Many golfers who are either new to the sport or play recreationally often choose to use cheap and affordable golf balls instead of expensive ones, as it is a more cost-effective way to hone their technique as they practice - especially as there’s always the chance of accidentally mis-hitting and losing a ball!
In contrast, though, there’s also a majority of average golfers that prefer to use more “advanced” golf balls to achieve more speed and distance while out on the greens, which leads us to ask the question: Which types of golf balls are best for average players?
If you are currently playing at an average level and are asking yourself this question, then you’re in the right place.
From balls that can help to improve your launch angle, all the way to golf balls that have been designed to help improve your distance, it can be hard to separate the best from the rest, especially with all the vast sea of options currently available on the market.
That’s where we come in. Here in this article, we’re going to be helping you figure out not only which types of balls on the market are best for average golfers, but which types of balls are going to be best for your individual swing game.
From distance to speed, we’ve made sure to find golf balls that cater to this ability level, so you can find your new go-to’s. Ready? Let’s dive right in!
Kicking our list off, we have the Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls. If you’re an average golfer looking for a golf ball that will help to enhance your overall performance - look no further than these!
Callaway’s Ersoft Series has been a popular choice of many golfers for years, however, these 2021 editions have been injected with a variety of cover, flight, and core technologies to make them better than ever before.
How? Well, for starters, the all-new Hybrid cover features a clever paranoid impact modifier that has been made by innovative DOW Chemical, which in turn means that the multi-material design of the cover will ensure incredibly fast ball speeds across all types of shots, as well as impeccable greenside control that will have your golf buddies asking you what your secret is.
Not only that, but the super high speed, soft compression core will be able to maximize the level of energy transfer upon taking the shot, which will result in faster ball speeds without any additional effort by you.
On top of that, the soft compression core will also promote higher launch angles, as well as a low spin in order to achieve more distance across your shots.
Another feature that stands out to us is the HEX Aerodynamics that has been optimized in order to reduce drag. Thanks to this, you’ll also be able to enjoy an enhanced lift and a more powerful flight, time and time again.
If you’re a mid-level golfer looking to achieve maximum consistency across launch, trajectory, and ball speed - the Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls are just what you’re looking for.
Pros
Faster ball speeds - Thanks to the hybrid cover, these golf balls are exceptional at achieving faster ball speeds with better all-round control.
Optimized trajectory - These golf balls will help you to achieve maximum power and accuracy over both long and short shot distances.
Cons
Soft - Might not be well-suited to golfers that prefer hard golf balls.
In the market for a set of golf balls that will help you to consistently hit long-distance shots? Look no further than the Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Balls.
If your overall performance suffers from swing speeds, then the easiest way to remedy that issue is by using golf balls that have been specially designed to help improve your distance, regardless of whether you’re taking long or short distance shots.
The Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Balls are ideal for players that suffer from this issue and feature a super reactive 2 piece titanium core tournament construction that will be able to help optimize the energy transfer achieved from the ball and clubface as you take the shot.
In addition to that, these super innovative cores will also be able to help achieve better distances by lowering the spin, as well as being able to counteract the effects of wind that can cause curving. Impressive or what?
While in use, the clever aerodynamic, symmetrical design of the dimples across the surface of these golf balls will be able to both increase the lift while also decreasing the drag. Thanks to that, you’ll be able to enjoy longer shots with better overall accuracy.
Plus, to ensure durability, the Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Balls also come complete with a near-indestructible cut-proof cover that has been constructed of a strong Dupont Lithium Surlyn material.
This will not only ensure maxim durability for long service life but will also ensure that these golf balls are able to withstand regular use. They’re a fantastic choice for players looking to improve their shot distances.
Pros
High velocity - The golf balls are specifically designed to increase distance thanks to their dimple design which will allow for increased lift and decreased drag,
Durable - The durable design of these golf balls means that they will be able to offer you a long service life, all while being able to withstand the rigors of regular use.
On a budget? No problem. If you’re on the hunt for golf balls that will help to improve your game without breaking the bank, then the TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls should most definitely be on your radar.
Blending affordability with a quality performance, there’s a lot to love about the TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls.
Featuring a super hot, reactive core, these affordable golf balls have been designed to optimize the energy transfer between the core and the clubface upon impact, allowing for higher speeds and better trajectory.
Not only that, but for maximum durability, the TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls also feature a resilient cut-proof cover embossed with an aerodynamic dimple design.
This will not only allow for long service life, but it will also ensure that these golf balls will be able to withstand regular use without any issues.
These TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls are also ideal for those looking to improve their hand-eye coordination, as they feature a classic, white colorway that will contrast very well against the green of the grass.
If you’re looking for the best value, look no further than these.
