Which are the 10 best golf balls to use and why are they the best?

Which are the 10 best golf balls to use and why are they the best?

Helix Odhiambo
updated at June 26, 2023 at 10:06 AM

Every golf player needs the right ball that suits their swing and style of play. Whether you are a senior, beginner, or skilled in fast swing speed, the market has some of the best golf balls for the money you can afford.

Best golf balls for seniors in 2023
Tiger Woods putts on the practice green near the first tee during the second round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on 7 April 2023, in Augusta, Georgia. Photo: Keyur Khamar
Source: Getty Images

Top manufacturing companies often launch new versions of golf balls ahead of every season. As a result, many people often struggle to differentiate the types of brands in the market. This article explains what you must consider before picking the best golf ball brands, including the most recommended ones.

History of golf balls

Golf is a popular sport played on large open-air golf courses, where players use a club to strike a small hard ball into a series of holes in the ground. Golf balls have undergone numerous upgrades since the 1400s in Scotland, from wooden to feathery and rubber.

The best golf balls in 2023 are made from rubber, usually covered with plastic (surlyn) or urethane. Their designs vary depending on the manufacturer.

How do I know which golf ball to use?

Best golf balls for distance
General view of golf balls during the Tampa General Hospital Championship Pro-Am ahead of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on 15 March 2023 in Palm Harbor, Florida. Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice
Source: Getty Images

Differentiating them may be difficult if you are not keen on details. Before buying anything, one of the most critical questions is price. Some are relatively cheap, while others are costly. Depending on your budget, here are the most important aspects to observe:

1. Dimples

Dimples provide spin and distance. Professional golfers would prefer balls with more dimples because of their experience in spinning.

2. Type of cover/coating

Manufacturers can use either surlyn, urethane, or ionomer to coat the ball. Beginners would prefer those with surlyn because it produced less spin than an ionomer and urethane-coated brand.

3. Compression

Compression refers to the core (inside of the golf ball). Those with 100+ often offer more control to the player. They are ideal for most professionals.

4. Number of layers

Best golf balls for mid handicappers
A US Open Championship logo golf ball on the No.2 Course, the host course for the 2024 US Open Championship at The Pinehurst Resort on 13 May 2023 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Photo: David Cannon
Source: Getty Images

Some have a single or double layer, while others have multiple thin layers. Those with numerous thin layers add more emphasis on the core, therefore ideal for professionals. The best golf balls for average golfers should have one or two layers.

5. Hard or Soft

Soft golf balls allow for more spin and a better feel when struck, hence the best golf balls for beginners. The hard ones often go further but with fewer spins.

6. Colour

Although the colour does not technically affect gameplay, players with sight problems use colourful balls instead of the normal white ones.

What is a high-spin golf ball?

A high-spin golf ball is designed to increase the spin in the air. They move with a certain degree of backspin and not straight like the low-spin brands. High-spin brands are ideal for players who hit from right to left.

Top 10 best golf balls

Professional golfers need high-end balls to hit high-quality shots. Here is our selection of the best brands to buy in 2023.

10. Wilson Zip

Best golf balls for women
Wilson Zip balls are among the best for use in 2023. Photo: @WilsonGolf, @GolfClarkes (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

The Wilson Zip is fast, low-spinning with a soft feel and social proof. It has a unique dimple pattern consisting of flat-bottomed, shallow, pan-head dimples that reduce drag and create a powerful, stable flight. Wilson Zip is relatively affordable and one of the best golf balls for slow swing speed.

  • Dimple pattern: 302 PhD aerodynamics
  • Coating: Surlyn
  • Compression: 50
  • Layers: Two-piece
  • Texture: Soft
  • Colour: White

9. Titleist Velocity

Best golf balls for the money
Titleist golf balls on the ground during the third round of the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH at Raleigh Country Club on 3 June 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Photo: Grant Halverson
Source: Getty Images

Titleist Velocity is a popular distance brand ideal for maximum speed, high launch and low spin. It has higher compression than the Wilson Zip. Titleist Velocity has a design that helps promote a high and consistent trajectory.

  • Dimple pattern: 350 octahedral
  • Coating: Urethane
  • Compression: 65
  • Layers: Two-piece
  • Texture: Hard/soft
  • Colours: White, matte blue, green, orange

8. TaylorMade Distance+

Best golf balls for slow swing speed
TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls offer high-velocity performance for distance on all shots. Photo: @stu_reekiegolf, @GolfFormby (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TaylorMade Distance+ is one of the best distance balls on the market at a low cost. It offers a good amount of spin and control around the greens. TaylorMade Distance+ is also durable and resistant to scuffing and shearing.

  • Dimple pattern: 342 aerodynamic
  • Coating: Ionomer
  • Compression: 77
  • Layers: Two-piece
  • Texture: Soft
  • Colours: White

7. Bridgestone Tour B RX

Best golf balls for average golfer
Bridgestone Tour B RX offers excellent control, spin and long durability. Photo: @ShopBuyWeb, @vkgolfmalaysia (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

Bridgestone golf balls are among the best in the market. Bridgestone Corporation is a world-renowned golf ball manufacturer represented by top golfers like Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, and Fred Couples. Tour B RX is ideal for players with the slowest swing speed. Its unique technology, REACTIV iQ SMART cover, helps it react to the impact force to produce optimal performance through the bag.

