There’s a valid reason why there are the best golf balls for beginners. You now have so many brands competing with one another. But it seems to me more like countless brands and models presenting you with some really great and versatile options, so you can pick something that actually suits your level of experience. In this case, that would be your slow swing speed, high handicap, or average or below-average golfing skills as a beginner.
You may already be well aware of the fact that not every golf ball behaves the same way. The performance factor here differs quite a lot. For instance, there are some golf balls that spin A LOT while some only just minimally.
But you can always experiment with different golf balls to see which one really works for you. However, based on most beginner-level data gathered, the following seem to perform the best for those new to the game or those with a high handicap or simply those who play golf recreationally.
In This Post
8 Best Golf Balls For Beginners 2023
1. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls
- HEX aerodynamics for high forgiveness (beginner-friendly)
- High-speed, soft, low compression increases ball speed
- Low spin and high launch with longer golf clubs
- Hybrid Cover enhances speed, feel, and greenside control
- 2-piece design works best for slow-swing golfers
- Too soft in terms of feel
- Low spin even with shorter clubs
Every slow-swing golfer absolutely needs and LOVES Callaway Supersoft. These 2-piece golf balls give you low-spin, high-flying shots almost every single time. Low spin and high flight are perfect for all your drives off the tee, so they attain a longer carry distance plus more roll. Low spin is also good for increasing the carry distance of your iron shots.
Low-spin golf balls for beginners are just perfect because you’re most likely already generating excessive spin because of slicing or hooking the shots anyway. What about spin around those greens then? To be honest, beginners don’t require too much spin there either. Just bump, run, and get the golf ball closer simply by controlling ball flight.
Callaway Supersoft, no doubt, has the softest feel. The compression is also extremely low, which is another very fitting trait for slow-swing players. The low compression core on the inside and HEX design on the outside pave the way for low-drag aerodynamics that make the ball generate straight and long shots.
And of course, Callaway has designed them in bright colors for easy visibility from a distance.
2. Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls
- TruTouch core’s low compression increases distance
- TruFlex cover – ultra-soft feel and amazing greenside control
- Distance boost also with TruFit aerodynamics
- Alignment markings/lines really help with putting
- Don’t expect too much greenside spin
If you go with Titleist TruFeel, it means welcoming golf balls you’re going to be using for a long, long time. Off the tee, these Titleist golf balls can really bomb off. I mean don’t compare it to Bridgestone E6, Titleist Velocity, or any other such “distance” golf balls but then these are still so much easier when it comes to simply popping them up. They even sit really well on those greens with your irons and wedges.
Titleist TruFeel is all about unprecedented “feel” off that tee and also around those anxiety-filled greens. Speaking of anxiety, since these golf balls are not the ridiculously expensive kind, you can hit them thin or fat off the tee straight into the water too without feeling like you’re literally drowning your money.
The reformulated core is now equipped with such speed-generating elements that maximizing distance becomes an effortless undertaking, that too with much-needed low spin. The aerodynamic properties of the cover have also been subjected to a lot of improvement for all the distance you desire from your long game.
And extra points for sure for the alignment aid that makes putting easier too!
3. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
- Most advanced Fast Core of Pro V1 for ultimate speed
- Soft feel and consistent flight
- Short game consists of Drop-and-Stop control
- Low compression suits slow swing speeds
- Cover thickness reduced to enhance scoring control
- Spin-optimized, speed-boosting casing layer
- Tour quality, hence very expensive for beginners
Firstly, are we ready to pay so much more for Titleist Pro V1? Listen, don’t get me wrong here, you do pay a lot more in this case but then that “higher” cost is justified given the Tour quality of these golf balls.
And you’re also spending more for another category, which is consistency. To be honest, Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls dominate in that particular category. You can just as easily purchase golf balls half the price but then you’d still also want to buy a dozen of Pro V1 for its excellent, unfaltering consistency. All thanks to the thinner cover (proprietary cast thermoset urethane elastomer) that adds speed without messing with control and spin.
But then how are such expensive golfs balls, mostly used by fast-swing players, a fitting choice for beginners? Well, there’s the slightly softer feel and lower compression rating that works in the favor of slow-speed golfers. And also the large, speed-enhancing casing layer and powerful engine of an advanced, fast core.
4. Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
- Low-compression golf balls for slow-speed beginners
- Gradient core enhances feel and distance
- Thin, soft ionomer cover for excellent spin control
- Low-drag, high-lift dimple pattern
- Heavy black marking for accurate alignment
- Scuffing of the cover shows poor durability
- Not for fast-swing hitters
You would be surprised at how well they perform given that the price tag here is so much more affordable than Titleist Pro V1. Now, of course, you cannot compare the performance between the two (Pro V1 is certainly the better performing option, and so is Callaway Supersoft as a matter of fact). Nevertheless, you’re most likely to keep purchasing Srixon Soft Golf Balls.
These balls are undoubtedly playable, plus the feel off the putter is also very likeable.
