You may think that a golf ball is just a golf ball but you could not be more wrong! In the distant past that was true but it's absolutely not the case anymore as all the main ball manufacturers have spent fortunes on research and development to come up with high tech golf balls to suit golfers of all different swing speeds and skill levels.
Most brands will all have a premium 'tour level' golf ball but they will also offer models aimed primarily at distance or control, and usually there'll be budget offerings as well as an extra soft version for golfers with slower swing speeds.
Before we get to naming the best golf balls on the market, it is important to know what features you should look out for. At the top end of the market, the technology in golf balls is extremely advanced and much more goes into them than you probably realize. Generally, premium golf balls have multiple layers inside the ball that work in harmony to generate the flight characteristics you want in the long game, like low spin and speed, without compromising feel and control in the short game.
Premium golf balls are expensive though and if you are not the most accomplished player and tend to lose a lot of balls during a round, you probably want something that still performs well but isn't going to cost the earth. There are plenty of those options out there, while you may also want to consider exactly what your swing characteristics are and how you can maximize your potential by selecting a golf ball that suits.
Manufacturers now cater for golfers with more moderate swing speeds by producing lower compression golf balls in the mid-price range, so compression is important when it comes to maximizing your distance. So with all of this in mind, what are some of the best golf balls out there? We’ve tested all of the leading options currently available and these are our very top picks.
The Quick List
The best got even better as Titleist has raised the bar again with its new 2023 Pro V1 design. The added consistency in the long game that really shone through during our testing.
An impressive ball that offers good distance and impressive greenside spin. Those who need alignment help on the greens should definitely see improvements thanks to the Stripe.
A fantastic ball with outstanding performance, they maintained distance for long clubs and had notable control around the greens. The color choice is excellent as well.
This beautifully soft feeling golf ball is extremely consistent in its delivery of spin and stability of flight and will appeal to high speed and high spin players.
A premium offering that is used on Tour, the TP5 is a fantastic golf ball that provides good distance, copious amounts of greenside spin and a very soft feel.
For mid to high swing speed players who prefer a softer feeling ball with more control around the greens, the 2023 Srixon Z-Star golf ball is an ideal choice
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The MindSet technology is a great addition to what is a really strong all-rounded golf ball. Exceptional short game performance means this will suit any golfer that is looking for a soft feeling golf ball and more spin.
One for the golfer that prioritises a soft feel, especially with the scoring clubs. The Titleist 2024 Tour Soft offers really strong performance for a mid-priced golf ball and is an excellent all rounder.
A durable, excellent value for money offering from Callaway that offers excellent distance and alignment. Also available in a Triple Track option which greatly helps with alignment, especially when used with a Triple Track Odyssey putter.
The Wilson Triad delivers good distance in the long game and a great feel on and around the greens. It's a fine all round option that will suit a wide variety of players.
The Velocity 2022 is the longest ball in Titleist's range and offers a firmer feel, but the more skilled player should be aware that the extra distance comes at a cost of less spin and control around the green.
As the name implies, this is a ball that delivers more distance but that comes at the cost of less control around the greens. If you are needing extra yards though, it's definitely one to try.
The TaylorMade Distance+ is a two-piece ball that offers many of the benefits that you would expect from a multi-layered ball, but at a more budget friendly price. It provides excellent value for money.
A fine value for money option, this low compression ball has a reasonably responsive cover and is ideal ball for those who like a quality softer ball at a very competitive price.
The 2023 Wilson Duo Soft is ideal for slower swingers of the club and will appeal to those who prefer a high ball flight and soft feel. It performs very well throughout the bag.
Best Golf Balls
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Best overall balls
Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want to lower your spin: The Pro V1’s high-gradient core is designed to bring down spin and has been updated for 2023.
✅ You want more control around the greens: The Pro V1’s trademark since it came on the scene has been a lovely, soft feel and great short game performance.
NO IF:
❌ You produce a low amount of spin: For golfers looking to increase their spin, the Pro V1x will be a much better choice.
❌ You have a low ball flight: The penetrating ball flight of the Pro V1x makes it difficult for some golfers to get the ball airborne.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you want what is widely regarded as the most recognized golf ball on the market then the Titleist Pro V1 is for you. It's the complete package, providing a strong performance from tee-to-green as well as a soft and responsive feel plus a penetrating, consistent flight. This is a golf ball that will give you full control with any club in the bag.
