Are you new to golf? If you’re struggling with your game, consider changing the balls you use on the course and driving range.
If you’re shooting in the 80s, changing the balls could significantly impact your game. This post unpacks the best golf balls for beginners.
We’ll review the top models and give you a buyer’s guide to help you select the right ball set for your golf game.
Our Top Picks
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 Golf Balls for Beginners Reviews
- 3 Best Pick: Callaway 2021 Supersoft Golf Balls
- 4 Premium Pick: Piper Golf Balls
- 5 Budget Pick: Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
- 6 TaylorMade Project (S) Golf Balls
- 7 Vice Pro Soft Golf Balls
- 8 Wilson Staff Duo Soft/Soft+/NFL Golf Ball
- 9 Titleist Velocity Golf Balls 2020
- 10 Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls
- 11 Other Best Selling Options
- 12 The Best Golf Balls for Beginners Buyers Guide
- 13 Compression
- 14 Price
- 15 Cover
- 16 Colors
- 17 Dimples
- 18 Golf Balls for Beginners FAQ
- 19 Golf Balls for Beginners – The Verdict
- Best Pick: Callaway 2021 Supersoft Golf Balls
- Premium Pick: Piper Golf Premium Golf Balls
- Budget Pick: Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
Golf Balls for Beginners Reviews
Best Pick: Callaway 2021 Supersoft Golf Balls
The Callaway Supersoft is our choice for this review’s best overall beginner golf ball. The Supersoft is one of the most popular balls in the Callaway range, combining an outstanding performance cover and a responsive core to create exceptional flight in the ball.
The new hybrid ball cover features a design with the innovative ‘PARALOID’ Impact Modifier, constructed by DOW Chemicals. The multi-material construction of the Supersoft provides the beginner player with a combination of incredibly fast ball speeds for more distance and a higher launch coupled with low spin for longer shots off the tee and more roll in the ball.
- Supersoft Has Been One Of The Most Popular Golf Balls For Years, And We'Ve Combined Incredible Cover, Core And Flight Technologies To Make It Even Better.
- The New Hybrid Cover Features An Innovative Paraloid Impact Modifier Made By Dow Chemical. This Multi-Material Construction Allows For An Incredible Combination Of Fast Ball Speeds From High Launch And Low Spin, Soft Feel, And Excellent Greenside Control.
- The High Speed Soft Compression Core Maximizes Energy Transfer To Increase Ball Speeds, While Also Promoting High Launch And Low Spin In Your Longer Clubs For More Distance.
- Hex Aerodynamics Is Optimized To Reduce Drag And Enhance Lift For Increased Carry And Higher Flight.
However, the player gets more control over the spin around the green and a soft feel to the ball in your swing. The Supersoft comes with a high-speed, soft-compression core, offering the player increased ball speeds and more loft and launch in their shots.
The cover of the Supersoft features a design with ‘HEX’ aerodynamics to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag on the ball. The design also assists with providing more lift and carry in your shots, increasing your distance.
The Callaway Supersoft is available in your choice of six colors, including green, yellow, pink, and orange, as well as classic white. You have options for three, six, 12, 12, or 24-ball packs. The more balls you buy, the more you save.
What We Liked
- Great price for a performance ball.
- HEX aerodynamic cover.
- Good distance and spin control.
- Available in five color options.
Premium Pick: Piper Golf Balls
The Piper wins our award for the best premium golf ball for beginners. This model is the beginner ball in the range, designed for players with a 15+ handicap. These balls promise the beginner more distance from the tee and better spin control around the green. If you hit a 7-iron less than 150-yards, these Piper balls are the perfect option for your golf game.
If you shoot in the 90s and 100s, these Piper Golf balls will change your game forever. You get a two-piece construction with a stable flight and longer shots. The ‘DuPont Surlyn’ cover minimizes spin off the tee, reducing the chance of slicing or hooking the ball into the rough or the sand trap. You get straight, lofty shots that go where you want them to.
- DESIGNED FOR HANDICAP RANGE 15+ you should play this golf ball if you are looking for extra distance off the tee, hit a 7-iron less than 150 yards, want to limit your slice or hook and regularly shoot in the 90s or 100s.
