The Ball That Shane Lowry Says Makes Him A Great Wind Player
Along with great skill, Lowry's equipment helps him play well in the wind...


On the second round of a blustery day at Augusta National Shane Lowry once again proved just how good he is when playing in the wind, shooting 68 and leaping up the leaderboard. Of course he has played links golf and in windy conditions all his life so his proficiency at flighting the ball and controlling spin is clear, but one other aspect that he says helps him is his golf ball. Speaking to the BBC he acknowledged how good the golf ball is in the wind and the specific model in question is the Srixon Z-Star XV.
- Read our full Srixon Z-Star XV ball review
A golf ball that Hideki Matsuyama also uses, when we tested the ball it was noticeable how it penetrated the wind. It felt compact and powerful at impact, and in terms of ball flight it didn’t balloon into the air as a result of too much spin. This is perhaps down to the FastLayer inner core, and the 338 Speed Dimple Pattern which improves aerodynamics and flight performance.
Srixon implemented new dimples on the ball which were a touch deeper compared to previous generations of the Z-Star XV. Why? Well this is to create a slightly lower ball flight which in turn helps players in the wind. Indeed our testing seems to agree with this.
Lowry is of course a Srixon staff player and pretty much plays a full bag of equipment from the brand, as well as uses a Tour staff bag. For a closer look at the specifics, check out our Shane Lowry what's in the bag post.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Sam is Golf Monthly's Senior E-commerce Editor which mean's he oversees everything E-com related on the site.
This takes the form of creating and updating Buying Guides, reviews, and finding bargain prices for deals content.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last seven years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate, insightful, and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.
Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap.
-
Carlos Ortiz 'Overjoyed' To Earn Open Championship Spot After Pulling Away From LIV Rivals During International Series Macau Victory
The Mexican finished with a blistering six-under 64 to earn his second Asian Tour prize and clinch a spot at the 153rd Open Championship
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'So Many People Have Supported Me And Believed In Me When I Stopped Doing It Myself' - Richard Mansell Shares Immense Gratitude After Last-Gasp Birdie Helps Englishman Clinch Maiden DP World Tour Title
Mansell birdied his final hole of the week at Laguna National Golf Resort Club to help him land the rain-affected Porsche Singapore Classic by a single stroke
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Technically The Easiest Major To Win' - Jordan Spieth Delivers His 'Hot Take' On The Masters That 'Augusta’s Just Blown Up More Than It Probably Should Be'
Jordan Spieth says that The Masters is "technically the easiest Major to win" as he delivered his "hot take" on Augusta National
By Paul Higham Published
-
What's A 'Scottie Style' Cheeseburger? Scheffler Explains Masters Champions Dinner Menu...Including The Dish He Injured His Hand Making On Christmas Day
Scottie Scheffler ran through his second Masters Champions Dinner selections - including his very particular way of eating cheeseburgers
By Paul Higham Published
-
9 Big Names Set To Miss The 2025 Masters
We take a look at the big names and notable players who haven't yet qualified for the first men's Major of the year...
By Elliott Heath Published
-
'I Don't Think I Could Have Won The PGA Without Blowing The Masters' - Brooks Koepka Believes Augusta 'Choke' Can Fuel Quest For Double-Digit Majors
Speaking to LIV Golf's Rick Shiels in a match on YouTube, Kopeka revealed how he dealt with defeat at the 2023 Masters and how it helped him land Major No.5
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
I’ve Looked Through The Early 2025 Masters Odds And These 5 Players Are Currently Crazy Good Value
The Masters is drawing nearer and nearer and, right now, you can grab some crazy odds on certain players ahead of the main event at Augusta National
By Matt Cradock Published
-
The 18 Golfers Making Their Masters Debut In 2025
While there will be plenty of Masters experience at the 2025 Major, for 18 players, it will mark their first appearance at the Augusta National tournament
By Mike Hall Published
-
Which LIV Golfers Are Qualified For The 2025 Masters?
We take a look at the LIV Golf stars who have qualified for the 2025 Masters at Augusta National
By Paul Higham Published
-
Meet The 5 Amateurs In The Masters 2025 Field
Five amateurs have qualified to play at Augusta National in The Masters this year - find out how they did it ahead of the first Major of 2025...
By Jonny Leighfield Published