Best Premium Golf Balls 2022

Best Premium Golf Balls

These are the golf balls that many golfers aspire to – the top models played and endorsed by the best players in the world out on tour. Yes, many just starting out will be understandably keen to find the best golf balls for beginners or the best value golf balls. At some stage, they will probably look to progress on to the best mid price golf balls as their games improve and they seek better all-round performance, before finally stepping up to the golf ball world’s top table.

Your golf club will undoubtedly also have many members who simply won’t settle for anything less than the top premium models in their golf bags. They just have to play the best golf balls whatever, regardless of where their game is at. They know that these are the balls that the top tour pros use, typically offering the very highest levels of all-round performance in the key areas of distance, spin, feel and control.

There is one drawback – they’re pretty expensive! But if your heart is set on playing the best premium golf balls, you can either hunt around for the best golf ball deals, or perhaps consider some of the slightly less expensive options among our selections below. Read on to find out more…

Best Premium Golf Balls

Titleist continues to raise the bar with the Pro V1 golf ball. The latest iteration had several new design elements to it, including an all-new core to cover design promising more greenside spin, a softer feel and a higher, more consistent flight via changes to every element. The cover was also changed with the dimple count rising from 352 to 388 following extensive trials and testing to maximise distance and flight consistency. This cover is also made from a new softer urethane for more greenside spin and short game control. 

The result of all of this was five stars from us and the ball has found its way into many Tour professional bags. It launches lower and spins less than the Pro V1x and overall it provides superb all-round performance with impressive distance in the long game, excellent control into the greens and high levels of consistency throughout with a soft feel.

The Pro V1 is available in white and high optic yellow, and Titleist fans should also check out our guide to all the latest Titleist ball models.

• Read our full Titleist Pro V1 ball review (opens in new tab)

The seventh generation Z-Star features a number of improvements on the previous model. The 0.6mm cover is actually now slightly thicker, promising enhanced spin, feel and control around the greens. Spin Skin Technology, with its urethane-compound Slide-Ring Material (SeRM) coating, helps the ball dig deep into iron and wedge grooves for more friction and better control. The new cover works in harmony with a FastLayer Core that’s soft in the centre and firmer around the edge to boost ball speed and distance while keeping spin down.

What shouldn't be ignored here is the price because the Z-Star can often be found for less than other premium models on this list, and yet the performance is comparable. The greenside spin is fantastic, the ball flight was in that mid tier which is exactly where we want it, and it was solid in the long game as well.

• Read our full Srixon Z-Star ball review (opens in new tab)

The updated TaylorMade TP5 now boasts a new Tour Flight Dimple Pattern. This has been engineered for improved aerodynamics and carry distance for golfers across the spectrum. The five-piece design features four increasingly stiff layers wrapped in a cast urethane cover, with the High-Flex Material (HFM) introduced in the previous generation still helping to convert compression into ball speed optimally.

Collin Morikawa is one man who puts the ball into play and he said of the ball; "My wedges spin great. It feels great off the putter. I like a soft feel off the putter anyways… it’s just been awesome around the greens, feel, everything; in the wind it’s amazing, too."

Our testing seems to concur with Morikawa here. Distance off the tee was never an issue, while approaching greens it was very workable with an iron in hand. Flighting shots high and low has rarely been easier. Around the greens, it performed just how you’d hope and expect it to, with maximum precision and control allowing us to be aggressive to our chosen landing spot.

• Read our full TaylorMade TP5 ball review (opens in new tab)

Billed as a model that will suit all levels of player, Callaway says it has enhanced every component and design feature in the Chrome Soft and one such example is the new ‘Elastic SoftFast Core’. But how well did it test? 

Well with the driver we felt it produced a high launch and relatively low spin combination which gave our tester good distance although that being said, if you want a premium ball for out and out distance from Callaway, you would probably be better off with the Chrome Soft X or LS models. Regardless the regular Chrome Soft performance was still solid. 

When hitting short-game shots we did feel the ball felt very soft which many will enjoy, but those who want a firmer feel might be best to test another model. We also loved the muted sound at impact too. 

In conclusion the Callaway Chrome Soft for 2022 is a good all-round golf ball. The stand-out performance elements in our testing were the soft feel in the short game and the low spin but high launch flight off the tee.

