A golf ball is just a golf ball, right? Wrong! In fact, that’s probably less true now than ever as all the main ball brands seek to cram as much all-round performance as possible into every model.
All the major brands have been launching new versions of their premium models for the new season, along with a number of other newcomers and next-generation golf balls. However, before we get to the best golf balls on the market, what features should you look out for? At the top end of the market, it’s all about getting the multiple layers to work in harmony to generate the flight characteristics you want in the long game, like low spin and speed, without compromising feel and control in the short game.
On the other hand, manufacturers are always looking to cater for golfers with more moderate swing speeds through their lower compression, mid-price offerings. So, what are some of the best golf balls out there? We’ve tested the leading options currently available and these are our very top picks.
All these models have been thoroughly reviewed by our team, which means testing on the launch monitor and over multiple rounds on the course. Rest assured, this guide is updated on a regular basis to make sure it includes the latest releases.
The Quick List
Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball
Titleist has raised the bar again with its new 2023 Pro V1 design. In our testing it was the added consistency in the long game that shone through.
Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball 2023
The Srixon Z-Star golf ball 2023 is ideal for mid to high swing speed players who prefer a softer feeling ball with more control around the greens.
Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball
A beautifully soft feeling golf ball that will appeal to high speed and high spin players. This ball is extremely consistent in its delivery of spin and stability of flight.
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B RXS Golf Ball
A really strong all-rounded golf ball with exceptional short game performance that will suit any golfer looking for more spin and a soft feeling golf ball. The MindSet technology is a great addition.
TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball
For its intended purpose, the TP5 is a fantastic golf ball that provides copious amounts of greenside spin and a very soft feel as well as good distance.
TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe 2022 Golf Ball
Distance was good as was the greenside spin, whilst those seeking alignment help could definitely see improvements thanks to the Stripe.
Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball
The Titleist 2024 Tour Soft offers really strong performance for a mid-priced golf ball. The soft feel will please those who prioritise this, particularly with the scoring clubs.
An impressive all-round golf ball, the Wilson Triad delivers good distance in the long game and a great feel on and around the greens.
Callaway ERC Soft Golf Ball
The ERC Soft offered excellent distance and alignment. All in all, the value for money is competitive here, especially given how durable we found it.
Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball
Titleist Velocity 2022 is the longest ball in their range with a firmer feel, but there is a trade off with less spin and control around the green.
TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball
The TaylorMade Distance+ is an extremely good value two-piece ball and offers many of the benefits that you would expect from a multi-layered ball.
A ball that delivers more distance, it may not offer you the same level of control around the greens but if you’re needing extra yards, it’s definitely one to try.
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 2023
With a low compression and a reasonably responsive cover, the Soft Feel is an ideal ball for those who like a quality softer ball at a competitive price.
Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball
The 2023 Wilson Duo Soft is a ball that performs well throughout the bag and will appeal to those who prefer a high ball flight and soft feel.
Best Golf Balls
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Best overall balls
Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want to lower your spin: The Pro V1’s high-gradient core has been updated and is designed to bring down spin.
✅ You want more control around the greens: A lovely, soft feel has been the Pro V1’s trademark since it came on the scene.
NO IF:
❌ You produce a low amount of spin: The Pro V1x will suit better if you are looking to increase your spin.
❌ You have a low ball flight: The penetrating ball flight will not help get the ball airborne.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you want arguably the best and most recognized golf ball on the market then you can’t go wrong with the Titleist Pro V1. Not only does it provide excellent performance from tee-to-green but, with a soft and responsive feel and penetrating, consistent flight, you have a ball that will give you ample control regardless of the club you’re using.
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What you need to know: Where do we start with the Titleist Pro V1? Bursting onto the scene in the year 2000, it is one of the most successful golf equipment franchises in history and has long been the most used ball on the professional circuits. Now in its 23rd year and two years on from its last update, Titleist’s engineers promise longer distance, lower long game spin and a more consistent flight. In our testing, these gains were delivered, cementing its place at the top of the tree in the premium golf ball category.
