If you are an average golfer, it can be difficult to find the perfect golf ball for your game.
There are tons of golf balls out there, but if you’re an Average Joe, which ones are best for you? We break down what type of golf ball is best for average golfers and which brands to try.
For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here are our top choices:
Top pick
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What Kind of Golf Ball is Best Suited for the Average Golfer?
Average golfers typically have slow to moderate swing speeds. They also tend to struggle with accuracy issues like huge slices and duck hooks off the tee box. If you are an average golfer, here are a few key features to look for in a golf ball.
1. Opt for a Softer Golf Ball Instead of a Harder One
Average golfers usually need a soft golf ball since their lower compression rating will help make it easier to hit the ball a decent distance. Soft golf balls provide plenty of yardage for average golfers with slow to medium swing speeds.
Soft golf balls also have a better feel at impact than hard golf balls. This is especially true if you are playing in a colder climate. Golfers who hit soft golf balls won’t have to deal with nearly as many painful vibrations versus folks who choose a hard golf ball.
2. Choose A Golf Ball that Limits Side Spin
Some select golf balls on the market are aimed at helping reduce sidespin. Sidespin is what causes those annoyingly inaccurate slices and hooks that we all hate while on the course. Since the average golfer often fights these directional problems, a ball with lower sidespin will help limit the damage when he happens to mishit a shot.
3. Choose a Golf Ball with Lots of Greenside Spin
Though you want to limit sidespin as an average golfer, you do need plenty of spin when it comes time to hone in your short game. Find a golf ball with a higher greenside spin. This will help you hit more accurate pitches, chips, and putts.
We know it’s a bit confusing to recommend a golf ball with a low amount of sidespin as one feature but a high amount of greenside spin as another feature. Put your mind at ease though, because many golf ball manufacturers make balls with these attributes.
4. Find a Golf Ball that is in the Medium Price Range
We’ve talked in some previous articles about how more expensive premium golf balls aren’t necessarily better. It all depends on each golfer’s swing speed and swing type. For most average golfers, it makes sense to find a golf ball that is in the medium price range.
Can an average golfer play with an expensive Titleist Pro V1? Absolutely, but he must keep in mind that those types of golf balls are designed for the experienced golfer that shoots low scores regularly.
With so many good choices on the market, there’s no reason why an average golfer should have to overpay for golf balls. Average golfers should expect to pay around $20 to $35 per dozen golf balls.
9 Best Golf Balls for Average Golfers
1. Callaway 2021 Supersoft Golf Balls
Top pick
Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls
Supersoft has been one of the most popular golf balls for years. The new Hybrid Cover features a multi-material construction allows for an incredible combination of fast ball speeds from high launch and low spin, soft feel, and excellent greenside control.
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The Callaway Super Softs take home our #1 spot for average golfers. Callaway is a great company that makes fantastic golf balls. The are a fabulous choice for average-level golfers. Folks who want plenty of distance off the tee, accuracy on all shots, and a soft feel on impact will love the Supersoft.
The Supersoft’s new Hybrid cover provides extra ball speed, a high trajectory, and a plethora of greenside control. This ball is also made with Hex Aerodynamics, which results in less drag and even more launch. This means this ball is going to give you more control on all of your approach shots toward the flagstick.
This golf ball also has a thick black line on the side to use as a putting alignment tool on the greens. All in all, this is one of the best balls on the market for average golfers. Loads of golfers have been playing with the Callaway Supersoft for years.
2. Bridgestone Golf e12 Contact Golf Balls
The Bridgestone e12 checks all the important boxes as far as good distance, soft feel, and plenty of greenside spin. The cost of the e12s is also very affordable.
These golf balls are made with Bridgestone’s unique Contact Force Dimple Pattern that creates 38% more surface contact on impact. This dimple pattern also makes your ball fly longer and straighter than any other golf ball that is marketed to the average golfer.
This ball has a soft core, which means you’ll love the nice feel it gives you when you make contact. Bridgestone also invented this ball with a sidespin reducing mantle, so your typical hooks and slices won’t be nearly as pronounced as it is with other brands.
The e12 also provides plenty of greenside spin to help make your short game a bit easier. The Reactiv cover on this ball gives it a softer feel when you are putting.
3. Titleist Tour Soft Golf Balls 2020
Titleist is the most renowned brand in the golf ball manufacturing business, so you can rest assured that you are getting a great product with the Tour Soft.
Average golfers who desire extra distance and a more consistent ball flight will love the Tour Soft golf balls. Titleist makes this ball with special technology that results in less spin when hitting your longer clubs (driver and fairway woods). This is a huge advantage for the average golfer because the longer clubs are more difficult to control.
If it’s short game control and a soft feel you are after, you’ll love the Tour Soft. The Tour Soft also comes with a nice side stamp that makes it easier to line up your putts. It’s kind of nice to not have to mark up your golf ball with a permanent marker.
4. Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
One of the more affordable, quality balls on the market. With a soft center that gradually transitions to a firm outer edge, the FastLayer Core offers incredible softness and great distance off the tee. The dimple pattern reduces drag at launch and increases lift during descent.
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Srixon has come a long way since arriving on the golf scene in 2000. The brand has been highly successful at making quality golf balls. The Srixon Soft Feel is an excellent choice for lots of average golfers.
This ball is made with a FastLayer Core that provides plenty of yardage and a nice, soft feel on the greens. The secret to Srixon’s extra distance is their 338 Speed Dimple Pattern. This pattern helps reduce drag during the launch of your shot and increases lift on the downward portion of your shot.
The soft, thin ionomer cover provides lots of control on pitches, chips, and putts. The compressing rating of 60 means it’s perfect for average golfers with slower swing speeds.
