Even for an experienced golfer there is a lot to consider when choosing golf balls, but for those new to the game shopping for golf balls can be a daunting experience as there are so many to choose from and they vary wildly in price. Some of the best premium golf balls can cost up to $50, but they aren't necessarily the right choice for new golfers, even if they can afford it. Thanks to ever-evolving technology, all of the major golf ball manufacturers continue to make developments to help early-stage golfers with their game, and they come at a variety of price points.
There are a wide range of golf balls for beginners and they focus on different aspects of the game. Some are designed to maximize distance, whilst some are designed to help control and, in this guide, we have tested several models that can deliver for a cut-down price.
These won't be the best golf balls outright and they won't necessarily suit the more accomplished golfer or even the high handicap player who has been playing for a while. They are the best options for those just starting out in the game and offer a variety of attributes from control to extra distance.
The Quick List
The Trufeel from Titleist is an excellent ball for beginners and high handicap players because of the strong performance and value price.
Another great option for beginner golfers trying to get more range. The Warbird delivered distance and a good putting feel at outstanding value.
The Pinnacle Rush is a very good cheap golf ball that offers up plenty of distance in the long game, a nice feel off the clubface and decent durability.
A great ball for beginners with a fast swing, with a nice soft feel around the greens. But beware the Srixon Ultisofts have a high trajectory, which won’t suit all playstyles.
A solid performer at a fair price, the Carver delivers impressive spin control around the greens and good consistency throughout the bag.
Best Golf Balls for Beginners
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Top pick
Our top overall pick for beginners is the Titleist TruFeel golf ball which may be one of the most expensive models on this list, but it is hard to deny the performance. It is a two-piece model which felt nice and springy off the face thanks to the softer 3.0 Truflex cover. This cover has also been designed for spin and control and our testing revealed a surprising amount of spin so it seemed to deliver here.
Whilst the distance numbers were solid, to the point where slower swingers will still get good power, it is not a model that has been designed for pure distance. Instead it is an all-round model offering good distances as well as control and spin too. Indeed, in the short game we quickly grew in confidence and trusted the ball to react on the green in the way we would want it to, even when hitting shots with different trajectories.
After extensive testing we think the latest TruFeel is one of the best value golf balls on the market and is definitely a model to consider if you are new to the game.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 TruFeel Golf Ball Review
Best for distance
The Callaway Warbird name has been synonymous with distance for many years now and the latest model continues that theme. If you are a beginner golfer who wants distance and views that as the most important factor then this is the main model to consider. It features a two-piece construction with a large core to help deliver high launch and more distance, even at different swing speeds.
As such we think this is a good model for those players who struggle to get the ball in the air and for those who want those extra few yards. Our testing showed an increase in yardage, especially on iron shots into the greens although the thin and firm ionomer cover does provide less check and control so there is some trade-off with the distance.
For new golfers though we feel this tradeoff is worth it because of the unrivaled yardage on offer combined with the value for money to be had. The Warbird is certainly one of the best Callaway golf balls you can buy.
- Read our full Callaway Warbird Ball Review
Cheapest ball
Mention the name Pinnacle to any golfer of a certain generation and they'll immediately think of cheap distance golf balls. That's been the brand's bread and butter for decades and their latest offering, the Rush, certainly comes into that category.
It has a high-energy core that actually generates faster ball speeds with every club. not just the driver. The Rush has an icosahedral dimple design, comprising 332 dimples in a durable ionomer cover, and promises a consistent, powerful ball flight and not too much spin.
In our testing we discovered that this ball delivers high-quality distance throughout the bag. Distance off the tee with driver was impressive, while our iron shots into the greens also travelled a long way. The Rush also offers a nice high flight which will suit many beginners who need help getting the ball airborne, and we're happy to report that it doesn't feel clicky or loud as you might expect an out-and-out distance ball to feel.
It is quite firm on the clubface and won't dazzle on approach shots or around the greens, but it isn't designed for that. This ball is about distance and it delivers that in spades. So if you're looking to put a few extra yards on your game, then this is certainly one of the best distance golf balls.
- Read our full Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball review
Best soft feel
Next up we have the UltiSoft, which is Srixon's lowest-compression and softest golf ball ever. This is thanks to an innovative new core that maximizes energy transfer at impact for long-game distance while producing a softer feel. This golf ball is designed primarily for low to mid-swing speed golfers, which covers most newer golfers.
