Best Distance Golf Balls 2024

Finding the right golf ball to suit your game is important and there is a wealth of options to choose from in the modern game. Thankfully, from the best premium golf balls all the way down to the budget packs, there’s barely a product on the market nowadays where this isn’t a major consideration for the manufacturer. Some balls promise a straighter flight, others offer excellent spin control for the lower handicapped players but this guide will focus on the best golf balls to gain that extra bit of distance off the teebox.

This doesn't mean you have to sacrifice performance elsewhere in the quest for distance - manufacturers are finding more ways to cram extra feel and control into their golf balls designed for distance. 

Distance golf balls will inevitably feel a little firmer than other options out there, but models produced nowadays feel surprisingly nice off the club face and can come with neat alignment aids to help you on the greens. They also tend to be at the lower end of the price scale in comparison to more premium golf balls so if you're new to the game or tend to lose a few balls each round, one of the options in this guide could be perfect. Alternatively, we also have a guide to the best value golf balls on the market, which will certainly help the more wayward golfer save money while not having to compromise on quality.

Most distance balls usually feature a two-piece design comprising of merely a cover and a core, which is a lot more basic than the multi-layer constructions used in the best golf balls. This simple production method is what makes them a great blend of all-out distance and affordability. So, if price and distance are more important to you than all-around performance, the models below are the ones you should be checking out. Also make sure you have a look at our other golf ball guides, such as the best golf balls for high handicappers or the best mid-price golf balls.

The Quick List

Best Distance Golf Balls 

Top pick

A popular choice of golf ball for many players, and for good reason.

As each generation of Srixon ball goes by the brand implements updates here and there to provide little improvements, and this latest model of the popular Srixon Distance ball boasts a softer compression than its predecessor.

This allows for a higher launch angle and more penetrating ball flight which we noticed pretty swiftly during our testing process. It has 108 fewer dimples than the previous iteration, with Srixon claiming such a move reduces drag and increases lift for better performance in windy conditions. We did notice that we didn't have the same amount of feel and control as some of the premium golf balls on the market, but we were impressed by how grippy the Srixon Distance was. It gave us a good level of control around the greens which can really benefit any high handicap players.

We feel that high handicap players will also benefit from the durable cover which has been engineered for greater cut-proof durability, making the Srixon Distance  one of the best value golf balls around. 

• Read our full Srixon Distance Golf Ball Review

Best color choice

According to Titleist, their  Velocity ball flies five yards further in the air compared to the previous model, mainly thanks to a new octahedral dimple pattern and NaZ+ ionomer cover which helps provide stable, consistent flight and higher launch. 

The Velocity is comprised of a two piece High Velocity LSX Core that makes the ball a little firmer and helps to generate more speed on shots throughout the bag. It's a low spinning golf ball so this new technology is vital for getting the ball in the air. The low spin does provide the benefit of helping to keep the ball on line.

The Velocity impressed us during testing - we did notice the distance gain and noted a high launch and low spin levels. You'll have to sacrifice a little control around the greens as with any distance ball, but you can avoid this by delving into Titleist's more premium range golf balls which you can find in our best Titleist golf balls guide.

The Velocity is available in four great looking colors so will appeal to the golfer who prefers something a little different.

• Read our full Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball Review

Best for feel

Tiger Woods now rocks with Bridgestone golf balls, (the B X model), now that Nike ceased producing golf equipment, and for good reason. The E9 is a two-piece ball crafted with the help of the World Long Drive Association with the aim of providing 'maximum power on every shot'.

330 dimples on this ball mean the aerodynamics differ from the average golf ball, providing exceptional launch off the tee box. It also feels a little softer than other distance options, but you might not notice a massive distance gain compared to the older models.

A 'gradational core' that is harder on the outside and softer in the center provides faster ball speeds which we experienced in our testing. We found the distance and consistency of distance to be genuinely impressive. While it may not match up to some of the best soft-feel golf balls it also offers an excellent feel through contact and felt softer than we were expecting. All in all this is a fantastic all-round golf ball that offers the distance you would expect plus excellent spin and playability in approach to the greens that you might not. 

• Read our full Bridgestone e9 Golf Ball Review

Best for slow swing speed

Callaway has used the Warbird name for several decades now, and it has become synonymous with distance and speed. The Warbird is one of the best golf balls for high handicappers  and when it comes to distance it is in our view one of the best golf balls for beginners.

