Best Golf Balls 2024

You may think that a golf ball is just a golf ball but you could not be more wrong! In the distant past that was true but it's absolutely not the case anymore as all the main ball manufacturers have spent fortunes on research and development to come up with high tech golf balls to suit golfers of all different swing speeds and skill levels. 

The major brands will all have a premium 'tour level' golf ball but they will also offer models aimed primarily at distance or control, and usually there'll be budget offerings as well as an extra soft version for golfers with slower swing speeds. It isn't just about the major brands though, there will be names you may not have heard of that produce some excellent golf balls, and some 'direct to consumer' brands are able to offer lower prices by cutting out the middle man.

Before we get to naming the best golf balls on the market, it is important to know what features you should look out for. At the top end of the market, the technology in golf balls is extremely advanced and much more goes into them than you probably realise. Generally, premium golf balls have multiple layers inside the ball that work in harmony to generate the flight characteristics you want in the long game, like low spin and speed, without compromising feel and control in the short game. 

Premium golf balls are expensive though and if you are not the most accomplished player and tend to lose a lot of balls during a round, you probably want something that still performs well but isn't going to cost the earth. There are plenty of those options out there, while you may also want to consider exactly what your swing characteristics are and how you can maximise your potential by selecting a golf ball that suits. 

Manufacturers now cater for golfers with more moderate swing speeds by producing lower compression golf balls in the mid-price range, so compression is important when it comes to maximising your distance. So with all of this in mind, what are some of the best golf balls out there? We’ve tested all of the leading options currently available and these are our very top picks. 

It is important to emphasise that all these models have been thoroughly reviewed by our team, which means testing on the launch monitor as well as over multiple rounds on the course. You can also be assured that this guide is updated on a regular basis to make sure it includes the latest releases. 

The Quick List

Best Golf Balls

Best overall balls

Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball

What you need to know: The Titleist Pro V1 is the most well known ball in golf. Since bursting onto the scene in the year 2000, it has established itself as one of the most successful golf equipment franchises in history and has long been the most used ball on the professional circuits. In fact, it's hard to come up with any franchise that has been more widely played or had more success. Pro V1 is now in its 23rd year and with this latest update Titleist’s engineers are promising more distance, lower long game spin and a more consistent flight. Based on our testing, we can confirm that all of the above was delivered, as the Pro V1 cemented its place as the top dog in the premium golf ball category.

Design/Tech: Such has been the incredible advancements in golf ball technology, it's becoming more and more difficult for manufacturers to make significant improvements, but there are still small gains to be had and Titleist have found a way to make the best even better. The main upgrade in this model is the high-gradient core, which is firmer at the periphery but gets progressively softer towards the centre. The result of this are higher ball speeds and lower spin in the long game (especially off the tee). Further advancements to the manufacturing process has helped to optimize the consistency in both speed and spin.

Long game performance: In our testing we found that the most impressive area of performance was with the mid-irons. We noticed a definite reduction in spin and also an increase in distance. The flight was lovely - strong and high with plenty of stopping power - and we could see an improvement over the previous model. Off the tee we noted improvement too and the most impressive aspect was the consistency, with the spin numbers only differing by 300rpm. Too much spin off the tee will cost you distance so if that is an issue for you this ball will help you get those numbers down. It also flies quite low so that will benefit the golfer who hits it too high with driver.

Short game performance: One of the requirements for a premium golf ball is you want low spin in the long game and the opposite in the short game, where control is everything. The Pro V1 ticks both boxes. We mentioned above the reduced spin on longer shots, while at the other end of the bag we were able to produce plenty of control from pitch and chip shots inside 50 yards. The lovely soft feel from the club face makes it easy to attack the hole on short game shots and this will certainly boost confidence when faced with those tricky pitch and chip shots.

• Read our full Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball Review

Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball 2023

What you need to know: Srixon produce a good selection of golf balls to cover all skill levels, with their Z-Star being the most premium offering. It is important to point out that it is designed for players who have a driver swing speed of 90 mph or more. The Z-Star provides a mid-launch flight and the changes that Srixon's engineers have made for 2023 means that this should appeal to the golfer that prefers a softer feel at impact.

