Updated January 14, 2025. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
Imagine if you could buy one set of the best golf balls and immediately reduce your handicap score.
Wouldn’t you feel more confident on the golf course and be able to improve your game much faster?
If the answer is yes, read on.
Luckily for you, we’ve spent the last few weeks going out on the golf course with high handicappers players and have made them test and try out 10 different golf balls.
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Table of Contents
Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers
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Specifications
- Type: 3-piece
- Cover: Soft Cast Urethane
- Dimple Pattern: Circular
Pros
- Low driver spin with penetrating flight
- Exceptional feel around the greens
- High launch with extended, accurate carry
Cons
- Higher price point makes it tough on golfers on a budget
For high handicappers looking to improve their scores with minimal effort, deciding to play with the Titleist Pro V1 is the best choice a golfer can make.
As a result of the high-quality construction of the Pro V1 comes incredible performance in every aspect of the golfing game.
High handicappers will notice that their drives are straighter and longer, their entry shots stop with precision and their putts roll quicker and without the bounce that kills accuracy.
In breaking down why the Pro V1 is the best golf ball for high handicap, let’s play an imaginary hole starting at the tee box.
The Pro V1 has been constructed to get the most from your drives with forgiveness that reduces side spin and keeps the golf balls on target.
A redesigned next generation 2.0 ZG Process Core keeps the backspin in check for improved drag and optimum ball flight.
What the Process Core of the Pro V1 does for a high handicap golfer is that it helps reduce the damage that most amateurs make with poor swings.
By damage, we are referring to the sidespin that produces those score-killing slices that put the balls in trouble.
From the fairway, the Pro V1’s core is coupled with an incredibly soft cover that is made from an ultra-thin layer of urethane elastomer.
The enhanced technology Titleist puts into revamping the Pro V1 each year gives the balls a consistent ball flight with unmatched control on entry into the green.
There is a reason that the Pro V1 is the most used and the best golf balls on the PGA Tour. Watching the balls roll back to the hole on iron shots dozens of times every Sunday is proof enough that the Pro V1 are balls that generates incredible spin.
Its cover is imprinted with a unique 352-dimple design. The dimples give the balls a chance to fight the impact that the surrounding air has on the ball as it travels from the fairway to the green.
With the soft urethane cover, the dimples impart a barrier shield to the balls that not only cuts through the wind but also generates exceptional backspin off irons and wedges.
When on the green, no other golf ball provides the feel and roll of the Pro V1.
When most high handicappers take a putt, they are using substandard balls that place their putts at significant risk for slipping offline due to the inferior materials used to make the golf ball.
But the Pro V1’s urethane cover is a dream to use on the green because it reduces the skidding that occurs with most two-piece golf balls.
Instead, the Pro V1 gets rolling forward more quickly off the putter’s face than many of the tour-quality and best golf balls on the market today. By doing that, the balls roll true and stay online for more birdies and lower scores.
For some golfers, the Pro V1 is too soft, has too much backspin and flies far too high for their taste.
While that opinion has some validity, the benefits of playing with the Pro V1 outweigh or dispel many of those accusations. It is just a terrific ball for golfers of any skill level, especially the high handicapper.
It may be pricier, but the amateur looking to make significant strides in their scores quickly, they will not find better golf balls than the Titleist Pro V1.
Check our full Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls Review
TaylorMade Soft Response Golf Balls
Best Budget Golf Balls
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Specifications
- Type: 3-piece
- Cover: Ionomer
- Dimple Pattern: Extended Flight Dimple Design
Pros
- Impressive, long-lasting durability
- Excellent distance with low driver spin
- Solid iron spin from fairway
Cons
- Lacks softness of multi-piece golf balls
The TaylorMade’s Soft Response golf ball offers a unique dimple system that reduces drag, and maximizes distance with expanded coverage on the face at impact.
The seamless 322 dimple pattern provides accurate ball flight, especially helpful when considering the low compression ball features a three-piece design.
The extra layer helps golfers on shots inside 100 yards with wedges. High handicappers will find that the Soft Response offers the touch of a tour-level golf ball at a value price point.
Titleist AVX Golf Balls
Best Low Driver Spin Golf Balls for High Handicap
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Specifications
- Type: 3-piece
- Cover: Urethane Elastomer
- Dimple Pattern: 348 Catenary
Pros
- Outstanding greenside control
- Soft thin urethane cover generates high spin inside 150 yards
- Low spin for driver and long irons for extended distance
Cons
- Lower flight than most multi-piece golf balls
For the golfer who feels that the Titleist Pro V1 is too soft, flies too high and isn’t strong enough for their game, the company has answered those complaints with the AVX golf balls.
The AVX is comparable to the Pro V1 in various areas but has several subtle differences that make the AVX appealing to the high handicap golfer.
