Product Review: Nike ONE Tour D

Contributed by Patrick Craig
April 2009

First Impressions: Nike ONE Tour D Golf Ball (April 2009)

As mentioned in the Nike ONE Tour review, I used to golf competitively and have always leaned towards a premium ball, meaning the Pro V1. I recently played several rounds with the Nike ONE Tour and the Nike ONE Tour D, and I was impressed.

The Nike ONE Tour is similar to the Pro V1 and replaces the Nike ONE Platinum, while the Nike ONE Tour D competes against the Pro V1x and replaces the Nike ONE Black.

The ONE Tour D is marketed as a lower spin and superior distance option versus the ONE Tour and Nike’s opinion of its own product is spot on. Off the tee the Tour D feels firmer and is slightly longer than the ONE Tour, but not by too much. The Tour D did spin considerably less, especially off the driver, and flew much lower than the Tour.

The major difference I found between the two balls was on the greens. The Tour D was not quite as soft and workable at the Tour while pitching and chipping and it lacked the same feel while putting. However, compared to most of the other premium balls I have played, both of these are on the soft side, with the Tour being slightly softer. These golf balls are definitely for players.
The bottom line is that Nike have developed two golf balls that compliment each other nicely. The low handicapper who hits a high ball or wants to control sidespin off the tee, while maximizing distance, will likely prefer the Tour D. The skilled golfer who likes to work the ball on full shots and values soft touch around the greens, will probably pick the Tour.

The ONE Tour and ONE Tour D have the same cover, so ball scuffing is the same and about average for a performance golf ball.

For more information, check out the Nike ONE Tour at Nike Golf.com.

Review by Patrick Craig