Best Golf Balls for Beginners and High Handicappers 2023
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Which are the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers?
Jump to: Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers | Buying Guide | FAQs
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 maximize distance, whereas others are intended to maximize 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 2023 at a glance:
Best golf ball for beginners and high handicappers: TaylorMade Distance+ | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best soft-feeling golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: Callaway Supersoft | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best three-piece golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: TaylorMade Soft Response | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW -US
Best distance golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: Titleist Velocity | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
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.
Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers 2023
A distance golf ball helping you line up your putts on the green
Best alignment gof balls for beginners and high handicappers
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 |
| Compression | 77 |
| Dimples | 342 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Mid |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid-high |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- Plus alignment aid
- Soft REACT core
- Aerodynamic 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
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 |
| Compression | 38 |
| Dimples | 332 |
| Feel | Super soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow; Matte green; Matte red; Matte orange; Matte pink |
| Alternative models | Supersoft Shamrock; Supersoft Taco |
- Hyperelastic softfast core
- Hybrid cover
- Hex aerodynamics
An incredibly soft three-piece golf ball for beginners and high handicappers who want a more premium feel
Best three-piece golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
The Soft Response is brilliant value for money because the technology in this ball is very similar to the Tour Response which is one of the best golf balls for better amateur players. This ball is not only impressive on paper but on the golf course too, it travels exceptionally well and far off the tee, while in the short game you can expect admirable stopping power and control.
However, if you have a quicker swing speed which warrants a higher compression golf ball try the Tour Response.
Read our full TaylorMade Soft Response golf balls review
Pros
- Incredible value for money for a 3-piece golf ball
- Amazing feedback from every club
- Impressive spin and control in the short game
Cons
- Only really suitable for those with moderate to slower swing speeds
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Ionomer |
| Compression | 50 |
| Dimples | 322 |
| Feel | Softest |
| Flight | Mid-high |
| Long game spin | Low-mid |
| Short game spin | Mid-high |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- Extended flight dimple pattern
- 50 compression design
World's softest golf ball is ideal for golfers with slow swing speeds
Best low compression golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
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 |
| Compression | 40 |
| Dimples | 302 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid |
| Color options | White; Yellow; Green; Orange; Red |
- Velocity boosting core
- Low compression core
Brilliant golf ball for beginners and high handicappers wanting to maximize distance
Best distance golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
As a two-piece golf ball designed to gain distance at a very reasonable price, the Velocity is an excellent option for beginners and high handicappers. However, that is not to say better golfers can't play with this ball, you just need to be aware you may not get as much spin and control from this golf ball as you may with others.
Read our full Titleist Velocity golf balls review
Pros
- Serious distance off the tee
- Soft golf ball offering solid feedback from every club
- Consistent ball flight
Cons
- Low greenside spin is not massively desirable
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Ionomer |
| Compression | 84 |
| Dimples | 350 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Low |
| Color options | White; Matte orange; Matte blue; Matte green |
- High speed LSX core
- Fast NAZ+ cover
- Octahedral dimple pattern
A quality all-round performance golf ball for beginners and high handicappers with quicker swing speeds
Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers with quicker swing speed
www.golfgalaxy.com
Delivering good distance off the tee and respectable greenside spin and control (although not the best feature of this ball) it is a great ball the vast majority of beginners and high handicappers could game and enjoy. Now in its 10th generation, the ball has been re-designed to travel farther into the wind with less drag impacting the ball. Even though this ball is most suited to beginners and high handicappers, better golfers with moderate swing speeds can still benefit from gaming the Q-Star/AD333.
Read our full Srixon Q-Star (US) & AD333 (UK) golf balls review
Pros
- Great all-round option for golfers with a faster than average swing speed
- Long distance off the tee
- Really durable
Cons
- Not the best golf ball for greenside spin and control
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Ionomer |
| Compression | 72 |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Softer |
| Flight | Mid-high |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid-high |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- Fastlayer core
- Spin skin with SeRM
- Speed dimple pattern
Exceptional ball in all departments for beginners and high handicappers
Best all-round golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
With a compression rating of 50, this ball is aimed more at those beginners and high handicappers who swing at a moderate to slow swing speed - definitely not one for those with a quick swing speed (you will start to lose control of the ball). 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 |
| Compression | 50 |
| Dimples | 326 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- Seamless cover technology
- Gradational compression core
Amazing direct-to-consumer golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
Best direct-to-consumer golf balls for beginners and high handiappers
seedgolf.co
The SD-15 is a very competitive golf ball in this category, and even though you may never have heard of them, they are definitely worth trying. If you sign up for a subscription you can get the balls for even cheaper and have a delivery every one, two, or three months. Seed also manufactures four other golf balls which are really good value and worth checking for when your handicap begins to drop.