Design/Tech: The main technological upgrade to the previous model is the high-gradient core. Firmer at the periphery, the new core gets progressively softer towards the centre. This promotes higher ball speeds and lower long game spin. Further advancements to the manufacturing process optimizes the consistency on offer (both in terms of speed and spin) from the new ball.
Long game performance: In testing, the area that impressed us most was the mid-iron performance. Put simply, we instantly saw a reduction in spin and a little more distance, with the new Pro V1 providing a lovely high but strong flight with ample stopping power. Off the tee, it was also extremely consistent, with the spin numbers differing by only 300rpm. If you are a player that does tend to spin the ball too much, it will certainly help get those numbers down. The flight is also a little lower than with Pro V1x, so for those that hit the ball too high, it could help.
Short game performance: Although it provides low spin in the long game, it’s a different story into and around the greens, as the Pro V1 produced plenty of control from pitch and chip shots inside 50 yards. It will certainly provide confidence, as the lovely soft feel from the club face makes it easy to attack the hole on short game shots.
Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball 2023
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You have a mid to high swing speed: A three-piece construction is designed to be hit hard.
✅ You want more control around the greens: A Spin Skin+ coating digs deeper into the grooves.
NO IF:
❌ Your swing speed is less than 90 mph: The Z-Star has the highest compression in the Z-Star series which results in less spin.
❌ You’ve got a soft feeling putter: This is one of the softest-feeling premium balls out there, which may not marry well with a soft putter.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Z-Star is used heavily on the professional circuit and, from our testing, we can see why, as it provided incredible spin control in the iron and wedge department, with its dimple pattern helping it keep straight in windy conditions. This, combined with its soft feel, makes it a very compelling package.
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What you need to know: Srixon is a brand that provides users an array of options in the golf ball market, with their Z-Star the most premium offering. Aimed at players who have a driver swing speed of 90 mph or more, the Z-Star has a mid-launch flight, with the company’s engineers making some changes for 2023 that will appeal to those who want a softer feeling golf ball on impact
Design/Tech: Although we still see the same urethane cover, which performs excellently, Srixon have introduced a new Spin Skin+ coating to the new Z-Star, which digs deeper into the grooves of your irons and wedges for better control. Along with the cover, we see a 338 dimple pattern, with the core of the ball made from a reformulated FastLayer DG. Essentially, it is soft in the middle and then gradually gets firmer as you near the second layer of this three-piece ball.
Long game performance: Firstly, it’s worth noting that the Z-Star has a compression of 92, making it 10 points softer than its other models – Z-Star XV and Diamond- In testing, this translated to slightly lower spin with the ball undoubtedly suited to those with higher swing speeds. One positive aspect was also how it dealt with windy conditions, as the 338 dimple pattern kept the ball under control even when flighted high, with the firm core working well when it came to the distance portion of performance.
Short game performance: We were extremely impressed with the control of the Z-Star in the short game department, as the Spin Skin+ coating worked brilliantly on chip and pitch shots. We would characterize the golf ball as mid-firm, with there being enough about it to give you feedback on your strike. However, the only slight downside is that the cover didn’t seem as durable as other models on the market.
Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want stability in the wind: A pattern of both hexagonal and spherical dimples maximizes stability.
✅ You have a fast swing speed: A new Hyperfast Soft core has been designed to give as much speed as possible to the new Chrome Tour
NO IF:
❌ You want to maximize distance: This ball is fast, but fractionally slower off the tee than some competitors
THE BOTTOM LINE
Callaway has done a great job with the new Chrome Tour, with it designed to be the softer feeling ball that has slightly lower spin through the bag. The player in mind here is someone with a high swing speed who doesn’t want to have to throttle back too much to avoid excessive spin.