- MAXIMUM DISTANCE - 2-Piece construction creates longer shots and a stable flight and is the best golf ball for beginners, ladies, seniors and high-handicap golfers with lower swing speeds
- STRAIGHTER SHOTS - DuPont Surlyn cover creates low spin to limit slice and hook and maximize pure, straight shots
- CUSTOM ALIGNMENT GUIDE - Custom green color alignment guide helps identify your ball quickly and helps line up and make more putts
- USGA APPROVED - ball made with DuPont Surlyn/Ionomer cover that offers great durability and feel with a perfectly symmetrical 332 dimple design
The ball cover features an alignment guide featuring a green centerline and two prominent black alignment guides to help you line up the perfect tee shot or putt. The 332 dimple cover is perfectly symmetrical, allowing for the cleanest, straightest putts and drives.
Beginners will love the control in their shots around the green when using the Piper ball. It’s the ideal choice for beginners but slightly expensive.
What We Liked
- Ideal for players shooting in the 90s or 100s.
- More control, better spin, and less slice.
- Two-stage construction.
- 332 dimple DuPont Surlyn cover for high-performance.
- Cover alignment markings.
Budget Pick: Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
Golfers on a budget will love the value they get when purchasing a pack of Srixon Soft Feel golf balls. The Soft Feel balls come with a soft core transitioning into a form outer edge. The result is the FastLayer core bringing more distance and speed to your shots while improving accuracy and limiting hooks and slices.
The ball has a very soft feel on impact with the club face and is one of the softest in this review. The SoftLayer Core provides excellent distance off the tee, with more roll in the shot when it hits the fairway. However, the softness of the ball also assists with creating better spin control around the green, improving your accuracy.
- FastLayer Core - With a soft center that gradually transitions to a firm outer edge, the FastLayer Core gives SOFT FEEL incredible softness and great distance off the tee.
- 338 Speed Dimple Pattern - To get more distance overall and better performance in the wind, Speed Dimples reduce drag at launch and increase lift during descent.
- Soft, Thin Cover - Provides more greenside spin and softer feel on all pitches, chips and putts.
- Included components: No
The cover features a 338 dimple design, reducing drag for an aerodynamic shot that delivers the results you expect off the tee. You get excellent lift and loft in the shot, with incredible distance. The cover also features an alignment strip, allowing you to line up at the tee and green with improved efficiency and efficacy.
Overall, the Srixon Soft Feel is one of the best choices for beginner golfers shooting in the 80s or higher. You get options for a high-viz yellow color or classic white.
What We Liked
- FastLayer core for improved ball speeds and longer drives.
- 338 Dimple design for improved velocity off the tee.
- Soft, thin cover provides better spin control around the green.
- Cover alignment markings.
TaylorMade Project (S) Golf Balls
TaylorMade is one of the leading brands in golf, and its ‘Project S’ golf balls are a great choice for beginner golfers looking to improve their game. The soft construction and design of the TaylorMade compression core add more distance to your shots from the tee, and more roll on the fairway, thanks to reduced spin created on your drive.
The soft ionomer cover features dimples to ensure less drag and higher ball speeds from the tee. It also assists with better spin control around the green, giving you better accuracy in your shots and putts. The cover comes in high-viz orange only, which is a bit of a drawback for players that don’t like the color or are looking for a classic white option.
- Dual distance core is larger and softer
- 2 Layer core reduces driver spin and adds speed
- Less driver spin = less drag = more distance
However, we love the addition of the alignment strip on the cover, and the black marketing stands out against the orange background. The result is better alignment off the tee and green; shaving strokes off your game. The patented dimple pattern provides a straight flight trajectory, reducing hooks and slices.
You get a triple-layer design with the TaylorMade Project (S) balls, giving them excellent spring and resilience for longer drives. Overall, they’re a great choice for beginner golfers shooting in the 80+ range.
What We Liked
- Soft ionomer cover for low spin of the tee and more distance.
- Aerodynamic design for better loft.
