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Golf Equipment

Choosing the Right Golf Ball

By Shooting 90

Some amateurs use golf balls they may have found on the course or whatever might have been on sale at their local sporting goods store. Others use the same balls of they see professionals use on TV. These balls are known as tour balls and the Titleist Pro V1 is an example. While using professional equipment can improve an amateur’s performance in many sports, including golf, it can also have little impact or even hurt your performance if your skills do not match the equipment.

Golf ball manufacturers utilize today’s technology to create a wide variety of balls. Golf balls vary from one piece construction to five piece construction. Different materials can be used for each layer depending on the manufacturer. The different combinations of construction and materials allow manufacturers to produce golf balls targeted to many different skill levels and swing speeds.

It is important to match up your golf game with a golf ball that matches your skill level and play that ball exclusively. While professionals can detect the most subtle differences in the performance and feel between different balls, even high handicap golfers will notice differences on some level. Playing the same ball is an easy way to provide more consistency to your game. I’ll grant you it may be a small thing in the grand scheme of your golf game, but knowing your ball will perform consistently will improve your game. Though playing a tour ball may seem like the best thing, they provide a large amount of spin. The spin is partially achieved with the soft cover of these balls which also provides a great deal of feel around the green. This spin is crucial for a professional’s or low handicap golfer’s short game but can adversely affect the high handicap golfer by exaggerating slices off the tee. This is one reason it is important to match up your skills with the ball that is right for you.

Let’s break down the main types of golf balls to find the best one for you.

Two Piece Construction Golf Balls

Most amateurs use a two piece golf ball and it should be the ball every beginner uses. These balls usually have a solid core covered with a hard, durable cover. With a low compression and hard cover, the two piece ball delivers more distance and less spin than other balls. Many high handicap golfers have lower swing speeds that will benefit from the added distance. High handicap golfers also have the tendency to slice the ball off the tee. The lower spin of the two piece ball will help minimize the severity of slices.

Another advantage of two piece golf balls is that they are less expensive than other types of balls. You will feel less pain in the pocketbook when they go into the woods or water.

Some two piece golf balls are:


Titleist DT TruSoft

Callaway Supersoft

Bridgestone Extra Soft Golf Balls

Tour Golf Balls

Tour balls are just that, balls that are used by professional golfers on tour. Unlike two piece balls, they have three, four or even five layers of construction. The multi-layer construction along with a very soft cover give tour balls a large amount of spin and feel around the green. The high amount of spin allows professionals and low handicap golfers to more easily draw or fade their shots along with stopping the ball quickly on the green. Both require golf skills that almost all high handicap golfers do not possess. For this reason, high handicap golfers will not see a return on their investment of the high price tag of tour balls. Some examples of tour balls are the Titleist Pro V1, the Callaway HEX Black Tour and the Bridgestone Tour B330.

Advanced Two Piece / Three Piece Balls

Somewhere between basic two piece balls and tour balls, there are advanced two piece balls and three piece balls designed for the mid handicap golfer. An advanced two piece ball’s core still has low compression for distance off the tee but it usually has a softer material for the cover than ionomer to give more spin and feel around the green. Three piece balls in this category utilize the middle, or mantle layer, to increase spin and feel around the green while the core material still gives the ball low spin off the tee for added distance. Depending on the construction, these three piece balls can either have a harder ionomer cover or a softer cover made from urethane or other materials. As a high handicap golfer builds more consistency and speed into their swing, approaching bogey golf, they should begin playing an advanced two piece or three piece ball to take advantage of the added spin and feel around the green.

An advanced two piece golf ball is:

Titleist Tour Soft Golf Balls

Some three piece golf balls are:

Wilson DUO Spin


Bridgestone e6 Soft Golf Balls

Whether you are a high handicap or beginner golfer, or an improving golfer closing in on consistent bogey golf, it is important to match your game with the correct type of ball. What brand and model ball you choose from the correct type comes down to personal preference. I suggest you try several side-by-side and choose the ball you like best.

116 replies on “Choosing the Right Golf Ball”

Hi I have about a 25 handicap and I’m all over the place when it comes to shopping for balls. I normally get what’s on sale. My best games were played with the noodle ball and laddie ball. Should I stick with one of these, because I noticed you haven’t mentioned them, or do you recommend something else for me to try. Thanks in advance for your help. My budget is about $25 for balls.