Design/Tech: While the same excellent urethane cover remains, for the new Z-Star Srixon has introduced a new Spin Skin+ coating which digs deeper into the grooves of your irons and wedges and therefore provides better control. The cover features a 338 dimple pattern, while the core is made from a reformulated FastLayer DG. The result of this is a ball that is soft in the middle and gradually gets firmer as you near the second layer of this three-piece ball. 

Long game performance: The Z-Star has a compression of 92 which is 10 points softer than its other models - Z-Star XV and Diamond. This translated to slightly lower spin in our testing making this ball unquestionably suited to golfers with higher swing speeds. We really liked how it dealt with windy conditions and the 338 dimple pattern kept the ball under control even when flighted high, which was very impressive. We also noted the firm core doing its job when it came to the distance side of things.

Short game performance: As with the long game, we were extremely impressed with the short game performance and control the Z-Star gave us, as the Spin Skin+ coating worked brilliantly on chip and pitch shots. In terms of the feel we would characterize the Z-Star as mid-firm and there is enough there to give you feedback on your strike. The only slight downside we noted was that the cover didn’t seem as durable as other models we have tested.

• Read our full Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball 2023 Review

Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball

What you need to know: Callaway is one of the biggest manufacturers in golf and whatever the product, be it drivers, irons, wedges, bags, you name it, you know with Callaway you are getting a product that compares well with anything else out there. It's the same with golf balls, and with their brand new Chrome Tour range Callaway have introduced a premium ball that Callaway themselves claim is the 'gold standard Tour ball for better players who want the best in distance and feel'. The proof is in the pudding, and it has already been put in play by many Callaway staffers.

Design/Tech: The big tech innovation with the Chrome Tour is the introduction of a new Hyperfast Soft core which is designed to provide as much speed as possible. Along with the new core, Callaway has provided the Chrome Tour with a cross-over dimple pattern that is built on both hexagonal and spherical dimples to aid control, particularly in windy conditions. 

Long game performance: Because of this dimple pattern, the performance and stability in windy conditions during our testing was right up there with the best we have ever seen. While the Chrome Tour is slightly slower off the face than some other premium balls on the market, we think the soft feel and duller acoustics will appeal to a wide range of golfers. We did note that the spin is slightly on the low side, but we didn't see that as an issue and the consistency on offer was a huge standout for us.

Short game performance: Around the green and on the putting surface itself we really enjoyed what the Chrome Tour produced in testing. We'd certainly describe it as one of the best soft feel golf balls out there. For golfers who generate a lot of spin and are looking to reduce it somewhat, the Chrome Tour should be given serious consideration. 

• Read our full Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball Review

Bridgestone 2024 Tour B RXS Golf Ball

What you need to know: Bridgestone is a well respected brand in the golf ball market and their credibility was given a massive boost when Tiger Woods signed with them in 2016. Bridgestone offers many models of golf ball but their most premium offerings are the Tour B RX or Tour B RXS models, which are specifically designed to aid those who swing the driver at less than 105 mph.

Design/Tech: Like all of the best golf balls, the B RXS is crammed with technology and a great deal of research has gone into its design. With the use of Reactiv IQ Smart Cover technology, Bridgestone has created a ball that springs from the clubface to promote a powerful yet high launching ball flight. Another interesting feature introduced with this model is the addition of MindSet technology, which is a cleverly designed visual cue on the golf ball, the purpose of which is to help you develop a specific and repetitive process over the ball before hitting your putts.

Long game performance: In testing we did not notice any drop off in distance between the B RXS and other premium models on the market. The B RXS held its own off the tee as well as on full approach shots into the green. We noticed that it appeared to launch higher and offer a higher peak height, which was not a surprise as in our experience, Bridgestone golf balls have consistently delivered in that regard. We also noted that the B RXS cover proved to be extremely durable which is a nice bonus.

Short game performance: This is where it really came into its own. When it came to hitting wedge shots around the green, the B RXS felt incredible. It was nice and soft, but not the spongy softness that sometimes comes with low compression golf balls. Those low compression balls feel soft but do not deliver any real spin or stopping power, whereas from a spin standpoint the B RXS was exceptional. Such was the feel and spin on offer that we felt like we had complete control over the ball and whatever the type of shot we needed to play, we had confidence that the ball could handle it, be it pitch shots, chips, or even those difficult ones from the greenside bunker. 

