Pros
- Incredibly soft feel for each and every stroke
- Trusted by the best players in the world
- Excellent distance potential when squared up
- Great spin control
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Some of the most expensive balls you can buy
- Not ideal for beginners, as the ball is not very forgiving to bad shots
The self-described “Number 1 Ball in Golf” is arguably the best golf ball for everyone, though at almost $60 per dozen, it is not for the faint of heart. Tons of pros play these balls because of their exceptional feel and high spin around the green, so if those are attributes you’re looking for, we couldn’t recommend a better ball.
Pro V1s are not optimized for distance, though, so more average players may want to choose a ball that is designed for length off the tee and with long irons. Plus, the soft covers on these are easy to cut up, so they’re not going to last long unless you’re hitting it pure every time.
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Pros
- Awesome value of nearly $1 per ball
- Respected quality for what you’re getting
- Comes in a 24-pack
Cons
- Not ideal for making as your main ball as an intermediate player
If you are just getting into golf, then get familiar with Noodles. The classic rookie-favorite ball from Titleist packs for around $1 per ball, making it less of a burden when you shank one (two, and three) balls into the woods and water. But don’t get it twisted. Noodles are well respected in the golf community. Even the experienced golfer is down to buy a pack for backup or for emergency, depending on the situation.
The downside to buying Noodle? Some golfers say you can get a few duds in a pack from time to time. Overall, though, this is pretty good quality for a beginner to learn the game and see how the ball responds to each swing.
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Pros
- An exceptionally soft feeling ball that blends distance and spin
- Provides a good shot even if swing is not perfect
Cons
- Average players probably won’t notice the differences
Experts across the game agree that the Chrome Soft X is one of the best, if not the best, feeling golf balls on the market right now. Callaway’s Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core offers Tour-level ball speed, spin rate, and control from the tee to the green. For the more experienced player with high swing speeds (think intermediate to advanced skill level), this ball will work wonders.
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Pros
- A technologically advanced ball that provides huge upside for better players
- 5-layer construction leads to solid distance potential
- Great spin control
- Similar play to Pro V1 for lesser price point
Cons
- $50 is a lot for most golfers to spend on a dozen balls
The most innovative golf ball on our list, the TP5 from TaylorMade, is made with not two, not three, but an unprecedented five layers. This construction results in high speeds off the tee and high spin around the greens. The TP5 also utilizes TaylorMade’s Tour Flight Dimple Pattern, which creates a steeper angle of descent, resulting in better control and stopping power.
Many players liken the TP5 to the Pro V1, and so really the main reasons people jump from Pro V1 to TP5 come down to feel and the lower price.
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Pros
- A highly forgiving golf ball
- Under $25
Cons
- Ball doesn’t offer the same kind of spin control of a more expensive ball
Bridgestone balls are now the top choice of Tiger Woods; do you even need to know more? You probably do, so here’s what you need to know about the brand’s affordable e6 line. They’re a soft-feeling, long-distance ball that is ideal for the average player looking to get a little extra distance. Players will get soft contact off the club face, resulting in a smooth stroke off the club with a high forgiveness level on bad shots.
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Pros
- A Tour-level ball that will add distance to even the most skilled player’s game
- Yellow color is easier to spot for some
Cons
- The soft covers aren’t the most durable
Yellow golf balls aren’t just cheapos anymore. The Z Star XV from Srixon is a Tour-worthy golf ball that delivers maximum distance while still providing skilled players with the workability they need from tee to green. The soft cover digs into the grooves of your irons to add valuable spin, while the cushy core provides ample ball speed.
And if you don’t like yellow golf balls, don’t fret; they come in white, too.
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Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Perfect for beginners and intermediate players
- Consistent shot performance
Cons
- 2-Layer balls aren’t the most technologically advanced on the market
The SuperSoft from Callaway is a great ball for the average amateur player. While Titleist’s Pro V1s are made with pros in mind, the SuperSoft is a great golf ball that provides value for everyone else. They offer a soft feel, long distance, and a straight ball flight, all of which are vital for the amateur. If you need help with consistency, these are the balls for you.
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Pros
- Adds distance for the average player
- Affordable for a ball with 3-layer construction
Cons
- Won’t add much value for players who prefer a highly spinnable ball
Made with high ball speed in mind, the Elixr from OnCore is a great option for those looking to add extra length to their golf shots. They are best for players with 90-100 mph swings, which is about average for the amateur male golfer. For reference, most PGA pros average 110 mph or more on their swings. These are high-quality balls at a very attainable price point.
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Pros
- An affordable ball from the best in the business
- Excellent price point
Cons
- Doesn’t provide extra spin and control
Another Titleist ball you should consider is the Velocity. Coming in at the opposite end of the price spectrum from ProV1s, the Velocity is just $30 per dozen. While this isn’t exactly cheap, they’re downright affordable when compared to ProV1s. The Velocity adds immense distance for the mid-to-high handicapper, utilizing a high launch angle combined with low spin to maximize yardage across the course.
You’ll also find that these are a much more durable option than Pro V1s, which is key for more average players who may not be striking the ball as pure as more experienced players.
Pros
- A simple ball that will add distance without adding cost
Cons
- Won’t provide much in the way of enhanced spin or control
For the average player or weekend warrior, sometimes just getting the best ball at an affordable price is what matters. While most golf balls have skyrocketed in price over the past decade, you can still get balls from the best brands on a budget. The TaylorMade Distance+ is the most affordable on our list, but it still provides exceptional advantages for a golfer looking to add distance without sacrificing too much quality.
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Pros
- High-tech ball at a low-tech price
- Adds distance for mid-handicappers
Cons
- Not available to non-Costco members
It wouldn’t be a Costco product if it didn’t come in bulk. The only ball on the list that comes exclusively in a 24-pack, the Kirkland Signature Golf Ball took the amateur golf world by storm when they were first released, winning praise for its superior affordability and penetrating ball flight.
The only caveat is that you have to be a Costco member to get them at retail. They are, however, available through
at a slightly higher price point. They’re long off the tee, made to last, and won’t break the bank. What more could you ask for?
Will Porter is an LA-based freelance writer covering golf, tech, and travel. In addition to Men’s Health, his work has been published in GQ, Gear Patrol, The Strategist, and others. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him running the trails at Griffith Park or trying to catch every new movie in IMAX at the local movie theater.