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What you need to know: Callaway is one of the biggest manufacturers in the golf world and, with their brand new Chrome Tour range, you are looking at their new premium offering golf ball. Callaway themselves claim it’s the ‘gold standard Tour ball for better players who want the best in distance and feel’, with it being put in the bag of many Callaway staffers.
Design/Tech: Off the bat, the company have introduced a new Hyperfast Soft core that has been designed to give as much speed as possible. Along with the core, Callaway have provided the Chrome Tour with a cross-over dimple pattern that is built on both hexagonal and spherical dimples.
Long game performance: Because of this dimple pattern, the performance and stability in windy conditions were some of the best we have ever seen and, although it is slightly slower off the face, the soft feel and duller acoustics will appeal to a wide range of golfers. The spin is slightly on the low side, but the repetition and reliability was a huge standout for us.
Short game performance: Around and on the green, we did like the Chrome Tour, with it one of the best soft feel golf balls anywhere around. Obviously, this will be personal preference but, if you are a player who generates a lot of spin and wants to reduce it, then the Chrome Tour will be a serious candidate.
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B RXS Golf Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a high ball flight: Bridgestone have produced a ball to help those get more distance.
✅ You are after incredible control around the greens: A new Reactiv iQ cover provides incredible feel on chips and pitches.
NO IF:
❌ You already have a high ball flight: If you want to hit the ball lower, the B RX will be better suited.
❌ Your swing speed is more than 105 mph: Although there aren’t many golfers who swing more than that, there will be better suited models available.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Bridgestone Tour B RXS might be something of an afterthought in Bridgestone’s premium golf ball lineup, but it’s one of the best balls we’ve tested and a must try for moderate swing speed players in search of a tour-calibre ball. The B RXS impresses in the long game and around the greens.
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What you need to know: Bridgestone is a brand synonymous on the golf circuit, with Tiger Woods choosing to put their ball in play. There are many versions available but their most premium offerings are the Tour B RX or Tour B RXS models, which are specifically designed to aid those who swing the driver at less than 105 mph.
Design/Tech: Like other models on this list, the B RXS is crammed with technology. A new Reactiv X system means this golf ball has been cleverly designed so it performs well throughout the bag. Through the use of Reactiv IQ Smart Cover technology, Bridgestone has created a ball that springs from the clubface with ease and promotes a powerful yet high launching ball flight. Another thing visually is the addition of MindSet technology. This cleverly designed visual cue on the golf ball ensures you have a specific and repetitive process over the ball before hitting your putts.
Long game performance: Beginning with the yardage, there wasn’t a drop off in distance between the B RXS and other premium models on the market, with the golf ball holding its own off the tee and on full approach shots into the green. In testing, we felt that it appeared to launch higher and offer a higher peak height. In our experience, Bridgestone golf balls have consistently delivered in that regard and, additionally, the B RXS cover proved to be extremely durable.
Short game performance: First and foremost, when hitting wedge shots around the green, the B RXS felt incredible. It was soft, but not the spongy softness that sometimes comes with low compression golf balls. What’s more, from a spin standpoint, it was exceptional. When striking the ball, it felt like we had complete control over it and could play any type of shot that was needed at the time. These included pitch shots, chips, or even those difficult ones from the greenside bunker.
TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You like a soft feel: The TP5 is one of the softer feeling balls within the premium category, so if this is something you prioritize it will work well for you.
✅ You want a higher spinning golf ball: Visually, this is a great looking ball and, with a slightly higher spin rate, it’s designed to help produce control and get the ball airborne.
NO IF:
❌ You are looking for length of the tee: Although the TP5 isn’t short, there are longer models available on the market in the premium category.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The TP5 is an excellent offering in a congested category that stands out for consistency of flight, a soft feel, short-game control and impressive durability. You’ll likely find the price point comes in under many of its competitors, too.
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What you need to know: The TP5 is one of two main premium, tour-played offerings from TaylorMade and, for 2024, it has been updated, with the ball still featuring excellent spin control and soft feel. Along with the performance, it is still available in the Pix version and will be seen regularly out on the various professional circuits.