Pros
Affordable price point - These TaylorMade golf balls are ideal for golfers on a budget.
Aerodynamic dimple design - These golf balls will be able to maximize overall speed, distance, and trajectory for optimized overall performance.
Cons
Plastic feel - Some users report that these balls have a plastic feel that diminishes the overall appearance.
Have a need for speed? If you’re looking for golf balls that will help you to achieve faster speeds than ever before, we recommend giving the Bridgestone Golf e12 Contact Golf Balls a consideration.
If you’re a golfer looking to improve your speeds, then one of the easiest ways to achieve that is by using golf balls designed to cater to that need.
The Bridgestone Golf e12 Contact Golf Balls are a bestseller within the golfing community and are well-known for their ability to reach high speeds.
Designed with players that have a low swing speed in mind, the Bridgestone Golf e12 Contact Golf Balls feature an Active Acceleration Mantle Technology designed to improve overall speeds.
In addition to that, the Bridgestone Golf e12 Contact Golf Balls are made of high-performing polymer material with added surfactants that will be able to deliver an increased thrust as well as a higher initial ball velocity.
Not only that, but these nifty golf balls even feature Bridgestone’s very own patented Delta Wing Dimple pattern design that will be able to allow for less drag mid-flight, while also ensuring a smoother airflow that will help to improve acceleration and accuracy across longer distances.
Pros
High velocity - The high velocity and increased thrust of these golf balls will allow for faster overall speeds, both at impact and while in-flight.
Delta dimple design - These golf balls utilize Bridgestone’s very own patented Delta Wing Dimple pattern that will allow for less drag, as well as a more seamless airflow.
Cons
Expensive price point - Might not be suitable for golfers who are on a budget.
Last but certainly not least, if you’re in the market for a new set of golf balls and are looking to invest in a premium set, we recommend checking out the TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls.
If you’d like to invest in a premium pack of golf balls, then the TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls should be on your radar.
Featuring an all-new speed layer within the core, these TP5 Golf Balls from TaylorMade will be able to achieve higher velocities with lower overall drag rates.
This will greatly benefit mid-capper players, as this speedcore will help to achieve higher speeds without compromising on accuracy.
In addition to that, the TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls feature 4 stiff layers that will help to achieve consistent speeds over long distances, all while encouraging better launch angles.
Plus, for average golfers looking to progress to an intermediate level, the TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls are an excellent investment to make, as they can be used by both skill levels.
This is all thanks to the dual-spin cover, which comprises a super soft cast urethane cover that will be able to increase groove interaction and allow for a better greenside spin.
Thanks to that, when in use, this design feature will allow more experienced golfers to incorporate more spin and curve into their shots, for more dynamic and innovative shot-making.
All in all, if you’re an average golfer looking to invest in golf balls that will grow with you as you improve, you’d be making a great investment in the TaylorMade TP5 Golf Balls.
Pros
Higher control - Thanks to the dual-spin cover, the soft cast urethane cover will be able to increase both control and speed.
High velocity - The high levels of velocity in these golf balls will ensure low spin rates, and better accuracy across all types of shots, including long.
Cons
Expensive - Might not be ideal for those on a budget.
Best Golf Balls For Average Golfers: What To Keep In Mind
Golf is just as much a mentally grueling sport as it can be physical, which is why it’s so important to make sure that the golf equipment you choose to use is able to help enhance your performance, rather than take away from it.
Therefore, before you go ahead with a purchase, we recommend taking a few moments to read through this section, which will provide you with some insights on what to look out for when choosing your golf balls.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when making your selection:
Accuracy
One of the most important criteria all golf players should have at the top of their golf ball checklist is accuracy.
Not only will better accuracy ensure that you are able to enjoy lower scores all around, but it will also mean that you have a more enjoyable experience while out on the greens.
Though the easiest and most effective way to help improve your accuracy is through practice and more practice, it doesn’t help to take on the aid of performance-enhancing equipment, and there are some golf balls on the market that can help with this particular concern.
Regardless of your level of ability, golfers of all levels will suffer from a mishit here and there, the trick is to find a way to make sure that you have a consistent trajectory with every shot you take.
For this reason, if you’re a golfer that currently struggles with their shot accuracy, opting to go for a set of golf balls that are intended to help boost your consistency may be the best port of call for you.
Keep an eye out for balls that have been made with a multi-layered construction process, as these are widely believed to be the most accurate golf balls across all types of shots, including long.
Budget
This is another important consideration to make when choosing a new set of golf balls! Before you begin shortlisting options, we first recommend that you set aside some time to think about how much you’d like to spend on them.
Remember, though most golfing equipment will serve you for a good number of years before needing to be replaced, golf balls are not as durable or long-lasting, which means that you’ll need to factor in the very likely chance of needing to replace them every 6 months or so.
