They aren't for everyone, but yellow golf balls can be helpful for golfers who have a habit of losing golf balls in longer rough. Most of the best golf balls are available in the yellow colorway, including the popular Titleist Pro V1.
Colored golf balls have grown in popularity in recent years after being largely shunned by the majority of the golf community. The yellow ball was considered by many to be inappropriate out on the course, but as a few professional tour player began using them, the stigma would slowly pass away.
It's worth noting that yellow golf balls aren't always the easiest to spot in the rough. During winter, for example, it can be easier to spot them if the ground has frosted over or if there is a light dew on the grass. However, during scorching summer days when the sun is glaring, the yellow colour doesn't pop in the long grass as much as you might think.
In this guide, we'll be rounding up some of the best yellow balls on the market taking in a variety of different price points and target audiences. But why not also take a look at some of our other golf ball guides, on the best value golf balls and the best golf balls for high handicappers.
The Quick List
The ProV1 is the gold standard of the premium golf ball category and has proven it by another increase in performance from the previous iteration with added consistency to the long game.
For the keen mid-handicapper, the AD333 is a great all-round golf ball that performs well given the average price point. A happy medium one tier below more premium golf balls.
Wilson offers great value for money with the Duo Optix golf ball, a soft golf ball that performed really well around the greens during our testing.
The e6 is Bridgestone's best-selling golf ball and it's easy to see why. This two-piece ball has a larger and softer core for better compression, resulting in better distance off the tee.
Volvik are relative newcomers on the golf ball scene and have made a splash with 11 color options available on their Vivid golf ball collection.
Callaway have been making Warbird golf balls for a very long time and will likely continue doing so given their popularity. The Warbird can help the higher handicapper achieve a little more distance off the tee.
Best Yellow Golf Balls
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Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball
The Titleist Pro V1 is the most used golf ball on the professional circuit and arguably the biggest equipment franchise the game has ever seen. Now in its 23rd year, it still features in the white and yellow colors, with Titleist’s engineers upgrading the Pro V1 with a high-gradient core. Firmer at the periphery, the new core gets progressively softer towards the center which promotes fast ball speeds and low long game spin.
We found performance with mid-iron in hand was the stand-out during our testing process. Spin was reduced which added a little more distance with similarly results being produced off the tee as well. The Pro V1 delivers awesome ball speed and distance with a strong, penetrating and consistent flight. The Pro V1 is the slightly lower spinning model of the two (Pro V1x) and, what really impressed us with the standard model was how consistent it was on both the course and on a launch monitor. It's the most popular golf ball on the PGA Tour by a decent distance and after our testing, we concluded it's easy to see why.
- Read our full Titleist Pro V1 2023 Golf Ball Review
Srixon AD333 Ball
The latest incarnation of this ever-popular Srixon ball has undergone a number of design tweaks, including a lower compression and the introduction of the FastLayer core from Srixon’s Z-Star tour-preferred range.
Straight out of the box the Srixon AD333 golf ball it has a classy look to it, particularly in this Tour Yellow version which has a pearlescent, almost shimmery finish. It delivers good distance, particularly on mid-to-long approach shots, coupled with a strong and consistent flight. Around the greens, that lower compression does bring a noticeably quieter sound and softer feel than previous Srixon golf balls.
Previous models of the AD333's scuffed up a little more than they should have gievn their use, but the durability has taken a step forward with the latest model. We did notice some wear to the paint and logo after a couple of rounds in testing, so maybe there is still work to go in this area.
- Read our full Srixon AD333 Golf Ball Review
Wilson Staff Duo Optix ball
Thanks to a smaller polybutadiene core, the latest Wilson Staff DUO Optix promises more distance and accuracy than ever along with an enhanced feel around the greens.
Cheaper golf balls tend to sacrifice spin and feel around the greens, but the DUO Optix has a noticeably softer feel than many of it's competitors around the same price point.
The matte finish is unique but ensure you won't be blinded by the sun reflecting off your golf ball. It did mean the ball was a little more elusive when we searched for it during autumn months amongst the trees and longer grass, however, meaning this ball it maybe better suited to summer use. The finish and color can also make this ball look almost dimpleless with may unsettle a few players, but these are minor issues on otherwise a really solid yellow golf ball.
- Read our full Wilson Duo Optix Ball Review
Bridgestone e6 Golf Ball
The Bridgestone e6 is engineered to provide the best of both worlds to those with moderate swing speeds - the extra distance they crave but with plenty of feel. The two-piece construction means the ball is easier to compress at impact, benefitting those with moderate swing and club head speeds.
Unlike the Wilson DUO Optix, this golf ball does feel a little harder and thus can feel chunky to chip with around the greens but it's distance off the tee means it remains one of the best Bridgestone golf balls. Ticking both distance from the teebox and soft feel and spin around the green is a difficult task for a ball retailing at $20 for a dozen - for such performance you'll have to spend a lot more!
