I've had good luck in the past with Blizzaks, Pilot Alpins, X-Ice, and most recently on my previous vehicle, Nokian WRs. With the Golf R, I decided to go with X-Ice 3's in 215/50/R17. The digital readout on the dash matches what I see on Waze with my iPhone and using online size calculators, it was the right size to go with.
The only issue I'm having is occasional front tire rub on the fender liner when the car has anyone other than me in it. The car is lowered with Eibach Pro Kit springs but the issue is really the rims I'm using: 17x8 with ET35. Even with no spacers they sit wider than the Prets with spacers.