Best Golf Balls 2023
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What are the best golf balls to help elevate your game and help you play better golf?
JUMP TO: Best Premium | Best Amateur | Best High Handicap | Best for Beginners | Best Ladies | Best Direct to Consumer | Buying Guide | FAQs |
Choosing the best golf ball for your game can be a bit of a minefield – we even undertook a mammoth golf ball robot test to help.
In order to make it easier it is important to consider what type of ball you want and need. Every brand offers a ball for every level of golfer, so whether you are in the market for the best premium golf ball or something with a lower price, you will find something to work for your game. We’ve spent hours in our net, on the range and on the course testing everything from the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers to the best direct-to-consumer models.
Making the decision even tougher is the ever-increasing range of alignment options, color options, and ball designs. Although, if you want just a plain golf ball the choice is as difficult and the list as extensive. This is why it’s important to understand if you are wanting more speed, more distance, more spin, more feel (all of the above please) from your golf ball.
The best golf balls 2023 at a glance:
Best tour standard premium golf balls: Titleist Pro V1 | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best amateur-level golf balls: TaylorMade Tour Response | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best entry-level golf balls: Wilson Duo Soft | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best soft feeling ladies’ golf balls: TaylorMade Soft Response | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Having the best golf balls for your game is priceless because it will inevitably improve your performance on the course and in turn your scores. We understand not everyone will need the golf balls played by Tour players, it may be you need the best distance golf balls to give you a short distance into the greens. Whatever you need from your golf ball we want to provide as many options as possible in order for you to find the best value golf ball for your money.
To help you choose which ball is best for your game we have categorized the best golf balls into different groups. This way you can really consider the best options for you to help shoot lower scores and lower your handicap.
Best golf balls for better players
Most popular golf balls on Tour
The Pro V1 is extremely long off the tee and performs incredibly well approaching greens and in the short game. This ball is Titleists' softer premium golf ball compared to the Pro V1x which is slightly firmer. Pro V1s are much loved by many of the world's greatest golfers for their overall high-quality performance and feel, which warrants a premium price. To some, this is understandable because they are arguably the best golf balls.
For those golfers who require a lower compression golf ball that flies lower and spins less in the long game, the AVX is definitely worth trying as an alternative to the No.1 ball in golf.
Read our full Titleist Pro V1 golf balls review
Pros
- Tighter dispersion than the previous model
- Brilliant distance for quicker swing speeds
- Exceptional spin on approach shots
- Fantastic feel off the club face
- Played by a host of the world's best golfers
Cons
- Urethane cover marks quite easily
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Cast urethane elastomer |
Compression | 87-90 |
Dimples | 388 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | Mid |
Long game spin | Very low |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White; Yellow |
- High gradient core design
- Speed amplifying high-flex casing layer
- Cast thermoset urethane cover
- Spherically tiled tetrahedral dimple design
Golf's incredible five-piece golf ball delivers premium quality and perforamance
As a challenger to the best golf ball in professional golf, TaylorMade enhanced the technology within their TP5x to make them even more competitive at a more reasonable price. For those looking for assistance with alignment and an easier ball to see there is the Pix option with the TP5 and TP5x which not only adds vibrancy to the golf balls but also clearpath alignment to help roll in the putts.
Read our full TP5x golf balls review
Pros
- More penetrating flight than the previous model
- Long distance for quicker swing speeds
- Exceptional spin and control around the greens
- Premium feel off every club
Cons
- Urethane cover not the most durable
Construction | 5-piece |
Cover | Cast urethane |
Compression | 97 |
Dimples | 322 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | High |
Long game spin | Low |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White; Yellow |
Alternative models | TP5x Pix |
- New seamless tour flight dimple pattern
- Speed-layer system
- High-flex material
The premium golf balls to help with alignment and visibility
The Chrome Soft X is designed to offer distance off the tee by reducing spin while delivering impressive spin and control around the greens - being the highest spinning model out of the Chrome Soft range. Having a compression rating of 100 the Chrome Soft X (and Chrome Soft X LS) are targeted toward tour players and better players. However, if you have a slower swing speed the Chrome Soft may be the best option in this range for you.
Making the Chrome Soft X golf balls an option for more golfers is the addition of alignment aids and visibility assistance. My personal favorite is the 360° Triple Track which makes putting much more straightforward.
If you prefer a slightly softer ball with lower compression (slightly cheaper too) then take a look at the Callaway ERC Soft golf balls.