Dimple pattern: Dual

Coating: Ionomer, urethane

Compression: 75

Layers: Three-piece

Texture: Soft

Colours: White, yellow, red,

6. Vice Pro Plus

Best golf ball brands
Most golf professionals like using the Vice Pro Plus ball, including Korn Ferry. Photo: @AngelRi76070125 (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Vice Pro Plus was founded in Germany in 2012 and entered the US market in 2015. Pro Plus is designed for golfers with the highest swing speeds in the game. It has a stick-to-the-green (S2TG) technology provides a sticky, controlling feel off wedges.

  • Dimple pattern: 336 dimple design
  • Coating: Urethane
  • Compression: 95
  • Layers: Four-piece
  • Texture: Soft
  • Colours: White, neon Lime, red, green

5. Srixon Z-Star 8

How do I know which golf ball to use?
Srixon Z-Star balls provide maximum greenside spin for unmatched control and stopping power. Photo: Fred Vuich, @lostballsfound (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Z-Star 8 is one of the highly-rated brands. It has a unique pattern for maximum distance off the tee, penetrating flight, and a progressively softer mid-launch feel. Z-Star 8 is a premium brand, one of the best golf balls for seniors in 2023.

  • Dimple pattern: 338 Speed
  • Coating: Urethane
  • Comprehension: 90
  • Layers: Three-piece
  • Textures: Soft
  • Colours: White

4. Callaway Supersoft

What is a high-spin golf ball?
Baskets of Callaway golf balls sit on the practice range during a practice round before the start of the 111th U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club on 14 June 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. Photo: Scott Halleran
Source: Getty Images

Callaway Supersoft has a slower swing speed allowing golfers to compress the ball quickly. It is one of the best golf balls for distance. The brand is fast, durable, and generates high launch and low long-game spin. It is also relatively affordable compared to others. Callaway Supersoft consists of HyperElastic SoftFast Core and Hybrid Cover.

  • Dimple pattern: 332-dimple HEX aerodynamics
  • Coating: Hybrid
  • Comprehension: 38
  • Layers: Two-piece
  • Textures: Soft
  • Colours: White

3. TaylorMade TP5

Taylormade golf balls
TaylorMade TP5 balls have a speed layer to deliver a combination of distance, spin, and control. Photo: @PinHighGolf, @parisian16sleby (modified by author)
Source: Twitter

Top golfers like Matthew Wolff and Collin Morikawa prefer Taylormade golf balls like TP5. It is soft and ideal for mid to high-swing speeds. TP5 provides excellent tee-to-green performance. It also consists of a larger and more reactive Tri-Fast Core.

  • Dimple pattern: 322 Dimple Pattern
  • Coating: Urethane
  • Comprehension: 85
  • Layers: Five-piece
  • Textures: Soft
  • Colours: White, yellow

2. Titleist Pro V1

Best golf balls for slow swing speed
Pyramids of Titleist Pro V1 golf balls during a practice round at The Presidents Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Prince William County, Virginia on 21 September 2005. Photo: Stan Badz
Source: Getty Images

Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x have been among the best for decades. Many top golfers have used it, including Scottie Scheffler, Max Homa, and Jessica Korda. Pro V1 has one of the highest ratings in the market. It offers a big distance, low long-game spin, and a penetrating trajectory.

  • Dimple pattern: 388 tetrahedral
  • Coating: Urathane
  • Comprehension: 90
  • Layers: Three-piece
  • Textures: Soft
  • Colours: White, yellow

1. Callaway Chrome Soft

Best golf balls for distance
A detail of the Callaway Chrome Soft ball of Anne Van Dam of the Netherlands during the second LPGA Drive On Championship round at Golden Ocala Golf Club on 5 March 2021 in Ocala, Florida. Photo: Michael Reaves
Source: Getty Images

Chrome Soft balls come in three versions; Chrome Soft, Chrome Soft X, and X LS. It is an excellent all-around performer and a highly-rated brand suitable for many golfers. The Callaway Chrome Soft has a high speed, higher launch, and plenty of greenside spins. It is among the best golf balls for women golfers, seniors, and beginners.

  • Dimple pattern: HEX Tour Aero
  • Coating: Urethane
  • Comprehension: 70
  • Layers: Three-piece
  • Textures: Soft
  • Colours: White, yellow

What golf ball does Tiger Woods use?

The legendary golfer uses TOUR B XS manufactured by Bridgestone Golf. Tiger Woods collaborated with the company to allow other golfers to use the exact ball he uses in competitions. TOUR B XS consists of the REACTIV iQ that delivers increased speed for maximum distance off the tee, a soft feel, and increased spin for control.

Best golf balls for high handicappers

Best golf balls for women
Ruoning Yin of China lines up a putt on the 18th green during the final round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club on 25 June 2023 in Springfield, New Jersey. Photo: Andy Lyons
Source: Getty Images

High handicappers often play 19 and above. They need a ball that offers optimal distance and improved accuracy to remain in play. They include Srixon Soft Feel, TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft, Callaway Supersoft, Vice Drive, and Callaway Warbird.

Best golf balls for mid handicappers

Mid-handicap golfers often shoot between 80 and 89 on a par 72 course. They require a ball that is as long as possible with some forgiveness and a little greenside spin. They include Titleist Velocity, Bridgestone e12 Contact, Srixon Soft Feel, and Wilson Triad.

Volvik New VIVID is also among the best golf balls ideal for use in the market. Before purchasing one, you need to understand your needs and strengths.

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.