Best Golf Balls for Beginners and High Handicappers 2024

As a beginner or high handicap golfer finding the right golf ball for your game can seriously improve your enjoyment and scores on the course

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If you are a beginner or high-handicap golfer, choosing which golf balls to play with can be overwhelming because of the extensive choice. Every manufacturer produces quality golf balls to suit different golfers. So if you are looking for the best golf balls you will find a representative from every major golfing brand.

Each ball aimed at beginners and high handicappers slightly differs in performance and technology. There are balls that feel softer or firmer than others. Also, some balls are designed to maximise distance whereas others are intended to maximise spin and control. Although distance might not be as prominent once the golf ball rollback starts to impact the balls you can buy on the shelves!

Depending on your game, this will influence which type of golf balls to play with. One thing you can guarantee from golf balls aimed at beginners and high handicappers is they are cheaper than any other range of golf balls.

The best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers 2024 at a glance:

Best overall golf ball for beginners and high handicappers: Srixon AD333 | View Offer

Best soft-feeling golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: Callaway Supersoft | View Offer

Best colourful golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: TaylorMade SpeedSoft | View Offer

Best distance golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: Titleist Velocity | View Offer

As a beginner or high-handicap golfer, it doesn’t mean you have to play with golf balls tailored to your playing ability. If you want to play with a ball packed with more technology or with a urethane cover then you want to be considering the best premium golf balls, which do come at a greater cost.

Regardless of whether you are looking for the best distance golf balls or any other type of golf balls, what we want to ensure is you are finding the best value golf balls for your game.

To help you choose, we have compiled a list of the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers and there’s a detailed buying guide you can read to assist you in your decision making.

Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers 2024

A very popular golf ball which can be attributed to price and performance

Best overall golf ball for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $32.99
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$19.97
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$29.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$19.99
Golf Galaxy
$29.99
The AD333 has been a key player in Srixon's golf ball line-up for many years. The AD333 is in its 11th generation and continues to be as popular as ever. Fans of the AD333 will appreciate the performance and price of this golf ball because it's a very strong performer that'll cost you less than £25. Despite that price range being somewhat overcrowded, the AD333 is a good enough golf ball to make its way into many golf bags.

In our 2023 robot test, the AD333 was very impressive, and the results highlighted why this is such a good option for beginners and high-handicappers. The AD333 produced very similar numbers to those achieved by three-piece golf balls. The main reason the AD333 remains at such an affordable price is because it sports an ionomer cover which is slightly clicky compared to a urethane cover.

Read our full Srixon AD333 golf balls review.

Pros

  • Kept up with three-piece golf balls in our 2023 robot test
  • Long distance off the tee
  • Durable golf ball

Cons

  • Doesn't make the most appealing sound off the clubface
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 338
Feel Soft
Flight Mid-high
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Mid-high
Colour options White; Yellow
  • Fatslayer core
  • Spin skin with SeRM
  • Speed dimple pattern

A soft golf ball great for high handicappers and beginners with slow swing speeds

Best soft feeling golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $24.97
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$24.97
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$24.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$24.99
Golf Galaxy
$24.99
Soft golf balls tend to be the preference for most golfers, if you are one of these golfers the Supersoft is a great option. The Callaway Supersoft will be highly suitable for beginners and high handicappers with slower swing speeds because of its low compression rating (38). Obviously, there is nothing stopping better golfers from using this ball - unless you have a quick swing speed.

Around the greens the Supersoft is arguably the best ball for beginners and high handicappers, the importance of playing good golf around and on the greens cannot be overstated and this ball may just help chalking shots off in your short game. The Supersoft performs well in the short game because of its high greenside spin and with short irons, its soft feeling makes it incredibly responsive and off the putter face it rolls very true. Off the tee this ball flies very well (and far) - for those with the optimum swing speed.

If you like the sound of the Supersoft but have a quicker swing speed try the ERC Soft or Chromesoft.

Read our full Callaway Supersoft golf balls review

Pros

  • Really soft golf ball offering great feel
  • Easy to get in the air for golfers with slower swing speeds because of low compression
  • Long and straight off the tee for slower swing speeds

Cons

  • Unsuitable for golfers with quick swing speeds
Construction 2-piece
Cover Hybrid
Dimples 332
Feel Super soft
Flight High
Long game spin Low
Short game spin High
Colour options White; Yellow; Matte green; Matte red; Matte orange; Matte pink
Alternative models Limited edition
  • Hyperelastic softfast core
  • Hybrid cover
  • Hex aerodynamics

Vibrant, long, fast, and soft

Best colourful golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
I was really impressed with the performance of the TaylorMade SpeedSoft golf balls when I took them out for a test drive. They might not be a golf ball I'd automatically reach for in idyllic conditions, however, in low visibility conditions I can definitely see myself reaching for one of the TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink golf balls.

