Updated August 22, 2021. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The Rundown:
Best golf ball overall: Titleist Pro V1
“Offering exceptional distance, outstanding greenside control, and low spin off the tee box, there’s no doubt Titleist Pro V1 is the best golf ball for the average golfer. It even features a redesigned solid core and a high-quality urethane cover.”
Best 2-piece golf ball: Titleist TruFeel
“Want a 2-piece golf ball option? We highly recommend Titleist TruFeel. It provides a wonderful distance control, terrific feel off the driver, and a low compression core so you don’t have to sacrifice distance. At a low price point, the Titleist TruFeel is a great buy!”
Best distance golf ball: Titleist Velocity
“Need more distance? The Titleist Velocity is a perfect choice. With its low compression core, low driver spin, and softness reserved for more advanced golf balls, it’s a favorite among golfers. Its ball flight ranges from moderate to high which makes it great for average players who need more distance.”
Average golfers and mid handicap players who are looking for more spin around the green, low spin off the tee box, or better short game control, will find the great value in the best golf balls for average golfer listed in this guide.
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Last updated on 2021-09-17. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
Key Factors to Look for When Choosing Golf Balls for an Average Golfer
Construction
Most average golfers want something specific from their new golf balls. For beginners and high handicappers, two-piece balls that consist of an outer layer and an inner core are perfectly fine for learning the game.
But for golfers that want to take their game to the next level, multi-piece balls are the only way to improve. These balls offer greater spin around the putting surface and less when you are using the driver. Their construction allows golfers to discover the depths of their talents.
Accuracy
What golfers of any skill set desire from their golf ball is a tight shot dispersion. By routinely keeping the drives in a tight circular area on the fairway, or even just in the rough, you increase accuracy and the quality of the second shots.
By hitting from the fairway more often, you greatly enhance the opportunity of putting for birdie or par. The more those moderate putts happen with the chance to leave the hole without a bogey or worse, the more your score will improve over time.
Affordability
Since their are luxury and value options on our list, let’s talk about the affordability of these golf balls for the golfers with an average skill set. If you have the money to spend on better balls, then by all means, do so because your game will thank you for it.
More affordable balls don’t necessarily sacrifice performance, but they do come with more caveats that may only provide one specific benefit, such as softness or more distance.
Durability
The durability of a golf ball has several factors at play including luck, the accuracy of the golfer, and the type of course they regularly play. Softer covers do tend to cut more easily, but they are preferred by professionals and amateurs for their superior performance.
Even for cheaper dual-component balls, the outer cover must maintain durability to extend the life of the golf ball. Since these balls have a thicker cover to maintain longer durability, the golfer can expect reduced performance when compared to their multi-component counterparts. Even with this in mind, these more affordable, minimal feature balls serve a purpose for the average golfer.
Distance
The distance of any of the golf balls on our list is important to understand before purchasing for average golfers. Regardless of how many layers of the golf ball, manufacturers have done a magnificent job of creating balls that can increase the length of drives and secondary shots into the green.
When considering the quality of the core, the cover, and the ball’s dimple pattern, you should understand how each component plays a part of how far the ball will actually carry.
Dimple Pattern
The dimple pattern on golf balls help push the surrounding air away from the golf ball reducing the drag that wind has on the ball. By reducing the punishment of the air around the ball, it can fly longer and straighter.
A shallow dimple pattern is great for distance balls because the air is moved more quickly from the surface of the ball. Also the number of dimples the golf ball has does not really matter because all modern balls have over 300 along their surface.
Compression
For slower swings, low compression golf balls help by providing distance without the necessary swing speed. These balls have a springy inner core that leaps off the face of the club for maximum distance with moderate spin.
Simply put, a lower compression golf ball is great for an average player because it assists their game even if their swing isn’t as fast as it once was long ago.
Best Golf Balls for Average Golfers
- Best Overall Option – Titleist Pro V1
- Best 2-piece Golf Ball Option – Titleist TruFeel
- Best Distance Option – Titleist Velocity
- Best Luxury Option – TaylorMade TP5x
- Best 2-piece Soft Golf Balls Option – Bridgestone Golf e12 Soft
- Best Soft Feel Golf Balls Option – Srixon Soft Feel
- Best Low Compression Golf Balls Option – TaylorMade Project (a)
- Best Value 2-piece Golf Balls Option – Wilson Staff Fifty Elite
- Best High-Quality Option for Average Swing Speed – Snell MTB Black
Titleist Pro V1
Best Overall Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Offers exceptional distance for golfers with moderate swing speed
- Marvelous multi-piece golf ball with outstanding greenside control
- High-quality urethane cover provides low spin off the tee box
The Titleist ProV1 is our choice for the best overall option on our list. The Titleist ball tops the list for a long list of very good reasons as it works magic around the greens and is wonderfully capable for mid handicappers looking to take their game to the next level.