It's a ball that is perfect for older players or those who don't have a very high swing speed as the two-piece construction with an extra-large, high-energy core boosts both launch angle and distance. We saw this during testing and were particularly impressed by distance gains with our iron shots. Like other options on this list, control with short shots is sacrificed in the quest for distance, but the tradeoff is fair given the performance and price point in our opinion. It was also very durable as we tested the balls in multiple rounds of golf 

For more offerings from Callaway, check out our best Callaway golf balls guide.

• Read our full Callaway Warbird golf Ball Review

Best for alignment

The Distance+ is all about distance and speed, with the 342-dimple aerodynamic pattern coupling with a REACT Speed Core to produce low-drag but high-velocity performance from the tee to the fairway. The soft ionomer cover provides decent control on shorter shots and those tricky green-side chips, too. However, it may not provide enough spin to suit some players and other golf balls should be looked at for those chasing ultimate control with short shots.

TaylorMade describe this as a mid-launch ball and our testing backed this up, the flight looks great off the tee but when we did want to keep the ball down we were able to as it offers a lot of creativity. It sounds and feels great off the face, especially while putting, and the alignment tool on the side of the ball is super helpful for those who struggle to get their ball on the right line on the greens.

In summation, this is a very well-priced ball, which comes in at a small fraction that you might pay for some of the best golf balls on the market.

• Read our full TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball Review

Best value

Pinnacle make some of the best value golf balls on the market and the Rush is no exception. You can likely pick up a 15-ball box in your local sports store at a reasonable price. A high-energy core generates faster ball speeds with every club and we found in our testing that this ball delivered high-quality distance right throughout the bag. Our driver gave us good numbers off the tee and we really noticed extra distance on our iron shots into the greens too. 

An icosahedral dimple design which comprises of 332 dimples in a durable ionomer cover, delivers a powerful and consistent ball flight. It doesn't feel clicky or cheap when playing but rather durable and consistent. It's a great starter golf ball for a player new to the game of golf, providing great value and durability. When considering the price, you wont be cursing yourself for losing one or two during your round, either.

• Read our full Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball Review 

How we test golf balls

Golf Monthly's reviews and buyers guides are founded upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team that has a sterling reputation in the industry, known for delivering the key points you want to know in a concise, easy-to-digest manner.

Ball testing is headed up by Sam De'Ath and Joe Ferguson and as far as the specific procedure goes, prior to testing, the team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology in each golf ball. Next the team will put each ball into practice on the range, using premium launch monitors to assess data on the ball's spin ratio, its launch angles and its distance. 

We pride ourselves in our reviews because they are made for golfers, by our golfers. We see it as our responsibility to give each product a fair review for the benefit of you, the reader. We don't give any brands preferential treatment, nor can a manufacturer 'buy' a good review. We simply call it how we see it based on our decades of experience reviewing some of the best (and worst...) golf equipment. 

How to choose golf balls

Perhaps the most technical piece of equipment you'll find in your bag is the golf ball. Brands are innovating all the time to see how they can make their golf balls carry further, spin more and help the modern-day golfer shoot lower cards. That means there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing your next box of golf balls and that can sometimes be quite overwhelming. To help you purchase the best golf ball for your game, we've set out a few points below that you should bear in mind when you head down to your local golf shop.

Getting the right golf ball for your game is an important starting point on the road to performing at the best of your ability, so here are a few things to keep in mind when making that decision.

1. Soft or firm?

The best premium golf balls come in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. We recommend you try both kinds of feel from various distances to find your preferred feel. 

2. Cover material

Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but they do cost more. Considerably more in some cases. Experiment with each to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.

3. Long game or short game? 

Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Are you looking for maximum distance or something that allows your short game to shine around the greens? If you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step.

4. Color/visuals

Some players prefer the classic white golf ball. It's no nonsense and traditional, but some players like to add a bit of flair to their game by using colored or patterned golf balls which are becoming a lot more popular and plentiful in recent years. Check out our best yellow golf balls guide for some flashier options. 

5. Price

If you're new to the game or simply have a tendency to lose a few golf balls each round via wayward shots, it might not be wise to splash money on premium golf balls. Instead, it could be worth your while to choose something a little lower down the price scale. Thankfully, we have you covered in our best value golf balls guide. It is also worth considering that personalized balls cost a little more money. 

For more advice on buying golf balls, we have a ton of information on our website that will help you make the right choice for you. Why not check out our specific guides to the best TaylorMade golf balls, best Titleist golf balls and best Callaway golf balls.

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