Hi Damon,

I played the Noodle Long and Soft some years ago. I remember getting some nice distance from them! Stick to them if you like them! Can’t beat the price!

Hello there at the moment I’ve been cut two shots to 12…been shooting mid to late 70’s and using eBay pro v1 lake balls scale a – b….I’m averaging 240 with an xr16 driver stiff shaft, between 230 and 270 callaway xr 3 wood if I hit with a draw…irons 9 looking at 130 – 140 and so on…interesting to read about the nxt tour s…I’ve finally got to the stage where I can see me easily hitting buffer and scoring 36-40 stableford feeling at ease with my game..it’s taken me a long time!!!! Off the tee with driver I’m more likely to fade if trying to hit the skin off it than draw…given this any suggestions re balls which would benefit and keep me hitting the Centre of the fairway instead of a slight fade…great article by the way cheers

Hi Phil,

Congratulations on your game! I would stick with the Pro V1’s. Maybe a higher grade. Whatever ball you play, it won’t change your shot shape. Its not going to lessen the side spin enough to make a slight fade go straight.

Lovely thanks very much will keep on with the pro v’s and try not to muller it and lose my shape lol…what would u suggest is the nearest ball to a pro v I.e. Cheaper model…if I use brand new pro v’s I tend to cry when I lose 1!!!!!!

Please recommend a ball for a female with a swing speed probably around 70. I have been playing for several years and love it. Don’t know my handicap is 21.

Once I get into the year, I consistently shoot around 90. I have used several ball mentioned here but tend to switch out regularly; or I buy AAAA used ball like ProV which are fun around greens and short irons…but hurt me too.

Putting is the best part of my game; and I play a decent short game…but off the tee I am inconsistent. When ‘on’ I have a great draw; when ‘off’ I tend slice or fade…then think too much and hook it badly (I think because I swing a bit too hard and then think way too much).

So…what ball would you recommend for this guy trying to get consistently under 90; and getting rounds into the low 80s??

I look forward to your reply!!

Hi Chris,

You don’t mention how the ProV1 hurts you. I assume you feel it is giving you too much spin off the tee, but seeing that your drives are great when you are on, you should play the ball that you like in the short game and work on eliminating your big miss off the tee.

Hi there. I am a 13 handicap. My driver swing speed is 95, and I have been using a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball for a while. I tend to have a slight draw with both my driver and my irons. However, my distance off the tee is about 230. I just bought the new Callaway driver, so I am hoping that will help a bit.

I have two questions. First, should I stick with the ProV1? And my second question, I normally buy used golf balls because they are cheaper. But do they affect performance?

Thank you for your help!

Hi Scott,

Depending how old your old driver is, the new Callaway driver could give you a few yards.

Golf balls are very much personal preference. Keep playing the ProV1 if you like it!

Studies have shown that the average difference in distance between grade AAAA used balls and new balls is only one yard.

Hi

I have never done my handicap but a few friends I play with play of mid-late 20’s and I keep up with them.

I have never really bothered about balls and just bought what I felt like, these being Nike PD Soft and also just bought some Callaway HX Tour

I have never done my swing speed but don’t think it is very fast, I use a Callaway XR16 driver and carry around 220.

What would you recommend?

Hi, I’m an “almost” beginner and high handicapper but my swing speed with driver is consistently around 90 mph. I started using the Srixon AD333 but sometimes I feel like they increase a slice effect on my drives. Last saturday I stumbled upon a Titleist NTX Tour S i found some day before in a bush. Before using that, I had already lost 2 Srixons for hard slices into the woods. May only be luck, but I did the remaining 14 holes with the same NXT Tour S.

Do you think that I should stick with NXT Tour S balls? I also noticed I could land a 9 iron on the green with way more ease than with the Srixon…

Thanks for any advice!
P.S. Sorry if my english is not always correct. I’m not an english native speaker.

Hi Stefano,

Let me say you have excellent English. It’s sounds like you have answered your own question. The NXT Tour S has low driver spin and good stopping power on the green. I would give them a try!

I’m a very high handicapper. After reading your article, I decided to try the Callaway Warbird Plus. Unfortunately, I can only find used Warbird Plus’s on the web. Is the regular Callaway Warbird comparable?