The latest version of the golf ball provides the average golfer with a redesigned solid core that increases distance. With the driver, the ball has outstanding low long game spin to help you keep the ball in the fairway, ready to attack the green.
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Around the green, this Titleist ball and the Pro V1x really shines, especially if you are making strides with your short game and need an advanced golf ball to take it over the top. On chip and pitch shots, the heralded product offers the soft feel golf ball that average golfers need to check up close to the hole.
Well deserving of its reputation, this Titleist ball and its brother, the Pro V1x, is a remarkable upgrade for the average golfer.
Titleist TruFeel
Best 2-piece Golf Ball Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Wonderful distance control with high spin on the greens for pinpoint accuracy
- Terrific feel off the driver with minimal spin and long distance for tight shot dispersion
- Tour-level performing 2-piece golf ball for your game
Another brilliant addition to the stellar Titleist line of golf balls is the TruFeel. While we like to see average golfers make the jump to multi-or 3-piece golf balls, the TruFeel is just too good to pass up as a highly functional, very affordable 2-piece option.
With a low compression core, the TruFeel offers dynamic response off the tee. You won’t have to sacrifice distance with this “soft” ball, as the Titleist model offers less spin with the driver, for tighter shot dispersion on the fairway.
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Along with the low driver spin, the TruFeel is an absolute beast near the greens with outstanding spin control. From the rough or sand, this ball doesn’t lose spin, offering you premium control to settle your chip and pitch shots near the cup with far more consistency than any other 2-piece ball.
A great ball for the average golfer, you’ll find the Titleist TruFeel delivers wonderful performance at the low price point.
Titleist Velocity
Best Distance Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Extremely long distance with less spin for better accuracy
- Great for average players looking for length from 3-piece golf ball
- Incredibly soft on the green with terrific response off putter face
From Titleist comes our favorite distance option for 2021. The Velocity provides multi-piece construction for the price of a 2-piece golf ball. For average golfers, the Velocity provides a low compression core that supports slow swing speed without sacrificing distance.
The ball flight of the Velocity is moderate to high, great for the average player who needs more distance and carry from their next golf ball. The Titleist ball also has low driver spin, great for moderate swing speeds that need more accuracy to hit more fairways.
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Along with the low driver spin, the TruFeel is an absolute beast near the greens When looking at short game control, the Velocity is a stunner, offering the softness reserved for more advanced golf balls. Although the Velocity is marketed as a distance ball, on the greens, you’ll be surprised by how soft the ball comes off the putter face.
For a mid handicap player, the Velocity offers an affordable price point along with improvements over standard 2-piece balls.
A solidly built ball for the average golfer, the Titleist Velocity is an absolute winner.
TaylorMade TP5x
Best Luxury Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Great for mid handicap players that want tour-level golf balls
- Moderate ball flight offers exceptionally long distance and lower spin off tee
- Exceptional multi-piece construction offers dynamic spin control
If you are in the market for a golf ball that tour players adore, then the TaylorMade TP5x, our choice for the best luxury option, is the right golf ball for your game.
The TP5x offers unmatched sophistication that works both around the greens and for those players needing additional distance from their golf balls.
Off the tee box, the TP5x is a weapon to behold. One of the longest golf balls you’ll find on the market for an average player, the multi-piece construction delivers incredible length.
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A soft outer layer with an advanced dimple pattern gives your short game a huge boost when you have the wedge in your hand. From inside 150 yards, the TP5x is a stunner delivering high spin for average golfers with high swing speeds.
One of the most admired golf balls for mid handicap players, the TaylorMade TP5x is a must-have if you are looking to shorten your learning curve on the golf course and reach that next level.
Bridgestone Golf e12 Soft
Best 2-piece Soft Golf Balls Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Firm outer layer provides instant response and exciting feel
- Great value soft option for average players wanting 2-piece golf balls
- Built to support long distance players by offering high spin around the green
Another outstanding golf ball that works on several levels is the Bridgestone e12. This golf ball has two impressive components; a solid distance-driving core and a soft outer layer that works well around the greens.
