Best Soft Feel Golf Balls 2024
We take a look at the best soft feel golf balls that are currently available on the market
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Top pick
3. Best color choice
4. Best overall feel
5. Best high flight
6. Best for distance
7. Best durability
8. Best value
9. How we test
10. How to choose
11. FAQs
When it comes to the golf ball, there are a variety of models that do a variety of things. Whether you are a new player to the game who is looking for models that will just go forward, an improver who is wanting one of the best mid price golf balls for their bag, or perhaps a single figure handicapper who wants one of the best premium golf balls to add to their arsenal, there are different golf balls for everybody.
There are a number of aspects that need considering when you are picking your next golf ball, with users wanting a blend of distance, feel, control and softness to get the most out of their performance. Indeed, softness is seen as such a desirable quality that many balls reference it directly in their names, including nearly all of those we highlight here.
Obviously, premium models will provide the softest feel because of their urethane covers but, there's a catch, with these particular golf balls the most expensive on the market. That's why, in this guide, we have taken a look at the best soft feel golf balls which slot in a little further down the price pyramid.
On chips and putts, it is primarily the cover material that will dictate how soft a ball feels but, on fuller shots, other elements of the ball’s design – the core and any mid-layers – come into the equation. Also, balls with low-compression soft cores will feel softer off the face on full shots, with the added rebound properties of those soft cores also potentially helping those with low to average swing speeds hit it a little bit further compared to firmer-compression balls.
So, if you like a soft feel on chips and putts, or could do with a few extra yards, courtesy of a low-compression core, our guide to the best soft feel golf balls could be just the ticket. Also, have a read of our other golf ball guides as well to truly inform your next purchase, such as the best value golf balls or the best distance golf balls.
The Quick List
Top pick
The Tour Soft offers really strong performance for a mid-priced golf ball. The soft feel will please those who prioritize this whilst the ball speeds also remained fairly high.
Best color choice
A fantastic value ball with outstanding performance, we definitely recommend these for senior players who don't want to spend lots on premium balls. They maintained distance for long clubs and had notable control around the greens.
Best overall feel
With a low compression and a reasonably responsive cover, the Soft Feel is an ideal ball for those who like a quality softer ball at a competitive price.
Best high flight
Wilson's Duo Soft 2023 golf balls perform well throughout the bag, but will certainly appeal to players who like a high ball flight and are looking for a soft feel. They also felt superb off the face for those longer clubs.
Best distance
Wilson Triad balls come with good distance in the long game, a consistent ball slight and also a soft feel when putting, making them the best value option on this list.
Best durability
If you like a soft feeling golf ball offering good all-round performance at an affordable price, the Callaway Hex Soft is certainly worth putting into play.
Load the next model
Best value
If you are looking for an all-out budget urethane golf ball, this one offers excellent performance in the short game. For us, it struggled for distance off the tee but that may well be a price you're willing to pay.
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Top pick
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Starting with our top pick, we have gone for the Tour Soft ball from Titleist. As the name claims, these are incredibly soft golf balls but still felt powerful off the tee and, although they won't rank as one of the best distance golf balls on the market, they blend spin and distance well.
This is thanks to several refinements made from the previous Tour Soft ball, including a reformulated thin Fusablend cover for reliable greenside spin. There is also a new thick line and 'T' stamp, both of which helped with alignment too
In our testing, we found they had a decent amount of control which is crucial for when you want to get the ball close to the target when using wedges. This, including their great durability, make them another great option that won't break the bank.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review
Best color choice
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Callaway’s low-compression Supersoft ball, aimed at those with average swing speeds seeking a soft feel, underwent several improvements in the latest version, with the primary difference being a new hybrid cover that features, what Callaway has christened, a Paraloid Impact Modifier.
In testing, we found that there was improved distance and durability without any sacrifice of the feel and short-game control. This is what the Supersoft is renowned for and, with Callaway’s famous HEX Aerodynamics cover pattern reducing drag and increasing lift to help you launch the ball better, it truly offers fantastic value for money.
Along with the added technology, it has a Soft Compression Core that enhances energy transfer for more ball speed and a high-launch, low-spin combo in the longer clubs, something which we noticed during our testing. Additionally what also differentiates this ball is the six colors it comes in and there are lots of cool patterns to choose from as well including a paint splatter finish.
- Read our full Callaway Supersoft Ball Review
Best overall feel
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
In 2023, we saw the Srixon Soft Feel golf ball head into its 13th generation, with the model still one of the best Srixon golf balls anywhere on the market. In the latest edition, we still see the two-piece construction but, thanks to a FastLayer core with a soft centre that gradually gets firmer as you move towards the cover, it is now able to snap back into shape more quickly.
Featuring a compression of 60, it certainly suits those with mid to slow driver swing speeds of around 90mph or less, as the softer core enables those players to get better spin and distance numbers than they would get with a firmer golf ball.
There is also further help in the form of a prominent side stamp in the shape of an alignment line on the side of the ball, with the 338-dimple pattern working extremely well to deliver a reduction in drag and to get the ball airborne as easily as possible. In testing the feel was exceptional, especially when you combine that with the lower price this ball comes at.
- Read our full Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 2023 Review
Best high flight
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
With its compression rating of 40, it is hard to disagree with Wilson when they claim this offering to be the 'world's softest golf ball'. Akin to many on this list, the Wilson Duo Soft is an ionomer-covered golf ball that has been designed to allow for maximum energy return, meaning this ball flies further and launches higher with much less effort.