Thanks for your help.

Hi Carol,

Sorry for the delay in replying. We’ve updated this page with current balls. You can also check out our Best Golf Balls for Beginners guide through the link at the top of this page.

Hi, im a 22 handicap and improving every week. currently using the srixon soft feel for the past year which has helped improve my short game. the only problem that the consistency and distance of the tee is being sacrificed. im just wondering if you have any suggestions of a ball that could help improve my distance and accuracy off the tee but still have the feel around the greens. Thanks.

Hi Danny,

Harder to say not knowing your swing speed or your previous ball. The Srixon Soft Feel is a low compression golf ball, but at 60 compression it is not as low as many low compression golf balls. If you have a higher swing speed and moved from a harder ball to the Srixon Soft Feel, the Srixon Q-Star, with a 77 compression, is a ball to try.

Hello!

I’m a 26 handicap and climbing. Was 24 a year ago but took a break and now shooting higher scores again. I’m currently using the three layer chromesoft and will finally run out after a few years. I use to use the DT solo prior to the chromesoft. A good drive would be 230 with roll out (200 carry I’d say). However, I have hit drives as long as 260 like 1/30 times. My regular iron shots have draws on them but I’m starting to think I am using the wrong ball considering I don’t stop even use spin on chip shots. I basically chip and use roll out each time and it never stops immediately. Should I return to two layer ball like the DT solo (or I guess Trusoft from your other reply)?

If I can still use a three layer, what is the comparable ball to the 2015 3 layer chromesoft now?

Thank you for your insight!

Hi Jeff,

The TaylorMade Project (a) is a 3 piece ball worth checking out if you’re looking for more green side spin. The Wilson DUO Spin is another 3 piece soft feel ball.

Hello,
I play about a 15 handicap which is mid to high 80’s. I play usually a little cheaper ball like the Callaway chrome soft or DT solo from titleist. Do you think it’s time I can move to a more advanced ball? Some days I drive the ball really well and other days I leave it in the bag and pull the 4 wood out. Hope this info can help provide me with a new ball choice by any maker.
Thanks!

Hi Logan,

The Callaway Supersoft is a great ball. The decision to move to a more advanced ball is mostly driven by need for more feel and stopping power around the green. Another factor is swing speed. If you’re swing speed is less than 95 mph than staying with a lower compression ball may be best. Staying with the Supersoft is a good choice. Try the Wilson Staff DUO Spin if you’re needing even more feel around the green.

I use either the Srixon Q-Star, or the Pinnacle Gold, and have had great results in reducing my slice back to a manageable fade. Instead of losing the ball into the next fairway, I can now aim left hand side, and finish centre to right hand side. Only problem now is when the tee box is extreme left, and high trees on the left prevent me aiming any further left!

Hey,

I currently average mid 80’s and use a prov1x. I like the ball around the green but i have a slower swing speed and struggle with a low ball flight.

What ball would you suggest to help increase my ball flight but also have a similar feel around the green.

Thanks

Hey mate
Im a 3plus handicap
I am Sponsored by Wilson staff so I use duo spins
Should I be using them balls
I hit my drives 301 meters
Thanks Jett

I have been contemplating moving from the ProV1 to the NXT tour S. Being a 14 handicap I love the feel and spin of the ProV1 but am not even close to hitting the amount of fairways I want to be.

I’m wondering just how much feel I will be losing by switching? I mean what saves my handicap is the ability to get out of trouble and getting up and down for par or bogey but it sure would be nice to be in the fairway have a chance at hitting a green more often.

Not sure which would lower my handicap but if I’m going to try the switch would it be the Tour S or the just the NXT Tour?

thanks

Hello,

I am a lifelong golfer who took a very long break over several years and have recently came back. I previously played as a mid teens handicapper but am currently playing as a 24 handicap but have the ability to beat mid teen handicappers when I keep my head in the game. I hit my irons quite far and consistent, my drives are long when hit well or slice when hit poorly, my short game is relatively poor lately even-though I work on it all the time. I’m wondering if I’m playing the wrong ball at the moment. I am currently using the E6 exclusively and recently had a round where I hit several greens in regulation but then proceeded to 3 putt them; nine in a row in fact. Am I overthinking the ball aspect or am I indeed playing the wrong ball?