• Read our full Callaway Chrome Soft 2022 Golf Ball review (opens in new tab)

One of the best golf balls (opens in new tab) on the market, the new four-piece Pro V1x features the same reformulated 2.0 ZG Process Core and softer cover as the Pro V1. The twin goals are enhanced distance plus improved feel and control.

Between those two layers, the dual core in the Pro V1x is now surrounded by a faster, low-spinning casing layer previously used in the Pro V1x Left Dash option. This helps to add speed while lowering long-game spin. The Pro V1x dimple count has risen from 328 to 348 for a more consistent flight that will also be higher than in the previous Pro V1x model. 

Like the Pro V1, it got five stars from us because of the short-game control, and we were particularly impressed in the wind as it produced a strong ball flight. 

• Read our full Titleist Pro V1x ball review (opens in new tab)

Bridgestone engineers created the Tour B RXS golf ball for golfers who have driver swing speeds of less than 105 mph. In our testing, the B RXS displayed all of the performance attributes required to be considered an excellent option for players who fit that description. The Tour B RXS excelled around the greens in terms of the spin and control it delivered, which we something we expected. In the long game, however, it exceeded all expectations by offering ample distance off the tee and on full iron shots. 

The B RXS also performed very well in windy conditions, which has been a strength of Bridgestone golf balls through the years, and its cover showed minimal wear or discoloration even after significant play.  Additionally, the B RXS offers incredible feel off the putter and overall is one of the better looking golf balls on the market from an aesthetics standpoint. 

• Read our full Bridgestone 2022 Tour B RXS ball review (opens in new tab)

The latest TaylorMade TP5x features the same Tour Flight Dimple Pattern that is part of the TP5 ball. It was designed for improved aerodynamics, and it also has the same High-Flex Material (HFM) as part of a ‘Speed-Layer System’ designed to deliver added ball speed via optimal energy conversion.

TP5x remains the firmer of the two models, and is faster, longer and higher-launching in the right hands, hands like Rory McIlroy (opens in new tab)'s for example. However, it does now feature a slightly softer, cast urethane cover. This helps it grip wedge grooves better, promoting increased spin and a lower launch around the greens.

On the green the TP5x does feel firmer version than the TP5 which our tester preferred as you get a louder sound at impact. It’s certainly not too firm and TaylorMade has done a good job of blending tour performance and feel in a low spinning golf ball with this firmer feel.

• Read our full TaylorMade TP5x ball review (opens in new tab)

The latest Srixon Z Star XV, much like the Z-Star, features that thicker 0.6mm cover for enhanced spin, feel, and control around the greens.

In that cover, it retains the macromolecule Slide-Ring (SeRM) material introduced in the previous model. This helps the ball to restore its shape more proficiently post-impact, absorbs impact vibrations and makes it less susceptible to damage.

The Z-Star XV’s four-piece design now features a reformulated and more resilient inner core to improve ball speed and distance without compromising feel. It also now features the 338 Speed Dimple Pattern used in other Srixon ball models. This reduces drag and improves aerodynamics meaning a better flight performance with all clubs, even when the wind gets up.

• Read our full Srixon Z-Star XV ball review (opens in new tab)

Bridgestone's Tour B RX, like the Tour B RXS, was created for golfers who swing a driver at less than 105 mph but still want all of the performance attributes offered by a Tour-caliber golf ball. In our testing, The Tour B RX excelled in terms of the long game distance it provided, including a powerful, piercing trajectory on driver shots.

That said, the B RX also delivered an impressive level of spin and control around the greens, and it offered a soft but highly responsive feel when putting. Additionally, the Tour B RX performed exceptionally well during our testing in the wind, and its cover impresses when it comes to durability, both as it relates to wear and discoloration.

• Read our full Bridgestone 2022 Tour B RX golf ball review (opens in new tab)

It comes as no surprise to us that top professionals like Jon Rahm and Sam Burns use the Callaway Chrome Soft X golf ball. One of the big reasons here is the distance on offer because the X is one of the fastest balls we've tested. 

We tested the X up against its Chrome Soft brother and we immediately saw a big jump in ball speed which resulted in more distance but it should be acknowledged that our tester has a reasonably fast swing speed so he may have been able to get the best performance out of the ball because of this. Slower swing players may not be able to do the same. Additionally, because of this low spin distance, there was a firmer feel around the greens and yet the X still produced good short game spin and control. 

