Best Distance Golf Balls 2024

As golfers there are lots of things we all wish our golf balls would do. Fly straight is an obvious one and there are golf balls that will do that, albeit they are not permitted within the rules. Stopping on the green with tons of spin and never finding the rough would also feature high on any golfers wishlist, but one thing that most golfers would have top of their the list of priorities for a golf ball is more distance. 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. 

Whereas tour-caliber golf balls have to focus on much more than just distance and they value spin, control and feel just as highly, our focus here in this guide is purely on the quest for extra yards.

Now this does mean that some sacrifices will need to be made elsewhere, but nothing like it used to be in the past when distance balls were like little white rocks. Nowadays, manufacturers are finding more and more ways to cram an element of feel and control into balls which are designed to deliver extra yards. Some distance balls can actually feel quite nice off the club face, while brands are also adding better alignment aids and more color options, so there are lots of excellent options to choose from.

They will inevitably feel firmer on and around the greens though as unless you are shopping at the premium end of the market and using balls designed for tour pros, you can't have anything. This is usually reflected in the price though as the best distance golf balls are often the cheapest as well. So, if you're new to the game or tend to lose more than your fair share, one of these 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

The Srixon Distance golf ball is a very popular choice with new golfers and high handicap players and it takes top spot in our guide to the best golf balls for diatance.

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.

The purpose of this is to deliver optimum distance as well as a higher launch angle for a more penetrating ball flight. It does not deliver the same level of control as some premium golf balls but it did feel surprisingly grippy and easy to control around the greens, giving ample short game control for any high handicap player. The dimple count is down significantly (108 fewer) on the previous model, which Srixon claims is to reduce drag and increase lift for better performance in the wind. 

We can confirm this as during our testing sessions we did see an increase in distance and penetration of the air in windy conditions. 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

Titleist claim the Velocity is the longest golf ball in their range and our testing showed that it carried five yards further than the previous generation of the ball. 

A new octahedral pattern on the 350 dimple NaZ+ ionomer cover helps to provide a high flight and more consistency than before. 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.

Our testing revealed that the ball did fly higher with the driver and we were pleased with the distance on offer. The very low spin is great for distance but there is a tradeoff in terms of feel because while it's great off the tee, you get less spin on approaches and less control on chips around the green, so you need to adjust your shot type accordingly. To take a full in-depth look at the rest of the Titleist range, have a read of 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

The Bridgestone E9 is a two-piece golf ball that has been crafted in partnership with the World Long Drive Association with a goal of delivering 'maximum power on every shot'. The aerodynamics on this golf ball are a little different than the norm, with the e9 coming with a 330-dimple cover that delivers seamless flights that soar through the air. It delivers on distance but whereas many distance balls are not particularly nice to hit with irons or around the greens, the E9 is at the softer end of the scale and produces a pleasing sensation in the short game.

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. So if you're looking for more yardages without sacrificing spin and feel around the greens, we would say that this is one of the top models to consider.

• 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.

This ball suits the golfer who needs help getting the ball up in the air and wants a boost in distance. This latest model of Warbird is a two-piece construction with an extra-large, high-energy core which boosts distance with a high launch at different swing speeds, with slow to moderate speeds probably gaining the most benefit. 

Our testing showed that there were indeed extra yards on offer, especially with our iron shots into the greens. The somewhat firm, ionomer cover does not provide the kind of check and control around the green that you would find in a premium golf ball, but we feel that this tradeoff is worth it because of the distance and the price. We also loved how durable this ball was as it took quite a beating in our testing sessions without blemishing too severely. 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 TaylorMade Distance+ ball is about distance and speed. The aerodynamic 342-dimple pattern combined with a REACT Speed Core promotes a low-drag, high-velocity performance, while the soft ionomer cover produces a decent greenside feel while also boosting the ball’s scuff-resistant properties for greater durability. 

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. During testing, we felt that while the ball performed well around the greens it doesn't offer quite as much spin as some other balls on the market. On the plus side, It does come off the face nicely but if you're looking for lots of grab then this may not be right for you. The sound off the face is pleasing and it felt particularly nice when putting, while a new cross-shaped ‘plus’ alignment stamp is a useful tool to help you aim properly on shorter putts. We loved this design feature and it really differentiated it form the competition.

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

The Pinnacle name has long been associated with cheap distance golf balls and the brand's latest edition, the Rush, is no exception thanks to the availability of a 15-ball pack at a very 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 loud as you might expect an out-and-out distance ball to feel, but it is quite firm on the clubface and won't give you much spin on approach shots or around the greens. You have to remember though that this isn't what this ball was designed for. You know what to expect with a Pinnacle - distance - and this ball produces it in spades.

• 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 also test all golf balls outdoors over a number of rounds to see how these golf balls perform in real-life conditions. We look to use each ball in as many different conditions as possible and to play them from many different lies, allowing us to get a feel of how each ball performs in different conditions and - crucially - which type of golfer it would be best for. We believe it is vital to continue to test the balls over a period of time so we can also see how durable they are. 

We should also state that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from our testing and the experiences we have with each product. 

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.

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. Distance balls tend to be on the firmer side, but your swing speed can dictate this as slower swingers of the club will get more distance from a lower compression, softer golf ball than they will a high compression, firm one.

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

Are you very much a classic white ball player, or someone open to playing something a little different as the golf ball world evolves? There's more choice than ever in this regard and if you're planning on outdriving the course, there's a strong chance that you will want your golf ball to have a bit of color on it, to help you see where it falls on the course. Check out our best yellow golf balls guide for some flashier options. 

5. Price

No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning price. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points and you can rest assured there is decent performance on offer across the price spectrum. You'll find many of those on 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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