Thanks,
Sean

Hi Sean,

You’re overthinking the ball aspect. The ball isn’t the cause for three putting nine greens in a row. Work on your lag putting.

I have been playing golf for about 10 years now, I’ve lowered my handicap to about a 13. I recently starting breaking 90 consistentlyI hit my driver on average of 270yds, 7 iron 170 and pw about 145. I’m currently using the Bridgestone e6 and while I love the control and distance off the tee I’m not getting the spin around the greens. Do you have any recommendations I should try switching to. Also my swing speed is on average 102.

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the comment. If your ball striking is consistent off the tee you could try a tour ball, such as the Bridgestone B330RXS.

I am a 27 hdcp. You mentioned the Wilson Duo in some of your responses. Iwas also looking at the Wilson 50 or Wilson Zip. What is the basic difference between these balls?

Hi Tom,

They are all similar. The 50 stands for 50 compression and is the least expensive of the three. The Duo is down to 29 compression and is a bit softer than the 50. The Zip is touted as a zero compression ball and also has a softer cover than the other two. The Zip is also the most expensive of the three but still very reasonable at $24.99 per dozen.

Great discussion in every post, thank you for the insight, I’m playing with my favorite golf buddies today and I’m going to try a two piece ball today to see if I’ve learned anything. Will be back

Hello,

I am an 8.9 handicap and am looking to see if I can be getting more out of my game with a ball better fit for me. My average driver swing speed sits around 114 mph with either a slight fade or occasional slice. I would like some more grab around the greens but not so much to sacrifice driver accuracy..I currently use Costco’s Callaway HexControl but I think there is a better ball out there for me. Thoughts?

The Bridgestone Tour B330 is designed for faster swing speeds. For a few dollars less the Callaway Chromesoft is another option.

Hey there, thanks for all the tips!
I’m still trying to find MY perfect ball. I’m usually scoring 86-92. Had my first Eagle the other day with a TM RBZ Urethane. I tend to slice a more expensive ball, so less spin is ideal. Q Star I like but don’t Love. I know NXT S is good but pricey. I guess what I’m asking, Which Callaway or TM is best for me, or comparable price ball?
Thanks!!!

You don’t mention your swing speed but for lower to medium swing speeds I like the Callaway Supersoft. Nice price too.

Thanks!

Hello all,
Well, this is my second year playing and I’ve made great strides, some more lessons will help. Im consistently shooting 85 to 90. I’m about 250 to 260 off the tee but hit a bit further when I swing through and turn my wrists, so I do slice quite a bit. I really love the Nike 20 xi but they seem too firm on the Greens. I’ve tried q and Z stars, but don’t know for the money. I’m starting to fall for the Velocity. I used one for an entire round a few weeks back, with some luck of course due to the trees shooting a couple my way. Any suggestions?

Curious if you used the 20XI-S, which is the softer version, or if you used the firmer 20XI-X version. Either way, we probably wouldn’t suggest falling in love with a Nike ball as they are getting out of the business.

The Velocity is a 2 piece ball made for distance and low spin off the tee, which will help minimize your slice. Not sure if it’s going to give you the feel you want around the green. If it does than it may be the ball for you. If it doesn’t try a multi layer ball such as the Titleist NXT Tour or Callaway Chrome Soft.

Hello
I shoot in the upper 90’s to 105 and have a slice that i have been working to correct for a few years. I don’t get to play much…maybe two the three times a month so i know that its hard to get better. I have a fast back swing which i think makes my slice worst. I’m working on slowing it down. I play the Bridgestone e6
because i read were it helps take out some slice. When i drive it straight i get around 185-200 out of my ball now. I think i should be getting more out of it but i’m happy with straight!! I’m wanting more distance but not sure if its the ball or me. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Hi Naif,

The Bridgestone e6 is one of the straightest balls in golf. Continue to work on getting your swing tempo closer to a 3 to 1 ratio. Your back swing should take around 3 times as long as your down swing.

Hi. I am a 66 year old woman golfer and hit the ball about 200 off the tee. I have
trouble with my approach shots around the green. They always run by the hole. I have currently been using a 52 and 60 degree wedge to get more lift on the ball. My question is this: There are balls made especially for women. Is there an advantage to me using those as opposed to another ball? What would you suggest for me?