In testing, we found this was the case as it produced a towering trajectory with every club in the bag. This higher ball flight will certainly help the slower swinging players who are looking to get the ball in the air easier, as well as those looking for a bit more speed and distance from their golf equipment.
Feel-wise, it was extremely soft on the face, but still felt springy when struck off the middle. We were very surprised with this golf ball and, considering its price tag, this is definitely one of the best value golf balls going.
- Read our full Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball Review
Best for distance
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
A model that also featured in our best golf balls for high handicappers guide, Wilson released the Triad golf ball at the beginning of 2022, with it specifically designed for those golfers after the feel and control of a urethane model without having to pay the premium price of a Tour golf ball.
In testing, we noticed that it produced good distance, with the consistency of the ball flight another huge plus point. In fact we would go so far to say that from a soft-feeling ball perspective, this is arguably the top model to go for for out and out distance. However, even though, from a spin and control perspective, it was definitely a notch down from the best premium golf balls, the performance was still solid.
We were also particularly impressed with the touch and soft feel not just around the green, but on it as well and with the putter specifically. Overall, with plenty of distance and consistency in the long game, and a good feel on the green, the Wilson Triad is a worthy addition to this guide.
- Read our full Wilson Triad Golf Ball Review
Best durability
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
First and foremost, the Callaway Hex Soft delivers a lot of performance for a relatively modest price and, as such, it offers excellent value for money. This is one of Callaway’s distance balls, but one that's billed as also offering great feel.
Callaway says this is achieved through the low compression core, which is said to give greater ball speed and increased distance in the long game but, in tandem with the trionomer, cover feels soft on short game shots. In our testing, we felt the ball performed well enough to back up those claims and we also thoroughly enjoyed the durability on offer. This can be an area where soft balls suffer but this wasn't the case here as it dealt with testing very well, and even some visits to cart paths and bushes nicely.
Along with long game performance, it performs admirably around the green where, off the putter face, it feels soft and easy to control. We think that, if you are looking for a ball that provides distance and a soft feel at an excellent price, then the Hex Soft should be on your list.
- Read our full Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball Review
Best value
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you are looking for an all-out budget urethane golf ball, this one offers good performance, especially in the short game. Now, admittedly, the long game performance was not as good as others in this list, or other golf balls on the market, but we think, given the price, the value on offer here is excellent, so it's certainly one of the best cheap golf balls on the market.
During our on-course testing, we were able to appreciate the soft feel on and around the greens, whilst we also enjoyed the durability and spin control on offer. However, with the driving, it won't suit a fast swing speed, with the spin being rather high.
In all areas of the game, the new Kirkland Signature 2.0 was lower spinning than its predecessor and we think this makes it a much better all-rounder. What's more, for around $30 per 24-ball pack, we think the brand has done a good job of offering a solid performing golf ball, at a great value price.
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.
Our commitments to you are:
The first port of call in testing is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. The majority of Golf Monthly’s outdoor testing takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a stunning course in Surrey with excellent practice facilities.
Our specific golf ball testing is built upon this procedure so we can get controlled data inside, and then see how the golf ball performs outside and on the golf course. That way we can get a more complete picture and get greater feedback to pass on to you.
How to choose new golf balls
There are a variety of factors to consider when looking at golf balls and below are some of those.
Soft or firm? - Golf balls come in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. Alternatively, chances are if you are on this guide you want a softer-feeling golf ball that aids feel and spin around the greens instead. As such work out what kind of feel you like from your golf ball and then find a model accordingly.
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, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.
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, which is probably the case given you have read this guide, then a soft feel model is a ball to go for.
Price - No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points so you can rest assured there will be a top-performing model for you, however much you want to spend. Additionally, most of the soft feel models we included in this guide have different price points but none come at that super premium end of the price spectrum.
FAQs
What is a soft golf ball compression rating?
The golf ball compression rating describes how hard or soft the ball is. In general, brands rate golf ball compression between 30 and 120. The softest is 30, whilst the hardest is 120.
What is a soft ball good for?
A softer golf ball is good for getting more feel off the clubface especially when it comes to hitting shots around the green, and when on it as well. In the past using a soft ball would've meant compromising on distance but this is not really the case anymore because of technology.
Balls with low-compression soft cores will feel softer off the face on full shots, with the added rebound properties of those soft cores also potentially helping those with low to average swing speeds hit it a little bit further compared to firmer-compression balls.
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Sam has worked in the golf industry for 12 years, offering advice on equipment to all levels of golfers and as Staff Writer, he tests and reviews equipment throughout the bag. Sam graduated from Webber International University in 2017 with a BSc Marketing Management degree while playing collegiate golf. His experience of playing professionally on both the EuroPro Tour and Clutch Pro Tour, alongside his golf retail history, means Sam has extensive knowledge of golf equipment and what works for different types of golfer.
Sam is a member of North Hants Golf Club in Fleet, Hampshire, where he won the club championship 3 times in succession from 2015-2017. His golfing highlight to date is shooting a round of 10-under 60 at his home club, narrowly missing a wedge shot for a magical 59.
Sam’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2, 9°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus, 15°
Hybrid: Ping G430 19°
Irons: Titleist T-100 4 iron, Titleist 620MB, 5-PW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 50°, 54°, 62°
Putter: Scotty Cameron Select GoLo
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x 2021
- Matt CradockStaff Writer
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