This can be down to a number of reasons, although the two most common are the golf balls getting lost out on the course, and general wear and tear that renders them unplayable.
If you’ve already spent some time surfing the web prior to clicking on this article, then we’re sure that you’ll have already seen how much the price of golf balls can vary!
This is another reason why setting out a clear budget prior to shopping is so important, because it will ultimately be making the buying process a whole lot easier, all while ensuring that you are able to make a smarter buying decision.
Generally speaking, many golfers who play recreationally or at an average/intermediate level often choose to purchase golf balls that strike the balance between affordability and quality, which you will have seen from our shortlist above.
Swing Speed
Another important factor that needs to be taken into account while choosing the right golf balls for you is your natural swing speed ability.
Depending on your natural ability, you might find that you get on better with golf balls that have been designed to help those who suffer from a slow swing speed, while there are other types of golf balls on the market that have been designed to help add extra control to those who have a quicker swing speed.
Ultimately, by taking the time to ensure that you have a good understanding of your natural swing speed, you will be able to select a set of golf balls that will be able to help elevate your performance, rather than negatively impact it.
Distance
Similar to swing speed, you should also take into consideration your ability to hit balls over a long distance!
Though a poor shot here and there won’t make too much of a difference to your game, in the long run, you could find that your consistency is an area that lets you down, especially if you’re trying to become an advanced golfer.
For this reason, if you find that you are naturally unable to hit the ball over long distances, you should absolutely consider a golf ball that will be able to make the distance for you.
By selecting a golf ball that caters to this issue, you will then be able to focus more on the accuracy of your trajectory, which will ultimately help you to become a better golfer in the long run.
Generally speaking, the best indication of a ball designed to travel over longer distances are those that have been created with a low compression level.
The reason for this is that low compression balls tend to be a lot softer than high compression balls, which allows them to travel further distances.
In contrast, if you are not interested in achieving long distances just yet and simply want to focus on your ability to make consistently accurate shots, then we recommend considering high compression golf balls.
This is because high compression golf balls are well-known for being able to offer the user more control, particularly while making short shots.
F.A.Q
Do golf balls make a difference for average golfers?
Though golf balls aren’t a magic wand that can help us to become pro-golfers (unfortunately), they do make a considerable difference, and should definitely be a piece of golf equipment that doesn’t go overlooked.
If you’re currently in the market for a new set of golf balls that will help to enhance your game, whether you’ve recently started playing or are simply trying to lower your handicap, the best place to start is by first assessing what areas of your game need to be improved.
For example, if you’re a golfer that struggles to achieve consistently long distances over your shots, then alongside other golfing equipment, you should seek to purchase a set of golf balls that can help assist you with this issue, and help to improve your swing.
In contrast, if you’re a golfer that struggles with their swing speed, then you should consider purchasing a set of golf balls that are designed to help improve shot speeds.
The important thing to keep in mind is that these types of performance-enhancing equipment will only help to elevate your overall ability by assisting you in the areas that you are weakest in, which will then give you the freedom to work on your technique while also enjoying consistently lower scores.
If you’re currently playing at an average level and want to improve your performance, we definitely recommend considering what types of golf balls you use.
Should I use soft or hard golf balls?
The answer to this will ultimately depend on your personal preference and current ability. If you’re playing at an average level or recreationally, then you might very well find that low compression (or soft) balls are the best option for you.
This is because low compression balls are specifically designed to grant the user more control over their shots, all while helping those who suffer from slower swing speeds more distance without requiring any overexertion.
In contrast, if you’re currently playing at an average level but are looking to progress to playing at an intermediate level, then you might find that hard golf balls are better suited for you and your game.
What golf ball should a high handicapper use?
Regardless of whether you’ve recently started playing golf, or you’ve been playing for years but your natural ability isn’t what it used to be, there is plenty of performance-enhancing golf equipment available to you on the market, including golf balls.
In golf, the term “handicap” is one that is used frequently and essentially refers to a numerical figure of a golfer’s ability on the golf course. Within the sport, the lower the golfer’s handicap, then the better player they are, which is why all golfers strive to lower their handicap through practice and equipment.
For this reason, if you’re a high-handicap golfer, then one of the easiest ways that you can help to improve your overall performance is by choosing to use golf balls that can help to improve areas of your game that are the weakest.
As an example, if you struggle to consistently maintain control over your shots, then golf balls that are made to have a low compression (soft) will be able to help you achieve control.
In contrast, if you’re a high-handicapper that struggles to achieve long distances due to a low swing speed, then you should consider golf balls that contain hot, reactive cores that will be able to improve energy transfer upon impact.