At a strong swing driver speed, the Chrome Soft X was one of the best premium golf balls we have tested this year. Consistently long off the tee, it also offered plenty of control when pitching from short range. Finally because Callaway make so many outstanding models, we created a comprehensive best Callaway golf balls (opens in new tab) guide to help you understand the current range.

• Read our full Callaway Chrome Soft X 2022 Golf Ball review (opens in new tab)

The Maxfli Tour X might come as a surprise on this list but it is an exceptional golf ball in terms of performance, especially when considering its price point. The Tour X is a four-piece ball with a soft urethane cover, and it features a slightly larger core to deliver low spin off the tee. And it excels in that regard as it is very long off the tee, while also providing stability in windy conditions.

The Tour X also delivers impressive distance on full iron shots and its cover scores high marks for durability. The lone knock in our testing was that it produced slightly less greenside spin than some of its competitors, but there was ample control to keep this ball firmly in the premium golf ball category. The Tour X also feels very good off the putter and its alignment aid is a nice touch as well.

• Read our full Maxfli Tour X Golf Ball review (opens in new tab)

The B XS is the ball played and designed by 15-time Major winner, Tiger Woods. There's even a special Tour B XS – TW Edition, created in Tiger’s honour. It delivers the precise specifications and requirements that Woods demands, and comes with ‘Tiger’ imprinted on the ball.

Tiger loves a spinny golf ball and that’s why the B XS suits him best. It also comes with the new REACTIV smart urethane cover that reacts differently depending on the force of the impact.

This means it's highly resilient on high-impact drives for more power and distance, but with excellent shock-absorbing properties for added playability and control around the greens. Indeed, it is Bridgestone's highest-spinning ball for greenside shots.

• Read our full Bridgestone Tour B XS ball review

The Titleist AVX is an alternative premium ball offering to the ever-popular Pro V1 models. Its high-performance 'distance with soft feel' credentials stem from proprietary core, cover and aerodynamic technologies.

Where it differs from Pro V1 is that it offers a lower spin and launch as well as a softer feel. This makes it the ideal premium Titleist ball for those who launch it too high or spin their irons and wedges too much.

In our testing, it was noticeable, even when compared to the Pro V1, how little the ball spun. This kind of performance will not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth a try if your game fits a low spinning ball, and a model that offers exceptionally soft feel.

• Read our full Titleist AVX 2022 Golf Ball Review (opens in new tab)

Callaway first introduced the LS golf ball back in 2021 and the 2022 version is ‘designed for max distance in a fine-tuned lower spin profile.’ Is that what we saw in testing?

Well what was interesting was there was a mix of results. The X LS version is designed to be higher launching than the Chrome Soft X and that was exactly what we discovered. The former was launching a fraction under 2˚ higher. However, it is also designed to be lower spinning but at our clubhead speed (around 112 mph), the spin profile between all three Callaway balls was very similar.

We should acknowledge that the ball speed was impressive as well as we saw a jump up when comparing it against the standard Chrome Soft. Then when hitting pitch and short game shots, we noticed a really good level of control along with a firmer feel which some players will like. 

What cannot be denied is the LS is a great all-round golf ball - and there will be some players who will get the most out of it. But given how close the LS and the X are in performance, we recommend that if you are a faster swinging player looking for distance off the tee and control into the greens, you test the two side-by-side.

• Read our full Callaway Chrome Soft X LS 2022 Golf Ball review (opens in new tab)

Honma’s X4 is a four-piece urethane ball in which the primary goal is to counter the issue of distance loss off the tee, but without sacrificing spin in the short game.

Distance off the tee comes via an ultra-soft core, a High-Performance Polymer (HPP) inner mantle layer and a High Flex outer mantle layer, which combine to increase repulsion off the face. To ensure all-round playability, the urethane covers provides a nice soft feel around the greens, with its 326-dimple design also providing more consistency into the wind.

• Read our full Honma X4 golf ball review (opens in new tab)

The Wilson Staff Model is an all-new tour-calibre ball available in white and a unique, raw, unpainted finish – the R version. At the heart of this four-piece ball lies an advanced V-COR core composition, which magnifies energy for optimum velocity and greater distance. The urethane cover features a seamless 362-dimple pattern, which is designed to smooth airflow around the ball for a lower flight trajectory.

