No ball, no golf. Golf balls connect the golfer to the game itself. They are essential, so having the best balls possible is one of the easiest ways to improve your experience on the course.
If you're an avid golfer but still play with random balls you found in the woods, consider taking your game to the next level with better golf balls.
This post will cover some of the best golf balls on the market today that can potentially help improve your game. Each ball is unique in its own right and has its own advantages and disadvantages. The right golf ball for you will depend on a variety of factors, but you're highly likely to find it somewhere on this list.
What to Look for in Golf Balls
Before getting into the best golf ball for your game, it's essential first to understand what to look out for in golf balls you're considering.
When evaluating various golf balls, keep the following things in mind:
- Material
Higher-end golf balls these days all have a cast urethane cover and two mantle layers. Though this does provide better control and more spin, these balls tend to be more expensive. Experiment around and see if you notice any difference in your game using these balls (to justify the cost).
- Firmness
A firm golf ball will give you more distance off the tee, but will also be harder to control. A soft golf ball, on the other hand, won't help you set any long drive records, but will provide you with plenty of control over your shots. Your short game spin will also be different between the two. It's important to figure out which kind you prefer and buy golf balls accordingly.
- Price
If you like to play with premium golf balls, expect to pay anywhere from $50-$70 per box (or dozen). If you're looking for best value golf balls or cheap golf balls that still perform, you can expect to spend around $30-$40 per box.
Best Golf Balls to Improve Your Game
From high-end golf balls that tour players use to soft balls that will accommodate any swing speed, there's sure to be a ball on this list that will suit you.
Titleist Pro V1
Commonly touted as the #1 golf ball in the world, the Titleist Pro V1 offers many attractive features.
It lasts longer than most other golf balls and also provides excellent control around the green. On top of that, the ball also offers a softer feel without compromising any distance.
The Pro V1 is upgraded every two years, so you can rest assured that when you purchase a new box of Pro V1s, you're leveraging the latest golf ball technology. The only drawback is that there really is no discount on this premium golf ball, and you'll likely have to pay the full $70/dozen if you buy these new.
Titleist Pro V1x
The Pro V1x is similar to the Pro V1 and features the same core and cover that make this line of golf balls so popular.
The only difference is that the Pro V1x is higher launching and more spinny than the Pro V1, as well as feeling more firm. This is great for golfers who prioritize control and want their approach shots to have less rollout.
Even though the Pro V1x is more spinny, it offers surprisingly good control in the wind. The Pro V1x is a great option to consider while looking at the Titleist Pro V series golf balls.
Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
If you're actually a very spinny player and struggle with keeping the ball down in the wind, you probably want to steer clear of the Pro V1x and instead consider Titleist's new Pro V1x Left Dash.
The benefits of lower spin include better launch off the tee and more driver distance. Originally a CPO (Custom Performance Option), the Left Dash grew in popularity and is now a standard offering along with the Pro V1 and the Pro V1x.
If you're unsure whether these are for you, you can schedule a call with a Titleist team member and they will evaluate your game and let you know. Alternatively, you can also just make a few purchases and try these balls out on the course for yourself.
Srixon Q-Star Tour
The Q-Star Tour is a high-level golf ball that offers all the features you'd ever want to take your game to the next level.
Not only does the Q-Star Tour have a thermoplastic urethane cover, but it also has a unique “Spin Skin” that increases control over the ball for better greenside control. Furthermore, the ball is built for low compression, meaning that it will maximize your distance off the tee.
If you have a moderate swing speed and are looking for a ball to suit your game, look no further than the Q-Star Tour.
Vice Pro Soft
Though the Vice Pro Soft might not be the best tour ball on the market, if you're looking for a ball that will deliver consistency and distance (and won't break the bank), this one could be for you.
With a brand new three-piece cast urethane design, the Vice Pro Soft is best for players who have moderate to low swing speeds and drive the ball less than 200 yards. The Pro Soft offers players a blend of higher spin and launch for extra greenside control but also doesn't compromise on distance.
In some tests, the Pro Soft reportedly went further on the driver than the Titleist AVX ball. If you like the Pro Soft, but are looking for a slightly different feel, check out the Vice Pro Plus golf ball as well.
