Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
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.
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
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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.
- Read our full Callaway Supersoft Ball Review
In 2023, we see the Srixon Soft Feel golf ball heading 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, something which has been improved on for 2023.
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.
- Read our full Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 2023 Review
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 will certainly help the slower swinging players who are 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
TaylorMade updated both the Soft Response and Tour Response for 2022, with the company claiming that the Soft Response is the softest ball they have ever produced. Although it is a big claim, we certainly noticed it on the greens in testing, as it produced a lovely feel off the face of the putter, as well as the wedges.
Like other models in this guide, the Soft Response has a low 50-compression, which means that those with fast swing speeds may see a drop off in distance at the top end of the bag. Therefore, we can categorically say that it will suit slower swingers, who should be able to benefit from the superb short game performance without seeing the same drop off.
- Read our full TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 Golf Ball Review
From tee-to-green, there is a lot to like about the Titleist 2022 Tour Soft golf ball. It is the third generation in the brand's soft compression offering and, in testing, we felt that it provided impressive distances and a great feel.
While golfers who can generate faster clubhead speeds may be skeptical about using a softer golf ball, we were pleasantly surprised at how much control and consistency the Tour Soft offered, even with our tester producing a swing speed of around 110mph.
Certainly, we felt it offered a good balance of responsiveness without being too soft when around the greens. We also really enjoyed the T-shaped alignment tool, which is a very useful addition that could help improve both your putting and tee shot accuracy.
- Read our full Titleist Tour Soft 2022 Golf Ball Review
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. 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 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
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.
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
For those golfers who prioritize a soft feel, Srixon has upgraded its UltiSoft ball for 2022, with a new FastLayer core providing low compression and soft feel, as well as a 388 dimple design and thin cover giving excellent performance.
In testing it had a soft, yet solid, feel off the face of the putter and, when chipping from close range, it has a silky soft feel through impact. However, this softness does come with a slight compromise on distance, especially if you are a faster swinging player, so this is definitely something to be aware of.
Undoubtedly though, the UltiSoft delivers on its promise of offering a soft feel and, for us, this ball was at its best on and around the green. Importantly though, it also offers consistently good ball flights throughout the bag.
- Read our full Srixon UltiSoft 2022 Golf Ball Review
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 divorcing the different attributes you need from a golf ball in different areas of the game.
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Our commitments to you are:
The first port of call to test golf clubs 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.
What to consider when buying 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.
FAQ's
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.
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.
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