You’d be fooling yourself if you actually thought that golf is every man or woman’s game. This particular sport has always appealed more to the wealthy. Because golf, in no way, is a cheap sport or even hobby to get into. Take these most expensive golf balls in the world as a clear example of just how much we’re willing to pay for premium, high-performance golf balls.
Now that’s not to say that comparatively more affordable equipment is not available. Of course, there are low-priced golf balls, golf clubs, etc. But then golf gear, in general, is quite expensive.
However, to a certain extent, you may find the exorbitantly high price of a golf club set justifiable but that’s not the case with golf balls. In fact, the chances are that you might not even get that super-expensive golf ball back after you take your shot.
Nevertheless, time to find out which golf balls are they in the first place and what’s so “special” about them.
In This Post
- Top 10 Premium Golf Balls for Your Game
- 1. TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball ($38)
- 2. Callaway 2020 Chrome Soft Golf Balls ($79)
- 3. Dixon Fire Golf Balls ($70)
- 4. Titleist AVX Golf Balls ($72)
- 5. TaylorMade TP5 & TP5x Golf Balls ($48)
- 6. Titleist Pro V1x Golf Balls ($50)
- 7. Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS Model ($48)
- 8. Polara Self-Correcting Golf Balls ($45)
- 9. XXIO 2020 Eleven Golf Balls ($50)
- What Makes A Golf Ball So Expensive?
- Do You Need to Purchase the Most Expensive Golf Balls?
- Do the Most Expensive Golf Balls Make A Difference?
- Now It’s Time to Compare – Cheap vs. Expensive Golf Balls
- How Much Should I Spend On Golf Balls Anyway?
- And That’s A Wrap!
Top 10 Premium Golf Balls for Your Game
1. TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball ($38)
- Urethane golf balls for a premium feel
- Ultra-low compression – max. rebound during impact
- 3-piece construction always delivers faster ball speed
- Cast urethane cover also increases durability
- Short game spin rate is not the best
First off, coming across a low-compression, urethane cover golf ball is next to impossible. That’s why one should cherish TaylorMade Tour Response. It’s every bit as remarkable as its high cost. It’s quite a fitting choice for low handicappers, young or senior. You get an exceptionally soft feel, wonderful greenside spin, and great distance.
And to be honest, the price seems very sensible to me because of so much that has gone into creating this golf ball. A crosslinked chemical reaction that improves shear resistance, an increase in elasticity of the components for a soft, flexible feel, and better groove interaction to produce higher backspin.
2. Callaway 2020 Chrome Soft Golf Balls ($79)
- Tour-grade soft feel and high performance
- Larger, faster core increases distance and launch
- Higher ball speed with the new Ionomer blend
- Short game spin is maximized with the stiff mantle
- Can come off as too soft, feel-wise
Even more expensive than TaylorMade Tour Response is Callaway Chrome Soft. And it’s loud and clear that Chrome Soft is built specifically for mid-handicap to low-handicap fast-swing players. Too expensive agreed but then ask any Tour-level or more skilled golfer and they’ll surely tell you that these golf balls are worth every penny because every stroke matters.
The subtle softness is comparable to the most popular Titleist Pro V1. And why wouldn’t this be when there’s a more resilient, thinner cover for not just soft feel but also high spin (short game) and a combination of low spin and high ball speed (on full shots).
3. Dixon Fire Golf Balls ($70)
- Eco-friendly, multi-layered golf balls
- 318 Tour Precision dimple pattern boosts carry distance
- Flies a long way AND spins around those greens
- Best for low-handicap, fast-swing players
- Not the most wear-resistant
You could ditch TaylorMade and Callaway and do it the Dixon way! Dixon Fire ranks among the top 10 most expensive golf balls for all the right and valid reasons.
First of all, it’s an eco-friendly golf ball (how many of those have you come across!). Despite that, Dixon Fire Golf Balls are designed for more experienced players who demand only the best spin, feel, durability, and distance of course. Feel and distance combine together to give even Pro V1 by Titleist a run for their money.
But then when you compare it to Pro V1, Dixon Fire tends to wear out sooner. So that’s a huge disappointment considering the higher cost of Dixon. But then Pro V1 doesn’t have a recyclable elastodynamic urethane cover like this one. Also, Pro V1 isn’t equipped with Ignite technology infused into a high-intensity core.