I actually prefer the Ink model to the standard model because of the vibrancy. I must admit, when I first saw images of these golf balls I was slightly pessimistic and I didn't see how the wild splashes of color would assist anyone on the course - I'm happy to say I was wrong. The splashes of ink make it very easy to see the ball on the ground and in the air - much easier than other colorful golf balls.

I wasn't only impressed with the design pattern! The SpeedSoft golf balls travel very well off the tee keeping up with some of the best premium golf balls myself and my playing partners tend to play with. Speaking to a 24-handicapper at my home golf course, he had nothing but praise for these golf balls and he also preferred the Ink models.

Sadly, it isn't all positive, compared to the premium golf balls I usually game, the SpeedSoft golf balls do generate less spin when attacking pins, but you can quickly adapt to this and make them work for you - I just don't have that ability.

Pros

  • Very easy to see on the ground and in the air
  • Impressive distance off the tee
  • Soft-feeling which will please the vast majority of golfers

Cons

  • Short-game spin and control is lacking compared to more premium models
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 322
Feel Soft
Flight Mid
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Mid-high
Colour options Blue; Green; Red; Pink
Alternative models SpeedSoft
  • New PWRCORE technology
  • Soft Sub 50 Compression
  • 322 Extended Flight Dimple Pattern

Wilson's softest low-compression golf ball

Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers to easily compress
Price: $19.95
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$17.47
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$19.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$19.99
Golf Galaxy
$19.99
There is a considerable number of beginner and high handicap golfers who have a slow swing speed, if you are one of those golfers the Wilson Duo Soft will be perfect for your game. With a compression rating of 40, the Duo Soft is designed specifically for golfers with slow swing speeds. As the world's softest golf ball the Duo Soft delivers a fantastically soft feel off of every club in the bag.

The Duo Soft is also a really strong performer off the tee with good distance and ball flight which ranks it highly amongst all golf balls it's a competitor to. If you prefer a firmer feeling golf ball you are best steering clear of the Wilson Duo Soft and looking at some of the other balls listed.

However, if you do try this ball the performance will not disappoint. There are plenty of frequent good golfers who opt for the Duo Soft. Although, those with quicker swing speeds will benefit from playing the Wilson Triad or Staff Model.

Read our full Wilson Duo Soft golf balls review

Pros

  • Incredibly soft feel
  • Long distance off the tee for a ball of this nature
  • Impressive spin rates

Cons

  • Soft feeling might not be to everyone's liking
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 302
Feel Soft
Flight High
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Mid
Colour options White; Yellow; Green; Orange; Red
  • Velocity boosting core
  • Low compression core

Titleist's model that revolves around increasing distance

Best distance golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $29.00
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$19.97
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$29.99
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$19.99
Golf Galaxy
$29.99
If distance is your priority when purchasing golf balls Titleist Velocity has to be one of consideration. In a Titleist golf ball fitting I attended, I discovered that the two-piece Velocity produced the same distance as the four-piece Pro V1x - so why would you play with Pro V1x?

The issue with Velocity - as is the issue with all distance golf balls - is that they don't generate as much spin, but if this isn't a concern of yours then distance golf balls are well worth buying because they deliver great distance and they're much cheaper.

Titleist Velocity golf balls feel great considering they have an ionomer cover. These balls are very well-priced and despite producing low-spin I'm a massive fan of Velocity golf balls.

Certain beginners and high-handicap golfers won't need to play with a distance golf ball like Velocity because they produce enough distance with a non-distance golf ball. However, for those of you who struggle to keep up with your playing partners, Velocity is a brilliant model to game.

Read our full Titleist Velocity golf balls review.