Hi Claudia,

Balls made specifically for women have lower compression for slower swing speeds and dimple patterns made to increase lift. There are many good lady balls to try, including the Bridgestone Lady Precept and the Callaway HEX Solaire.

Hi,
Looking for some advice. I want to settle on a ball to use regularly and start getting used to. I am an 18 handicapper with a reasonably quick swing (around 100) and have trialled a number of balls. I had been using e6s and loved them with my driver but found them really hard to stop on the green almost rocklike. Recently, i’ve been playing with higher quality tour balls (RZN black and TM Tour preferred) I absolutely love being able to stop them dead but I don’t control side spin too well so I worry that they are costing me shots sideways. The project a sounds perfect around the greens in reviews but the extra side spin and movement in the wind terrify me.

Is there a ball you would suggest that I could continue to stop dead with my wedges and high irons but minimise turning sideways.

Thanks!

Hi Anthony,

Many people say you should start at the green and work your way back when selecting a ball. You can work on your swing to correct your ball flight, but there is no way to get more feel into a ball you’re not feeling. The project a ball helps amateurs who can’t spin it generate spin. It doesn’t sound like you have a issue spinning it around the greens. I’d stick with a higher quality tour ball if you’ve in love with them around the green and work hard on your ball striking to generate less side spin off the tee. The other option is to play a ball somewhere in the middle, like a Titleist NXT Tour, that has less spin off the tee and less stopping power. That option may not provide enough green side feel for you.

Thanks for the tip. I know it’s wishful thinking to think changing ball will solve all my problems.

Have really enjoyed reading the website over the last day. The 90 barrier is frustrating – I seem to have all the elements there but can’t bring it all together on the same day. If I strike the ball great off the tee I will throw in some 4 putts for good measure or will follow a few pars/bogeys in a row with a 9 just to ruin a round. Nice to read tips targeted at my level of golf.

Looking for some advice on the ball I use. Been using ProV1’s and love them. Problem is I have lost so much distance the last few years. Turning 60, and after only playing once or twice a year for many years getting back into playing more. Currently at an 18, back in the day got down to an 8. Hit my driver right down the middle, but if I get 230 I’m doing well. Iron shots are all short now, Stand over the ball at 110 yards, brain is saying wedge, hit a 9 short in the bunker, drop another ball, hit an 8 to 10 feet of the stick. I keep thinking I’m going to air mail greens.

Time to change out the ProV1 as I’m sure my swing speed is down. But what ball? Used to hit DT’s

Hi Norm,

If you’d like to stick with Titleist, you can try the DT Trusoft, which in 2016 replaced the DT SoLo. It has a lower compression which may give you a bit more distance. What you’ll need to decide is whether that relatively small distance gain is worth less feel around the greens.

Hi
I’m a 24 handicap and I hit my driver 260-300yds. The 260 is when I slice the ball witch is a lot😊. I hit my 5 iron around 200-225 and my PW 125-140. I just started playing and I have been using pro v1 but they are not cheap and I lose a lot of ball per round. Any suggestions on the ball I should use? Thanks!

The distances you are hitting confirm you have a fast swing speed for your handicap. That’s a great thing. Work on your swing path to club face relationship to fix your slice.

You could try using a Bridgestone B330 or Srixon Z Star XV, both tour level balls, to save you a few dollars while you get your slice corrected.

Hello, after 10 years I’m breaking 90 about 3 times a year now consistently in 90s. My question is if play a Titleist DT Solo is this the correct ball for me? I also play a Pro vx . Thanks .

Hi Scott,

Swing speed, your ball fight off the tee, your desired feel around the green, and other factors all play a part in choosing what ball to use.

Many golfers like a softer feel around the green. The Titleist DT SoLo is a well rounded ball that provides good distance off the tee with a soft feel around the green.

The Pro V1x is even softer around the green but may not provide the same distance off the tee for slower swing speeds. It also may spin more off the tee than the DT SoLo.

i have a high h/c and low swing speed im okay close rang and not trying to brag but my putting is high no more than 2 putts ever i have a bad right slice i try to practice every chance i get i am short and need clubs made to fit just cant afford to do that. my question is what type of ball should i be using I’ve tried a lot of different one and some don’t slice has bad as other any suggestions?

