10 Best Golf Balls That Cater to All Skill Levels

The self-described “Number 1 Ball in Golf” is arguably the best golf ball for everyone, though at almost $60 a dozen these are not for the faint of heart. Tons of pros play these balls because of their exceptional feel and high spin around the green, so if those are attributes you’re looking for, we couldn’t recommend a better ball.

Pro V1s are not optimized for distance, though, so more average players may want to choose a ball that is designed for length off the tee and with long irons. Plus, the soft covers on these are easy to cut up, so they’re not going to last long unless you’re hitting it pure every time.

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The most innovative golf ball on our list, the TP5 from TaylorMade is made with not two, not three, but an unprecedented five layers. This construction results in high speeds off the tee and high spin around the greens. The TP5 also utilizes TaylorMade’s Tour Flight Dimple Pattern, which makes for a steep angle of descent, resulting in better control and stopping power.

Many players liken the TP5 to the Pro V1, and so really the main reasons people jump from Pro V1 to TP5 comes down to feel and the cheaper price.

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Experts across the game agree that the Chrome Soft X is one of, if not the best, feeling golf ball on the market right now. Callaway’s Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core offers Tour-level ball speed, spin rate, and control from the tee to the green. For the more experienced player with high swing speeds (think intermediate to advanced skill level) this ball will work wonders.

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Bridgestone balls are now the top choice of Tiger Woods, do you even need to know more? You probably do, so here’s what you need to know about the brand’s affordable e6 line. They’re a soft-feeling, long-distance ball that is ideal for the average player looking to get a little extra distance. Players will get soft contact off the club face, resulting in a smooth stroke off the club with high forgiveness level on bad shots.

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Yellow golf balls aren’t just cheapos anymore. The Z Star XV from Srixon is a Tour-worthy golf ball that add maximum distance while still giving skilled players the workability they need from tee to green. The soft cover digs into the grooves of your irons to add valuable spin, while the cushy core provides ample ball speed.

And if you don’t like yellow golf balls, don’t fret, they come in white, too.

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The SuperSoft from Callaway is a great ball for the average amateur player. While Titleist’s Pro V1s are made with pros in mind, the SuperSoft is a great golf ball that provides value for everyone else. They offer a soft feel, long distance and a straight ball flight, all of which are vital for the amateur. If you need help with consistency, these are the balls for you.

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It wouldn’t be a Costco product if it didn’t come in bulk. The only ball on the list that comes exclusively in a 24-pack, the Kirkland Signature Golf Ball took the amateur golf world by storm when they were first released, winning praise for their superior affordability and penetrating ball flight.

They’re long off the tee, made to last, and won’t break the bank. What more could you ask for?

Another ball from Titleist that you should consider is the Velocity. Coming in at the opposite end of the price spectrum from ProV1s, the Velocity is just $30 per dozen. While this isn’t exactly cheap, they’re downright affordable when compared to ProV1s. The Velocity adds immense distance for the mid-to-high handicapper, utilizing a high launch angle combined with low spin to maximize yardage across the course.

You’ll also find that these are a much more durable option than Pro V1s, which is key for more average players who may not be striking the ball pure as often as much more experienced players.

Price

The price for golf balls is greatly varied and most of the main brands will have a few options at each price point. The goal, though, is to find a ball you know you can consistently keep on hand. You can go for the most expensive balls, for sure, but for the more average player, there’s no need to spend $60 on a dozen golf balls, especially if you’re just going to end up losing half of them over the span of a couple rounds.

Skill Level

Like most golf equipment, only the most experienced and skilled players will be able to truly harness the technology that comes with more expensive golf balls. You wouldn’t buy a set of pricey PGA Tour-worthy irons if you don’t have the skill to hit them. Similarly, the most expensive golf balls may not be the best option for the weekend warrior. Be honest with yourself and try to determine what matters most to you. If you swing hard and produce a lot of spin, you might want to play a softer golf ball that maximizes accuracy in your iron and wedge play. For softer swingers that don’t hit the ball as far, a more firm ball will give you better distance and less spin off the tee, resulting in more accurate shots throughout the course.

Feel of the Ball

We mentioned how soft and hard golf balls match up with certain skill levels and player profiles, but a huge factor will be simply enjoying the way the ball feels when you hit it. If you find a ball you enjoy hitting, stick with it. For some, a soft golf ball will provide a bit of an extra confidence-building feel, while other golfers may prefer the pop they feel when a harder golf ball launches off the face of their club. We recommend trying a few different brands and ball types, that way you can get a feel for everything that’s out there.

Do Golf Balls Actually Make a Difference?

The short answer is yes. Different balls are suitable for different players and finding the right ball for your game will make a huge difference. For more average players, look for a ball that adds distance and promotes a straight ball flight. Better players may look for a ball that adds spin and control, making it easier to hit different types of shots. Playing the wrong type of ball likely won’t make or break your ability to score well, but finding one that’s suited to how you play will make you much more comfortable and confident.

Should I Invest in Expensive Golf Balls?

Golf balls can cost a lot, but they don’t have to. More affordable golf balls may not come with the same attributes as the priciest of the bunch, but it’ll be easier to stomach when you send one into the pond or way out of bounds. Basically, if you think you’re going to lose a bunch of balls due to inconsistent play or are spending a few rounds playing more difficult courses, don’t spend $60 on a dozen golf balls when you could get three dozen for that much.