• Read our full Bridgestone 2024 Tour B RXS Golf Ball Review

TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball

What you need to know: The TP5 is one of TaylorMade's two main premium, tour-played offerings (the other being the TP5x used by Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood) and it has been updated for 2024. The excellent spin control and soft feel of previous models has been further boosted and it is still available in the Pix version as well as other limited edition designs. The TP5 is used widely on the professional circuits with Rickie Fowler being the most high profile current pro to use it.

Design/Tech: For 2024 TaylorMade has altered the material that makes up the core, and now uses a lower density acoustic material that we noted in testing sounds and feels that little bit softer than its predecessor. According to Michael Fox, Senior Director of Product Creation, Golf Balls "We've evolved our golf ball design process by uniquely decoupling feel and speed through material advancement, a complete departure from the conventional.”

Long game performance: Our testing showed that he TP5 is a few miles per hour slower than the TP5x but it did provided a consistent and powerful flight. It isn't the longest premium ball out there but the slightly higher spin will help those golfers who want a bit more height and carry in their long game.

Short game performance: It was around the greens where the TP5 really excelled and we loved using it in the short game. When hitting shots around the greens we loved the marshmallow soft feel and noted that the ball seems to stay on the wedge face for an eternity, rolling up the grooves and imparting very impressive levels of grab when on the green. In short, it's one of the best premium balls we've tested on and around the greens.

• Read our full TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball Review

Best mid-price balls

TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe 2022 Golf Ball

What you need to know: TaylorMade is known for its constant innovations to help golfers improve their game and in the Tour Response the company has introduced a stripe which we haven’t really seen before. TaylorMade has come up with other useful alignment markings such as the Pix version of the TP5 which is used by some Tour pros but the Tour Response Stripe is a more affordable option.

Design/Tech: The Stripe is clearly the first thing you notice this golf ball and there are multiple color options available. Beyond that appearance though, but there is a lot of technology crammed into the Tour Response ball. Like many of the premium models on this list it is urethane-covered, with a three-piece construction that features a new SpeedMantle surrounds a low compression core.

Long game performance: It was excellent in testing. From the tee we definitely saw a boost in distance over its predecessor, which was a result of a reduction of spin and an increase in ball speed. This gave us a higher carry yardage which will be especially useful for golfers who struggle for height. Those increases were also evident in the mid-long irons too, where we experienced a big jump in ball speed that led to more distance.

Short game performance: Our favorite aspect of the Tour Response ball is the feel off the face, particularly with the putter, which is noticeably firmer than other TaylorMade golf balls in the range. We don't see that as a negative though and we think many golfers will love this sensation as it strikes the balance perfectly. As well as excelling on the greens, we also found the Tour Response ball to be very consistent on chips and pitches.

• Read our full TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe 2022 Golf Ball Review

Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball

What you need to know: Titleist have led the way in golf ball technology for many years and there are plenty of different models to choose from within their range. The Tour Soft is not as well known as it should be, as it is a high end model specifically designed for those who want a soft feel and elite performance that comes at an affordable price. The Pro V1 and Pro V1x may be the premium offerings in the range but the Tour Soft provides excellent performance at a fraction of the cost.

Design/Tech: Everything about the Tour Soft is premium except for the price. The packaging looks very premium and the ball is packed with technology, including a new, thin reformulated cover and larger core. Aesthetically, these are one of the whitest golf balls around and thanks to the Fusablend cover, there is a shimmer to the Tour Soft that really makes it standout. Not everybody will be drawn to that, but we like it.

Long game performance: It's often the case that some of the best soft feel balls have problems maintaining speed when struck firmly with the driver but, in our testing, that wasn’t the case here and the Tour Soft performed admirably off the tee. It spins quite a lot so it is very easy to get it airborne but if you are already a high spin player, you may be better off looking elsewhere as it might balloon up too high and you will lose distance. Conversely, golfers who struggle for height will benefit from this. 

Short game performance: WIt performed well in testing and we noticed when using wedges from around the green that there were good levels of spin control, while pitch shots and flighted wedges also produced a decent amount of spin and sat down quickly. Perhaps most importantly, the spin was consistent throughout our testing and round which makes it much easier to judge those difficult shots as you know how the ball is likely to react.