Pros
- Purchasing through the subscription is very easy and reasonably priced
- Impressive distance off the tee
- Really durable
Cons
- The logo on the ball may be off putting for some golfers
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Surlyn |
| Compression | Low |
| Dimples | 355 |
| Feel | Medium |
| Flight | Higher |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Low |
| Color options | White; Green; Red |
| Alternative models | The Jack |
- Soft feel rubber core
- DuPont surlyn cover
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
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 |
| Compression | 65 |
| Dimples | 376 |
| Feel | Very soft |
| Flight | Low |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Low |
| Color options | White; Yellow; Red |
- TruTouch Core
- 2.0 TruFlex Cover
- Spherically-tiled 376 tetrahedral dimple design
High-compression golf ball which works for a range of swing speeds
Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers with ranging swing speeds
Having such a high compression rating (90) it might seem like it is built more for those with faster swing speeds. However, because of the Warbird's extra large high-energy core it is surprisingly easy to compress - even if you have a slow swing speed. The Warbird is a brilliant ball for beginners and high handicappers to play with and continue gaming as you improve because the ball adjusts to suit a multitude of swing speeds.
Read our full Callaway Warbird golf balls review
Pros
- Good long game distance
- Workable around the greens for a distance golf ball
- Solid feel and feedback from every club
Cons
- Firmer feel may not be everyone's preference
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Ionomer |
| Compression | 90 |
| Dimples | 332 |
| Feel | Firm |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- HEX aerodynamics
- Extra large high-energy core
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
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. The Distance golf balls have a compression rating of 89 which means they won't suit every new starter or high handicapper - only those with a quick swing speed. if you have a slower swing speed the Srixon Soft Feel is a very good option.
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 |
| Compression | 89 |
| Dimples | 324 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid |
| Color options | White |
- Fastlayer core
- Speed dimple pattern
- Durable ionomer cover
Perfect ball for beginners and high handicappers who find it hard to hit fairways
Best straight-flight golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
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 |
| Compression | 46 |
| Dimples | 326 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Low |
| Color options | White; Matte yellow; Matte green; Matte red |
- Flexativ cover technology
- Contact force dimple
- Active acceleration mantle
- Gradational compression core
Outstanding value for golf balls you can bulk buy without breaking the bank
Best bulk buy golf balls for beginners and high handiappers
RAM can afford to charge less for their golf balls because they don't sponsor any Tour players or run major marketing campaigns. Even if you are not sure if the Laser Spin is a ball you could play with, it is worth trying at the price. With a compression rating of 80 this ball will suit a wide range of golfers with different swing speeds - but maybe not the slowest swing speeds.
Read our full RAM Laser Spin golf balls review
Pros
- Incredible value for a ball you can bulk buy
- Impressive spin and control around the greens
- Good long game distance
Cons
- No option of buying less than three dozen
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Surlyn |
| Compression | 80 |
| Dimples | 392 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid-high |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- DuPont surlyn cover
- 392 dimple icosahedron pattern
Great golf balls at a great price considering there are 15-balls in a pack
Pinnacle's distance golf balls have a low-compression core so they work really well for golfers with slower swing speeds. This makes the Rush a very good distance golf ball for those with slow swing speeds. 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.
Read our full Pinnacle Rush golf balls review
Pros
- Great distance for a low compression core
- Both balls deliver nice feedback
- Very reasonably priced
Cons
- Best suited for those with slower swing speeds
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Ionomer |
| Compression | Low |
| Dimples | 332 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Low |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- High-energy core
- Icosahedral dimple design
Very durable golf balls ideal for beginners and high handicappers
Best durable golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
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 |
| Compression | 60 |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Softer |
| Flight | Mid-high |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | Brite; Soft Feel Lady |
- Fastlayer core
- Speed dimple pattern
- Lower drag, higher lift
Best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers: Buying guide
How to choose the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
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. To help you do this we have put together a list of key factors to think about so you can choose wisely.