Read our full Chrome Soft X golf balls review
Pros
- Good distance off the tee and in the long game
- Incredible spin and feel
- Outstanding feedback from the club face
- Range of alignment aids and visibility assistance
Cons
- Soft feel won't be to everyone's liking
Construction | 4-piece |
Cover | Soft urethane |
Compression | 100 |
Dimples | 332 |
Feel | Medium |
Flight | High |
Long game spin | Low-mid |
Short game spin | Highest |
Color options | White; Yellow |
Alternative models | 360° Triple Track; Triple Track; Tru Track |
- Precision technology
- Construction optimization
- Hyper elastic softfast core
- New tour aero
The durable golf ball on Tour
Arguably the biggest star playing a Srixon golf ball is 2023 PGA champion Brooks Koepka, who plays the Z-Star Diamond which is another outstanding premium Srixon golf ball. The Z-Star XV golf balls are capable of competing with any of the best tour standard golf balls. If you struggle to see your golf balls or line up your putts you can purchase the Divide which is half yellow, half white - only available in the Z-Star.
Read our full Srixon Z-Star XV golf balls review
Pros
- Overall very durable golf ball
- Good distance off the tee and in the long game
- Impressive short game spin and control
- Very soft feel and nice feedback
Cons
- Soft feel is not everyone's favorite
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Urethane |
Compression | 102 |
Dimples | 338 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | Mid-high |
Long game spin | Low |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White; Yellow |
- Speed dimple pattern
- Thin premium cover
- Spin skin+ coating
- Fastlayer DG core
A brilliant premium golf ball that doesn't cost top dollar
The impressive performance of these three-piece golf balls means golfers with quick swing speed can play with them to help improve their scores. Bridgestone produces exceptional golf balls for all ranges of golfers but the Tour B range is perhaps their best range of golf balls yet. The Tour B X may not be the best for you, but there will be one ball within the Tour B range to work for you and your game.
Read our full Bridgestone Tour B X golf balls review
Pros
- Soft golf balls which offer good control around the greens
- Impressive spin with each golf ball
- Good distance due to less drag in the air
- Tour standard golf ball for a range of golfers
Cons
- Not the most durable golf balls
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Urethane |
Compression | 94 |
Dimples | 338 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | Lowest |
Long game spin | Lower |
Short game spin | High |
Color option | White; Yellow |
- REACTIV iQ urethane cover
- Gradational compression core
- Dual dimple technology
- Seamless cover technology
A premium golf ball with outstanding greenside and short-game spin
While this ball produces high spin numbers from irons and wedges, the opposite can be said for the woods - delivering low spin to help the ball carry farther off the tee. PXG have added a very helpful alignment aid to this ball which assists in lining up putts and rolling them in. The Xtreme golf ball is incredible value for money and well worth trying if you haven't already.
Read our full PXG Xtreme golf balls review
Pros
- Impressive greenside and short game spin
- Good value for money
- Durable urethane cover
Cons
- Only available in white
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Urethane |
Compression | 97 |
Dimples | 338 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | Mid-high |
Long game spin | Low |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White |
- High C.O.R. polybutadiene core created for high-speed performance
- Firm ionomer mantle layer engineered to increase speed and distance off the tee
- Soft urethane bright white outer cover
- 338 dimple pattern engineered to deliver aerodynamic characteristics
Impressive golf balls which perform to a Tour standard without the price tag
The Maxfli Tour X golf balls provide exceptional short game spin and control which matches the most premium balls on the market. You can purchase these golf balls along with the rest of the Maxfli Tour range in white and yellow so there is an option for those who prefer to play with a vibrant golf ball.
Read our full Maxfli Tour X golf balls review
Pros
- Incredibly good value
- Premium performance at an affordable price
- Soft feel and long distance
- Durable golf ball
Cons
- Alignment isn't very clear
Construction | 4-piece |
Cover | Urethane |
Compression | 100 |
Dimples | 318 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | Mid-high |
Long game spin | Low |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White; Yellow |
- Center of gravity balanced
- Soft cast urethane
- Tetrahedron dimple pattern
- Fast core
- High-speed mantle
Best golf balls for amateurs
A golf ball aimed at better amateur golfers with a premium feel and performance
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The Tour Response features technology found in TaylorMade’s TP5/TP5x range – their premium range of golf balls. Making these balls an incredible option for club golfers who want a premium product without paying the premium price. The only downside I have noticed with the Tour Response is off the tee it is not as long off the tee as other more expensive alternatives because of the 70 compression. However, as someone who doesn't necessarily struggle with distance, I prefer the feel and visual assistance the Stripe version offers.
