Updated December 11, 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:
Our Top Pick: Titleist Pro V1
“With its 352-dimple urethane elastomer cover, the Titleist Pro V1 will immediately boost distance off the tee box and incredible backspin, unlike anything we’ve seen in other (sometimes more expensive) models.”
Our Upgrade Pick: Titleist AVX
“The Titleist AVX features a low compression core that’ll help with cutting down shot height and boosting the distance of golf balls.”
Our Budget Pick: Titleist DT TruSoft
“If you’re looking to maximize your distance and save some change for those green fees, the Titleist DT TruSoft is the ball you need.”
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.
In case you’re looking for it, here are the best illegal golf balls to play.
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Table of Contents
What Are the Factors To Consider When Choosing Golf Balls for High Handicappers?
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 golf 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 golf balls that increase distance. A soft golf ball helps high handicappers find better greenside control as well.
Price
Since most high handicappers prefer playing cheaper golf balls until their game improves, manufacturers offer many low price brands. Each of these value golf balls provide either excellent length or high spin.
Durability
Two-piece golf 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 high handicappers, keeping the ball in top condition is very important.
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.
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, better control, but it’s cost may keep it out of the range of a high handicapper.
Golf balls 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 aides 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 allows the golf ball to travel extended distances with accuracy.
Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers
Titleist Pro V1
Best Golf Ball For High Handicappers
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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.
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The Titleist AVX
Our Upgrade Choice
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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 new 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 handicapper.
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.
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Titleist DT TruSoft
Our Budget Pick
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For golfers in the market for a durable and dependable two-piece golf ball then Titleist presents the DT TruSoft.
With a newly redesigned core, the DT TruSoft comes with slight technological enhancements that make this golf ball Titleist’s best version of the series to date.
It all starts with the center of the TruSoft golf ball.
With the ball being a two-piece that means that the cover and core are the only components of the golf ball.
For the TruSoft that means what is on the inside dictates what happens on the outside. As a result, the company has revamped and redesigned the TruCore at the heart of the golf ball.
The TruCore has been crafted to be low compression. What that means is that the center of the DT TruSoft is built primarily for low swing speeds that need help with their distance. This fits firmly in the camp of the high handicapper.
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Callaway SuperHot
Our 2nd Budget Pick
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Golf balls are manufactured in a variety of ways. Most of the best golf balls for high handicappers are created with multiple layers surrounding a core. Two-piece golf balls only have the cover and a composite core. These golf balls are usually priced affordably and marketed to amateurs looking for added distance.
Three-piece and multiple-layered golf balls add a new dimension in distance and increased spin. They are made with higher quality materials to reduce drag when the ball is cutting through wind as well as softer urethane covers to increase the friction between the grooves on the club for enhanced backspin.
The SuperHot golf balls from Callaway pushes the boundaries of what a three-piece ball can be. Retailing for the price of a two-piece ball, the SuperHot delivers incredible feel and softness around the greens but is a distance-seeking monster off the tee box.
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Callaway SuperSoft Golf Balls
Best Greenside Response Golf Ball
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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.
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Titleist Velocity Golf Balls
Best Distance Golf Ball
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Titleist’s Velocity golf ball is a dynamic advancement from the company for golfers who want to extend their length off the tee box. The Velocity golf ball 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, the Velocity provides tall launch with high spin for those consistent soft landings that inexperienced golfers need from their game.
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TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls
Best Premium Golf Ball
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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.
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Titleist Tour Soft Golf Balls
Best Advanced High Spin Golf Ball
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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.
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Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls
Best Greenside Control Golf Ball
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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 also 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.
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Srixon AD333
Best Two-Piece Option
Srixon’s AD333 offers dynamic spin and extended distance, an explosive package rarely seen in a two-piece golf ball. The ball features a 338-dimple pattern that reduces drag and increases lift, great when hitting shots from the fairway.
The ball also features a Spin Skin that helps with softness and touch. Great for high handicappers and beginning golfers, the AD333 delivers high spin around the greens, ideal for improving your short game and lowering scores.
Bridgestone e6
Best Soft Feel Option
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, the e6 provides a low-cost two-piece golf ball with the sophistication of an advanced multi-layer option.
TaylorMade Soft Response
Best Distance Option for High Handicappers
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.
Volvik Vivid
Best High Launch Option
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.
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 its intended purpose.
Wrapping Up: Best Golf Ball for High Handicappers
Whatever it is that influences your decision when it comes to getting the best golf balls for high handicappers, try to be well informed.
More important than the one or two strokes it could save you per round, is the potential game improvement it could help you with.
When it comes down to it, that is what we’re here for…
”Always one step further to help you improve your game”
Once you have found one of the best golf balls for high handicappers that you really like, stockpile them!! Buy 10 or 12 dozen and hide them away somewhere. It seems that when you find a ball that you like, they get discontinued…Wilson Staff Titanium, Strata MD, Nike RZN Black just to mention a few.
I hope that this article provided a different insight that is of some value to you and will help you find the best golf ball for high handicappers. If so, please share this with your friends and supply a comment for us.
Tip! Here’s how to keep golf balls clean for your next game.