Budget
As a beginner or high handicap golfer one of the most important factors to think about is budget. The last thing you want to be doing is overspending on golf balls because it is unlikely you will benefit from spending the money on a premium golf ball. Realistically, you do not need to be spending any more than £30/$35 (at an absolute maximum) on a dozen golf balls.
Compression
While this isn’t something a beginner or high handicapper will want to get too hung up on, it is important to consider. The simple correlation is the quicker your swing speed, the high compression golf ball you need. However, high-compression golf balls tend to make for the best distance golf balls, so if you are looking for distance but don’t have a particularly quick swing speed you may still want to choose a high-compression golf ball. Alternatively, if you have a quick sing speed but want more feel, spin, and control you may want to consider a low-compression golf ball.
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.
Feel
Most frequent golfers will know if they prefer a soft or firm-feeling golf ball. However, as a beginner or high handicapper, you may not yet have a preference. Therefore, it is best to try as many different golf balls as possible – varying in feel – until you find the feel you like. You may know what feel you like, whether it is soft or firm, there is no right or wrong.
Alignment
There are more and more brands taking their golf balls and adding enhanced alignment aids to them. These alignment aids help mainly on the putting green, but you could also take advantage of the vivid alignment tools on the tee to help you find the fairway. Different brands use different alignment aids and they vary in size too.
Visibility
The predominant color of golf balls you see when playing is white, even though almost every golf ball is available in two or more colors. It could be that the majority of golfers like to play with a white golf ball. However, having a bright golf ball tends to be a lot easier to see, this may help you keep your ball in play, lower your scores, and save you money.
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 maximize distance whereas soft golf balls are intended to maximize 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 – Golf Equipment Writer
James Hogg is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com.
He has a degree in English Language from Newcastle University and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University.
James previously worked for American Golf alongside his studies as part of the sales and fitting team. Having worked in golf retail for seven years he has all the skills and knowledge necessary to review and recommend the perfect equipment for golfers of all abilities and has a strong knowledge of putters, golf balls, and golf apparel, including trousers.
Despite nobody else in James’ family playing golf he took a keen interest as a teenager which saw him become a junior member at Saltburn Golf Club, North Yorkshire. Since returning to Teesside in 2022 James has joined his home course, Cleveland Golf Club. His handicap index is 4.7 thanks to consistent distance off the tee.
Away from golf, James enjoys a multitude of sports, specifically watching Formula 1, American Football and Horse Racing. He’s also a proud supporter of Middlesbrough FC, likes cooking and reading travel literature.
James uses a Callaway Mavrik SZ Driver, Callaway Mavrik SZ 3-Wood, TaylorMade Stealth UDI 3-iron, Ping i210 Irons (4-PW), Cobra King Snakebite 50° Wedge, Mizuno S23 56° and 60° Wedges, TaylorMade Spider X Putter and a TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe golf ball.
You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.
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Best golf balls 2023 for beginners and high handicappers
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TaylorMade Distance+ enhanced alignment aid
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TaylorMade Distance+ ball
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TaylorMade Distance+ box information
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TaylorMade Distance+ sleeve
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TaylorMade Distance+ is amongst the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers to help line up putts
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Bridgestone e12 Contact golf balls.
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Bridgestone e12 Contact golf balls.
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Bridgestone e12 Contact golf balls.
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Bridgestone e12 Contact golf balls.
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RAM Laser Spin alignment
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RAM Laser Spin golf ball
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Seed SD-15 alignment aid
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Seed SD-15 ball
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Seed SD-15 is amongst the best balls for beginners and high handicap golfers
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Seed SD-15 The Jack
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Soft Feel alignment
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Soft Feel ball
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Soft Feel box information
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Srixon Soft Feel is one of the most durable golf balls a beginner and high handicapper can buy
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Soft Feel sleeve
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Soft Response alignment
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TaylorMade Soft Response ball
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Soft Response box information
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Soft Response golf balls are amongst the best ladies' golf balls
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Soft Response sleeve
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TruFeel alignment
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TruFeel ball
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TruFeel box information
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Titleist TruFeel is amongst the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers
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TruFeel sleeve
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Velocity alignment
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Velocity ball
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Velocity box information
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Titleist Velocity is one of the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers looking to gain distance
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Velocity sleeve
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Callaway Warbird golf ball