Read our full TaylorMade Tour Response golf balls review
Pros
- Amazing visual and alignment aid (Stripe golf balls)
- Incredibly soft feel
- Impressive spin and control around the greens
- Great feedback from every club in the bag
- Outstanding distance despite lower compression
Cons
- Potentially not ideal for players with quicker swing speeds who generate spin easily
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Softer tour cast urethane |
Compression | 70 |
Dimples | 322 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | High |
Long game spin | Low-mid |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White; Yellow |
Alternative models | Tour Response Stripe; Tour Response Stripe Multipack |
- New tour flight dimple pattern
- 100% urethane cover
- Speedmantle with high-flex material
Premium feeling golf ball for better amateurs offering outstanding distance
The market for these golf balls with a tour performance at a lower price is continuously increasing but the Titleist Tour Speed is rightfully very strong in this market. Tour Speed is a great all-round golf ball which does perform slightly better in the long game than the short game but that is not to say this ball cannot hold its own around the green.
Titleist also offers the Tour Soft which is a slightly lower-compression golf ball and perfect for those who prefer an extremely soft ball which offers great performance.
Read our full Titleist Tour Speed golf balls review
Pros
- Fast ball offering good distance for amateur golfers
- Penetrating ball flight ideal in windy conditions
- Soft feel provides nice feedback from all clubs
- Great value for the quality of the ball
Cons
- Spin slightly lacking off the irons and wedges
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Titleist performance urethane cover |
Compression | 82 |
Dimples | 346 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | Mid |
Long game spin | Low |
Short game spin | Mid |
Color options | White; Yellow |
- Reformulated high speed core
- Reformulated proprietary casing layer
- Proprietary Titleist performance urethane cover
- Quadrilateral dipyramid dimple pattern
Wilson Triad
An outstanding ball which rolls perfectly on the greens helping you hole more putts
This ball is specifically designed for better club golfers but that is not to say higher handicap golfers will not be able to get away with the Triad as well, after all if this ball helps to break 80 it may be worth giving it a shot. The ball is available in either the standard painted finish or in an uncommon unpainted (raw) finish, Wilson says paint can affect the aerodynamics of the golf ball, not something we can notice - we'll let you be the judge.
Read our full Wilson Triad golf balls review
Pros
- True roll helps to hole more putts
- Good dispersion off the tee
- High spin and control on approach shots
- Consistent ball flight
Cons
- Not the softest feeling golf ball which won't suit every golfer
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Urethane |
Compression | 85 |
Dimples | 348 |
Feel | Mid |
Flight | Mid |
Long game spin | Low |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White; Yellow |
Alternative models | Triad R |
- Triad balanced construction
- T3 technology
- High MOI design
- Ultra-thin urethane cover
A really good ball for amateur golfers who don't have the swing speed for a tour standard ball
Where this ball does excel is around the greens displaying high spin and control from an array of lies. Another positive of this ball is the price, for a three-piece urethane cover golf ball it is very reasonably priced and mostly cheaper than its competitors. If you like to add a bit of color to your golf game these balls are available in Srixon's Divide pattern with one half of the ball one color and the other half another - this helps with visibility and alignment.
Read our full Srixon Q-Star Tour golf balls review
Pros
- Impressive short game spin
- Good distance and feel from every club in the bag
- Wind doesn't massively hamper distance
- High durability
Cons
- Very soft feel might not be what everyone wants
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Urethane |
Compression | 72 |
Dimples | 338 |
Feel | Softer |
Flight | Mid-high |
Long game spin | Low |
Short game spin | High |
Color options | White; Yellow |
Alternative models | Q-Star Tour Divide |
- Fastlayer core
- Spinskin with SeRM
- Speed dimple pattern
A majorly inexpensive golf ball for those with quicker swing speeds
These balls are incredibly soft - especially of the putter face (which may not please everyone) - they perform just as well as the most premium balls in the market for a whole host of amateur golfers. They travel far off the tee and stop quickly in the short game; making them a suitable option for many golfers (considering cost too).
Read our full Kirkland Signature 3-Piece golf balls review
Pros
- Amazing price per ball considering the quality
- Combines soft feel, long distance, and high spin
- Outstanding performance for quicker swing speeds
- Impressive consistent ball flight
Cons
- Not very widely available
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover | Urethane |
Compression | 95 |
Dimples | 338 |
Feel | Soft |
Flight | High |
Long-game spin | Low |
Short-game spin | High |
Color options | White |
- Increased core size
- Mantle with new proprietary core
- New proprietary TPU with improved scuff resistance and impact endurance
- Modified dimple depth for optimized flight height
Best golf balls for high handicappers
A soft distance golf ball helping you line up your putts with an enhanced alignment aid
The enhanced alignment aid on the Distance+ is very effective, not only at helping you line up your putts but also ensuring you are square at address. As impressive as this ball is on the green, this is not the limit of its abilities. When approaching the green most golfers will want some stopping power, which this delivers on with mid-high short game spin. From the tee, the Distance+ is long (being a distance ball) and flies well too with a more penetrating ball flight than other balls in this category.
