We could give you 100 goes and you’ll never guess what the new Srixon Z-STAR golf ball cover is made from

The new Srixon Z-STAR golf ball range has a new cover and you wont believe what it’s made out of. Believe it or not, it’s corn. 

That’s right: corn. I know what you’re thinking and yes, that really is correct. Allow us to explain.

Srixon’s new biomass cover is designed to reduce carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. Rather than using petroleum-based materials they are looking at reducing the carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30.7 tons by using this new material.  

This is all great, but how do you use corn to create a urethane cover on a golf ball? 

The process

The Srixon Z-STAR range all have this new urethane cover design, but it all starts with corn. The next stage is extracting starch from the corn, which is the fermenting and polymerisation stage. Then, you get urethane derived from Biopolyol. This is then taken and turned into Srixon’s new Biomass cover. 

The performance

This cover is designed to withstand all conditions faced on the course, ensuring each Z-STAR golf ball maintains its tour performance. Also added to the Srixon Z-STAR is the Spin Skin+ coating which increases the cover’s friction for better spin control.  Srixon have also chosen the use of a stronger urethane paint to improve resistance to dirt and grime, for better control around the greens. 

“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.” – Joe Miller, Srixon Europe, Product Manager. 

The core design

Not only is there a new cover, there is a new core. Srixon’s new FastLayer DG Core 2.0, has not one, not two, but three unique formulas that lie at the core of the Z-STAR Series. It starts soft at the centre and gradually gets firmer from the inside out, this ensures that you gets the most optimum spin and distance upon impact. 

• Brooks Koepka WITB

How the Srixon Z-STAR golf balls differ

Srixon also say the new FastLayer DG Core 2.0 enables optimal core evolution for each model, providing even more distinction between the ball options. The Z-STAR model, with reduced compression at the centre of its already soft core, minimises driver spin for increased distance, softer feel, and enhanced greenside spin. The Z-STAR XV features added firmness partway through the core, and boosts ball speed for greater distance and improved iron spin.

Lastly, the Z-STAR DIAMOND, with its slightly firmer core and reduced compression, minimises driver spin, resulting in exceptional distance off the tee while maintaining greenside spin. Also included in the Z-STAR Series is Srixon’s Z-STAR DIVIDE model. These are great for putting and known as 50/50 Visual Performance. 

The conclusion

From corn covers, new Spin Skin+ and core designs there is a lot going on in the new Srixon Z-STAR golf balls. There’s also the new biomass cover, which is there to reduce carbon emissions up to the equivalent of 30 million plastic bottles.

If the quality and performance of the new Srixon Z-STAR golf balls aren’t compromised, then I think it will only be a matter of time before other brands go down the biomass route to make their practices more sustainable.

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James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor