Best Golf Balls in 2024 (Buying Guide)

In today’s guide I’m excited to highlight our picks for the best golf balls 2024 discussion. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best golf balls available, whether you’re looking for distance, control, or spin.

We will review the features of each golf ball that made our list and share why we think they will be a good fit in your golf bag.

Each golf ball has its own unique features built for specific types of players and you’ll learn the difference between the original golf ball and the variation ball with an X or S marking on it. (hint: it has to do with spin rates)

Don’t settle for just any golf ball, choose the best one to elevate your game. Explore the market and find your perfect match. Let’s dive into our review of the best golf balls to buy 2024 and if you enjoy, please share on social media!

Best Golf Ball to Play

Choosing the best golf ball to play with is crucial for improving your game. By considering your individual playing style and preferences, you can find the perfect ball that suits your needs.

If you’re looking for maximum distance off the tee, a ball like the Srixon Z Star Golf Ball may be the best option for you. Its low compression core and aerodynamic dimple pattern are designed to provide exceptional distance while maintaining control around the greens.

If you prioritize a soft feel and control, the Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball may be the right choice for you. Its responsive core and soft cover offer excellent feel and control on approach shots and around the greens.

For a ball that balances distance and feel, the Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball is a great option. Its low compression core and soft cover provide great distance, while its energetic core delivers a soft feel on shots around the green.

If you’re willing to invest in a premium option, the Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball is the gold standard for golf balls and is preferred by many professionals and amateurs alike. With its high-performance construction and exceptional control, this ball is designed to enhance all aspects of your game.

Ultimately, the best golf ball to play depends on your playing style and preferences. Consider factors such as the distance you want to achieve, the level of control you need, and the feel you prefer, to make an informed decision and enhance your game.

Best Golf Balls to Buy in 2024

Here is a overview list of the golf balls reviewed below in this 2024 buying guide:

  • Titleist Tour Soft
  • Srixon Z Star
  • Srixon Soft Feel
  • Titleist AVX
  • Titleist Pro V1
  • Taylor Made TP5 and TP5X
  • Callaway Chrome Soft X
  • Bridgestone E6

Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball

The Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball is a popular choice among golfers looking for a combination of distance and feel. Its responsive core and thin, soft cover provide excellent control and a soft feel off the clubface, making it a great option for players of all skill levels.

The following table showcases the key features and specifications of the Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball:

Feature Specification
Construction 2-piece
Compression 65
Cover Material Thermoplastic Urethane
Dimples 342
Feel Soft
Spin Medium
Distance Long

The Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball features a 2-piece construction with a low compression core that provides exceptional distance without sacrificing feel. The thin, soft cover of the ball delivers more spin around the greens, making it easier to control your shots.

With its 342 dimple pattern, the Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball provides a penetrating ball flight that cuts through the wind, enabling longer, more accurate drives. It also has a soft feel that is unmatched by many other golf balls on the market, thanks to its thermoplastic urethane cover.

Overall, the Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball is an excellent choice for golfers who want a versatile ball that can deliver both distance and short game control. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this ball is definitely worth considering for your next round on the course.

Srixon Z Star Golf Ball

Are you looking for a golf ball that can provide exceptional distance without sacrificing control around the greens? Look no further than the Srixon Z Star Golf Ball.

This ball is designed with a low compression core and an aerodynamic dimple pattern that maximizes distance off the tee.

The low compression core helps to create a high launch angle and less spin off the driver, resulting in more distance on your shots. The aerodynamic dimple pattern on the ball’s surface helps to reduce drag and increase lift, allowing the ball to fly farther through the air.

But how does the Srixon Z Star Golf Ball perform on shots around the green?

The ball’s thin, soft cover provides excellent feel and control on approach shots and chip shots. The cover helps to generate spin, allowing the ball to stop quickly on the green and avoid rolling past the hole.

Feature Details
Distance Low compression core and aerodynamic dimple pattern maximize distance off the tee
Control Thin, soft cover provides excellent feel and control on approach shots and chip shots
Feel Soft cover provides a responsive feel on both full shots and short game shots

Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball

If you’re looking for a golf ball that offers a balance of distance and feel, the Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball might be the one for you. This ball is designed for golfers of all skill levels and provides great distance and a soft feel on shots around the green.

Construction

The Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball features a low compression core that provides great energy transfer and helps promote high ball speed. The soft, thin cover delivers great distance while still maintaining a soft feel on shots around the green. The aerodynamic dimple pattern reduces drag and provides a piercing ball flight that helps increase distance.

Price

The Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball is priced competitively, making it an affordable option for golfers looking for a quality ball without breaking the bank. It’s a great choice for golfers who prioritize distance and feel but don’t want to spend a lot of money on premium golf balls.

Titleist AVX Golf Ball

This premium golf ball is designed to deliver maximum speed and low spin off the driver, while still maintaining excellent control on approach shots and around the green.

Advantages of the Titleist AVX Golf Ball

Advantages Description
Distance The Titleist AVX Golf Ball features an innovative core and cover technology that produces exceptional speed off the tee, resulting in increased distance.
Soft feel The ball’s soft cover and low compression provide a responsive and soft feel on shots around the green, allowing for better control and precision.
Low spin The Titleist AVX Golf Ball has been engineered to produce low spin off the driver, enabling longer and straighter shots down the fairway.
Control The ball’s advanced aerodynamic design provides excellent stability and control, even in windy conditions.

Is the Titleist AVX Golf Ball Right for You?

The Titleist AVX Golf Ball is ideal for golfers who prioritize distance and a soft feel on their shots. If you’re looking for a premium golf ball that can deliver maximum speed, low spin, and excellent control, this ball is definitely worth considering.

Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Ball

The Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Ball features a new TruTouch core construction that allows for low spin on drives, resulting in longer carry distance and increased roll-out.

The soft TruFlex cover provides a true feel and enhanced spin on short game shots, making this ball versatile and ideal for a variety of shots on the course.

Performance Comparison

Ball Distance Feel Spin
Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Ball 4/5 4/5 4/5
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 3/5 5/5 3/5
Titleist AVX Golf Ball 5/5 4/5 4/5

Compared to the Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball, the Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Ball offers slightly better distance and spin, while still maintaining a soft feel. However, if you value a soft feel above all else, the Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball may be a better fit for your game.

Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball

If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball is the gold standard in premium golf balls. Used by professional golfers and serious amateurs alike, this ball is designed to provide exceptional performance on every shot.

Feature Description
Exceptional Distance The Pro V1 offers outstanding distance off the tee, helping you gain yardage on your drives without sacrificing accuracy.
Outstanding Control The Pro V1’s soft cover and innovative core technology allow for exceptional control on approach shots, enabling you to place the ball exactly where you want it.
Superior Feel The Pro V1’s responsive design offers a soft feel off the clubface, giving you confidence and control on every shot.

The Titleist Pro V1 Golf Ball has been the go-to ball for professionals and serious golfers for years. If you want to take your game to the next level, give the Pro V1 a try.

Taylor Made TP5 and TP5X Golf Ball Review

Taylor Made has been trying for some time to develop a ball that rivaled the performance and popularity of the Titleist ProV1 and ProV1X. Their last attempt (Tour Preferred and Tour Preferred X) was, at the time, a ball they thought would do just that.

The TP5 Golf Ball and TP5X Golf Ball are similar to their predecessors in that they are both 5 piece balls. What separates these balls from last year’s is their improved behavior with both the short irons and the driver.

The TP5 and TP5X both generate higher spin with the short irons while offering lower spin rates with the driver.

This is exactly what golf ball manufacturers have been trying to do ever since the first laid off NASA engineer went to work in the golf ball R & D departments at Callaway, Bridgestone, Titleist and Taylor Made.

The soft urethane cover gets pushed into the grooves of your short irons creating a higher launch angle and a controlled spin rate. Unfortunately, the same cover is not as durable as some of the other balls in its class.

From a dispersion standpoint, the TP5 and TP5X, while flying higher, are less susceptible to deviation due to high winds due to their lower/controlled spin rate. Simply put, they go straighter.

On the short grass, the TP5 and TP5X have a consistent visible seam that makes putting alignment a lot easier.

The TP5 has a compression of 83 while the firmer TP5X is 90 compression. The TP5X has a slightly lower trajectory and spin rate than does the TP5.