The three-piece golf balls contains a soft urethane cover, a second casing layer under the cover that flexes for maximum transfer of energy to the high speed and a low compression core.
All of those listed components to the AVX can make a high handicapper’s head swim with confusion.
But for those looking for the best golf ball for high handicappers that will lower their score, let’s break down why these AVX specifications will lead to improvement in all facets of the game.
First, let’s look at the core of the AVX.
The low compression core has been designed to help with cutting down shot height and boosting the distance of golf balls once it leaves the driver on the tee box.
If there is a chief complaint about the Pro V1 for amateur golfers, it is that the balls fly far too high making it susceptible to wind and other weather elements.
The AVX is the antidote to those complaints.
The core is crafted to keep the balls low with a piercing flight path that cuts through the wind for the longest distance possible from a three-piece golf ball. The low compression rating of the AVX core creates maximum flex at impact for a trampoline-like effect off the club face.
Once the golf ball is in the air, the multi-component thermoset cast urethane cover takes over.
So what does this all mean?
Well on the AVX, the cover is made from a soft urethane material that enhances the feel of the golf balls off the club face.
Once the AVX leaves the club, the tetrahedral catenary dimple design imprinted in the urethane takes over to reduce drag and keep the balls low for your longest drive ever.
The urethane cover of the AVX also helps around the green with enhanced shot-stopping ability. Unlike two-piece balls, the AVX has improved the backspin of the ball when leaving the face of your favorite wedge.
As a result, the golf balls settle nicely on the green and in the intended area of the shot.
Let’s move onto the casing layer that covers the core but rests under the cover.
The casing layer on the AVX has been made by Titleist to help with the flex that occurs at impact. This extra layer boosts spin as well as assists with achieving long distance.
Most three-piece golf balls utilize this additional layer in a variety of ways, but few companies have taken advantage of the technology as Titleist with the AVX.
Perhaps the ATX isn’t the complete ball like its older brother, the Pro V1, but fans of the three-piece balls rave about its low ball flight as well as its reduced spin off the tee.
Regardless, for high handicappers who’s looking to take the next step from the two-piece ball, the AVX is a terrific option that will produce length in ways you’ve never seen.
Check our full Titleist AVX Golf Balls Review
Callaway SuperSoft Golf Balls
Best Soft Golf Balls
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Specifications
- Type: 2-piece
- Cover: Hybrid
- Dimple Pattern: Hex Aerodynamics
Pros
- Softer feel around the greens helps with control
- High launch extends distance
- Outstanding durability for low price
Cons
- Doesn’t have the distance of most 2-piece golf balls
One of Callaway’s most popular golf balls is the SuperSoft. Made for improving spin and greenside control, the ball is a standout that will certainly help high handicappers.
The ball features Callaway’s patented HEX aerodynamic dimple system to reduce drag for straighter flight with more accuracy. From the tee box, the wind resistance helps keep drives on the fairway.
Also worth noting is the low compression core that keeps ball speed elevated while providing forgiveness.
The outer layer is one of the softest on the market, great if you need more stopping power around the green. When putting, the SuperSoft excels at keeping lag putts close to the cup.
Another value priced golf ball that’s fun to play, the SuperSoft is also available in six colors.
Titleist Velocity Golf Balls
Best Distance Golf Balls
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Specifications
- Type: 2-piece
- Cover: NaZ+ Surlyn
- Dimple Pattern: 350 Octahedral
Pros
- Impressive distance with tight dispersion
- High spin around the greens
- Excellent feel with the putter on mid-to-long range putts
Cons
- Not as much as feel as Pro V1
Titleist’s Velocity golf ball is a dynamic advancement from the company for golfers who want to extend their length off the tee box. It features wonderful length, low piercing flight, and unreal shot-stopping ability once you get to the green.
Available in several colors, the Velocity offers dynamic playability for high handicappers that need more launch and carry from their golf ball.
From the fairway, it provides tall launch with high spin for those consistent soft landings that inexperienced golfers need from their game.
Around the green, it shines by providing more spin on chip and pitch shots. With the putter, the ball doesn’t suffer like most distance golf balls. The Velocity actually adds touch and feel for a high handicap golfer.
Great for distance, but very solid inside 100 yards, the Titleist Velocity is our choice for the best distance golf ball.
TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls
Best Multi-Piece Golf Balls
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Specifications
- Type: 5-piece
- Cover: Soft Cast Urethane
- Dimple Pattern: 322 Aero Dimple Design
Pros
- Lower, longer driver and long iron flight
- Penetrating flight delivers tight dispersion
- Softer cover improves feel and spin
Cons
- Doesn’t deliver the spin of the TP5x
For high handicappers that don’t mind spending a few extra bucks on their golf balls, the TaylorMade TP5 is our choice for best premium golf ball. The multi-layer ball offers first-rate feel, spin, and distance.