We tested the UltiSoft alongside a premium golf ball and it was actually much harder to tell the difference than we had expected. Not only was distance good, but the accuracy was surprisingly impression too as the ultra-low compression core limits sidespin to bring our dispersion down. This is obviously a very important factor for beginners who struggle for accuracy. Around the greens, we also felt it was more than soft enough to inspire confidence on a variety of shots and overall this is a ball that is very pleasing to play with.
- Read our full Srixon UltiSoft 2022 Golf Ball Review
Best for spin
Here at Golf Monthly we have tested a wide range of value golf balls over the years but we're always excited to see a new name enter the market and offer something different. Carver is a relatively new brand that offers golfers the chance to buy its 3-piece, urethane-covered balls as a one-off online purchase or through a monthly subscription.
This is a relatively new concept for golf balls but it makes sense if you play regularly and we think it is an excellent option for mid-handicap or beginner golfers, as it allows them the opportunity to perform at a high level without the premium price tag.
So, how did this ball play for us in testing? Well we enjoyed the distance on offer but the star of the show really was the spin control. On approach shots the Carver felt excellent and the ball checked nicely even in firm/summer conditions. In terms of feel, the ball felt soft enough to feel responsive while also delivering an exceptional rate of spin with our mid-range irons.
- Read our full Carver Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
Here at Golf Monthly, our testing for beginners golf balls is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the entire Golf Monthly test team. 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.
Of course we also test all golf balls outdoors over a number of rounds to see how these golf balls perform in real-life conditions. We try to use each ball in as many different conditions as possible and 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 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.
What to consider when buying golf balls
Picking the right ball for you can sometimes be a very overwhelming choice given the vast array of options out there. For beginner players especially, cutting through the many different brands and types of ball to get the right one for your abilities can be a difficult task. But never fear, Golf Monthly are here! We've set out below a list of things you need to consider when buying your next pack of golf balls, so have a look and keep these points in mind when you head down to your local shop.
Long game or short game?
What is most important to you as a beginner; distance or control? In other words do you want to get as much distance as possible off the tee, or are you more concerned about feel and how the ball performs around the green?
If you're prioritizing distance, pick a firmer golf ball as they spin less in the air and don't veer off as much if you hit a hook or a slice. For more control around the greens, look out for a ball with a premium feel that will give you more stopping power on the dance floor.
Durability
Occasionally cheaper models don't last as long because they cut up, or the cover isn't made of a high quality. These balls tend not to perform as well or for as long as some of the more premium offerings on the market. But you can pick up durable balls for a reasonable price, and the longer that ball lasts, the better value you'll get out of it. For more durable golf balls, look out for offerings that have firmer covers because they will be less likely to sustain cuts and scrapes. But if feel is more important to you than durability, go for models with softer covers. It's also worth pointing out that beginner golfers tend to lose a lot of golf balls during a round so if you are using a new ball every couple of holes then durability is less of a factor and price will be the bigger concern for many.
Color
No longer do your golf balls have to all be white because many models come in yellow, red, green and more. Do you regularly find yourself in the trees? Or do you have a hard time seeing your golf ball on the fairways as it is? Colored balls can help you find your ball in tricky situations and that can also prolong the life of your balls.
Budget
In the beginner section of the golf ball market, there are different price points to be aware of, so assess how much you want to spend before heading down to the golf shop and picking up a pack of balls.
Number of balls
Given how cheap some of the models are above, you can occasionally find deals on models that mean you can get 24 or sometimes even 36 golf balls for a generous price. Beginners tend to lose golf balls more quickly so it makes sense to get as many as possible when you can in the sales.
For more advice on golf balls, check out our guides on the best golf balls for high handicappers, best golf balls for seniors, and best winter golf balls.
FAQs
What types of golf balls should a beginner use?
This will vary from golfer to golfer but we have found the most common requirements are: balls that help players get the ball into the air and hit it further, adequate feel for those shots around the green, durable enough to deal with marks and dents during a round and a good value price.
Do golf balls matter for beginners?
We think golf balls matter at every level of the game. From a game improvement standpoint, there are serious gains to be made for a newcomer to the sport using the correct ball for their needs. There is no point in a beginner using a Tour-level golf ball as they wouldn't be able to consistently utilize what the ball has been designed for. But there are balls out there that can help beginner players get to a stage where they might one day be able to use a Titleist Pro V1, for example. So yes, golf balls do matter for beginners, as they can help you become a better player.
How many golf balls does a beginner need?
Generally, beginners tend to lose more balls on the course than players who have been playing for some time. Granted we all have days where we swat three balls into the water, but as beginners are less experienced players, it is wise to carry a few extra balls in the bag to ensure you have enough to get around with. Make sure though not to weigh your bag down too much with too many balls!
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