The outer layer utilizes the company’s Delta Dimple system that minimizes drag on high speed shots for better accuracy and enhanced length. When it comes time to put the ball into the cup, the softness of the cover shines offering terrific feel with the putter and control with the wedge.
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A soft outer layer with an advanced dimple pattern gives your short game a huge boost when you have the wedge in your hand. From inside 150 yards, the TP5x is The inner core offers great assistance to golfers struggling to maintain high swing speeds. The Active Acceleration Mantle core provides an excitingly innovative step forward for Bridgestone in increasing ball speed for average golfers.
Another highlight worth noting is the quality of the urethane cover and how it helps both the short and long game.
For the average golfer, the Bridgestone Golf e12 Soft is an excellent addition to help make the next step in your golfing journey.
Srixon Soft Feel
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Few golf balls increase feel like the Srixon Soft Feel golf balls
- Low compression FastLayer Core offers long distance with high short game spin
- 338 Speed Dimple Pattern along urethane cover reduces drag for greater ball speed
A long-time favorite golf ball company of professional golfers, Srixon makes several outstanding golf balls for average golfers, including our next choice, the Soft Feel. This golf ball is another dual-component ball that offers superior performance for far less money than you’ll spend on your next round.
Although the ball is marketed as a “soft” golf ball, the Soft Feel does reduce the golf course with its 338 Speed Dimple system. The dimples reduce drag, extend ball speed, and increase length on every shot.
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A soft outer layer with an advanced dimple pattern gives your short game a huge boost when you have the wedge in your hand. From inside 150 yards, the TP5x is We really loved the soft, thin cover of this Srixon ball. Inside 50 yards, the spin generated was jaw-dropping, making it an excellent option if you are in the market for an affordable ball that will dance on the greens when you have a wedge in your hand.
A low compression golf ball that delivers the goods, the Srixon Soft Feel are a delightful set of golf balls for average players.
TaylorMade Project (a)
Best Low Compression Golf Balls Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Soft urethane cover provides exceptional feel and response at impact
- Great golf balls for the average player due to high greenside spin
- Aerodynamic dimple pattern minimizes drag for more ball speed
Along with the TP5 series, TaylorMade has another enticing golf ball option for customers with the Project (a). Offering incredible greenside accuracy and extended distance, the Project (a) shouldn’t be overlooked by golfers hoping to find an affordable and durable 3-piece golf ball.
TaylorMade Project (a) golf balls are patterned after the company’s more advanced, tour ready golf balls like the TP5 and TP5x. Hoping for more distance with a softer feel, the company has found success with the moderate price point and performance of the Project (a).
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The streamlined cover offers 332 low drag dimples that extend the length of your drives with a tight shot dispersion that leaves more entry shots into the green from the fairway. These golf balls are dynamically adept at shaping the shot you want on the course.
The TaylorMade Project (a) is ideal for golfers looking for a mid-range golf ball that provides low spin off the tee box and additional short game control.
Wilson Staff Fifty Elite
Best Value 2-piece Golf Balls Option
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KEY FEATURES
- Around the green, the ball’s high spin provides accurate chip and pitch shots
- High-quality golf balls with soft feel but low spin off
- Redesigned outer layer offers shallow dimples for extended distance
Wilson’s top line of golf clubs and accessories go through their Staff product line. Our next golf ball, the Wilson Staff Fifty Elite is a dynamically innovative golf ball from the company.
Not only does the Fifty Elite offer a terrific performance balance between the aggressive core and responsive cover, but also threads the thin line between providing distance and feel for the golfer.
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Off the tee box, the Fifty Elite utilizes the aerodynamic cover with a 302 dimple design that does an admirable job of penetrating the air for extended, lower spin length. From the fairway, the softer cover gives these golf balls a jolt to create high spin that helps the ball land softly on the green.
Even when holding the putter, you’ll find these two component golf balls to be soft off the face with excellent forward roll that won’t bounce or skid off your intended line.
While you won’t find a 1 piece golf ball outside of a putt-putt course, the Wilson Staff does provide a two-piece option that is well worth your time.
Snell MTB Black
Best High-Quality Option for Average Swing Speed
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KEY FEATURES
- 3-piece ball construction offers high ball flight and ball speed
- Cast urethane cover is durable and provides tour performance
- Less spin with driver gives golfer better accuracy and more shots from fairway
One of the newest kids on the block in the golf ball game is Snell. Their MTB Black ball makes our list as a terrific option for golfers with an average swing speed looking for more distance.