Pros

  • Great feel for a distance golf ball
  • Very impressive length
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Does struggle to generate spin, but it's expected
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 350
Feel Soft
Flight High
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Low
Colour options White; Matte Orange; Matte Green
  • A high-speed LSX Core
  • A fast NaZ+ cover
  • Spherically-tiled 350 octahedral dimple design

A distance golf ball helping you line up your putts on the green

Best alignment golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $19.97
Alternative Retailers
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$19.97
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$19.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$19.99
Golf Galaxy
$19.99
Many golfers describe putting as 'a game within a game' because of how difficult it is. Therefore, you're best off getting all the assistance you can. If that means using a ball with enhanced alignment, then so be it. Putting for many golfers is difficult because they struggle to line up their putts, with the TaylorMade Distance+ there is an enhanced alignment aid to help ensure you line your putts up correctly - hopefully helping you hole more.

This ball is not only a good ball on the greens but also when approaching with decent spin and control in the short game. Stepping back to the tee box, the Distance+ travels very well and long (being a distance golf ball). TaylorMade are a golfing giant that produces quality equipment, and even their two-piece golf balls for beginners and high handicappers are brilliant examples of their fine work.

Read our full TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls review

Pros

  • Enhanced alignment aid
  • Very versatile golf ball which suits a wide range of golfers
  • Soft distance ball with good levels of spin and control in the short game

Cons

  • Alignment aid might be too much for some golfers
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 342
Feel Soft
Flight Mid
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Mid-high
Colour options White; Yellow
  • Plus alignment aid
  • Soft REACT core
  • Aerodynamic dimple pattern

A great distance golf ball for beginners and high handicappers which won't break the bank

Best affordable golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $23.60
Alternative Retailers
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$17.47
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$19.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$19.99
Golf Galaxy
$19.99
If you are new to the game or have a high handicap, this is a great ball to play with because of its price and performance. You get a nice soft feel and good distance, which is highly desirable for golfers of all standards.

Srixon are very well known in golf for their excellent golf balls to suit a wide range of golfers. Although, their balls tailored for beginners and high handicappers are perhaps their most popular.

Read our full Srixon Distance golf balls review

Pros

  • Good long game performance
  • Surprisingly soft feel for a distance golf ball
  • Respectable spin and control in the short game
  • Brilliant value for money

Cons

  • Not suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 324
Feel Soft
Flight High
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Mid
Colour options White; Yellow
  • Fastlayer core
  • Speed dimple pattern
  • Durable ionomer cover

Great golf balls at a great price, considering there are 15-balls in a pack

Best 15-ball pack of golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $31.83
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$28.00
There is something very satisfying about finding a 15-ball pack of golf balls at a good price - you almost feel like you are getting more than just three more golf balls. The Pinnacle Rush golf balls are available as standard in a 15-ball pack. The Rush are for those wanting to increase distance off the tee - Pinnacle does have the Soft golf balls, which are aimed at golfers who want slightly more control and spin in the short game.

Since Pinnacle golf balls first began being manufactured in 1972, their reputation for producing quality golf balls for high handicappers and beginners has continuously strengthened. We were blown away by how well the Rush golf balls performed in our 2023 robot test, they compete with three-piece golf balls in all areas - even with spin firing into greens.

Read our full Pinnacle Rush golf balls review

Pros

  • Great distance
  • Impressive spin and control for a distance ball
  • Very reasonably priced

Cons

  • Feel isn't the best
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 332
Feel Soft
Flight High
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Low
Colour options White; Yellow
  • High-energy core
  • Icosahedral dimple design

A low-flying golf ball perfect for beginners and high handicappers who struggle with too much height

Best low-flight golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $24.99
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$25.77
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$24.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$24.99
Golf Galaxy
$24.99
The TruFeel is Titleist's softest golf ball and is aimed at those who want a soft feeling golf ball above all else. As well as being very soft feeling, the TruFeel also flies very low (for those with the optimal swing speed), making it a great ball for those who play in windy conditions or struggle with a high ball flight.

This ball travels exceptionally well off the tee - thanks to its penetrating ball flight. However, in the short game, it does lack some performance regarding spin and control, although you do still get a soft responsive feel. The alignment aid on the TruFeel is very good, my personal favorite of all Titleist golf balls, and makes it easy to line up putts.