You tried some balls that do not slice as much as others. Go with one of those if it feels right. I like a lower compression ball like a Wilson Duo or a Callaway Supersoft for slower swing speeds.

Hi I am a 6 handicap but recently struggles with the driver been slicing the ball using a tour preffered ball usually drive swing speed between 100-105 mph had a aeroburner soft ball in my bag and decided to give it a try all of a sudden hitting fairways again was concerned about what I’m losing due to compression of this golf ball did still manage to stop it on greens even spin back a touch

This year I started tinkering with my swing since I was slicing so much. The past 5 rounds have been good from a driver standpoint. I shot my first round under 90 after this swing fix. I’ve been playing Taylormade Urethane’s for many years or a Srixon Q-Star everyonce in a while. Should I be playing a different ball? Something more firm? Thanks.

Hi Nick,

Congratulations on breaking 90! There may be no need to go to a firmer ball if you have your slice corrected and are getting better ball striking on your drives. Go with a ball that feels good to you around the greens. Stay with Taylormade if you like the feel.

Hi. Just started playing again after 10 year plus break. 27 handicap which should start to come down when I find a bit more consistency. I like to use a Top Flite XL ball. Ok?

Absolutely. Low spin off the tee and good distance. At about a dollar a ball the price is right too.

So I’ve been struggling to figure out what ball I need to play. I’m an average bogey golfer with decent swing speed. My driver is about 280 with a push slice (inside out swing). I do a lot of bump and run around the green. I’ve Slown down my iron swing to help with accuracy. I’ve seen a lot of reports saying Bridgestone e6 may play best for me and I actually just ordered them to try out. I was curious on your opinion on what you think would suite me best or if the Bridgestone e6 sounds about right.

I was using pro v1 bc I won some at a tournament and was liking them off the club face but didn’t know if they was right for me. I also had a sleeve of Nike rzn white to try too and they feel good as well, but back to what I originally put the more I researched they said Bridgestone e6 may suite me better.

Hi Matt,

Give the Bridgestone e6 a try. Work on getting your club face closed more than your path to turn the push slice into a baby draw.

I am urgently a 9 handicap and am just testing around to see which ball best suites me, I’ve used pro v1, callaway chrome soft, pinnacle, top flite, NXT Tour, pro v1x, any tips on which one I should consistently use?

Hi Jeremy,

Go with a multilayer tour ball such as the Pro V1, Pro V1x, or Chromesoft if you’re looking for more feel around the green. It sounds like you’ve tried many or all of these. Which one felt best to you? Go with that one.

Most of the softest balls that provide the most feel around the green are going to be expensive. You mentioned you’ve tried Callaways and they are so so. Have you tried the Callaway CromeSoft? It has nice feel and a price slightly lower than some tour balls.

Playing golf for years but my flexibility is catching up and I am a big man. On occaision I can pound the driver 270 plus (typical 240) but have a 80-90 yard PW and a 105 9 Iron 160 yard 4H and 210 3W. I have tried different balls, ProV1 does not give me mich feel around the green like a Srixon green, but I get good distance with Prov1 where I don’t with the Srixon. Callaways are so so. I have used the Bridestone B330 Rx but they are expensive when you have the duck hooks or play narrow courses. I am typically a bogey golfer with putting chances enough to get to 80

What suggestions do you have for golf balls.

Hi there,

Great article thank you. I’ve been golf playing for around 7 years or so but stopped for a couple and am now started to get back into it. I’m currently aiming for a 18 hcp in which I’ve been able to hit on occasion, but tend to hover between 18-21. I’m currently using a Srixon Green Soft more so because I’m used to the soft feel but understand I may be losing distance. My distances tend to ave as follows: PW-120yds, 7IR-155yds, 3HYB-190, Driver-220 (though my driver is inconsistent with distance). Could you advise on a better ball to use that would still feel fairly soft but allow me to increase my distances?

Many thanks

Paul

Hi Paul,

Have you tried a lower compression ball like the Wilson Duo or Callaway Supersoft? They are almost half the compression of a Srixon Soft so they might give you a few more yards while still giving you the soft feel.