The best part (and by that, I mean the best news for beginners) is the ultra-low compression rating. Along with low-drag Speed Dimples that actually increase lift and launch during descent for gaining more distance. And the softer FastLayer Core also gives you great off-the-tee distances.
5. Volvik Power Soft Golf Balls
- Bright and glossy, thus very easy to spot
- 2-piece construction suits slow swing speeds
- Super-soft feel (ionomer cover) enhances greenside control
- Power Core increases ball speed
- Scuffs/scratches very easily
- A little too un-spinnable
The neon orange color surely makes it so much easier for you to find the golf ball. So even if you lose your balls more often than you’d like to admit, you won’t feel so bad losing them as you might about that penalty stroke.
Equally important to note here is the oversized Power Core of Volvik Power Soft Golf Balls. Explosive distances can be achieved indeed.
With your driver, you’re sure to get a minimal spin. And that’s great since you must already be generating a lot of spin on your own (most beginners are prone to producing slices or hooks). So why bother with high-spin golf balls, right!
The dimple pattern also improves stability and flight with the ionomer cover, super-soft by the way, giving you all the required greenside control. And you know what, don’t like the orange color? Other color options are available too – green, yellow, red, white, and assorted.
Agreed that they’re a bit on the cheaper side, hence not the best for durability and factors like that. But then keep in mind that compared to other affordable 2-piece golf balls, Volvik Power Soft is still very impressively playable. If soft feel matters to you, which is the case with almost every beginner out there, then you’re certainly not going to be disappointed.
6. Pinnacle Golf Rush and Soft Golf Ball
- Low-compression, high-energy core (beginner-friendly)
- Low-spin, soft-feel cover
- Greenside spin and control can be maximized
- Minor scuffs, great overall quality
- A bit too soft
To be brutally honest with you, I have actually not talked about Pinnacle Golf Rush and Soft Golf Balls all that much. And it’s not because of any shortcomings on the part of these distance-focused, low-compression, 2-piece golf balls.
They may be less talked about but they surely know how to couple with the two very important golf clubs – driver and putter. Even off the putter face, these golf balls “feel” solid. As for driving, look forward to extra 15-20 yards just like that, even if you’re a beginner or senior golfer.
Pinnacle Rush and Soft are all about generating extraordinary distance. And that’s all because of the high-energy core, soft cover, and advanced dimple pattern. They combine to make possible the impossible (or so it seems to beginners) – a consistent, powerful ball flight, no matter what golf club you end up using.
7. Wilson Sporting Goods Tour Velocity Women Golf Balls
- For max. control, mid-compression is the best
- For max. distance, hard ionomer cover is the best
- Aerodynamics in dimples increase off-the-tee power
- Not all beginners can handle hard-feel cover
Presenting to you the best golf balls for distance beginners that are also the best golf balls for female beginners. The mid-compression rating, just on its own, guarantees extreme distance. And the inclusion of ionomer is enough to make you believe that trajectory is also well optimized for maximizing distance as well as roll.
Furthermore, the dimple pattern features enhanced aerodynamics to take your every shot off the tee even further.
You know, the mid-compression of Tour Velocity actually makes it one of the best golf balls for average golfer too, so not just for beginners and/or high handicappers.
When the core is equipped with a mid-level compression rating, one can attain a good amount of greenside playability as well, apart from an amazing distance of course. But then ‘Tour Velocity’ suggests that distance takes top priority, all thanks to the hard ionomer cover material.
8. TaylorMade Burner Golf Balls
- REACT core with its high energy maximizes driving distance
- Low-drag aerodynamics increase lift
- Shear-resistant, very soft and durable iothane cover
- Spin control is not in check
Long distance is all about fast speed, which, in turn, is all about a high-speed, high-energy core. In that light, TaylorMade Burner Golf Balls with their REACT core seem like the most felicitous choice on the list. TaylorMade’s REACT core has been engineered for one thing and one thing alone – crushable off-the-tee distance. So beginners can rejoice right about now!
The reduced-drag dimple configuration is also very useful in that it increases the “hang” time of the ball. The entire construction, right from its low-compression, high-energy core to its exclusive SpeedMantle layer, is more geared toward limiting driver spin just to maximize its distance potential. No matter your slow swing speed!
And then there’s the soft-feel iothane cover for an excellent greenside spin. In my opinion, the greenside feedback/feel is very, very impressive plus these golf balls really know how to fly through the air.
Choosing the Best Beginner Golf Balls – Find Out What Matters!
Compression Rating
What is the compression rating of the golf ball? You really need to know this, especially if you’re a slow-swing golfer. Because slow swing speeds are “forgiven” or compensated for with low-compression golf balls – a low compression rating is 80 or below. On the other hand, the faster your swing speed, the higher this compression should be.
But then beginners and high handicappers alike demand lower compression for maximizing their distance and speed potential.
Cover Composition
The most common cover materials include Surlyn and urethane. So how to choose between the two? It’s actually very simple – more advanced golfers choose softer urethane because it gives higher wedge and iron spin, which means more control. And highly-skilled, fast-swing golfers usually prioritize control over distance.