- Excellent control around the green.
- Alignment strip for improved shot accuracy.
Vice Pro Soft Golf Balls
The Vice Pro Soft is the first golf ball to feature a matte finish in cast urethane. It’s a unique look, but does it affect the ball’s performance on the course and at the driving range? Vice Pro uses a patented production process utilizing a thin coating on the ball cover, providing special adhesion to the green. This construction and design result is a straight shot with a smooth, on-demand feel to contact with the ball.
You get a high degree of backspin with the Vice Pro, offering excellent player control around the green in chip shots. The S2TG technology in the cover allows for incredible performance and power, shaving strokes off your game. The matter, pearl-white finish on the cover provides an excellent line of sight and tracking of the ball in the air after tee shots.
- 3 piece cast urethane cover
- Low compression for extra-soft and responsive feel
- Extremely durable 336 dimple design
- Matte finish for improved visibility during ball flight
The Vice Pro comes with a three-piece urethane cover and a soft, High-Energy Speed Core (HESC) for faster ball speeds and less hooking of your shots. The 336 dimple design adds to the ball’s aerodynamics, creating more loft and less spin in your tee shots, resulting in better distances.
We like the alignment guide on the cover, assisting with the correct lining up of your drives and putts. The Vice Pro is another great choice for beginners shooting above 90+. You get great feedback and control around the green and off the tee. Fortunately, the ball is available in three colors, including High-viz yellow and orange and pearl white.
What We Liked
- Tri-layer design for improved ball speeds.
- 336 dimple design for less drag and better aerodynamics.
- Alignment strip for better accuracy.
Wilson Staff Duo Soft/Soft+/NFL Golf Ball
Wilson is another premium golfing brand offering balls for beginners. The Staff Duo Soft/Soft+/NFL Golf Ball is another great choice for a beginner shooting above the 90+ range. The Staff Duo is the world’s softest golf ball, featuring a premium, two-piece design. The new Staff Duo features design and construction with Wilson’s updated ‘VelocitiCOR.’
This core offers excellent resilience, providing fantastic ball speeds off the tee while maintaining a straight flight path for better accuracy. You get a long roll on the fairway, giving you more distance from your shots. The Staff Duo brings you a way to harness all the power in your swing, converting that to distance on the fairway and at the driving range.
- WILSON Staff Duo Soft + Golf Ball
- VELOCITICOR: New core technology uses advanced materials to extract and amplify every ounce of power from your swing, making the new DUO Soft+ the world’s softest and the longest premium 2-piece golf ball.
- WORLD'S SOFTEST GOLF BALL: The DUO family of golf balls has been engineered to deliver the distance you need, the feel you love and the consistency you demand.
The Staff Duo reduces backspin off the tee, preventing you from hooking or slicing the ball while maintaining a straight flight path. The tri-layer design of the ball makes it unbelievably soft, providing an excellent feel and feedback through the club when taking your shot.
The cover also features the ‘Duo Soft’ logo as an alignment strip for lining up your shots. Overall, the Wilson Staff Duo is a great ball to add to your game, but it’s a bit pricey. However, you have seven color options, including high-viz yellow, green, orange, pink, red, and classic white.
What We Liked
- VelocitiCOR for improved ball speeds and less spin.
- Excellent control around the tee.
- The world’s softest golf ball.
- Alignment strip for improved accuracy.
- Many color options, including classic white.
Titleist Velocity Golf Balls 2020
Titleist is one of the biggest brands in golf, known for its high-quality balls. Beginners can choose the Velocity Golf ball as the softest option in the range. The velocity comes with a 2-year design and construction, with a soft core allowing for better distance.
These balls are suitable for beginners, with shot totals of between 80 to 100. You get incredible lift and loft from these balls off the tee, with less spin allowing for a satisfying roll on the fairway.
- Longer Distance
- Extremely Low Long Game Spin
- Greater Iron Stoppability
- High Flight On All Shots
The design also allows for excellent handling and control around the green. The flight on these balls is amazing, offering you a straight trajectory and less chance of hooking and slicing the ball.
