Do Golf Balls Matter? 

However you spin it, golf balls make a difference when it comes to keeping your performance up to par. While there are a few tried-and-true balls that pros favor, such as the Titlist Pro V1, many golfers find themselves wondering which ball is best for them. Moreover, many players may also wonder if the price tag on high-end balls is worth it for them. 

There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right ball for you, from spin and hardness to basics like cost per dozen, but breaking these down will help make the right choice for your game and style. 

How Serious Are You?

If you’re a casual hobbyist, your ball of choice doesn’t matter as much as you may think. High-quality balls are more responsive on the green, but if you’re just out to have a good time and more than likely to lose more than a few balls to the Lady of the Lake, it doesn’t make sense to drop $60 on a pack of balls that will soon be sleeping with the water hazard fishes. 

However, if you’re a casual golfer who enjoys business games, you may want to invest in balls that you can at least know a thing or two about. Opting for a high range ball with excellent quality could provide an extra boost to your impression: Titilist Pro V1s, as well as Callaway Chrome Softs, are high-reputation balls, perfect for when image matters. 

Best Balls for High Handicappers

If you play with a high handicap, investing in mid-range balls with the right features will help you improve your game without wasting money on losing expensive balls. Before we get into which balls are the best, it’s important for high handicappers to remember that consistency is key. Using the same ball every time will reduce variables and allow you to pinpoint what aspects of your game are being influenced. 

Compression is a major metric to look for in a golf ball, ranging all the way up to 120. While lower compression balls do suffer from less grip and control on the green, they’re ideal for high handicappers who need to get the most out of their long game. 2-part low compression balls, such as Calloway Sufersofts, offer impeccable high-speed range in addition to a great feel for long drives. At just $25 bucks a pack, Calloway Supersofts and others in this range strike a comfortable balance between providing excellent distance and a price point that doesn’t break the bank. Moreover, many low-compression balls are designed with less-than-perfect accuracy in mind, and therefore are often available in bright colors that make them easy to find. 

Best Ball for Mid-to-Low Handicappers

If you’re at the point where your game is great, the fine-tuning of your ball is key on every stroke! Look into the possibility of getting fitted by a PGA pro: While it may seem tempting to purchase balls that are popular with pros or even your coach, everyone’s swing is different. Being fitted for your ideal ball will help make sure that the compression, spin, and hardness are all on par with your needs. 

A ball with lower compression will still get excellent range, especially on a golfer with a fast swing. Moreover, their tendency to have improved spin will allow for better control, more accuracy, and better grip on the green when it counts. Urethane covers make for harder balls with excellent control, but some balls have even advanced to offer both distance and control with little compromise.

The Bridgestone Tour B XS, for example, features a proprietary REACTIV coating to help improve spin while also providing distance. While these factors are important to consider, the biggest factor in finding a ball that works for you in high-level games, is being properly fitted.