Read our full Titleist TruFeel golf balls review

Pros

  • Low-penetrating ball flight
  • Brilliant ball in windy conditions
  • Incredibly soft feel

Cons

  • Struggle to generate spin in short game
Construction 2-piece
Cover TruFlex
Dimples 376
Feel Very soft
Flight Low
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Low
Colour options White; Yellow; Red
  • TruTouch Core
  • 2.0 TruFlex Cover
  • Spherically-tiled 376 tetrahedral dimple design

Perfect ball for beginners and high handicappers who find it hard to hit fairways

Best straight-flight golf balls for beginners and high handicappers

Rrp: $34.99

Price: $29.97
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$29.97
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$29.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$29.97
Golf Galaxy
$29.99
Perhaps the toughest aspect of golf is keeping the ball in play off the tee - regardless of your playing ability. The Bridgestone e12 Contact is the perfect answer, this ball is designed to fly straighter than any other ball, and it delivers. While you can still get some deviation with this ball, the combination of the Flexativ cover technology and Contact force dimple creates 46% more surface contact, which helps the ball fly straight and long.

Beginners and high handicappers are likely to lose balls (as are all golfers), so having a ball which is more likely to find the fairway is certainly a plus. The e12 Contact is very soft and provides a solid feel through impact. Around the greens and when approaching, this ball doesn't provide the most spin, but there is a lot of control. Available in multiple colors, this is a very good ball to play year-round.

Read our full Bridgestone e12 Contact golf balls review

Pros

  • Impressively straight ball flight
  • High contact with every club face for more control
  • Good distance off the tee

Cons

  • Not much spin in the short game
Construction 3-piece
Cover Surlyn
Dimples 326
Feel Soft
Flight High
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Low
Colour options White; Matte yellow; Matte green; Matte red
  • Flexativ cover technology
  • Contact force dimple
  • Active acceleration mantle
  • Gradational compression core

Very durable golf balls ideal for beginners and high handicappers

Best durable golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $22.97
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$22.97
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$22.99
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$22.99
Golf Galaxy
$22.99
Golfers love - sorry loathe - to hit their ball into the trees, sand and pretty much anywhere they shouldn't. Therefore, it is always nice to find a ball that can withstand being hit in and out of the hazards and rough spots, the Srixon Soft Feel is exactly one of those balls. The other plus of a durable golf ball is if you are good enough to keep your ball in play, it will last a lot longer than other golf balls, which aren't as durable - saving you money in the long term.

As well as being durable, the Soft Feel is Srixon's softest golf ball and it feels really pure and responsive off the club face. This ball travels well off the tee, especially into the wind, because it is designed to reduce drag, having been made more aerodynamically. Around the greens, the ball is responsive, but it doesn't spin as much as you might expect from a soft golf ball. Nevertheless, the Soft Feel is still a strong golf ball you should consider gaming.

Read our full Srixon Soft Feel golf balls review

Pros

  • Very durable golf ball
  • Incredibly soft and responsive golf ball
  • Travels well in the wind

Cons

  • Would be nice to have a bit more greenside spin
Construction 2-piece
Cover Ionomer
Dimples 338
Feel Softer
Flight Mid-high
Long game spin Low
Short game spin Mide
Colour options White; Yellow
Alternative models Brite; Soft Feel Lady
  • Fastlayer core
  • Speed dimple pattern
  • Lower drag, higher lift

Exceptional ball in all departments for beginners and high handicappers

Best all-round golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Price: $23.99
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$24.31
DICK'S Sporting Goods
$24.99
PGA TOUR Superstore
$24.99
Golf Galaxy
$24.99
The Bridgestone e6 has been in production for 16 years, and it is one of the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers because it performs strongly from tee to green. Since the first iteration of the e6, this Bridgestone golf ball has grown in popularity because of its long distance off the tee and impressive spin and control in the short game. The e6 feels incredibly soft off every club in the bag, which most high-handicap and beginner golfers find appealing.

The price for a dozen e6 golf balls is very reasonable for a ball with such high all-round performance, despite it only being a two-piece golf ball. This ball is best suited to beginners and high handicappers due to the technology within the ball. However, better players with more moderate swing speeds may also improve their scores playing with the e6.

Read our full Bridgestone e6 golf balls review

Pros

  • Great value ball for moderate and slower swing speeds
  • Soft feeling golf ball providing good feedback from every club
  • Long distance and high greenside spin

Cons

  • Dispersion increases if your swing speed is too quick
Construction 2-piece
Cover Surlyn
Dimples 326
Feel Soft
Flight High
Long game spin Low
Short game spin High
Colour options White; Yellow
  • Seamless cover technology
  • Gradational compression core

Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: Buying guide

Whether you’re new to golf or playing off a high handicap it can be difficult to figure out exactly what the best golf ball is for you, and speaking frankly, there isn’t going to be just one model that is head and shoulders above the rest. Every golf ball manufacturer from Titleist and Callaway to Wilson and Srixon offers golf balls for a wide range of players. Depending on your wants and needs you’ll be able to find an ideal option from any of the top producers of golf balls.