The TP5 reaches top speed on full swings, especially when you have the driver in hand. The low piercing flight with additional distance is a boon for high handicappers that can afford the TP5 in their budget.
The engine behind the TP5 is the Tri-Fast Core. This three-layer core offers progressive compression, maximum energy transfer, and full speed on max swing speed shots.
The advanced outer layer offers high levels of generated spin with premium groove interaction, great for around the green.
Well-built for golfers of all levels, the TaylorMade TP5 is a wonderful premium option for high handicappers.
Check our full TaylorMade TP5 Golf Ball Review
Titleist Tour Soft Golf Balls
Best High Spin Balls
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Specifications
- Type: 2-piece
- Cover: Fusablend
- Dimple Pattern: 342 Cuboctahedron Dimple Design
Pros
- Great around the greens with exceptional control
- Penetrating trajectory delivers long, precise distance
- Impressive ball speed with driver
Cons
- Firmer feel than most soft golf balls
For golfers looking for an advanced golf ball that increases spin and feel, the Tour Soft delivers the goods.
Made with the same craftsmanship that you’ll find on the company’s ProV1, the Tour Soft offers tour-level performance with better spin and more feel.
Off the tee, the Tour Soft maintains a low penetrating flight with low spin for better accuracy. From the fairway, the ball shines with high spin and a tall trajectory for softer landings.
With a wedge, the Tour Soft offers premium greenside control. The feel and spin work in unison to offer more precise pitch and chip shots to reduce length of putts.
Our choice for the best spin golf ball, the Titleist Tour Soft exceeds expectations with unbelievable length for a soft golf ball.
Check our full Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball Review
Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls
Best Golf Ball for Short Game
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Specifications
- Type: 2-piece
- Cover: Surlyn
- Dimple Pattern: 376 Tetrahedral
Pros
- Low compression core boosts carry for more distance
- Ultra-soft feel delivers smooth performance around greens
- Excellent distance performance for soft golf ball
Cons
- Doesn’t produce the distance you’d expect from Titleist golf ball
The Titleist TruFeel is our choice for the best greenside control golf ball due to its low compression core and TruFlex cover that delivers high spin.
Made with an aerodynamic cover, the TruFeel maximizes distance while not losing an ounce of feel or response.
The ball’s best feature is its exceptional greenside control. On putts, chips, and pitch shots, the ball offers incredible feel with deft touch. The high spin also helps to settle flop shots and those tricky shots from the rough and sand.
For junior golfers or those players who love to just have fun on the links, the TruFeel also comes in multiple colors including neon orange and green.
The TruFeel is an excellent choice for high handicappers because it also presents a tremendous value with its low price point. It’s a great alternative to the Bridgestone e6.
Bridgestone e6 Golf Ball
Most Accurate 2-piece Balls for High Handicappers
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Specifications
- Type: 3-piece
- Cover: Urethane
- Dimple Pattern: Circular
Pros
- Excellent value with low price point
- Superb feel for 2-piece golf ball
- Very tight dispersion helps find more fairways off tee box
Cons
- Doesn’t have the durability you’d expect from a 2-piece ball
From Bridgestone comes the e6, an impressive soft golf ball that does not minimize distance.
Created for adding length to your game without sacrificing spin, the e6 offers a low compression option for slower swingers that need to maintain their yardage while adding softness.
Around the greens, the e6 shines with jaw-dropping control. For mid handicappers, it provides a low-cost two-piece golf ball with the sophistication of an advanced multi-layer option.
Check our full Bridgestone e6 Golf Ball Review
Volvik Vivid Golf Balls
Best Color Golf Ball for High Handicap Golfer
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Specifications
- Cover: Ionomer
Pros
- Bright, easy-to-find color covers
- Fun to play with impressive performance
- Low compression performance for high handicappers
Cons
- Matte ionomer cover doesn’t wear as well as urethane alternative
Available in a host of vibrant colors, the Volvik Vivid offers a fun and exciting way to tackle the links. The ball’s matte finish provides clean contact with low driver spin, high launch with extended carry, and extended distance.
A premium three-piece golf ball, the Vivid’s colorful outer layer improves visibility during flight and when trying to locate the ball on the ground.
Great for golfers of all skill levels, the Volvik Vivid delivers exceptional performance with impressive style.
How We Tested the Golf Balls
When we test for the best golf balls for high handicappers, we look for balls that deliver distance, accuracy, and low driver spin.
Since most multi-layer golf balls are too expensive for casual golfers with high handicaps, we tend to focus more on two-piece golf balls that deliver length off the tee with a softness around the greens.
