit your game. The 2025 Z-Star golf balls series is engineered to perform better than any previous iteration, by delivering longer distance, increased optimized spin, and Tour-level short-game control.

We tested the Srixon Z-Star, Z-Star XV, and Z-star Diamond golf balls in our 2023 golf ball robot test, and you can expect the 2025 models to be tested in our upcoming 2025 robot test. All three golf balls performed well in our 2023 robot test (as expected), and we have high hopes for the ninth generation in 2025.

Key technology of the Srixon Z-Star golf ball series

Biomass Cover

The new Srixon Z-Star golf ball series contains a newly formulated, extra thin, premium urethane cover derived from Biopolyol extracted from corn. The material reduces carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process when compared to traditional petroleum-based materials.

Spin Skin+ Coating

Spin Skin+ coating is a thin layer of specialized urethane that increases friction at contact, resulting in enhanced short game spin and control. Sporting a stronger urethane paint, this generation of Z-Star golf balls is more resistant to dirt and grime.

FastLayer DG Core 2.0

The newly formulated FastLayer DG Core 2.0 consists of three unique formulas. This core design promotes optimum spin and distance while delivering amazing feel. The core is softest in the contre and it gradually firms from the inside out.

FastLayer DG Core 2.0 also enables optimal core evolution for each model, providing even more distinction between the ball options.

338 Speed Dimple Pattern

The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern reduces drag and increases lift to boost overall distance and help deliver a straighter flight – even in the toughest wind conditions.

How do the three models within the Srixon Z-Star golf ball series differ?

Z-Star

The Z-Star sports reduced compression at the center of its soft core. The aim of the Z-Star is to minimize driver spin for increased distance, produce a softer feel, and enhance greenside spin.

Z-Star is the only model with a Divide option.

Z-Star XV

The Z-Star XV features added firmness partway through the core and boosts ball speed for greater distance and improved iron spin.

Z-Star Diamond

The Z-Star Diamond has a slightly firmer core compared to the Z-Star and Z-Star XV but with a slightly reduced compression. This model has been designed to minimize driver spin to deliver exceptional distance off the tee while maintaining greenside spin.

What Srixon say about the Srixon Z-Star golf ball series

Joe Miller, Srixon Europe, Product Manager.

“Our approach to this generation of the Z-Star series was to produce a more durable ball without compromising performance.

“This generation’s unique cover and stronger coating help improve the spin performance specific to each ball, while our team has improved distance and control to provide golfers purer performance from tee to green.”

Srixon Z-Star golf ball series availability

Srixon Z-Star

Price: $49.99 / £48.99

sovrn.co

The Srixon Z-Star is available to preorder from January 13, 2025. It will be available in pure white, and tour yellow. There's also a Z-Star Divide which sports a two-tone design.