Titleist Tour Soft
The Tour Soft offers Titleist's biggest core and thinnest outer layer. What this means for players is greater distance off the tee and greater spin around the greens.
If you're looking for a soft golf ball to step your game to the next level, but also one that won't put that big of a dent in your bank account, the Tour Soft is a great option to consider.
Bonus: the Tour Soft's alignment is a “T” shape making it easier to line up your putts over those testy 3-6 footers, and can even help you line up your drives.
Taylormade Tour Response
One of the softest urethane balls on the market today, the Tour Response balls are known for their playability and affordability.
With a 100% urethane cover, a hi-spring core, and a firmer second layer, the Tour Response ball provides players with extra control, a softer feel, and increased ball speed.
Out of all of Taylormade's premium golf balls, including the TP5 and TP5x, the Tour Response is the softest and also on the cheaper end of the spectrum. At only $35 a dozen, you can get high-performing balls that also won't hurt your bank.
Callaway Chrome Soft
When it comes to the best golf balls that are also affordable, the Chrome Soft is almost always a contender.
Marketed as being the perfect all-level golf ball, the Chrome Soft provides incredible distance off the tee with a combination of low spin and high launch. Around the greens, you'll notice the soft feel immediately as the balls sound more muted on impact (as opposed to the normal “clippy” sounds of chips).
If you're looking for a slightly different feel but still enjoy the softness of the Chrome Soft, consider the Chrome Soft LS or the Chrome Soft X.
Wilson Staff Duo Professional
With greater compression, a larger core, and a harder mantle than its predecessors, the Wilson Staff Duo Professional aims to strike a clean balance between lower-priced and lower-spinning golf balls as opposed to higher-priced and higher-spinning golf balls.
Delivering near-tour level performance and only priced at $35/dozen, the Duo Professional will have you wondering why you were ever spending over $50 on a box of balls.
If you're a scratch golfer looking for an extra little edge to your game, these balls likely aren't for you. However, if you're an average golfer with a moderate swing speed, you could benefit tremendously from the Duo Professional.
Bridgestone E6
If you're looking for a golf ball that will deliver tons of distance, an incredibly soft feel, and only costs around $2 per ball, look no further than the Bridgestone E6.
It is designed with moderate swing speeds in mind and provides players with low spinning driver and iron shots that go straighter than the competition.
At around $25 per dozen, it's no wonder that this has been one of Bridgestone's top performers since its inception.
TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft
If you're like most golfers, you've likely picked up a Noodle golf ball in the woods, examined it, and then tossed it right back. If you're a high-handicap golfer, it might be wise to give a little more thought before tossing those Noodle balls back.
Noodle balls are well-known for going a long way and are great for golfers who consistently mishit the ball.
For a forgiving golf ball that is highly playable yet extremely cheap, look no further than the Noodle Long & Soft.
Taylormade TP5
The TP5 is Taylormade's equivalent of Titleist's Pro V1. It is a premium golf ball offering that many tour players have used in tournaments.
The performance of the ball is achieved through a new flight-optimized dimple pattern, five different layers, and high-flex material that delivers more rebound to the golf ball and adds even more distance.
Furthermore, the core of the TP5 is larger than it's ever been, adding even more spring to every shot. If you're looking for a premium golf ball that's built to go a long way, the TP5 is perfect for you.
Taylormade TP5x
In the same family as the TP5, the Taylormade TP5x offers all the same features and incorporates all the same technology.
The only difference is that the TP5x is slightly higher launching and lower spinning. If you have a really fast swing but always seem to spin the ball a ton, the TP5x could be a good solution to get your spin down and distance up.
Recap: The Best Golf Balls
One of the easiest ways to lower your golf score is to use better golf balls. This post has provided you with some of the best golf balls on the market today to help improve your game.
From soft to firm, high-launching to high-spinning, and premium to affordable, there's sure to be a ball on this list that perfectly suits you and your game.
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Jeff is a current Harvard student and author of the blog Financial Pupil who is passionate about learning, living, and sharing all things personal finance-related. He has experience working in the financial industry and enjoys the pursuit of financial freedom. Outside of blogging, he loves to cook, read, and golf in his spare time.