5. Wilson Golf Staff Fifty Elite Golf Balls
If you’re an average golfer who is looking for the most value, you may want to consider buying the Fifty Elites from Wilson.
These little beauties perform exceptionally well on the course and they cost only a little more than one dollar each. That price is by far one of the cheapest in the industry.
This golf ball features a responsive cover, low spin while hitting the driver, and a soft feel both at impact and around the greens. Wilson strikes the perfect balance with its rubber core and firm ionomer cover.
This ball has a compression rating of 50, which means it is an ideal choice for average golfers with slower swing speeds. Wilson has been an established name in the golfing world for several decades and the quality of their products is unquestioned.
6. Titleist Velocity Golf Balls
Titleist makes its second appearance on our list with their Velocity golf balls. These are a little less expensive than their Tour Soft counterparts but they still offer plenty of outstanding features.
The Velocities are known for reducing side spin on every shot. This means that average golfers with a pronounced hook or slice will appreciate how this golf ball increases accuracy. The Velocity also provides the exceptional distance that the Titleist brand is known for around the world.
Lots of golfers love the high ball flight that the Velocity provides. They also rave about how the Velocity makes it easier to stop their iron approach shots. The Velocity used to only be available in white, but now it’s offered in green, orange, and pink as well.
7. TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls
TaylorMade checks in at the #7 spot on our list for best golf balls for average golfers.
This golf ball is specifically designed for maximum ball speed, which leads to more distance. The React Speed Core helps give this ball a fantastic feel at impact.
The Distance Plus has 342 dimples that are aerodynamics friendly and able to reduce the drag on your shots. Though this is a two-piece golf ball, its compression rating is 77. This means it’s a good choice for average golfers with slow or medium swing speeds.
TaylorMade has also added what they call a Plus Alignment Aid on the side of the ball. This makes it easier than ever to start your putts on the correct line and sink more birdies. The ionomer cover provides a high level of durability and resistance to scuffs and nicks.
8. Vice Tour Golf Balls
Vice is a newer brand on the golf ball manufacturing market. However, the brand has exploded in popularity over the last couple of years. Vice has figured out how to offer a three-piece golf ball at a much cheaper price than other brands.
Most three-piece or four-piece golf balls run in the $4 apiece range, regardless of the brand you buy. The Vice Tour golf balls are in the $2 apiece range. Enjoy the extra softness and increased spin of a premium golf ball, but at half the price!
This ball has a 392 dimple design that leads to more stability than other brands. The Soft Energy Speed Core provides some extra distance off the tee and a wonderful feeling at impact. Most golfers are amazed at the minimal amount of vibration this ball gives off, even on shots that aren’t hit on the sweet spot.
This golf ball holds up incredibly well, even in tough weather conditions. The ball flight seems unaffected and consistent, even on windy days. Vice also adds its KIL (Keep In Line) putting line on the side to help you line up your putts.
9. Volvik Vimax Soft Golf Balls
The Volvik brand came to the forefront of the golfing world because it was one of the first golf balls with striking matte colors.
These balls are available in red, green, orange, and yellow so there are plenty of options for folks that like a golf ball that stands out on the course. Lots of golfers claim that the matte colors are easier to focus on during their swing.
The core of this ball is soft and is designed for lots of ball speed. This leads to maximum distances off the tee box and a high trajectory. Volvik also manufactures these golf balls with a patented dimple design that promotes a steady ball flight.
This ball also has a super soft ionomer cover that leads to more control for your short game shots. This ball is made up of two pieces and has a compression rating of 75.
Golf Ball FAQs
Does it really matter what golf ball you use if you’re an average player?
Yes, it matters quite a bit what type of golf ball an average golfer chooses. Though it’s not a hard and fast rule, most premium golf balls are designed for low handicappers. Low handicappers typically have much faster swing speeds than average golfers.
Make sure your golf ball matches your swing speed. Most average golfers will benefit from playing with a soft golf ball that limits sidespin.
Do expensive golf balls make a difference?
Yes and no. It depends on what your skill level is as a golfer. Average golfers won’t notice much of a difference between an expensive golf ball and a cheap one. That’s because average golfers aren’t trying to shape shots or stop their iron shots on a dime.
As a general rule, we recommend that average golfers select a golf ball that is right in the middle as far as price is concerned. Leave the premium-priced golf balls to the single-digit handicappers and save your money.
How to Select the Right Golf Ball for You
Still not sure how to pick the right golf ball for your game? Here’s a brief checklist of factors to take into account before deciding on which ball to buy.
1. Price
Like we mentioned above, only highly skilled golfers will benefit from premium golf balls (Titleist Pro V1, Bridgestone B RX, etc). Average players will not notice much difference between an expensive four-piece ball and an inexpensive two-piece ball.
2. Compression Rating
This one has a lot to do with swing speed. Golfers with a slower swing speed will perform better with a low compression golf ball. On the other hand, golfers with faster swing speeds won’t get nearly as much distance with a lower compression golf ball.
3. Spin Rate
Most average golfers have accuracy issues, especially with the driver and other long clubs. These folks will benefit greatly from a golf ball that limits sidespin. Along those same lines, advanced players need higher spin rates so that they can shape shots on certain holes.
4. Type of Course
What are the greens like at the main golf course you play at? Are they super fast? If so, you may want a ball with a little less greenside spin.
Are the greens a little on the slow side? If so, you may want a golf ball with as much greenside spin as you can find.
How about distance? Is the course you typically play on super long? If so, opt for a golf ball that is designed for maximum ball speed. If your course is shorter, distance is less of a concern.
Mike Noblin
Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.