When first receiving a golf ball, we consider the dimple design, the compression rating, and the number of layers each ball contains when searching for golf balls that work best for high handicappers.
Since most high handicappers have slow swing speeds, we like a low-compression ball that can produce distance even if the clubhead isn’t traveling at PGA Tour-level velocity.
Once we get a scene of the golf ball’s particulars, we take them to a controlled indoor environment with a launch monitor to gather data on the ball’s performance.
We note such factors as average distance, ball speed, spin rate, and other essential data points for a golf ball. Ultimately, we are looking for a specific performance that will help the golfers who need it the most.
After cataloging our data indoors, it’s time to take the golf ball out to the range to see how it responds to real-world conditions. We note how the ball plays in the wind and various humidity conditions.
We wrap up our testing with some short gameplay to see how the ball responds to chips, pitches, and long-distance putting.
How to Choose the Best Golf Ball for High Handicap
Distance
A new golf ball can provide exceptional distance to a high handicapper’s game. A solid two-piece golf ball offers a length advantage when compared to soft golf balls that worry more about spin and control.
Straighter shots
A golf ball with an advanced dimple system and low spin off the tee box can provide straighter shots. Typically, a ball that advertises a softer cover will also improve accuracy through its reduced distance.
Spin & feel
A soft golf ball will have a thinner cover that increases spin and improves feel over the harder two-piece balls that increase distance. It helps high handicappers find better greenside control as well.
Durability
Two-piece balls typically have a thicker outer layer so that they remain durable over a longer period of time. Since value is the primary concern with a high handicap golfer, keeping the ball in top condition is very important.
Construction
Most two-piece golf balls have an outer layer and inner core, making their construction very simple, but very important to overall production.
A multi-piece ball offers more spin, and better control, but it’s cost may keep it out of the range of a high handicapper.
Golf ball cover
The cover of a golf ball can either be thin, allowing for more spin and feel, or thicker, for more durability. The cover’s quality is responsible for high spin entering the green, greenside control with short game shots, and low spin off the tee box when hitting the driver.
Dimples
A dimple system aids the flight of the ball by reducing the effects of the wind on the golf ball’s surface. The reason that dimples are so important is because it allow the ball to travel extended distances with accuracy.
Price
Since most high handicappers prefer playing cheaper golf balls until their game improves, manufacturers offer many low price brands. Each of these value balls provides either excellent length or high spin.
Budget
Since golf is an expensive sport, sticking to a pre-decided budget helps leave money for other necessities, like better golf clubs and lessons.
A budget golf ball can provide terrific response and reliability, making it ideal for golfers who prefer value over performance.
Questions and Answers
How are golf balls for high handicappers different from regular balls?
Golf balls that high handicappers might play with more frequently offer lower price options and less sophistication when compared to higher priced multi-layer golf balls.
Two-piece golf balls, primarily chosen by beginners and high handicappers, can offer a soft feel or longer distance to improve their overall game.
How does the rate of spin impact your shots?
There are two areas on the golf course where spin impacts shots. The first is from the fairway or around the green. In those areas, golfers need higher backspin rates to stop the ball closer to the cup.
On the tee box, it is a different story altogether. Golfers want lower spin to allow the ball to fly straighter without slicing or hooking the golf ball.
Do covers affect the golf ball’s performance?
Yes, the cover of the golf ball affects its overall performance.
The ball’s outer layer helps the golfer with feel and response if it is softer. Especially during putting and chipping, greater feel can provide better control. For harder outer covers, golfers can experience more distance and better durability.
Does the spin rate of the golf ball impact shots?
The outer cover is responsible for spin, which could dramatically impact the performance of the golf ball.
A higher spin rate on entry shots into the green, create more backspin once the ball hits the green. Higher spin stops the ball relatively quickly on pitch and chip shots, as well. Off the tee box, a high spin rate can create taller ball height with the driver.
What do dimples do?
Dimples allow the golf ball to fly farther and be less affected by the wind. A golf ball’s dimple system makes the ball fly straighter by reducing the drag of wind against the surface of the outer layer.
Each manufacturer boasts of a patented dimple system, but in reality, all dimple systems work very well at their intended purpose.
Conclusion
The ProV1, our choice for the best golf ball for high handicap golfers, offers less spin than the Pro V1x, helping amateurs increase their distance, improve their feel, and help their distance control on the greens.
Even though it comes at a higher price than most entry-level golf balls, the Pro V1 carries the ability to reduce the learning curve that high handicappers experience with impressive all-around performance.
Guaranteed to improve your ball speed, accuracy, and distance, the Titleist Pro V1 delivers tight dispersion with low spin for your driver and exceptional accuracy with crisp, clean contact with the irons.
Tip! Here’s how to keep golf balls clean for your next game.