• Read our full Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review

Wilson Triad Golf Ball

What you need to know: Wilson is a brand known for making some of the best budget golf clubs that money can buy, but they also produce some higher end products too including some tour standard gear. Their Triad golf ball sits nicely in the middle and offers tremendous value. Wilson market this ball as an all-rounder for ‘the competitive golfer striving to break 80’ and that feels about right to us. It isn't going to be in the bag of any tour pros but it's a good quality ball that will suit decent players. 

Design/Tech: The main technology when it comes to Triad is the ultra-thin urethane cover and a uniform density throughout its three layers that Wilson claims will deliver a better roll on the greens. It has a high MOI design which is achieved by moving weight from the core to the outer layers of the golf ball, the net result of which is faster ball speed and lower driver spin.

Long game performance: Off the tee we noticed when testing that the Triad spun a little bit more than some other balls in this category. That will benefit some golfers and harm others, so if you already spin the ball quite a bit with driver, this isn't for you. As for overall distance though, it provided us with plenty of length and an extremely consistent flight. In the iron department it was a similar story, as we enjoyed a consistent, solid flight.

Short game performance: While the long game department was very solid, it was in the short game where the Triad was shown up in comparison to a premium tour quality golf ball. Not that it performed badly, but we were certainly able to tell the difference, especially when chipping as the spin control wasn’t the best. On pitch shots from 50 yards, however, we found that there was still a sufficient amount of control. The highlight of our testing with the Triad though was the feel when struck with a putter, as we experienced a lovely, soft feel that led to very good control on the greens.

• Read our full Wilson Triad Golf Ball Review

Callaway ERC Soft Golf Ball

What you need to know: Callaway market the ERC Soft as its "longest golf ball with a soft feel", which sounds like the best of both worlds, right? We were impressed with both the performance off the tee and also around the greens. 

Design/Tech: Increased speed and control comes via a brand new Grip urethane coating system as well as a HyperElastic SoftFast core, while a High Energy core and a High Speed mantle have both been engineered to deliver more distance right throughout the bag.

Long game performance: In our testing, we had good results in the long game as the ERC Soft gave us increased distance and carry. The high launch was very noticeable too and it appears that all the new technology has worked its magic when it comes to delivering a clean ball strike.

Short game performance: It was in the short game where this ball really impressed us with its performance. The urethane coated cover produced a noticeably soft feel as well as plenty of greenside spin on the majority of well-struck, short-game shots. While it doesn't check up quite as much as the Chrome Soft, we'd say that the difference was minimal. While this is subjective and won't be the case for everyone, we found that the Triple Track alignment really helped line the ball up to the hole.

• Read our full Callaway ERC Soft Golf Ball Review

Best value balls

Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball

What you need to know: If distance is your primary concern and you are willing to sacrifice performance in other areas, then the latest version of the Titleist Velocity could be just the ticket. It continues its claim to be the longest ball in the Titleist range, with the brand's engineers constructing a two-piece ball of varying amounts of forgiveness. It certainly does not have the feel of a more premium Pro V1, but the value on offer makes this attractive to casual golfers and those new to the game who tend to lose a lot of golf balls and need less spin around the greens. 

Design/Tech: As stated above, Titleist varied the firmness of the new Velocity. The design is now slightly firmer in order to generate more speed on full shots which is achieved due to more energy from impact being retained. The other changes of note include the NaZ+ ionomer cover, which now has a new octahedral pattern for the 350 dimples in order to generate a high flight with a little more consistency.

Long game performance: Considering the high performance options in the Titelist range including the Pro V1 and Pro V1x, it seems odd that it's the budget priced Velocity that is the longest golf ball Titleist produce. How is this the case? Well to start with it’s quite a low spinning ball, which when combined with the increase of ball speed, low spin and high flight on offer make Velocity longer than other models on the market. There is a significant downside to such a reduction of spin though, as it does negatively affect approach shots which won't have the stopping power of a higher spinning ball. However, the Velocity does fly high so that does make stopping it a little easier.