Read our full TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls review
Pros
- Enhanced alignment aid
- Soft distance golf ball
- Impressive spin and control in the short game
- Suitable for a wide range of golfers
Cons
- Bold alignment aid may be off-putting 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
An incredibly soft feeling golf ball for high handicap golfers
The Supersoft has had an engine upgrade seeing the core work more efficiently than ever; resulting in an amazing ball from tee to green. Off the tee this ball produces competitive distance - for those with the optimum swing speed - but it is around the green where this ball really comes into its own. The Supersoft performs exceptionally well in the short game because of its soft feel and high level of control. If you often play with a colored golf ball you are spoiled for choice with the Supersoft range coming in a variety of colors in a matte finish.
Read our full Callaway Supersoft golf balls review
Pros
- Incredibly soft ball which offers great feel
- Long and straight off the tee for slower swing speeds
- Low compression allows golfers with slower swing speeds to get the ball in the air easier
Cons
- Definitely not suitable 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
A brilliant ball for high handicap golfers with a faster swing speed
Now in its 10th generation and is just as popular as ever. Providing good distance off the tee and sufficient spin and control around the green it makes for a sound golf ball to game. The speed dimple pattern enables the ball to fly through the air with less drag making it even longer than previous models. Although this ball is tailored towards higher-handicap golfers it is very versatile because of its 72 compression rating which makes it appeal to better golfers with moderate to quick swing speeds.
Read our full Srixon Q-Star (US) & AD333 (UK) golf balls review
Pros
- Good option for high handicappers with faster than average swing speed
- Long distance off the tee
- Durable golf ball
Cons
- Slightly lacking in spin and control around the greens
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 |
- Fatslayer core
- Spin skin with SeRM
- Speed dimple pattern
Outstanding ball in all departments for high handicappers
Built for golfers who don't swing like a tour pro, the e6 is aimed at those with a more moderate swing speed, with a compression rating of 50. Bridgestone have priced this ball extremely fairly for the performance, despite it being only a two-piece golf ball it feels much more premium and technologically advanced. The technology in this ball will mostly suit high handicap golfers. However, if you are a better player with a moderate swing speed it is definitely worth trying this ball against what you regularly play with.
Read our full Bridgestone e6 golf balls review
Pros
- Great value ball for moderate swing speeds
- Soft feeling golf ball provides good feedback from every club
- Long distance and high spin
Cons
- Dispersion can increase 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
The ball for high handicappers that offers serious distance
Coming in at a very reasonable price the Velocity golf balls are a brilliant option for any golfer with a quick swing speed looking to gain distance. Being a two-piece golf ball they are definitely aimed more towards high handicap golfers but that is not to say better players cannot play with these balls providing they have a quick swing speed and solely want to gain distance.
Read our full Titleist Velocity golf balls review
Pros
- Massive distance off the tee
- Soft feel gives good 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
Best golf balls for beginners
World's softest golf ball is perfect for slow swing speeds
The Duo Soft also performs really well off the tee with good distance and ball flight which ranks it highly amongst all golf balls it's a competitor to. Soft feeling golf balls are commonly more desirable than firmer feeling golf balls and so this makes for an exceptional ball for those who are just starting their golfing journey. This ball is so well-received even more accomplished golfers who play regularly with slow swing speeds use the Wilson Duo Soft.
Read our full Wilson Duo Soft golf balls review
Pros
- Incredibly soft feel
- Good distance off the tee
- Impressive spin rates
Cons
- Really soft feel which may not suit everyone
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
Amazing golf ball for beginners which doesn't break the bank
Srixon are very well known in golf for manufacturing excellent golf balls for a range of golfers and their Distance balls are certainly one of the best available to beginner golfers. With such a high compression rating (89) these balls will not suit every new starter - only those with a fast swing speed. This also makes the balls good for those who improve at golf and quicken their swing speed.
Read our full Srixon Distance golf balls review
Pros
- Good distance off the tee
- Surprisingly soft feel for a distance golf ball
- Decent control and spin around the greens
- Brilliant value for money
Cons
- Doesn't perform the same for 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
Great golf balls for beginners especially with 15 in a box