Design/Tech: In this particular model, TaylorMade has altered the material that makes up the core, now using a lower density acoustic material that sounds and feels softer than its predecessor. According to Michael Fox, Senior Director of Product Creation, Golf Balls “We’ve evolved our golf ball design process by uniquely decoupling feel and speed through material advancement, a complete departure from the conventional.”
Long game performance: With all of this investment, we are happy to report that the TP5 has tons of greenside spin and a seriously soft feel throughout the bag, but is a few miles per hour slower than the TP5x. Despite this, it provided a consistent and powerful flight, with the slightly higher spin helping those who want fractionally more height in their game.
Short game performance: Around the greens is where the TP5 starts to really excel. Striking it around the greens, we found that the feel was marshmallow soft and the ball seems to stay on the wedge face for an eternity, rolling up the grooves and imparting very impressive levels of grab when on the green.
Best mid-price balls
TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe 2022 Golf Ball
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You struggle with alignment: The stripe is not overly distracting and is available in a number of different colors.
✅ You want a cheaper option to a premium model: Coming in at under $40, they are noticeably cheaper than other manufacturers.
NO IF:
❌ You already hit a high ball flight: In testing, we found there to be a jump in height in the long game department.
❌ You want a soft golf ball: A new SpeedMantle surrounding the core produces a slightly firmer feel.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This is an excellent option from TaylorMade that won’t break the bank. Although the garish line running through the golf ball won’t be to everyone’s taste, it has a strong ball flight and, with ample amount of distance and greenside control, it provides users with a great option if they don’t want to spend over $50 on a dozen golf balls.
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What you need to know: TaylorMade is a brand that always looks to innovate the game and, with the Tour Response, the company has introduced a stripe which we haven’t really seen before. Previously, we have seen the Pix version of the TP5, a model used by Tour pros but, with the Tour Response Stripe, we see a more affordable option.
Design/Tech: As mentioned, the Stripe is the main standout on this golf ball, with multiple other color options available, but there is also a lot of technology crammed into the Tour Response. Not only is it urethane-covered, like many of the premium models on this list, but a three-piece construction features a new SpeedMantle that surrounds the low compression core.
Long game performance: Off the tee, we instantly noticed an increase in distance over its predecessor, as the reduction of spin and the increase in ball speed led to a higher carry yardage. It wasn’t just off the tee that these increases were noticeable as, with an iron in hand, there was a big jump in ball speed which, as a result, meant more distance.
Short game performance: The most notable talking point of the Tour Response is the feel off the face, specifically off the putter. It is noticeably firmer than other TaylorMade golf balls in the range, which isn’t a problem at all. As a result, we think many will love this sensation as it strikes the balance perfectly. Along with the putting, it was also very consistent on chips and pitches.
Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want good greenside control: As the name suggests, this model is extremely soft and provides plenty of spin.
✅ You want a handy alignment aid: The Tour Soft features a thick line and ‘T’ marking on the side to aid accuracy when on the greens.
NO IF:
❌ You don’t like a shiny finish: The Tour Soft has a slight shimmer which will divide opinion
THE BOTTOM LINE
Pound for pound, we think the Titleist 2024 Tour Soft ball holds its own with some of the best golf balls on the market given the rounded performance it offers from tee to green. Certainly, it’s a great alternative to most premium golf balls.
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What you need to know: There are plenty of different models within the Titleist golf ball range and, with the Tour Soft, it is specifically designed for those who want a soft feel and performance that won’t break the bank. The Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the main standouts in the range but, for a fraction of the cost, the Tour Soft certainly fits in nicely.
Design/Tech: The packaging of the Tour Soft is very premium and, when it comes to technology, it has a new, thin reformulated cover and larger core. Aesthetically, they are pearly white and, thanks to the Fusablend cover, there is a shimmer to the golf ball that really makes it standout.