Short game performance: Velocity does very well in the long game but the lack of spin makes it more difficult to control than more premium models, and that is especially problematic around the greens. Don't expect too much spin or control around the greens, and flying the ball to the hole and expecting to check on the second bounce is unrealistic. Chip and runs are the best approach when using a distance ball that lacks control. The firm feel of the Velocity give us good accoustic feedback on chips and putts though, and this is a great option for those who don’t rely on spin to hit their chip shots.

• Read our full Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball Review

TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball

What you need to know: This two-piece Distance+ ball was released by TaylorMade on the same day as the all-new premium five-piece TP5 and TP5x balls in 2021. The Distance+ obviously got much less fanfare as it is not aimed at Tour pros and is instead designed for distance. The target market are golfers who want a few extra yards, specifically those with lower swing speeds who need help getting the ball airborne.

Design/Tech: TaylorMade says that the 'Distance+ offers high-velocity performance for distance on all shots' and we can stand up that claim based on our extensive testing. The Distance+ combines a React Speed Core and high-speed, low-drag aerodynamics, which the brand says will deliver extra ball speed and distance. 

Long game performance: Off the tee the Distance+ clearly lived up to its name and its performance compared well with the more premium models on the market. This is a mid-launch ball in terms of flight and peak height we felt it struck a perfect balance. In the low-iron section of the bag we really noticed a significant difference in height and distance, with that extra height being very helpful when firing at pins and hoping to stop it on the greens.

Short game performance: Like other distance golf balls on the list, around the green is where you can really notice the difference in comparison to the more premium balls. The performance of the Distance+ in the short term was a let down, albeit an unsurprising one. As with other distance balls on the list, this ball won’t suit those who use loft for their chips shots and much better results will be achieved with bump-and-run shots. As for putting, we enjoyed the feel as the firmness means it's easy to feel the feedback off the face.

• Read our full TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball Review

Srixon Distance Ball

What you need to know: As the name implies, the Srixon Distance ball is for the golfer that needs help carrying the ball further. And it delivers on that, while also being perhaps the best performing cheap golf ball on the market. It's a durable, wallet friendly option that is perfect for high handicap golfers or those who have just taken up the game and are likely to lose a lot of golf balls. 

Design/Tech: Although this is one of the cheapest 'brand name' golf ball you'll find (at just $15 a dozen), the Srixon Distance is not lacking in technology. It features a fastlayer core and a durable ionomer cover that helps to maximize distance and feel. The 324 speed dimple pattern is designed to increase carry distance so you are getting quite a bit of technology available for very little money.

Long game performance: Instantly, we noticed the increase in distance and our tester was able to gain 15 yards from the tee when using this golf ball. Another impressive thing to note is that in windy conditions it held its line well and delivered a penetrating flight, both off the tee and with longer approach shots.

Short game performance: Understandably the results from the short game were not impressive, albeit the Srixon Distance ball was no worse than other distance balls around the green. They are what they, and you have to expect some sort of trade off when you are gaining distance while not having to pay much. It still felt solid enough in the short game but, as already stated with the distance models listed above, if you are the type of player who uses loft around the green then you're probably better off going with a more premium offering.

• Read our full Srixon Distance Ball Review

Best soft feel balls

Srixon Soft Feel 2023 Golf Ball

What you need to know: This is the 13th generation of the much loved Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball and yet again it shows why Srixon is one of the best in the game when it comes to delivering quality golf balls at competitive prices. The Soft Feel is a low compression, high spinning golf ball which means it is most suited to those with a slower swing speed who need a little more assistance from their golf ball in getting the ball airborne. 

Design/Tech: Following on from the advancements made in the 2021 Soft Feel, Srixon has added several upgrades to its latest Soft Feel golf ball. These includea new core featuring a soft centre that gradually gets firmer as it moves towards the 1.6mm ionomer cover. The purpose of this is to help the ball snap back into shape faster after impact, thus boosting the speed and power through impact. The new cover features a 'Speed Dimple' design that comprises of a 338 dimple pattern designed to lower the drag coefficient on the ball - so it glides through the air much faster due to less drag. 

Long game performance: We were once again impressed with the distance this ball delivered in our testing. Admittedly the ball did spin more than we’d like and it certainly won't be the best for faster swinging players, but slower swingers will really benefit from that. Our testing sessions showed a consistently high ball flights as well as carry distances that were impressively long. We would suggest that players who swing the driver between 60mph-90mph will really enjoy the high ball flights they will  get in comparison to a firmer golf ball. 

