Scottie Scheffler isn’t the only one frustrated by mud balls — so is TaylorMade.

The prominent golf equipment company has filed a lawsuit against competitor Callaway, accusing the rival brand of spreading misleading statements about the design and performance of TaylorMade’s golf balls. According to the complaint, Callaway allegedly claims that TaylorMade balls are structurally inferior to its own products.

A key allegation in the suit centers on Callaway’s assertion that the way TaylorMade golf balls are constructed produces the same undesirable aerodynamic impact as when mud accumulates on a ball, adversely affecting its flight path and overall performance. (RELATED: Broncos’ Bo Nix Out For Rest Of Playoffs After Suffering Season-Ending Fractured Ankle Against Bills)

“Callaway, its agents, and representatives have conducted misleading UV light demonstrations in which they disparage TaylorMade’s golf balls, including by calling them ‘mud balls,’ and by falsely asserting that TaylorMade balls have uneven paint/coating coverage and poor quality control, leading to poor performance,” said TaylorMade in their lawsuit against Callaway, which was filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California San Diego Division.

The lawsuit points to a specific video that TaylorMade obtained, featuring a golf professional whom the filing identifies as a Callaway sales representative. In the recording, this individual is seen advising a potential customer, with the agent proposing “UV light testing golf balls seeing what type of paint coverage these golf balls have for overall golf performance.”

“He then puts the UV light over the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball, eliciting awe from the subordinate who observes that the golf ball has a darker spot,” reads the claim. “The Callaway sales agent suggests that the appearance is indicative of a poor-quality golf ball, saying, ‘Wow. Interesting [be]cause from my standpoint it looks like a gigantic piece of mud is right there … right above where it says TaylorMade.’”

TaylorMade is suing its rival Callaway over alleged “mud ball” claims.

The golf giant is taking Callaway to court, alleging false statements that its balls perform like they’re caked in mud.

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 16, 2026

The lawsuit goes on to read, “A ‘mud ball’ is one of the most derogatory phrases that can be attributed to a golf ball.”

A golf ball from Titleist is also featured in the UV test demonstration, though the filing does not disclose any specific statements or claims made regarding its performance or construction.

TaylorMade alleges that Callaway is “currently perpetuating the misinformation campaign,” and that they believe there are “many other instances of Callaway’s perpetuation of this campaign.” The lawsuit, however, doesn’t reveal any exact details of the claims beyond the cited video. (RELATED: Josh Allen Shows Up To Postgame Press Conference In Tears After Bills’ Devastating Playoff Loss Against Broncos)

TaylorMade is seeking a jury trial in its lawsuit against Callaway, looking to stop what it describes as ongoing libelous statements and to recover an unspecified sum in monetary damages.

Both TaylorMade and Callaway rank among the leading manufacturers of golf clubs and balls in the industry. TaylorMade maintains sponsorship agreements with high-profile players including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler, while Callaway has partnerships with prominent golfers such as Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Sam Burns.

In a recent transaction, Callaway completed the sale of Topgolf, with the deal valuing the brand at $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, TaylorMade continues to be caught up in an ongoing ownership dispute between two Korean companies vying for control.