The bottom line is that either the TP5 or the TP5X could and should find its way into any players bag. There is nothing about either ball that should frighten you away.

Yes they are more expensive than most, but they are so straight that you will lose them less often.

On a personal note, the only difference I find between the ProV1 and the TP5 is off the tee. The TP5 is less punishing on me when I mishit the ball with an outside in swing.

The lower side spin keeps the ball on the fairway, or at least in the rough and not off the planet to the right. Take either of these balls out for a test round. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Click here to check out the TP5 Golf Ball on Amazon

or

Click here to check out the TP5X Golf Ball on Amazon

Callaway Chrome Soft X Golf Ball Review

The Callaway Chrome Soft X was known last year on Tour as the Chrome Soft+. Most Tour players found it too soft for their liking. That meant it was back to the drawing board for Callaway. Ta Da!!

They came up with the Chrome Soft X. As with other manufacturers, the X designates firmer. This alone got players attention.

Firmer core and cover, combined with controllable spin and explosive distance was exactly what Callaway wanted out of this ball.

It is the same 4 piece construction as the Chrome Soft with a firmer “Dual SoftFast Core” for enhanced ball speed and a proprietary Tri-ionometer mantle that regulates spin.

The thinner urethane cover gives this ball a nice soft feel with the irons, yet surprisingly doesn’t affect the driver as other softer balls do.

As with the Taylor Made TP5 and TP5X, this ball offers more spin on the 5 iron down through wedge. It also is able to contribute to reduced spin with the driver, which is undoubtedly first and foremost for most players.

The now familiar hexagonal dimple pattern continues to be the characteristic that keeps the Chrome Soft X straighter…even in the wind.

It is decidedly softer around the greens than either its Titleist or Taylor Made competition. This appeals to players that really aren’t too concerned with distance. They demand a softer feeling ball when chipping and putting.

This ball has seemingly bridged the gap that manufacturers have struggled with for years. That is, a soft golf ball that will appeal to players that are wont to purchase premium golf balls such as the ProV1.

I have used this ball and do like it. However I am one of those players that wants extra distance with my driver, and I believe that I am not alone.

If you fall into that category, one of the other premium balls may be better suited for you. Whatever your handicap, if you like a soft ball, try the Callaway Chrome Soft X. It may just grow on you.

Bridgestone E6 Golf Ball Review

bridgestone golf ball 2019

The Bridgestone E6 Golf Ball has been available in some shape and form for 5 or 6 years now. Bridgestone is now marketing both the E6 Soft and the E6 Speed.

The Speed is another way of saying “It is longer”. What I like most about the E6, and it has been true since it first came out, is that Bridgestone has a ball here that is good for every player.

With the lower spin rate that the E6 offers with the driver and longer clubs, the ball flight is extremely straight. If and when you mishit the ball, the E6 is less punishing, both distance wise and direction as well.

Its three piece design is used by many manufacturers, but the 50 compression it has makes this one of the softest in its class. The key to the performance of this ball is its mantle, which, according to Bridgestone, reduces sidespin, producing pin seeking missiles like no other ball.

Another characteristic that makes this ball unique is the “dimple within a dimple” concept. The benefits realized through this innovative design feature are; greater ball speed, reduced drag and increased lift.

Is it for you? In my mind the only player who might not like this ball would be the scratch or near scratch player that likes to work the golf ball. And I am not sure that their choice isn’t simply dictated by a bit of peer pressure and TV brand name recognition convincing them that they “NEED” a premium ball.

My word…it will reduce your slice or draw off the tee dramatically…it will go farther than most premium balls…it will straighten out wayward iron shots…and it costs a third off most premium golf balls.

There is absolutely no reason not to try this ball. You will not be disappointed.