Long game performance: Some of the best soft feel balls struggle to maintain speed when struck with the driver but, in our testing, that wasn’t the case as the Tour Soft performed admirably. It’s worth noting that, because of the high amounts of spin, it is easy to get it airborne and, if you are a high spin player, you may be better off looking elsewhere.
Short game performance: When using wedges from around the green, we found there to be good levels of spin control, as pitch shots and flighted wedges also produced a decent amount of spin. What’s more, thanks to its durability, we found the spin to be consistent throughout our testing and round.
Wilson Triad Golf Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You are looking to increase your launch off the tee: A high MOI design helps lower spin on array of shots.
✅ You are after a superb feel on the greens: The Triad has uniform density throughout its three layers for a better roll on the greens.
NO IF:
❌ Your ball flight is naturally low: The lower trajectory on offer means you may struggle to maximize carry distance.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Wilson has created an impressive all-round performer in the Triad, with good distance off the tee making way for great feel on the green. Designed for those golfers after the feel and control of a urethane model without having to pay the premium price of a Tour golf ball, it makes for a great option for a number of players.
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What you need to know: Wilson makes some of the best budget golf clubs that money can buy and, with their Triad golf ball, we see more of that value on offer. It’s claimed that the ball is an all-rounder for ‘the competitive golfer striving to break 80.’ The brand also states that the construction of the ball should deliver high speed and low spin off the driver and long irons, with a more stable flight for better accuracy.
Design/Tech: The main technology surrounds the ultra-thin urethane cover, with there also being a uniform density throughout its three layers for a better roll on the greens. Also, it has a high MOI design, which moves weight from the core to the outer layers of the golf ball resulting in faster ball speed and lower driver spin.
Long game performance: Beginning off the tee, we found the Triad spun a little bit more which equated to a lower flight. Distance-wise though, it provided us with plenty of length, with the flight being extremely consistent. It’s worth noting that, in the iron department, it was a similar story, as it produced a consistent, solid flight.
Short game performance: Although the long game department was very solid, the short game department did show up the Triad compared to a premium golf ball. When chipping, the spin control wasn’t the best but, on pitch shots from 50 yards, there was still a sufficient amount of control. Finally, we must give a shout out to the feel when struck with a putter, as a lovely, soft feel produces very good control.
Callaway ERC Soft Golf Ball
(Image credit: Callaway)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You’re looking for performance that won’t break the bank: Coming in at around $30 a dozen, they offer great value for money.
✅ You want more height off the tee: The HyperElastic SoftFast core provides more carry yardage off the tee.
NO IF:
❌ You want a hard feeling golf ball: On a range of strikes, the ERC Soft was noticeably soft on impact.
❌ You want a clean look: There are lots of visual options like Triple Trade and Fade, which won’t suit everyone.
THE BOTTOM LINE
There’s certainly value for money to be had with the ERC Soft, especially when it comes to durability. Slightly cheaper than the Chrome Soft, the ERC Soft offers excellent distance and easy alignment via a Triple Track alignment aid.
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What you need to know: The ERC Soft is billed as the brand’s longest golf ball with a soft feel. It has plenty of new technology and offers users the best of both worlds when it comes to performance off the tee and around the greens.
Design/Tech: Callaway have introduced a brand new Grip urethane coating system and HyperElastic SoftFast core which, they say, should help generate these speeds and control. What’s more, there is a High Energy core and a High Speed mantle, which are both engineered to deliver more distance through the bag.
Long game performance: In our testing, we found that the ERC Soft certainly increased distance and carry. Also, a notable feature was the high launch which, like the other models in this guide, came from the reduction of spin. It appears that all the new technology has worked its magic when it comes to the pursuit of a clean ball strike.
Short game performance: It’s the short game where this ball most noticeably performed, as the cover produced a noticeably soft feel and ample greenside spin on the majority of well-struck, short-game shots. It probably doesn’t check up quite as much as the Chrome Soft, but the difference was minor. What’s more, the Triple Track alignment really helped line the ball up to the hole.