The cover of the Titleist Velocity also features an alignment strip to help you line up your shots to perfection off the tee or on the green. The Titleist Velocity is available in three high-viz colors: green, pink, and orange. You also have classic white available for the purists.
What We Liked
- Low spin off the tee and better spin control around the green.
- Soft core for improved distance.
- High flight trajectory.
- Alignment strip for improved accuracy.
- Four colors available, including classic white.
Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls
The Bridgestone e6 is the last ball in our review, but it’s one of the best performers. Beginners shooting 90+ will benefit from the improved accuracy, straight flight path, higher loft, and increased roll of the e6 off the tee. Around the green, the player can expect enhanced spin control and better putting accuracy.
The Bridgestone e6 features a soft, seamless cover for better compression and a high-energy core that harnesses better distance from your shots. Bridgestone is the official ball for the tour, and beginners can benefit from this technology in their game.
- NEW! e6 is the SOFT FEEL, LONG DISTANCE golf ball
- REENGINEERED for MORE POWER and FEEL
- MORE POWER – softer and larger core for faster compression and LONGER DISTANCE
- MORE FEEL – a soft seamless cover for BETTER SPIN and FEEL
- TIGER WOODS, BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU, FRED COUPLES, MATT KUCHAR AND LEXI THOMPSON Proudly represent Bridgestone Golf on international professional tours
The balls provide excellent feedback through the club, allowing for optimal control in tight shots. While they’re an affordable ball worth considering, it’s important to note they’re only available in classic white color. The cover also features an alignment strip with a directional arrow for setting up your shots.
What We Liked
- High-performance off the tee.
- Better spin control around the green.
- Alignment strip for improved accuracy.
Other Best Selling Options
- React Speed Core
- 342 Aerodynamic Dimple Pattern
- 2 Layer Construction, Ionomer Cover, Mid-Launch, Max Distance, Mid/High Spin, And Softer Feel
- Item Package Weight: 1.25 Pounds
- Supersoft Has Been One Of The Most Popular Golf Balls For Years, And We'Ve Combined Incredible Cover, Core And Flight Technologies To Make It Even Better.
- The New Hybrid Cover Features An Innovative Paraloid Impact Modifier Made By Dow Chemical. This Multi-Material Construction Allows For An Incredible Combination Of Fast Ball Speeds From High Launch And Low Spin, Soft Feel, And Excellent Greenside Control.
- The High Speed Soft Compression Core Maximizes Energy Transfer To Increase Ball Speeds, While Also Promoting High Launch And Low Spin In Your Longer Clubs For More Distance.
- Hex Aerodynamics Is Optimized To Reduce Drag And Enhance Lift For Increased Carry And Higher Flight.
- SUPER REACTIVE 2 PIECE TITANIUM CORE tournament construction maximizes the energy transfer from club head to ball, spins less, giving explosive distance off your metal woods
- HIGH VELOCITY LONG DISTANCE The aerodynamic and symmetrical dimple design increases lift and decreases drag allowing for higher, longer shots with exceptional spin control
- VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE cut-proof cover is constructed of Dupont Lithium Surlyn for long term durability, high performance, outstanding resilience, and excellent resistance to cuts and abrasions
- ENHANCED PERFORMANCE consistent ball flight in all conditions, responsive cover and core deliver optimal distance off the tee, low-compression design provides soft feel around the green and consistent ball flight
- USGA APPROVED Conforms to all USGA rules, developed for and appeals to all levels of player from beginning golfer to professional to elite golfer. 12 ball pack (4 boxes of 3) in highly-visible Hot Pink
The Best Golf Balls for Beginners Buyers Guide
There’s more to your golf ball than you think. Golf ball design can impact your game significantly. As a beginner, you’re probably wondering if there is a specific golf ball design to help you with your game.
Good news, there is. Soft golf balls are the best choice for beginners. These balls have softer covers and cores than the pros use on Tour. As a result of the softer nature of the ball, you’ll find better contact, more distance, and improved control over your drives off the tee and shots around the green.
