Top 5 Best Golf Balls for the Average Golfer
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If you’re like most golfers, chances are you want to know what is the best golf ball for your game.
And it’s a great question because your golf ball has a huge impact on your ability to score well consistently. Not to mention, if you lose a lot of them, it can have a big impact on your wallet too.
Golf is an expensive enough sport, the last thing you need to do is waste money on balls that aren’t right for your game. So let’s break down how to pick the right golf ball and the best golf balls for the average golfer in 2023.
Best Golf Balls for the Average Golfer 101
So how do you choose the right golf ball?
I like to keep it simple and break it down to these three factors:
- Spin
- Distance
- Cost per dozen
While there are other factors like the cover, core of the golf ball, alignment, and other features, let’s not complicate things. For most golfers, it’s all about finding the right ball that provides the correct amount of spin and distance. Plus, one that doesn’t break the bank.
Spin
The first thing to think about is spin. Compared to past balata golf balls, modern day ones are much more firm to match the changes in golf equipment.
While most golfers think about spin for approach shots, spin is also crucial with your driver too. If you play a ball that has too much spin, it won’t roll out as much and thus, leave you with a longer approach shot. Which makes it harder to score if you’re coming into the green with a longer club.
Your swing style and clubhead speed has a huge impact on finding the ball with the right amount of spin.
Distance
The second thing to think about is distance. Since the game is obsessed with distance and extending golf courses, you want to make sure your golf ball doesn’t hold you back.
But distance isn’t everything, as you still need a ball with spin too. If your ball is as hard as a rock, it will make it very challenging to get the ball up and down from around the green.
Cost
The final thing to consider is cost. As I’m sure you know, golf is not a cheap sport and things add up quickly. If you spend $50 on a new dozen golf balls every week, your wife might not approve.
The goal is to find a ball that matches both spin and distance that doesn’t break the bank. Then, stick with that ball so you get more comfortable with its tendencies, and it should help you score more consistently.
Best Golf Balls for the Average Golfer
Now that you know more about what to look for in a golf ball, here are some of our favorite picks for the average player. While “average” is a bit arbitrary, we’ll say that an average golfer is someone who shoots between 85-95.
1. Callaway Golf Supersoft
Callaway Supersoft
- Supersoft has been one of the most popular golf balls for years
- Hybrid cover features an innovative paraloid impact modifier
- The high speed soft compression core maximizes energy transfer to increase ball speeds
- Hex aerodynamics is optimized to reduce drag and enhance lift for increased carry and higher flight
First up is the Callaway Supersoft balls. These are not their premium balls, which are the Chrome series and are a better fit for lower handicap golfers.
The Supersoft is still a great ball as it has an ideal mix of distance and spin. Not to mention, it won’t empty your wallet like the Chrome Soft balls.
If you have a faster swing speed, opt for the Chrome Soft to get the most out of your ball. Otherwise, these are a great option for most golfers.
2. Titleist ProV1
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
- Longer distance with consistent flight
- Very low long game spin and penetrating trajectory
- Increased drop-and-stop short game control
- Softer feel
Titleist makes sure everyone knows that they are the number one ball in golf! But just because it’s the number one golf ball on the PGA Tour, doesn’t mean it’s always best for your game.
While the Pro V1 or the Pro V1X are sure to help your spin and distance, they might not match your ideal price. They are some of the most expensive golf balls, which is the only downside.
Otherwise, they have everything you need in a golf ball for performance. Plus, they have extra alignment aids and are now offered in yellow as well.
Other good options include the Tour Speed or the AVX as well.
3. Vice Golf Balls
Vice Golf
- For players with low to medium club head speed
- Extremely tough and cut-resistant soft-core
- 368 dimple design
- Longer roll and softer feel
- 2 piece ball
As I mentioned above, it’s important to find a ball that doesn’t break the bank. While most premium balls are $30-$50 for a dozen, a new company is turning the golf ball world upside down.
Vice golf makes unbelievable balls for a fraction of the price of most in the market. Plus, they have six different types to choose from, so you can find the right one for your swing and performance goals.
But just because they’re lower in price doesn’t mean they are cheap by any means.
In fact, Vice does studies with their product line of golf balls against the most popular brand on the market, Titleist and outperform them with each ball.
According to Vice Golf, “The new Vice PRO PLUS outperforms the Titleist Pro V1x in ball speed, carry- and total distance as well as driver spin. The Vice PRO PLUS achieves a ball speed of 161.7 mph when hit with 109 mph driver swing speed, compared to 160.3 mph (Titleist Pro V1x).”
One of the main reasons they’re so much more affordable is because they ship directly from the manufacturer. While it’s a pain to not be able to buy them at the golf shop or clubhouse, it does help keep costs down significantly. Also, make sure to use their golf ball selector tool to find the one that matches your game.
4. TaylorMade Tour Response
Taylor Made Tour Response
- Alignment aid printed half way around the ball
- Durable print won't rub off
- Achieve the perfect roll to the cup
- Alignment aid printed half way around the ball
- Durable print won't rub off
Another good pick is from TaylorMade with their Tour Response golf ball. This ball is a great alternative to their higher priced, TP5 series. It has tour performances at a much lower price.
The Tour Response is geared toward average players, with a high launch and softest feel of any TaylorMade ball. This one is available in white or yellow and comes in about $15 less per dozen than the TP5 series.
5. Bridgestone e6
BRIDGESTONE e6 Golf Balls
- e6 is the soft feel, long distance golf ball
- Re-engineered for more power and feel
- More power softer and larger core for faster compression and longer distance
The final ball that we recommend for the average player is the Bridgestone e6. This ball combines soft feel with long distance at about half the price of a Pro V1. While it might not have all the features of their popular Tour B series, these are great for mid-handicap players.
The e6 is a perfect combination of high ball speed with soft feel around the greens. It’s also available in white or yellow as well.
Wrapping Up
Remember, your golf ball plays a big role in playing consistent golf. Don’t spend all your time finding the right clubs and neglect choosing the ball that matches your swing.
Finding the right ball usually comes down to testing. I like to go out and play nine holes by myself and hit shots with my current ball and a new one. It makes it easy to see the flight, distance, and spin around the greens.
Then, once you find a ball, stick with it if you’re getting the results you want. Don’t switch unless you find yourself in a slump and need something new to mix it up.
What is your favorite golf ball? Do you regularly switch?
Let us know in the comments below!
Michael Leonard
Michael Leonard is a full-time writer, author, creator of Wicked Smart Golf and +1 handicap amateur golfer. He left his corporate career in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship and professional golf; since then, he’s competed in 160+ tournament days and went to Q-school in 2019.