Best value balls
Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball
(Image credit: MHopley)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You’re a player who doesn’t use loft on chip shots: The varied firmness and depth means it suffers a little in spin control.
✅ If you like a firm feel: The contact on array of shots means it will suit those who prefer a firm feel to a soft one.
NO IF:
❌ You hit the ball high: The Velocity is already a low spinning golf ball and, if you were to add more height, you may lose total distance.
❌ You like using a soft golf ball: The firm feel from the NaZ+ ionomer cover is noticeable on strikes from in and around the green.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Titleist’s engineers have varied the firmness and depth of each of the layers within the Velocity and, in testing, this certainly appeared to be the case, as excellent distance translated into an extremely firm feel.
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What you need to know: The latest version of the Titleist Velocity continues its claim to be the longest ball in the range, with their engineers making a two-piece construction of varying amounts of forgiveness. It may not have the feel of a more premium Pro V1, but the value on offer is certainly noticeable.
Design/Tech: As mentioned, Titleist have varied the firmness, with the design now slightly firmer to generate more speed on full shots as more energy from the impact is retained. The other changes of note include the NaZ+ ionomer cover, which uses a new octahedral pattern for the 350 dimples to generate a high flight with a little more consistency.
Long game performance: You may ask how the Velocity is the longest golf ball in the Titleist range and, put simply, it’s down to the fact that it’s quite a low spinning ball. This, combined with the increase of ball speed, low spin and high flight mean it is longer than other models on the market. The only downside is that with the reduction of spin, it does somewhat affect approach shots, which may struggle to grip a bit more, but the Velocity does fly high so you can get some stopping power there.
Short game performance: Although it does well in the long game department, the lack of spin does mean it is slightly more difficult to control than more premium models. One last point is that the firmer nature of the Velocity gave good sound feedback on chips and putts, with the golf ball a great option for those who don’t rely on spin to hit their chip shots.
TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You are beginning your golfing journey: The performance and price make this an appealing option for those just starting out in the game.
✅ Want to save some money on golf balls: A dozen of these Distance+ balls doesn’t cost a lot.
NO IF:
❌ You value premium control and feel: As you would expect with a golf ball at this price, the feel and control on offer does not compete significantly with more premium models like the ones above.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This is an extremely good value two-piece ball, which is a small fraction of the price that you will be paying for a premium ball. Also, in testing, we found that it offers many of the benefits that you would expect from a multi-layered ball.
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What you need to know: TaylorMade released the two-piece Distance+ ball on the same day as the all-new premium five-piece TP5 and TP5x balls in 2021. The headline here is that these are made for distance and are targeted at those of us who want a few extra yards but, more noticeably, it helps to get the ball airborne for lower swing speeds and they really are good value.
Design/Tech: TaylorMade says that the ‘Distance+ offers high-velocity performance for distance on all shots. Combining a React Speed Core and high-speed, low-drag aerodynamics, golfers will experience a golf ball designed for speed’. That’s what they say, but how did it actually perform?
Long game performance: Off the tee, it was obvious that the Distance+ lived up to its name, with the performance keeping up with the more premium models on the market. They are a mid-launch ball and, height wise, it struck the balance perfectly. Also, the last point is that, in the low-iron section of the bag, we really noticed a difference in height and distance, with it being perfect for when you are firing at pins on the greens.
Short game performance: Like other distance golf balls on the list, it’s around the green where the performance is slightly let down as, once again, it won’t suit those who use loft for their chips shots. It will suit those who bump-and-run their chips and, in the putting sector, it’s far easier to feel the feedback off the face.
Srixon Distance Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want to hit the ball further: The clue is in the name. This ball is built for distance…
✅ You want distance on a budget: A dozen of these golf balls come in at just over $15.
NO IF:
❌ You like chip shots to check up quickly: Although this is a great distance ball, it does somewhat sacrifice control around the greens.
