A lot of golfers with very different skillsets can often be lumped together in the 'higher handicapper' category and thus it is unfair for all high handicap golfers can be grouped together, which makes coming up with a list of the best golf balls for this particular group of golfers trickier than you might think.
So this list can't just focus on which ball goes furthest, although we will feature some of the best distance golf balls as well as the best golf balls for slow swing speeds. We'll also focus on options that provide good value for money as well, especially considering higher handicappers tend to lose quite a few golf balls and this can make the game very expensive if you are using the best premium golf balls. Therefore consider value when making your decision, for example some models below come in bigger packs than the usual dozen.
Have a think of what you're looking for in a golf ball and use this guide to help you choose the best golf ball that could suit your game. If you want more help in choosing the perfect golf ball, check out our guides on the best mid price golf balls and the best golf balls for beginners.
The Quick List
Titleist make some of, if not the best golf balls on the market, so you can imagine the quality on offer from one of their more budget options in the TruFeel.
The newest release in this guide, the Triad delivered excellent distance numbers for us during testing whilst also providing lovely feel for short game shots around the green as well as with the putter.
The Srixon Distance delivers what the name implies - distance off the tee, a penetrating ball flight and a very durable golf ball that can last over multiple rounds (as long as you don't lose it!)
The ERC Soft delivers a nice, soft feel which helped us a lot with short game shots, while Callaway's Triple Track alignment aid debuts on the side of the ball - a feature that will help many golfers hole more putts.
The Soft Response are a few years old now but still provide excellent feel and spin control. There are also a range of eye-catching colors to choose from for those who like a little expression from their golf ball.
Another option from Callaway, the Hex Soft is great for all round performance and is available at a really reasonable price. It wears well but still gives off that soft feel around the greens.
Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers
Top pick
The Titleist TruFeel golf ball in rede packaging, lying on grass
Our top pick is awarded to the Titleist TruFeel golf ball for a number of reasons. Titleist set the standards for golf ball manufacturing and produce the most popular golf ball used on the professional tours - the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x. The TruFeel is catered specifically to the higher handicappers so they aren't forgotten about.
TruFeel is a two-piece construction golf ball that features a new, softer 3.0 Truflex cover which improves green-side spin and control. There is also a new TruTouch core which promote longer distances, making it a versatile golf ball with no real weakness. But how did the ball test for us? Very well is the answer. It's long and springy off the face of the driver off the tee and the same springy-like feel is present during putts and chips too.
We also really appreciated the red alignment line on the side of each ball which will help players of all abilities line up and hopefully set up correctly over the ball before their putt. This should helps users hit their lines more often and, as a result, become more proficient on the greens.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 TruFeel Golf Ball Review
Best value
The Wilson Triad golf ball in red packaging lying on the ground
Wilson released the original Triad golf ball at the beginning of 2022 and when we tested it we were big fans. Thankfully, the latest iteration continues this theme largely because not much has changed from the previous model. In terms of distance, once again it will be up there with any of the best golf balls on the market. It provides ample control on approach shots and off the face of the putter it has a lovely, soft feel and an impeccable roll. We also noticed that when comparing directly against the previous model, it did seem to fly slightly straighter off the tee which is always welcome.
The Triad boasts a new look - the alignment line on the side of the ball been given a facelift whilst the Wilson Staff initials have been from removed from the logo to provide a slicker, more simplistic look than I think looks more premium than previous iterations. As for the rest of the ball, not much has changed and t seems a case of 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it'.
When we consider this and then factor in the very affordable price point this ball is in retail at, it provides higher handicappers and excellent value for money option. Additionally we would argue that higher handicap players, down to single figure golfers could even play this golf ball, given the all-round performance.
- Read our full Wilson 2025 Triad Golf Ball review
Best for distance
A dozen Srixon Distance golf balls in red packaging, lying on the ground
Our 'best distance' label can only really be given to one golf ball - frankly, if you literally name your ball 'distance' and it doesn't fly long off the tee, you're going to have serious problems. Thankfully there is no need to worry as the Srixon Distance does indeed fly long with driver in hand, thanks in part to a new softer compression compared to the previous iteration. This helps deliver added distance through more velocity and a higher launch.
We tested this golf ball in both calm and blustery wind conditions and were left very impressed, particularly in the latter. It penetrated through the wind and still produced strong distance numbers thanks to fewer dimples on the shell which creates less friction with the air as it flies through it. The shell is durable, but does feel hard. This might suits lower to mid handicappers as much, but the durability is great for higher handicaps.
The Distance is without doubt one of the best cheap golf balls, but the trade off with this ball is the lack of significant feel when compared to more premium models, especially around the greens.
- Read our full Srixon Distance ball review
Best for alignment
The Callaway ERC Soft golf ball next to an iron on the golf course
We spoke about alignment on the side of the golf ball with the TruFeel being good, but how about this option from Callaway?
The Triple Track alignment aid features on several of the best Callaway golf balls including the latest version of the ERC Soft, which is packed with technology and features designed to make it Callaway’s longest soft-feeling ball and an ideal option for higher handicap players.
Although I am a plus figure handicapper, I often ask for help from some of the rest of the Golf Monthly team when reviewing equipment and especially with golf balls. I asked one of our mid-range handicappers on the team to test out the ERC and give me his verdict - he noted that he enjoyed the higher launch and distance provided and praised this ball for not spinning too much when he hit driver. The ERC Soft uses the same 'hybrid' cover shell as the Callaway Supersoft golf ball, a shell that features a Paraloid Impact Modifier that helps produce a soft, springy feel as well as plenty of spin for greenside chip and pitch shots.