Click here to learn more about the E6 Golf Ball on Amazon

Best Golf Balls to Play by Handicap

Best Golf Ball For 20+ Handicapper:

If you have a higher golf handicap that is 20 or above, you’re probably better off playing a softer golf ball and built for distance to help you hit further golf shots. Here are 3 golf balls we like for high handicappers:

Best Golf Ball For 10-20 Handicapper

The mid-handicapper is better suited to play a mid range ball like the Titleist Tour Soft, which is a little softer than the premium constructed golf balls. Here’s 3 softer golf balls made for mid-handicap golfers:

Best Golf Ball For Low Handicappers (single figures)

When you’re really good at golf and have achieved a low or single digit golf handicap, you deserve to play the best equipment as it can benefit your game doing so. Here are the 3 premium golf balls for low handicap golfers:

Best Golf Ball to Use During Practice Rounds

If you’ve ever played a round of golf and analyzed your golf ball at the beginning and at the end, you’ll notice it changes. The cover on the golf ball tends to scuff and you’ll likely see threads coming off of it as well if you look closely. Not to mention, it will be dirty with mud and grass stains.

So the question is…Should you use the same golf ball during practice as you do for competitive golf rounds and tournaments? There are both pro’s and cons:

  • Pro – you get comfortable and skilled with the same golf ball in practice and competition
  • Pro – your distances are more consistent
  • Pro – no adjusting on the greens with your putting and chipping
  • Con – the nice expensive balls can get damaged / ruined during practice
  • Con – the nice expensive golf balls can get lost

If you practice golf a lot on the chipping green and out on the golf course, you’re going to damage the balls. That’s just part of the game.

What I recommend, is dedicate some money to buying a nice set of Pro V1 Titleist golf balls that you’ll use as long as you can for practice. 12 balls come in a Titleist box. See if you can use them for multiple months without losing them to water and out of bounds golf shots!

They’re especially important to use around the greens to gain feel with your wedges and putter.

So if you fear losing them on tee shots during practice rounds, I recommend hitting a low priced, cheap golf ball instead off the tee. Then switch out the nicer, more expensive golf ball for your approach shot or wedge shots and finish off the hole with it.

Start with this list if you decide you want cheap practice golf balls instead to use during practice rounds:

As mentioned above, you should ideally practice with the same golf ball you’re going to use during competitive rounds.

This is easy to do on the practice greens with chipping and putting. But on the range, you’ll have to hit crappy range balls.

Out on the golf course you can switch back and forth between good balls and cheap golf balls if you worry about damaging the expensive golf balls or losing them.

Best Golf Ball to Use for Competition and Tournaments

For tournaments and competitive rounds of golf, it’s a good idea to use higher quality golf balls. These golf balls are usually more expensive but are worth the extra money.

Here are the best premium (expensive), high quality golf balls:

I’ve personally tested the Titleist, TaylorMade, and Callaway golf balls and can say with confidence the Pro V1 and AVX balls by Titleist are the top two.

In terms of spin, you get a little more spin on the TP5 golf balls by TaylorMade. But overall distance plus spin control on the greens I still feel Titleist has the superior golf ball.

Callaway’s Chrome Soft ball is nice and has a cool design but I wasn’t in love with the sound it makes off the clubface nor the hardness it feels like on the face.

Even though they use the word “soft” in the name for marketing to sell more balls, I feel like Titleist and TaylorMade make the softer feeling golf ball.

Overall, you can’t go wrong between the AVX, TP5, and Pro V1’s. All 3 are great and only the professional tour pro’s will notice a major difference in spin rates and distances.

Tips for Choosing the Right Golf Ball

Have you ever wondered how a golf ball is actually made?

You’ve probably heard terms like 1-piece golf ball, 3 layer golf ball, 4 piece golf balls, etc. If you’re confused, don’t worry we will be sharing all the need to know information relating to golf balls construction.

Golf Ball Construction Explained

First things first, there are different materials used in the construction of a golf ball.

Surlyn, solid core, liquid core, rubber, urethane are just a few of the types of materials you can expect to see on the side of a box when reading the facts and features of the golf ball.

There are also different layers to a golf ball which is how they get the name “One Piece” “Two Piece” “Three Layer” etc.

One Piece Golf Balls:

These golf balls are cheapest usually because they’re easy to make. One piece golf balls are usually built using a solid piece of surlyn and then the machine molds it and presses dimples into the ball, hence it’s all one piece.

These are beginner and budget friendly golf balls. You’ll often find them being used at driving ranges and putt putt courses.