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What you need to know: The Titleist Pro V1 is the most well known ball in golf. Since bursting onto the scene in the year 2000, it has established itself as one of the most successful golf equipment franchises in history and has long been the most used ball on the professional circuits. In fact, it's hard to come up with any franchise that has been more widely played or had more success. Pro V1 is now in its 23rd year and with this latest update Titleist’s engineers are promising more distance, lower long game spin and a more consistent flight. Based on our testing, we can confirm that all of the above was delivered, as the Pro V1 cemented its place as the top dog in the premium golf ball category.
Design/Tech: Such has been the incredible advancements in golf ball technology, it's becoming more and more difficult for manufacturers to make significant improvements, but there are still small gains to be had and Titleist have found a way to make the best even better. The main upgrade in this model is the high-gradient core, which is firmer at the periphery but gets progressively softer towards the centre. The result of this are higher ball speeds and lower spin in the long game (especially off the tee). Further advancements to the manufacturing process has helped to optimize the consistency in both speed and spin.
Long game performance: In our testing we found that the most impressive area of performance was with the mid-irons. We noticed a definite reduction in spin and also an increase in distance. The flight was lovely - strong and high with plenty of stopping power - and we could see an improvement over the previous model. Off the tee we noted improvement too and the most impressive aspect was the consistency, with the spin numbers only differing by 300rpm. Too much spin off the tee will cost you distance so if that is an issue for you this ball will help you get those numbers down. It also flies quite low so that will benefit the golfer who hits it too high with driver.
Short game performance: One of the requirements for a premium golf ball is you want low spin in the long game and the opposite in the short game, where control is everything. The Pro V1 ticks both boxes. We mentioned above the reduced spin on longer shots, while at the other end of the bag we were able to produce plenty of control from pitch and chip shots inside 50 yards. The lovely soft feel from the club face makes it easy to attack the hole on short game shots and this will certainly boost confidence when faced with those tricky pitch and chip shots.
- Read our full Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball Review
Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You want stability in the wind: Excellent stability is achieved thanks to a pattern of both hexagonal and spherical dimples.
✅ You have a fast swing speed: AThe new Chrome Tour utilises a new Hyperfast Soft core which has been designed to provide as much speed as possible.
NO IF:
❌ You want to maximize distance: While this ball is fast, it remains fractionally slower off the tee than some of its competitors so if you want to squeeze out every last yard maybe this isn't the ball for you.
THE BOTTOM LINE
We think Callaway has done a great job with the new Chrome Tour. It has been designed to be a softer feeling ball that has slightly lower spin through the bag, and that has been achieved. This ball is ideal for the golfer with a high swing speed who doesn’t want to have to throttle back too much to keep their spin down.
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What you need to know: Callaway is one of the biggest manufacturers in golf and whatever the product, be it drivers, irons, wedges, bags, you name it, you know with Callaway you are getting a product that compares well with anything else out there. It's the same with golf balls, and with their brand new Chrome Tour range Callaway have introduced a premium ball that Callaway themselves claim is the 'gold standard Tour ball for better players who want the best in distance and feel'. The proof is in the pudding, and it has already been put in play by many Callaway staffers.
Design/Tech: The big tech innovation with the Chrome Tour is the introduction of a new Hyperfast Soft core which is designed to provide as much speed as possible. Along with the new core, Callaway has provided the Chrome Tour with a cross-over dimple pattern that is built on both hexagonal and spherical dimples to aid control, particularly in windy conditions.
Long game performance: Because of this dimple pattern, the performance and stability in windy conditions during our testing was right up there with the best we have ever seen. While the Chrome Tour is slightly slower off the face than some other premium balls on the market, we think the soft feel and duller acoustics will appeal to a wide range of golfers. We did note that the spin is slightly on the low side, but we didn't see that as an issue and the consistency on offer was a huge standout for us.
Short game performance: Around the green and on the putting surface itself we really enjoyed what the Chrome Tour produced in testing. We'd certainly describe it as one of the best soft feel golf balls out there. For golfers who generate a lot of spin and are looking to reduce it somewhat, the Chrome Tour should be given serious consideration.
- Read our full Callaway Chrome Tour Golf Ball Review
TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You like a soft feel: If you prioritize a soft feel, then the TP5 is one of the softer feeling balls within the premium category and should be just what you require.