Short game performance: This ball is excellent around the green and we think that a wide variety of players will enjoy the control and spin on offer here. In our view this is one of the best soft feel golf balls and we noted that it delivered plenty of control in the short game, with pitches and chips both spinning nicely and stopping pretty quickly on the green. The ionomer cover produced a pleasing sensation off the putter face and there’s a helpful side-stamp for alignment included too.

• Read our full Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 2023 Review

Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball

What you need to know: The Wilson Duo Soft golf ball is a great low budget option for seniors or slower swingers of the golf club and provides solid performance in every aspect of the game. While it is certainly not the most responsive ball around the green, there is still a good amount of feel on offer because of how soft the ball is. The Duo Soft launches extremely easily, which will suit those with slower swing speeds, but those with plenty of speed may see a little loss of control and reduced distance.

Design/Tech: The lowest compression ball in Wilson's range and possibly in the whole of golf, the Duo Soft has a new formulated core for maximum energy return, resulting in a higher ball flight with more distance. Its also the cheapest ball Wilson Staff produce but don't let that fool you into thinking it is lacking in technology. The Ionomer outer layer makes up the second layer in this two-piece ball and is responsible for the soft feel received through impact. In addition, there are five color options available which come in particularly useful when playing in the winter months.

Long game performance: There is plenty to like about how the Duo Soft performs at the top end of the bag and we enjoyed testing it. The high launch characteristics of this ball make it ideal for those with moderate/slow swing speeds who often struggle with height and carry distances. For players with speed, however, the height and spin produced may be a little hard to control. Nevertheless, the Duo Soft does produce admirable distance from the tee and the soft feel off the face will appeal to many.

Short game performance: In terms of the short game the Duo Soft has its drawbacks but there are positives too. Golfers who are aggressive with their chipping and like to fly the ball to the hole and then see it check are not going to get good results from the Duo Soft. Conversely though, it is perfect for golfers who struggle to get the ball to the hole when putting or chipping as it jumps off the face fairly fast. When you get used to it you will be able to judge the type of shot you need to play. It's very soft off the putter face, which is ideal with a firmer putter but not so much if you have a soft insert in the face.

• Read our full Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball Review

How we test golf balls

At Golf Monthly we take product testing very seriously and we pride ourselves on the quality of our reviews and buyers guides, which are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of a test team that has a sterling reputation in the industry. We always attempt to deliver the key points you want to know in a concise, easy-to-digest manner.

Our specific golf ball testing follows an in depth procedure that ensures we can get controlled data inside, and then see how the golf ball performs outside as well as out on the golf course. By doing it this way we can ensure that we have a more complete picture and we can pass on our detailed feedback to you. 

The first port of call when testing clubs and golf balls is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using the GCQuad launch monitor. The majority of Golf Monthly’s outdoor testing takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a stunning course in Surrey with excellent practice facilities. By using the balls over a number of rounds, and in different conditions, we can get a clearer understanding on factors like feel, control, ball flight and so on.

Sam De'Ath

Sam has worked in the golf industry for 12 years, offering advice on equipment to all levels of golfers and as Staff Writer, he tests and reviews equipment throughout the bag.

Joe Ferguson

Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. Equipment has always been a huge passion, with Joe producing various reviews and buying advice on a range of clubs and golf balls.

Factors to consider when buying golf balls

There are a number of factors you need to consider when buying golf balls, so let's take a look. 

Soft or firm?

The best premium golf balls come in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. Try both from various distances to find your preference in terms of feel and performance.

Cover material

This influences performance greatly. Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but cost considerably more. Experiment to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option. Your skill level plays a big part in this.

Long game or short game?

Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Do you want to get as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel?

Well we have created guides for both. If you value the former then check out our guide on the best distance golf balls. Or, if you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step.

Price

No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points so you can rest assured there will be a top-performing model for you, however much you want to spend. Some of the budget friendly balls perform excellently in specific aspects of the game, but there is usually a trade off in other areas. The more you pay, the better the golf ball but again, your skill level should also determine your choice.

FAQs