The Snell MTB Black features a cast urethane cover that exceeds expectations with regard to durability and performance. The shallow dimples provide a penetrating ball flight with low spin for straighter shots.
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When you get inside 100 yards, the Snell ball really helps golfers with slower swing speeds. The soft golf ball provides excellent feedback that allows for distance and spin control for closer birdie and par putts.
Priced adequately for a multi-piece ball, the Black is among the best golf balls for average golfer due to price versus performance.
If you are looking for a 3-piece golf ball with excellent distance and low spin off the tee, the MTB is a worthwhile option.
Questions & Answers
What are the best golf balls for the average golfer?
Average golfers love soft golf balls like the Srixon Soft Feel. Available at a very affordable price, the Srixon are among the best dual-component golf balls with a high-spin core and soft, but durable, outer cover.
These golf balls provide exceptional feel and response on the putting surface without the skidding and hopping that plagues 1-piece golf balls that you’ll find on a driving range.
What are the best golf balls for a mid handicapper?
For a mid handicapper, the TaylorMade TP5x is an absolute stunner. Among the best that the market has to offer, the TP5x provides increased swing speed, low driver spin, and exceptional distance.
This golf ball is played by some of the PGA Tour’s best, including Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, and Rory McIlroy. All of these pros love the playability of the ball with exceptional shot shape and customized shot height.
Do golf balls make a difference for average golfers?
Yes, new golf balls can make a tremendous difference for average golfers. Not only can a better ball provide more spin and distance, but the dimple system can also reduce drag for longer flight and carry. Since average golfers tend to have slower swings, new golf balls can be beneficial for maintaining a solid baseline for much longer.
Even if you choose a soft feel ball as your next ball, the additional spin will provide more short game control. This additional accuracy from inside 100 yards can shorten birdie and par putts and help lower scores.
What is the best overall golf ball?
The best overall golf ball is the Titleist Pro V1. Built with stunning creativity, the Titleist ball provides unbelievable shot shaping capabilities along with extended distance, high spin from inside 100 yards, and wonderful feel and response with the putter.
What makes the Titleist ball so popular among professional golfers is how adaptable the ball is with each shot. Regardless of what you need the ball to do, it is capable and always on the ready. In the end, the golfer’s skill level determines what the Titleist ball will do on each shot.
When should I upgrade my ball?
The best time to upgrade a golf ball is when you begin to see diminishing returns with your game. For example, let’s say the last ten times you’ve played, you feel that your shot quality is vastly improving but your score is staying in a similar range.
Once this happens, you’ll need to be honest about your game and where it stands because that will dictate what type of ball you need to pursue. Most average golfers need to think bigger with their golf ball to take the next step in their golfing journey.
What is the average golf handicap?
The average golf handicap is around 18. This handicap is considered to be a mid-range handicap and these golfers are referred to as mid handicappers. Golfers with any handicap lower than ten are considered low handicappers. Golfers who regularly score over 95 are considered high handicappers.
To be considered an average golfer with an average handicap, the player needs to regularly score anywhere from 80-90 on a regular occasion. Average handicap golfers rarely three-putt and hit the golf ball with their driver over 250 yards. These players also play multi-piece balls due to the soft feel and sophistication provided by the design.
What’s the average swing speed?
The average swing speed with the driver is around 90 mph for an average distance of 215 yards.
Clubhead speed is directly related to the handicap of a golfer. Players with average swing speeds have a handicap that rests around 18. Professional golfers and advanced amateurs hit the ball over 275 yards routinely with a swing speed of over 105 mph on average.
The peak age for clubhead speed is around 30 years old for both male and female. Golfers in this age range averaged over 100 mph with their driver speed.
Wrapping Up on the Best Golf Balls for Average Golfer
While it can be incredibly hard to make the jump to finding a new golf ball, the average golfer has the most to gain by finding a new model.
Our choice for the top spot belongs to the Titleist Pro V1. Offering the average golfer the ability to increase their distance and shot shaping, the Titleist ball is unmatched by its competitors. Although it is a bit expensive, Titleist’s best ball is available for both amateurs and professionals to play during their next round.
With improvements in distance and spin, equipment manufacturers continue to reduce the time needed to dramatically reshape an average golfer’s skill set with their innovative golf balls.