It probably goes without saying, but the best golf balls any golfer can play with is one of the best premium golf balls because they are packed with technology to help all golfers obtain more from their golf ball. The best premium golf balls feature a minimum of three layers and can sport up to a five-piece construction. All Tour players reach for premium golf balls because of their unmatched performance.

Golf ball selection in Andy Brooks' Pro Shop at Cleveland Golf Club

As a beginner or high-handicap golfer, you might be thinking, why do I need a premium golf ball? It’s a good question, and potentially you don’t need to be playing with one of the best premium golf balls, but there’s definitely no harm in teeing it up with a Titleist Pro V1, TaylorMade TP5, or Callaway Chrome Tour. One thing all golfers can guarantee from a premium golf ball is outstanding performance that’ll please golfers of all standards – even if you’re a beginner.

There are specific golf balls tailor-made for beginners and high-handicappers whether that be the best golf balls for beginners and high-handicappers or the best cheap golf balls, both are arguably most suitable for newbies because they’re the most inexpensive golf balls and it’s inevitable that beginners and high-handicappers will lose golf balls during their round. However, so do the best golfers in the world!

Here are the main factors on how to choose a golf ball for beginners and high handicap golfers…

Feel

One factor that always plays a part in golfers’ decision-making when it comes to golf balls is feel – here’s a quick crash course in feel. Golf balls tend to be categorized as soft or firm in feel, but you do get some that claim to be softer, softest, firmer, or mid (somewhere Goldilocks would appreciate). The majority of golfers prefer soft-feeling golf balls because of the pleasant sensation they deliver off the clubface.

I’m definitely in the minority as a fan of firm-feeling golf balls, but I appreciate the stronger feedback and sound at impact. There isn’t a direct correlation between feel and performance, by this I mean it isn’t the case that soft golf balls are better around the greens and firm golf balls are better off the tee – this relates more to the construction.

If you’re unsure as to which feel you favor you can always find out by sampling firm and soft golf balls. However, you’re much better off having no preference and playing with the best golf balls for you, whether they’re firm or soft.

It’s worth noting that firm doesn’t feel like you’re smashing a rock around the golf course.

A selection of TaylorMade's various different coloured and patterned 2024 golf balls

Alignment

Golfers all over the planet miss fairways and putts due to poor alignment, so finding a golf ball that works for you and has an enhanced alignment tool you can take advantage of feels like a win-win.

There are more and more golf balls entering the marketplace season after season that have been overhauled with an enhanced alignment aid, and they do work! You can use the alignment aids to help you line your ball up on the tee and on the putting green.

I’m definitely in favor of alignment aids on golf balls but I can see why some golfers would find them off-putting. The only way to find out whether you like them or not is by giving them a go. One of the most profound alignment aids on a golf ball is that on the TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe which sports a 360° ClearPath Alignment aid. Whereas a more subtle alignment aid can be found on the Titleist AVX.

Colour

When you play a round of golf it’s highly likely that over 90% of the people on the course will be playing with a white golf ball, but there are other colours to choose from. Most people will play with a white golf ball because it’s viewed as the norm.

There’s no harm in playing with a more vibrant colour unless it negatively impacts your game. Chances are it wouldn’t, if anything, it could positively impact your game because it should be easier to see than a white ball.

You can buy golf balls in all sorts of colours from your usual solid yellow to multi-coloured paint-splattered golf balls. Adding a splash of colour to your golf ball might not only make it easier to see, but it could also make it easier to identify.

Srixon Q-Star Tour Divide Golf Balls

Spin

Ideally, every golf ball would produce low-spin off the tee and high-spin in your approach game. However, not all golf balls are designed that way. The majority of golf balls are designed to produce low-driver spin and generate distance off the tee, but not all golf balls are manufactured to generate high spin from irons and wedges.

Price generally correlates to short-game spin. Budget golf balls will generate less short-game spin than expensive golf balls but there might not be much difference in your long-game spin. During a ball fitting at Titleist, I discovered that a Titleist Pro V1x and Titleist Velocity performed very similarly with my driver, but with a 7-iron the spin dropped slightly with the Velocity, then with a 60° wedge the spin fell massively with the Velocity.