This would mean Surlyn is more beginner-friendly in that it focuses more on producing long distances, and not so much on spin and control as in the case of urethane. And this is despite the fact that urethane has a much softer feel than Surlyn. But then Surlyn is way more durable here (so a dozen can last for a really very long time – great news for beginners!).
I would just like to add here before moving on that which cover material you pick actually depends on what your big concern is. If it’s durability and distance, choose Surlyn. But if you want to purchase soft-feel golf balls, then urethane is definitely the better choice.
Number of Layers
How many pieces – 2-piece, 3-piece, or multi-layered – plays a major role when it comes to ball flight and distance.
The most inexpensive or affordable of the lot are 2-piece golf balls. These are the most durable and resistant to scuffs, cuts, and scratches. They’re actually the best for beginners and high handicappers because of their ability to produce greater distances.
As for 3-piece golf balls, they’re the best of both worlds – distance and ball flight control (not just one or the other). Plus, these offer a slightly higher greenside spin. But then the feel of 3-piece is softer than 2-piece. In that case, 3-piece golf balls are suitable for those beginners who are looking for a softer feel with more distance.
And then you have multi-layered golf balls specifically engineered for better players. Only faster swing speeds of more advanced golfers can actually make an impact on the hardened core of these kinds of golf balls to generate the desired distance while also providing greater iron spin for extra control. The only drawback here is the least amount of durability and wear resistance.
Dimple Design
Anything between 300 and 500 dimples is good enough. But don’t get too hung up on the number of dimples. Instead, what’s more important is if the dimple pattern features an aerodynamic design. These types of beginner-specific golf balls minimize drag to keep the ball flight more accurate, smoother, and longer.
With shallower and wider dimples, you get high launch and lower spin rate (the most ideal combination for beginners indeed). And when the dimples are smaller and deeper, higher backspin and lower flight are inevitable. No doubt, it’s the former condition (high launch + low spin) that yields extra yardages.
Spin Rate
A whole section is dedicated to spin because that’s how important it is here. Low-spin golf balls are the best for beginners. Hence, choose 2-piece golf balls since they generate the least amount of spin.
It’s mostly professional golfers who play high-spin golf balls since these demand more skill and control on the part of the player.
Price
Losing golf balls is a big part of the learning-how-to-golf process, and even more so if the course you play at consists of many hazards. So wouldn’t it be better if you lost inexpensive or cheap balls? If you get the reasonableness of that, then pay close attention to how much a dozen golf balls cost.
The best part is that there’s no shortage of affordable golf balls, even manufactured by top brands like Callaway, Titleist, etc.
Beginners Often Want to Know – FAQs
Are Soft or Hard Golf Balls Best for Beginners?
As a beginner, you’re most likely to have a slow swing speed. So, at such times, a soft golf ball means low compression, which means quick responsiveness. Therefore, much easier to control around and on the greens and certainly a lot more forgiving as well.
With that logic, you can easily send a soft golf ball flying high and long off the tee even with a below-average swing speed.
Do Golf Balls Really Matter for Beginners?
If what you want to know is if golf balls actually make a difference for beginners, then the answer is YES. How many layers it has, what cover material is used, what is the compression rating of the ball, and things like that do indeed affect performance. For instance, low compression is more suitable for beginners while high compression for more advanced players.
Likewise, hard cover and soft core golf balls are also perfect for newbies and also high handicappers. Such a golfer must also stay away from high-end, premium balls since he’s highly prone to slicing his/her shots.
What Are the Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers?
Beginners and high handicappers can use the same kind of golf balls. So that would be 2-piece golf balls with a low compression rating and spin rate. This type of construction seems to work just fine when it comes to covering longer yardages or when enhancing greenside feel and control.
On top of that, 2-piece golf balls are very affordable, which means a great value that pairs up well with outstanding performance.
DO NOT choose multi-layered golf balls if you’re a high handicapper or beginner since they fail to boost consistency. Only fewer layers and a lower compression rating shall do that for you!
How Many Golf Balls Do Beginners Carry?
In your golf bag, you can carry as many as 9 golf balls per round of golf (avid golfers do that). But then there’s no specified limit actually.
As for beginners, they honestly just require maybe 3 golf balls for one round. Unless, of course, you’re prone to losing balls more frequently or if you’re golfing on a course with just too many water hazards.
Final Thoughts
Let me just take a moment and mention that it’s definitely not easy choosing golf balls that match your swing speed, handicap, and other such determinants. But then this means all the more reason to make extra efforts to hit upon the right kind of golf balls. Because, just like no two golfers are the same, no two golf balls are the same either.
Those with a slow swing speed choose low compression because that really knows how to maximize speed and distance despite shortcomings. Then there are golfers for whom soft feel matters, so they prefer using urethane cover golf balls. There are also a few beginners who are more concerned with a more short game spin while some want to minimize spin.
All of that is taken into consideration in this article indeed. Every important aspect or trait has been discussed, so you can make a more well-informed decision.