❌ You want a soft feel around the greens: The cover and core design makes these balls rather firm off the face.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A ball that certainly delivers more distance, and whilst it’s not going to offer you the same level of control around the greens – at least compared to a more premium model – if you’re needing extra yards, it’s definitely one to try.
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What you need to know: Put simply, the Srixon Distance ball is aimed at those who need help carrying the ball further. Arguably, these are the cheapest golf balls on the market that still provide a high-level of performance, with it certainly being a hard-wearing, wallet friendly option.
Design/Tech: At $15 a dozen, the Srixon Distance features a fastlayer core and a durable ionomer cover to maximize distance and feel. What’s more, there is also a 324 speed dimple pattern so, for the price, there is an awful lot of technology available for the money.
Long game performance: Instantly, we noticed the increase in distance, with our tester gaining 15 yards of the tee from using this golf ball. Also, in windy conditions, it seemed to hold its line well, making for a penetrative flight, with this occurring on both tee and approach shots.
Short game performance: Understandably, with this being a distance golf ball, the short game was slightly hindered, with the Srixon Distance not performing as well as other models on delicate shots around the green. It still felt solid but, if you are the type of player who uses loft around the green, there are better options on the market
Best soft feel balls
Srixon Soft Feel 2023 Golf Ball
(Image credit: MHopley)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want a soft feel at impact: The clue is in the name, this ball feels very soft and delivers a very nice sensation on impact.
✅ You’re looking for better control: The Srixon Soft Feel’s 1.6mm ionomer cover helps to deliver excellent traction on the greens and excellent control.
NO IF:
❌ You prioritize long game distance: There are plenty of balls at this price point that will fly farther off the tee.
❌ You want a ball that doesn’t spin too much: This ball suits players with slower swing speeds and does spin quite a bit through the air.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This golf ball is an excellent option for average golfers that have a slower swing speed. It delivers a fantastic feel and sensation on impact that many golfers will enjoy and comes in at a very nice price point too.
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What you need to know: The 13th generation of the much loved Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball once again shows why this brand is one of the best in the game when it comes to producing high-performance equipment that can help you shoot lower scores. This is a low compression, high spinning golf ball and is therefore more suitable to those players who have a slower swing speed that are looking for a little more assistance from their golf ball. It is a successful revamp on what was an already impressive golf ball franchise that also comes in at pretty good value for money too.
Design/Tech: Following on from what was achieved in the 2021 Soft Feel, Srixon has added several upgrades to its Soft Feel golf ball, including a new core, which features a soft centre that gradually gets firmer as it moves towards the 1.6mm ionomer cover. That is designed to help the ball snap back into shape faster after impact, improving the speed and power you can get on the golf ball through impact. Meanwhile, the ball’s cover features what Srixon calls its Speed Dimple design that features a 338 dimple pattern built to lower the drag coefficient on the ball – meaning it can glide through the air much faster with less drag.
Long game performance: As with the 2021 Soft Feel golf ball, we were again impressed with the distance this option delivered. The ball did spin more than we’d like, which means it may not be the best for faster swinging players, but from our testing sessions the ball flights were high and the carry distances were long and favorable. Players who swing the driver between 60mph-90mph will enjoy the high ball flights they would get, compared to a firmer golf ball.
Short game performance: Around the green, this ball is excellent and a wide variety of players will enjoy the control and spin on offer. It is one of the best soft feel golf balls and provides a ton of control with pitches and chips both stopping pretty quickly on the green. The ionomer cover a nice sensation on the greens that many will enjoy when putting and there’s a helpful side-stamp for alignment included too, which adds to the offering.
Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball
(Image credit: Future)
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want distance and a soft feel: The Duo Soft does a good job of holding its own against premium golf ball models when it comes to distance.
✅ You like bright colors: The Optix version of this ball comes in a variety of bright matte color options.