I’m shooting in the mid 90’s every time I play. I just switched to a more forgiving set of clubs, mizuno jpx-ez’s. When I tested These out, the shop told me to switch to a regular shaft because I don’t swing hard enough. So I did that. They also told me I have a tendency to dip and lift in my swing, creating way too much spin. That being said, I am working on staying down and compressing the ball. Now I want to make sure I am using the right ball. I do love having spin when I’m chipping and approaching, but I’m sick of not hitting a good straight ball. What are your thoughts?

Thank you for time,

Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

We would stick with a 2 piece ball to help limit spin off the driver while you continue to work on your ball striking. Scholls foot spray is a great tool for checking your ball strike on the club face. Callaway Warbird 2.0 is a good 2 piece ball as are the lower compression Wilson Duo and Callaway Supersoft.

31 yo male looking to find the right golf ball for me. I’ve played 7 rounds this year and I’m getting acclimated to my new taylormade speed blade irons. I keep track of my 3 putts and OB penalty shots and noticed during my round I can range from a 52 down to a 43. My normal shot shape is a draw, and off the tee with my driver depending on the conditions I can average between 240-290 yds. I’m typically a good ball striker with my irons but I’ve noticed I’m losing strokes on my approaches and around the green. I need to clean this area up but I’m looking for a golf ball that suits my skill set. Any suggestions, thanks in advance.

Hi Matthew,

Sounds like you’re looking for more feel around the green. Feel can be very subjective to each individual golfer but we would suggest trying the Bridgestone E6 or Titleist NXT Tour. Lower compression balls such as the Wilson Duo and Callaway Supersoft also provide more feel around the green.

After further experimentation, urethane balls dont go high or far enough for my swing and low spin two piece golf balls wont hold the green from more than 150. What are some good medium spin golf balls?

Hey Guys,

I’ve been playing bogey golf this year with V1x. I still have a tendency to slice with the driver and have been cutting my mid irons, which can make the V1x quite expensive. I have a high swing speed, what alternative do you suggest from the V1 or V1x?

Thanks,

Joe

Hi Joe,

There are a few alternatives to the Pro V1 or V1x. Both the Srixon Z-Star XV and Bridgestone Tour B330 balls are made for higher swing speeds and may save you a few bucks a dozen.

G’Day Guys,

I am a high handicapper 32 however that real reduction isn’t too far away.

I tend to hit the ball high off the tee, with side spin which doesn’t always help the position, approach & distance however when it is right it is right. Tee height has been probably fault which has been correct last couple of rounds and is considerably dropping the height.

I would like to try and use the same ball consist moving forward to help game improvement and try and crack the 100 and then 90. I believe it isn’t too far away, it feels so close but that bad hole hurts that hole but also the following!

I bought a bunch of second hand V1x which I love hitting / feel of them both off the tee, irons & around the green. Over the past couple of rounds I used Callaway X Hot + which also goes well.

Any advice would be appreciated!

G’Day! I hope your having a great summer in Australia.

The Pro V1x is a four piece tour ball and the Callaway XHot+ is a three piece ball made for faster swing speeds of over 90 mph.

These balls are great when you hit it right, but until you are more consistent with your ball striking, I suggest a two piece ball. It will help reduce the severity of your miss hits off the tee.

You do not mention what your swing speed is. Low compression balls such as the Wilson Staff Duo and Callaway SuperSoft are great for distance with reduced spin off the tee for slower swing speeds. Try a Titleist NXT Tour S or Bridgestone e5 if you have a faster swing speed over 90 mph.

Keep up the good work! It sounds like you’re on the right path to shooting 90!

Hey there! Loved the article. Im a 21 handicap and really starting to play well. Been playing callaway supersoft with decent results but feel I need more spin on approach shots and around the green. My ? Is will a three piece be sufficient or do I need urethane? I also prefer a softer feel. Looking at nike hyperflight and top flite gamer tour. Thanks

Hi Ryan,

Thanks! It depends on how well you’re striking the ball with your driver. The Callaway Supersoft gives you low spin off the tee.

The Top Flite Gamer Tour with the urethane cover would give you the most spin, so if you have solid ball striking with your driver you could give it a try and see how it feels. You will sacrifice a little distance off the tee with the Gamer Tour but would get the most feel and spin around the green.

You can try the Nike Hyperflight if you could use lower spin with the driver. You’d still be moving to a three piece ball, but you’d be staying with an ionomer cover. A bit less feel and spin around the green than the Gamer Tour but also less spin off the tee.