✅ You want a higher spinning golf ball: The slightly higher spin rate on offer means this ball is designed to help produce control and get the ball airborne with a visually appealing flight.
NO IF:
❌ You are looking for length of the tee: The TP5 is by no means short, but there are longer models available on the market in the premium category if your priority is to maximize your distance.
THE BOTTOM LINE
In a congested premium ball category the TP5 is an excellent offering that we feel stands out for its consistency of flight, short-game control, soft feel and durability. The price point comes in slightly under many of its competitors too.
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What you need to know: The TP5 is one of TaylorMade's two main premium, tour-played offerings (the other being the TP5x used by Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood) and it has been updated for 2024. The excellent spin control and soft feel of previous models has been further boosted and it is still available in the Pix version as well as other limited edition designs. The TP5 is used widely on the professional circuits with Rickie Fowler being the most high profile current pro to use it.
Design/Tech: For 2024 TaylorMade has altered the material that makes up the core, and now uses a lower density acoustic material that we noted in testing sounds and feels that little bit softer than its predecessor. According to Michael Fox, Senior Director of Product Creation, Golf Balls "We've evolved our golf ball design process by uniquely decoupling feel and speed through material advancement, a complete departure from the conventional.”
Long game performance: Our testing showed that he TP5 is a few miles per hour slower than the TP5x but it did provided a consistent and powerful flight. It isn't the longest premium ball out there but the slightly higher spin will help those golfers who want a bit more height and carry in their long game.
Short game performance: It was around the greens where the TP5 really excelled and we loved using it in the short game. When hitting shots around the greens we loved the marshmallow soft feel and noted that the ball seems to stay on the wedge face for an eternity, rolling up the grooves and imparting very impressive levels of grab when on the green. In short, it's one of the best premium balls we've tested on and around the greens.
- Read our full TaylorMade 2024 TP5 Golf Ball Review
Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball 2023
SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
YES IF:
✅ You have a mid to high swing speed: It is made from a three-piece construction which designed to be hit hard and will produce good results for fast swings.
✅ You want more control around the greens: A Spin Skin+ coating digs deeper into the grooves and will provide more stopping power close in.
NO IF:
❌ Your swing speed is less than 90 mph: The Z-Star has the highest compression in the Z-Star series, so it really requires a faster swing for best results.
❌ You’ve got a soft feeling putter: As one of the softest-feeling premium balls out there, it may not match up well with a soft face putter, especially those with face inserts.
THE BOTTOM LINE
In testing this ball provided incredible spin control in the iron and wedge department, while its innovative dimple pattern helped to keep it straight in windy conditions. This performance combined with its soft feel makes this a very appealing option. The Z-Star is used heavily on the professional circuit and given the performance we experienced it's easy to see why,
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What you need to know: Srixon produce a good selection of golf balls to cover all skill levels, with their Z-Star being the most premium offering. It is important to point out that it is designed for players who have a driver swing speed of 90 mph or more. The Z-Star provides a mid-launch flight and the changes that Srixon's engineers have made for 2023 means that this should appeal to the golfer that prefers a softer feel at impact.
Design/Tech: While the same excellent urethane cover remains, for the new Z-Star Srixon has introduced a new Spin Skin+ coating which digs deeper into the grooves of your irons and wedges and therefore provides better control. The cover features a 338 dimple pattern, while the core is made from a reformulated FastLayer DG. The result of this is a ball that is soft in the middle and gradually gets firmer as you near the second layer of this three-piece ball.
Long game performance: The Z-Star has a compression of 92 which is 10 points softer than its other models - Z-Star XV and Diamond. This translated to slightly lower spin in our testing making this ball unquestionably suited to golfers with higher swing speeds. We really liked how it dealt with windy conditions and the 338 dimple pattern kept the ball under control even when flighted high, which was very impressive. We also noted the firm core doing its job when it came to the distance side of things.
Short game performance: As with the long game, we were extremely impressed with the short game performance and control the Z-Star gave us, as the Spin Skin+ coating worked brilliantly on chip and pitch shots. In terms of the feel we would characterize the Z-Star as mid-firm and there is enough there to give you feedback on your strike. The only slight downside we noted was that the cover didn’t seem as durable as other models we have tested.
- Read our full Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball 2023 Review
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B RXS Golf Ball