So, what are the components of the best golf balls for beginners? This buyer’s guide walks you through the design components you need to pay attention to when selecting your balls.
Compression
The compression factor of the ball is the most important consideration for new golfers. Compression refers to the amount of ‘give’ in the cover and the ball’s core when impacting the clubface. Soft balls have some ‘give’ when contacting the clubhead during your shots. However, the pros use hard balls. These balls give less compression but much farther distance from shots.
The downside of playing with a hard ball is that it’s more challenging to control the shot. As a result, beginners are more likely to hook and slice the ball unintentionally. General compression ranges for golf balls range between factors of 30 to 120.
The lower the rating, the softer the ball and the less clubhead speed required to hit it a longer distance. A good rule of thumb when choosing the compression factor on your ball is to match it to your swing speed using the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Most beginners have swing speeds from 85 to 95 mph. This means the beginner golfer benefits from a soft ball with low or moderate compression. Most balls featured in our review meet this design standard.
Price
The price of the ball is also worth considering. Some soft balls can come with heavy price tags. If you’re someone that often shanks the ball into the rough or loses it in the water trap, think about that when loading up on balls with your favorite online retailer.
The last thing you want to do is send all of your balls into the water and have to buy another set. Consider the pricing and value of the balls and how they’ll affect your game.
Cover
The cover material used in the ball’s construction also plays a significant role in its performance. Manufacturing brands rely on two primary materials for cover construction: urethane and Surlyn.
Ionomer or Surlyn covers offer better durability, and they won’t lose their shape as fast, but they tend to be more expensive. Surlyn also flies straighter and further than urethane covers.
However, golf balls featuring urethane covers tend to have better spin, and they suit your short game better than driving from the tee.
Colors
Golf balls are available in classic white or a range of high-viz colors. We recommend going with the high-viz options, especially as a beginner. The bright colors allow better tracking of the ball in the air.
They also make it easier to spot the ball on the ground if you hit it into the rough. Many balls also come with alignment strips painted onto the cover, allowing you to line up your shots effectively.
Dimples
Most modern golf ball designs feature 300 to 400 dimples on the cover. The dimples are the small impressions on the cover assisting with improving the aerodynamics and spin of the ball in the air.
The more dimples, the better lift the ball has in shots. If one ball has 330 dimples and another has 350, it will not make a world of difference to your game. However, a smooth ball vs. a dimpled ball is a different playing experience.
Golf Balls for Beginners FAQ
Q: Do golf balls make any difference to a beginner golfer’s game?
A: Typically, the golf ball affects performance when you reach the advanced or professional level of the game. Beginners should focus on a soft golf ball that offers good performance off the tee and around the green.
It’s more important for beginners to focus on ball selection if they’re shooting as high as the 80s. However, changing the ball won’t greatly impact your performance. Focus on improving your swing instead.
Q: How far should a beginner golfer be able to hit a ball?
A: Beginners should aim for a distance of around 80 to 90-yards with their 9-iron. An average player would get about 125 to 135 yards from the same shot, and a pro would reach distances between 135 to 145 yards. You can add around 10 to 15 yards of distance for each number you drop in your irons.
Q: Should beginners use hard or soft golf balls?
A: Beginners need a softer ball offering better all-round performance on the course and driving range. A softer ball helps the beginner get a better feel for feedback in the shaft and clubhead when contacting the ball.
A soft golf ball design provides a good distance off the tee, with decent launch and trajectory. Softer balls offer the beginner golfer better spin and control around the greens.
Q: Where can I buy the best Golf balls for beginners?
A: We recommend you buy your golf balls from Amazon. Amazon has the best prices and the widest range of beginner golf balls for any playing style. Prime members get free shipping and buyer protection on their orders.
Golf Balls for Beginners – The Verdict
After reading through our reviews and buyers guide, you should have an idea of the best golf balls for beginners. If you’re on the fence about your decision, why not try a few brands to see which one you prefer? Our top picks are suitable for any handicap and any budget.
- Best Pick: Callaway 2021 Supersoft Golf Balls
- Premium Pick: Piper Golf Premium Golf Balls
- Budget Pick: Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