Spin in the golf ball comes from the combination of layers within the golf ball reacting with one another, hence why more expensive golf balls spin more in approach play because they consist of more layers and the technology is more refined. Cheaper golf balls tend to consist of two layers, the cover and core. Therefore they don’t have the number of layers required to produce astronomical spin when attacking pins.

Another factor that helps to enhance spin is the cover material. Golf balls with a urethane cover naturally spin more because it’s a more flexible material compared to ionomer or surlyn which doesn’t create as much friction with the clubface as urethane does. Once again, it’s more expensive golf balls that feature urethane covers to generate higher spin on approach shots.

Spin is massively important because it can either make you hit and hold a green or hit and fly over the green. The best golf balls for spin are by far premium golf balls closely followed by golf balls for mid-handicappers because they feature much of the technology found in Tour standard golf balls. If you feel as though you need high levels of spin when attacking greens you could save some money by purchasing one of the best value golf balls.

Budget

Beginners and high-handicappers arguably don’t need to spend as much on golf balls as seasoned golfers, therefore, you can afford to have a lower budget. While budgeting is worthwhile, you always don’t want to stoop too low and limit yourself to golf balls that lack quality.

I would say that there are other areas where budgeting is more of a necessity. If you play with one of the best premium golf balls compared to one of the best distance golf balls, you will notice a difference – regardless of your ability – in the feel, performance, and your score.

Budgeting when buying golf equipment is never bad but I believe you’re better off splashing on golf balls than you are with other pieces of golf equipment.

The market for the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers is incredibly competitive. Therefore, it is important to factor in as many considerations as possible before purchasing golf balls to ensure you find the best for your game.

Performance

This is in reference to the performance of the golf ball for the individual. Obviously, every golf ball performs slightly differently, but the most differences are seen from golfer to golfer. Golf balls are tailored to different golfers and if you are playing with a ball not suited to your playing ability or playing style it may be hampering your scoring. If you are unsure which golf balls will perform best for you, ball fittings are available and can help you find the perfect golf ball to lower your scores

Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: FAQs

How do I choose the best golf balls as a beginner or high handicapper?

If you don’t know which golf ball will best suit your golf game, there are a couple of ways to determine which golf balls will work for you. You can try and work it out yourself through trial and error, but as a beginner or high-handicap golfer, I would suggest asking for expert advice or having a ball fitting.

Can beginners and high handicappers use premium golf balls?

Of course, any golfer can play with any golf ball they wish. However, if you were to ask should instead of can, my answer would be a definitive no. For beginners and high-handicap golfers, there is very little need to play with premium golf balls because it’s unlikely they will unlock the full potential of the golf ball. Beginners and high handicappers are better off playing with cheaper golf balls which are more attuned to their game.

What is the difference between soft and distance golf balls?

The main difference is that distance golf balls are designed to maximise distance, whereas soft golf balls are intended to maximise spin and control. Distance balls tend to be firmer than soft golf balls, although you can purchase distance balls that have a soft feeling off the club face. Soft golf balls – as you would imagine – feel soft off the club face, and unlike distance golf balls which are soft, you can’t get soft balls that are firm. There is no right or wrong as to which ball you prefer, simply just which is best for your golf game.

How we test the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers

Beginners and high-handicap golfers may know what ball they want to play, alternatively, there will be those golfers who are still searching for the best golf balls for their game. To help as many golfers as possible in their quest for finding the ultimate golf balls for them we test every golf ball we can both on and off the course. This year we have taken our testing further, by conducting our second golf balls robot test.

When testing the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers we are looking at performance, feel, sound, durability, distance, and spin – along with other elements specific to individual golf balls. As with any piece of golf equipment, we ensure we thoroughly test every item we are provided with or purchase ourselves. You can find out how we test golf equipment by following this link.

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About the author

James Hogg is a Golf Equipment Writer for Today's Golfer, with expert knowledge in putters, golf balls, and apparel.

James Hogg – Golf Equipment Writer

James has a degree in English Language from Newcastle University and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University.

He spent seven years working for American Golf as part of the sales and fitting team alongside his studies and is a specialist in putters, golf balls, and apparel.

James took up golf as a teenager and, thanks largely to his length and consistency off the tee, he plays off a handicap of 4.7 at Cleveland Golf Club.

You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.

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