The three piece Titleist NXT Tour is an alternative to the Hyperflight and worth a look. It has a Fusablend cover for more feel around the green.

Scott

I also LOVED the part about amateurs changing to a better ball when they approach bogey golf. As a 21 handicap Im getting fairly close to that and have wonderred for a long time when the appropriate time to switch would be. Its very insightful and a secret only you have revealed as no one else wants to talk about it.

Hi there,

I am currently playing off of a 27 Handicap, but I think this may be cut when next month’s calculations are done due to the superb 92 I shot over the past weekend.

I would just like to find out what ball you would recommend for me. I am currently using TaylorMade Distance Plus Golf Balls, & Nike Super Far Mens Golf Balls, as well as Nike Golf RZN Black Golf Balls, which I picked up at a really good price.

I tend to straggle with quite a harsh straight fade when using my driver, which is a regular flex shaft.

Hi Leon,

Well done on the 92! TaylorMade Distance Plus or Nike Super Far is a good ball for you if you’re not long off the tee. Their construction will maximize distance off the tee. You sacrifice feel around the green with these balls so maybe a Wilson Duo or Callaway Super Soft would be a good next ball for you. These are both low compression golf balls that offer great distance off the tee for slower swing speeds while delivering more softness and feel around the greens compared to other two piece balls.

Hi Faiz,

Thanks for the comment! The Pro V1 could be the perfect ball for you. You’re a solid mid handicapper so unless you have a very low swing speed and are struggling with distance off the tee, or have a hook or slice, I would stick with the Pro V1 to take advantage of the green side spin and feel.

If you are struggling with accuracy with your driver, the 2 piece Titleist NXT Tour S or 3 piece Titleist NXT Tour may be a better fit for you.

Scott

I’m having trouble choosing the right golf ball for me. I’m a 30 handicap can hit my driver 270+ metres when I get it right but obviously thats few and few between. I’m currently using Srixon Z Star, but these are too good for where I’m at and although good value, there aren’t with the amount that I lose. Thinking about a Q Star but just not sure – any additional thoughts please.

Hi Marc,

As a 30 handicap, your game probably isn’t at the point yet to take full advantage of spin available with a tour ball like the Z Star. I agree that you should try the 2-piece Q Star. You’ll also save some money as the Q-star is just a bit over half the cost of the Z Star.

I am 73 years old and a 17 handicap from the senior tees
and I highly recommend the
Wilson Staff Duo ( 40 compression )
for a excellent ball off the tee and
around the greens. The ball does
not have a loud click off the driver
and no sound when putting. A lot
of golfers do not like this. But the
performance you get from the ball
makes up the difference. This ball
performs well for a slow swing speed.

I really like using Pinnicle,as a cheap everyday ball. They specs on the Pinnicle Exception and the 2 piece Titleist have the same specs. The same company makes both balls, Acushnet Co. Electronics do it all the time. They make up what they loose in price with volume. I have used Pro V1 and Pro V1x. Awesome balls except the 1x seem to scale very easy. I played 18 today and I had to switch balls after 12 holes. Then I hit my only OB ball on the next hole. I also like Callaway diablo tour. Oh I almost forgot the Precept Laddie is a cheap but good ball. I like any Titleist NXT and up for my 1st choice (pro vs being the best) then Pinnicle for my “time out” ( i got an albotross with a pinnicle) and a Callaway hx tour diablo or higher for my choice between a nxt tour and pro v. One more thing I know this is a fourm on breaking 90. Ive been there but you will be amazed on how fast you will go from 89 to 80. to break 90 is easy dont hit OB and dont 3 putt. I also know the key for me breaking 80. its the same as breaking 90 but no Double boggies(gir three putt and no OB basically) in a nut shell. par or below on the par 5s and bogey or better on par 3. funny how easy it is to say what needs to be done but doing it is so hard. every thing tightens up.

Chad, congratulations on the albotross! I agree Pinnacle makes a quality hard two-piece ball for the price. I am currently using last year’s Titleist NXT but look forward to trying the NXT Tour S and will be reviewing it soon.

Yes, while getting down to shooting 90 involves eliminating the big scores, one needs to eliminate the double bogeys to get down to shooting 80.

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