We can't compliment the triple track more though, it really can prove crucial to new players when on the green. It will, hopefully, allow players to get into a healthy routine with putts - reading them, lining them up and then hitting towards their desired line with the help of the alignment on the side of this ball.
- Read our full Callaway ERC Soft ball review
Best soft feel
A dozen TaylorMade Soft response golf balls in packaging, on the ground
Cheaper golf balls can often have a rather firm feel, something many golfers struggle to warm to. TaylorMade's Soft Response golf ball is, well, a response to that!
I think this golf ball will particularly beneficial to those with slower swing speeds because (without wanting to get too technical) the key to gaining distance is successfully compressing the golf ball because it springs off the club face faster when this is done. Those with slower swing speeds will naturally struggle to do this, so equipping yourself with a high compression golf ball won't produce the desired results. A high swing speed with a low compression ball results in too much compression and once again you will lose distance.
With a low-50 compression, the Soft Response is one of the best golf balls for senior golfers. This ball will not suit faster swingers, with our testing team noticing a drop off in number when we swung over the 90mph mark - but if you're average is below this, then this ball is well worth a go.
- Read our full TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 ball review
Best for durability
Two Callaway Hex Soft golf balls next to a sleeve of white packaging on the ground
As you will have gathered from everything mentioned above, a good golf ball for a high handicapper has to do a lot of things well. Another good example of this is the Hex Soft from Callaway, which delivers a good all-round performance in both the long and short-game, whilst also being extremely durable, making it one of the best value golf balls on the market.
During testing I didn't lose my golf ball during my first 18 holes so decided to keep using it to see how far it could realistically last - it lasted over 40 holes before showing a major wear and tear other than some cosmetic scratches.
This ball isn't the longest off the tee but is at least competitive with more expensive models and has a nice soft feel to it around the greens. These are one of the cheapest golf balls on this list too, so if you lose a few balls during a round these could be an excellent value option so you're not breaking the bank week on week.
- Read our full Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
Our testing procedure for golf balls, as well as all other golf gear, revolves around several key commitments;
When we say we’ve reviewed a product, it means that we’ve used it out on the golf course and also on a launch monitor where applicable. So all clubs and balls are extensively tested on course as well as with a launch monitor to give us the most information possible for our reviews. In terms of specifics for golf balls, we use several members of the Golf Monthly team, who play at a variety of levels, to put golf balls to the test out on the golf course. This gives us as wide a scope as possible when it comes to assessing the performance of a golf ball at different swing speeds and different skill levels.
Deputy Editor Joel Tadman testing the Titleist Pro V1x
Our team is built up of passionate golfers, meaning through our experience of both testing and playing we know what to look for in a golf ball. We pride ourselves in our reviews because they are made for golfers, by golfers, with the aim of helping our readers make the best informed purchasing decision to help their own golf game.
Our review process has been honed over decades of experience testing all sorts of equipment. No brand can 'buy' a good review, nor does a brand get preferential treatment - we simply call it how we see.
How to choose golf balls
Distance or feel?
What is the area of your game that needs the most improvement? A lot of beginners and higher handicappers struggle with consistency and distance off the tee and could well be suited to playing a harder model of golf ball to help with such problems. Models like the Srixon Distance for instance.
It isn't all about just distance though. There are also golfers who struggle in terms of feel so we have also included some models above in this regard too, such as the Titleist TruFeel or Callaway ERC Soft. So regardless of which part of the game you most struggle with, there is a ball to help.
Spin
Linking with the above point many models above are going to spin less, which will help destructive tee shots become less so. These models helps reduce sidespin which means they won't curve as much after a sliced tee shot. That will undoubtedly mean fewer lost balls, plus you will also find yourself further up the fairway with a shorter shot in.
Durability
There's no point splashing cash on a golf ball that will scuff itself up after six holes and negatively impact your game as a result. It's wise to purchase durable golf balls that can last multiple rounds in case you don't lose them!
Color
White is traditional, but tradition can also be a bit boring sometimes. Some players like to spice things up by playing yellow, orange or even pink golf balls. Not all models offer such customization, so keep that in mind when looking for the ball that suits you the best.
Budget
Finally be aware of how much you can or want to spend on golf balls. If you want the cheapest dozen possible with a degree of performance then a couple of models will suit you above, whereas if you want to spend a little more we have got you covered there too.
FAQs
Which golf ball is best for high handicappers?
There are lots of models that can lay claim to this title as the best golf ball for high handicappers. It is worth noting though that many high handicap players want something different from their golf balls. For example, some want as much distance as possible, and some want more of a soft feel so the best golf balls for these players will differ. You need to ask yourself what is the most important thing you need in a golf ball and then base your decision on that. For us though, the best overall model in our testing would be the Titleist TruFeel golf ball although we would recommend trying out different models in this guide to see what is best for you.
What is a high handicap in golf?
Officially a high handicap is anything above 18 when using the handicap index as a reference.
What is a 3-piece golf ball?
A three-piece golf ball refers to the three layers of the ball - usually the core, mantle and the cover. Usually these balls offer a a softer feel and slightly more spin when compared to two-piece balls. As such they offer a touch more control whereas two-piece models can offer more distance.
What is a 2-piece golf ball?
A two-piece golf ball refers to the two layers of the golf ball, which are the core and then the cover. These balls are designed to spin less than multi-layer balls and as a result stay in the air longer for more distance. The compromise is they offer less spin and control on other shots, especially around the green.
If you want more golf ball buying advice, check out our guides on the best golf balls for slow swing speeds and best golf balls for seniors.