- Read our full Bridgestone e6 Golf Ball Review
Volvik Vivid golf ball
The perfect golf ball for the flashy golf ball, Volvik’s Nano Bi high-energy, resilient core paves the way to the low-spin, high-launch recipe that leads to more distance off the tee at slow to mid-swing speeds.
Available in a whole rainbow of vibrant colors developed to improve visibility in flight and on the ground, so you will hopefully follow your ball better and find it more easily.
The matte finish in the Volvik Vivid Golf ball may still not yet appeal to all golfers, but we're growing to like it. We found the yellow ball the easiest to find amongst the high grass, but we can't help but think it would be easier to find without the matte finish - as cool as it does look when on the tee, fairway or green. We also loved the side alignment stamp which all players can use to help line up their putts on the greens. It saves you having to get your sharpie out and draw a perfectly straight line on the side of your ball - something we really appreciate in modern golf balls.
- Read our full Volvik Vivid Golf Ball Review
Callaway Warbird golf ball
Callaway has used the Warbird name for several decades now, and this budget model is essentially an out-and-out distance golf ball. It's an ideal ball for beginners given the consistent performance on offer coupled with the price point - especially considering beginners can lose quite a few golf balls!
The latest Warbird has improved on previous iterations, delivering distance via a combo of a large but soft high energy core and low compression numbers. During our testing, this felt like a powerful golf ball that jumped off the face of a diver with a strong, largely consistent ball flight. Roll numbers once the ball hit the ground were also impressive.
Given the focus on distance, this ball does not perform great around the greens compared to other Callaway options and more premium golf balls from competing brands, but the distance performance, durability and price point are hard to argue with.
- Read our full Callaway Warbird Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
Here at Golf Monthly, our highly experienced team of testers play a lot of golf in different conditions throughout the year. Through our rigorous testing procedures, our collective goal is to test every golf ball model on the market as soon as it becomes available to us, putting in the hours in all weathers out on the golf course, the practice ground, the short-game area, the practice bunker and the putting green.
Our testing procedure is one honed over decades of experience and our tests and reviews are done by golfers, for golfers. We know our stuff - mainly due to our passion for the game, and you want to ensure that our loyal readers can make the best informed purchasing decisions via our reviews and buying guides.
They're 100% impartial, too. No one brand gets better treatment or bias over another, nor can a manufacturer 'buy' a good review. We simply call it how we see it.
When we test golf balls, we want to get an idea of how each ball performs in all areas of the game so we can tell you what its strengths and weaknesses are, allowing you to make an informed choice about your next golf ball purchase. Whenever possible, we will also seek to acquire launch monitor data for a more detailed analysis of each ball model's performance.
What to consider when buying golf balls
There is a lot of range when it comes to golf balls - some designed for distance, other more so for short game. Some cover both, but you'll have to pay extra for that. As a result, trying to choose the right golf ball can be a difficult task for some players.
To help you purchase the best golf ball for your game, we've set out a few points below that you should bear in mind when you head down to your local golf shop.
1. 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 recommend you try both kinds of feel from various distances to find your preferred feel.
2. Cover material
Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment with each 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.
3. Long game or short game?
Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Are you looking for maximum distance or something that allows your short game to shine around the greens?
If you value the former then check out our guide to the best distance golf balls; if you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step.
4. Color/visuals
Looks matter. If you're staring down at a golf ball that doesn't suit your eye, you're fighting a losing battle before you've even swung the club. Make sure you choose a golf ball (and color) that you like the look of.
5. Price
There's little point into splashing $50 on premium golf balls if you're a 34 handicapper and lose 3-4 golf balls a round. Make sure you target a golf ball that suits your budget as a result or else you'll waste hundreds of bucks a year - golf is expensive enough as it is
For more advice on buying golf balls, we have a ton of information on our website that will help you make the right choice for you. If you're after colored balls in particular, take a look at our guide on the best-personalized golf balls and our guide on the best 10 golf balls with matte finishes that offer high performance.
FAQs
Are yellow golf balls better?
From a golf ball performance standpoint in how it reacts to ball-striking and such, there is usually next to no difference really. A white Pro V1, and yellow Pro V1 are going to react the same way. However yellow golf balls are said to be easier to see and find on the golf course. In our testing, we found that off the tee it was noticeable that the yellow color was easier to track through the air than the white. It stayed visible for longer through the sky and this was even more the case in overcast conditions.
Are yellow golf balls allowed?
Yes yellow golf balls are allowed at every level of the game. In professional tournaments, the USGA does not restrict the color of the golf ball but a player is not allowed to switch colors during the round. If a professional golfer starts a round with a yellow golf ball, they will have to use a yellow golf ball for that entire round
Who plays yellow golf balls on Tour?
If honest there are not that many Tour professionals who put yellow balls into play. Bubba Watson was the most high-profile example but he went back to the traditional white reasonably quickly. Kyle Jones Rory Sabbatini and Davis Love III have also dabbled with yellow golf balls as well.
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