NO IF:
❌ You struggle with short game control: Because of the Ionomer cover, the Duo Soft lacks a little spin when around the greens and feels springy off the putter.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Considering the Duo Soft is the least expensive ball offering from Wilson, there is plenty of performance on offer. This ball will suit those looking for a high ball flight with plenty of distance, all while receiving the feel of an extremely soft ball.
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What you need to know: The Wilson Duo Soft golf ball provides generous performance in every aspect of the game, all while at an affordable price. While it’s not the most responsive ball around the green, there is still plenty of feel on offer thanks to how soft the ball is. The Duo Soft launches extremely easily, which will suit those with slower swing speeds, but those with plenty of speed may see a little loss of control.
Design/Tech: The least expensive Wilson Ball offering has a new formulated core for maximum energy return, resulting in a higher ball flight with more distance. The Ionomer outer layer makes up the second layer in this two-piece ball and provides the soft feel received through impact. There are five color options available which come in particularly useful when playing in the winter months.
Long game performance: There is plenty to like about the performance on offer from the Duo Soft at the top end of the bag. The high launch characteristics of this ball make it ideal for those who struggle to maximize their carry distances. For players with speed, the height and spin produced may be a little hard to control, but the Duo Soft does produce admirable distance from the tee.
Short game performance: The Duo Soft is perfect for those who struggle to get the ball to the hole when putting or chipping as it jumps off the face fairly fast. There isn’t as much spin on offer however and so those who like to be aggressive with chipping may find to judge the correct landing spots.
How we test golf balls
The quality of Golf Monthly’s reviews and buyers guides is built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team that has a sterling reputation in the industry, known for delivering the key points you want to know in a concise, easy-to-digest manner.
Our specific golf ball testing is built upon this procedure so we can get controlled data inside, and then see how the golf ball performs outside and on the golf course. That way we can get a more complete picture and get greater feedback to pass on to you.
The first port of call to is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using the GCQuad launch monitor. The majority of Golf Monthly’s outdoor testing takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a stunning course in Surrey with excellent practice facilities. By using the balls over a number of rounds, and in different conditions, we can get a clearer understanding on factors like feel, control, ball flight and so on.
Sam has worked in the golf industry for 12 years, offering advice on equipment to all levels of golfers and as Staff Writer, he tests and reviews equipment throughout the bag.
Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. Equipment has always been a huge passion, with Joe producing various reviews and buying advice on a range of clubs and golf balls.
Factors to consider when buying golf balls
What are some of the factors you need to consider when buying golf balls? Let’s take a look.
Soft or firm?
The best premium golf balls come in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. Try both from various distances to find your preference.
Cover material
Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.
Long game or short game?
Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Do you want to get as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel?
Well we have created guides for both. If you value the former then check out our guide on the best distance golf balls. Or, if you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step.
Price
No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points so you can rest assured there will be a top-performing model for you, however much you want to spend.
FAQs
What is the #1 golf ball?
There are lots of models above that may claim to be the #1 golf ball in the game. The Pro V1 and V1x models from Titleist are used by hundreds of players out on Tour, and many top players also use the TP5/TP5x, Chrome Soft/Chrome Soft X, and Z-Star/XV models as well. Once again, when trying to answer this question, it is worth noting that the #1 ball for one golfer may be totally different to another because no two golf games are the same.
Which brand of golf ball is best?
There are lots of golf brands that make excellent golf balls for a wide range of abilities and swings. Importantly, big brands like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Srixon, Wilson and others all make models of golf ball from the top Tour level, to those looking to just start in the game. When it comes to saying which is best, every single golfer is different and it is a case of each player finding a golf ball that is best suited to their game.
Do golf balls make a difference?
The short answer is yes. Different golf balls do different things. Whether that be offering more spin, high or low launch, soft or firm feel, as well as different colors and alignment aids printed on the golf balls. This is because golf balls are made in different ways. some have two-piece constructions, some have five. This is to offer the player something a little bit different dependent on what the golfer likes to feel and how they like to play. As such most brands offer several models to cater for every type of player.