Because of the glistening finish on the regular model, it looks like one of the best premium golf balls and it performs like one too. Off the tee, the ball speed and low spin from the four layer construction produces carry distance comparable to other balls in this sector.

Around the greens it also offered plenty of zip and the durability seemed solid as well.

• Read our full Wilson Staff Model golf ball review  (opens in new tab)

The Mizuno RB Tour ball features the brand’s new drag-reducing Cone Profile Dimple (C-Dimple). These help to keep fast-flowing air close to the ball’s surface for improved performance.

This is particularly noticeable on iron shots where reduced drag generates a more penetrating flight and extra carry distance. A high-traction urethane cover then comes in handy around the greens. The RB Tour offers low driver spin and will suit more downward attack angles - those who tend to hit down on the ball a little more.

Now the low ball-flight won't be for some, and there are better feeling models on this list, but the RB Tour produced good distance and greenside control, as well as top notch durability which cannot be understated in its importance when buying a dozen premium golf balls.

•  Read our full Mizuno RB Tour golf ball review (opens in new tab)  

The RB Tour X also features Mizuno's new drag-reducing Cone Profile Dimple (C-Dimple) which helped reduce drag and deliver a more penetrating flight and extra carry distance especially with the irons. The RB Tour X offers mid/low driver spin for flat-to-upward attack angles.

 If you can swing fast enough and launch the ball high with the driver, then you could really see some gains. The ball flight is strong and the cover is very durable, but you might be sacrificing a little in terms of short game feel and finesse.

• Read our full Mizuno RB Tour X golf ball review (opens in new tab)

The Tour B X is the Bridgestone ball used by Bryson DeChambeau (opens in new tab). It's perhaps no surprise, then, that it is the longer of the two Bridgestone balls targeted at the fastest swingers.

REACTIV is a smart urethane cover that reacts differently depending on the force of the impact. It provides shock-absorbing properties for improved wedge spin and control, while being highly resilient on high-impact drives for more power and distance. Bridgestone’s Gradational Compression core boosts both distance and forgiveness via higher initial ball speeds and reduced sidespin, particularly with the driver.

Honma’s best premium golf balls in the current range are the Future XX. The ball boasts an incredible six-piece design engineered to provide more distance and short-game spin than any previous Honma ball.

The first three layers incorporate a highly resilient core – suitable for varying swing speeds – a soft second layer and a slightly firmer third layer. This combo encourages high levels of energy that translate into faster ball speeds and more distance. The fourth and fifth layers become gradually firmer for consistent spin. The soft urethane cover then completes the package by offering high levels of short-game spin and improved feel.

Both Vice Pro models feature a High Energy Speed Core (HESC) for higher ball speed and more driver distance. The four-piece Pro Plus features two mantle layers, whose elastic properties reduce driver spin and increase carry distance. It launches lower than the Pro model to give faster swingers a more penetrating flight.

Vice’s ‘stick to the green’ (S2TG) technology promises excellent levels of control in both models. Vice are not as well known as some other golf ball brands so to get fully informed on the current range have a read of our best Vice golf balls (opens in new tab) guide.

• Read our full Vice Golf Pro Plus Balls Review

How we test golf balls

The quality of Golf Monthly's reviews and buyers guides is built 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.

With golf balls, our procedure revolves around indoor and outdoor testing conducted by our team of reviewers. Starting with indoor testing to get some controlled statistics, we always get golf ball data using launch monitors like SkyTrak or Foresight Sports GCQuad. Often we hit new models alongside previous generations, or competing models to see how the performance differs as well. 

We then take the balls outside which revolves around hitting with a launch monitor again, and then putting the balls to the test out on the course to get some real data and feedback as well. This way we can see how the ball performs playing a variety of different shots and in different conditions. 

The final point worth mentioning is that no manufacturer can buy a good review because our testing team tells it how it is. 

What to consider when buying golf balls

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 would recommend trying both from various distances to find your preference.

Cover material - Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost.

Long game or short game? - Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Do you want to get as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel?

Well we have created guides for both. If you value the former then check out our guide on the best distance golf balls. Or, if you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step.

We should say that most of the premium models above are built more on feel and control, rather than distance so bear that in mind when reading. 

Price - No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Even in the premium sector there are models which are cheaper than others. So we would recommend trying out some models first, and then seeing how much you are willing to spend on a dozen golf balls.