Two Piece Golf Balls:

The two piece golf ball is built with a solid core which sits inside a cover. The cover is what your golf club makes contact with while the core is what gives the ball weight and distance.

The cover is built from a durable and tough material to help reduce the chances of nicks and cuts. Think of how many times your wedges and clubs strike down on the cover, it’s no wonder golf balls look beat up after a round of play.

The two piece golf ball is built for distance so if you see ball manufacturers advertising “long distance off the tee” check the specs and see if it’s a two piece ball. It’s not suited for short game, but don’t worry we have some tips below on balls built for distance AND short game feel.

Three Piece Golf Balls:

As we start climbing the budget spectrum, you’ll find three piece golf balls which consist of a core, a second layer, and the cover (third layer).

The core is usually created from a solid piece of rubber or some golf balls use liquid cores. If you cut open the golf ball, this liquid would come out like in this video. Liquid cores are less common today, however.

The second layer is an enhanced rubber layer to help add some separation between the cover and core. This creates a softer golf ball helping you generate more spin and control which is needed in short game situations.

The cover or third layer is usually made from surlyn, urethane, or balata. Some 3-piece balls are built with spin separation capabilities meaning they perform differently for drivers and wedges so you get optimal use for both clubs.

Four Piece Golf Balls:

Four piece golf balls add yet another layer to the golf ball. Pretty crazy right? But with this type of golf ball, each layer is designed for a unique purpose.

The core, usually made of rubber, is built for distance to help you hit longer golf shots with your drivers and woods.

The inner cover layer that sits around the core is used to transfer energy from the club strike to the core to help generate distance.

The middle layer (3) is what enhances spin on your driver and iron clubs so the ball can fly higher and be more forgiving.

Lastly, the outer layer or cover is usually a urethane cover and it helps create feel in your golf shots and short game wedge shots. This gives you better control and consistency around the greens where most of the scoring happens!

There are also five piece golf balls but these are the advanced, most expensive golf balls used on tour usually. Built with a higher speed core and additional layer to help with spin separation so the ball performs best for different types of clubs. No need to cover it too much but be aware of it in case you want expensive, tour grade golf balls.

Golf Ball Spin & Compression Explained

In this section we will talk about golf ball spin which can vary depending which type of golf ball you purchase. There are high, medium, and low spin golf balls so make sure to analyze this feature when shopping for balls.

Golf Ball Back Spin Rate

Why do golf balls have different spin designs?

It really depends on the types of golf shots golfers want to play. Some golfers like low ball flight while others play with high ball flight. It also impacts performance off the tee and around the green.

High spin balls give more control while low spin balls can travel farther from more roll out like on tee shots. Finding the right combination is important for your golf game.

If you struggle to get lift on your golf shots and you tend to hit with lower ball flight trajectory, you’d likely benefit from a low spin ball so it can roll far helping make up for lost distance in the air. Those who slice also benefit more from a lower spin ball as it reduces the backspin that causes the slice to be severe.

If you struggle from a draw or hook golf swing, consider a higher spin golf ball. Adding backspin can counter the draw spin, straightening out the shot more or reducing the severity of the hook at least.

Golf Ball Compression Factor

Golf ball compression is rated on a 0 to 200 scale with 0 being a golf ball that compresses a lot and 200 being a ball that doesn’t compress. Most balls fall in range of 50 to 100 compression rating.

Compression, in simple terms, measures how much a golf ball can deflect energy when it makes contact with your golf club’s face. Compression is important or else the golf ball could shatter like glass from too much energy hitting it.

Picking out a golf ball with the right compression level can seem complicated so here is a few recommendations.

Beginners and women golfers who tend to have slower swing speed, don’t hit the golf ball as hard. Therefore, they won’t need a high compression golf ball to deflect lots of energy since the power isn’t very high.

Beginners, seniors, women can opt for a golf ball in normal range of 50-100 compression.

Tour level players who crush golf balls with intense power, need high compression golf balls to handle the extreme force being placed on the core and layers of the ball. This leads fast swinging players to look for balls with compression 100+ ideally.

The golf ball won’t shatter if you pick a low compression ball but have a high swing speed.

However, you won’t see optimal distance and could be losing distance so that’s why we recommend finding a compression rating that suits your swing best. Test different balls to fin out.