4. Titleist AVX Golf Balls ($72)
- Soft-feel, very durable golf balls
- Spin rate is perfectly low on full shots
- Short game control is the best
- Just not for slow-swing golfers
I can give you 6 reasons off the bat why I think Titleist AVX is worth spending your money on. It’s actually also one of the most expensive used golf balls. Back to the point…
Reason #1 is that AVX has the softest feel – you can really feel and hear the difference. Reason #2 – these Titleist golf balls, off the putter, are easy to control (just like Pro V1). Another reason takes the form of reduced driver spin. So you can counterbalance your high-launching driver that automatically generates higher spin with low-spin Titleist AVX.
Speaking of launch angle, with these golf balls, achieving the perfect launch is also possible. And this launch angle gradually and very seamlessly reduces once you make your way through your golf club set. So by the time you reach the wedges, you’re sure to not notice much difference in the minimization of launch. Like I said, very seamless transition indeed.
Gaining more yardages (a 10-percent increase is guaranteed) is another reason. And lastly, the yellow color of the golf balls. Therefore, ball flight is easily visible. Once again, another premium golf ball has proved to be better than Pro V1, but this time by the same brand.
5. TaylorMade TP5 & TP5x Golf Balls ($48)
- More reactive, expanded core for faster ball speed
- Highest-spinning, softest Tour-level performance
- 5-layered construction maximizes wedge spin
- Advanced aerodynamics also boosts ball speed
- Graphics are great but a bit distracting
- Not the most durable cover
These TaylorMade golf balls travel a mile when hit with driver and woods. At the same time, they stop and are able to back up quite a bit with your irons. On top of that, the graphics definitely set a new benchmark, even though they seem to be lined up a little less accurately. Also, when the ball rolls, these graphics can be a slight distraction.
Agreed that some extra effort on your part is required for getting acquainted with the additional distance unleashed by these TaylorMade golf balls. But once that happens, you just can’t go wrong.
Tour Flight dimple pattern with advanced aerodynamics increased carry distance while also providing all the stopping power one needs with their long irons. And then there’s the urethane cover as well for increasing greenside spin, precision, and control.
6. Titleist Pro V1x Golf Balls ($50)
- Distance-boosting dual core with high-speed casing
- Soft-feel urethane cover produces more greenside spin
- Aerodynamic dimple pattern also maximizes distance
- Long off the driver with green-holding power on iron shots
- They scuff very easily
Titleist Pro V1x ranks as the #1 Tour golf ball worldwide, so why would it be anything less than a premium choice! Also, it’s not as expensive as you think, surely not the most expensive ball – TaylorMade AVX, Callaway Chrome Soft, and Dixon Fire are higher priced indeed.
And since the competitors seem to perform pretty much like Pro V1, bringing Pro V1x into the picture instead felt like a more practical decision. For avid golfers, Titleist Pro V1x can really assist when it comes to lowering scores. Better spin, feel, and control are what set apart this most expensive single golf ball.
Even average-level golfers appreciate the 4-piece construction here, although it may make take a while to get used to if you’ve only been playing with 2-piece golf balls. But switching to 4-piece is certainly an upgrade because of the greater mis-hit forgiveness, higher trajectory, and improved durability that come along.
7. Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS Model ($48)
- REACTIV urethane cover for increased distance
- Dual Dimple produces a more active trajectory
- Shock-absorbing, hence greater greenside control
- None so far
Bridgestone Golf has been spotted at the Tour level. Players like Tiger Woods, Lexi Thompson, Fred Couples, and Bryson DeChambeau have praised the innovation, control, consistency, feel, distance, and spin brought about by Bridgestone golf balls.
If the high price is not enough to make you believe anything, then how about you trust my Tour-level Senior judgment instead. I have used Bridgestone Tour B XS and I’ve let its REACTIV urethane cover completely transform my game. Around and on the green, these balls give you the softest feel, along with remarkable control, spin, and force of impact.
The dimple pattern/technology, i.e. aerodynamics, is great for producing minimum drag and maximum trajectory. Tiger Woods has used these Tour-grade golf balls for gaining more control and spin. And there’s no reason why you can’t do the same provided you too have a swing speed of 105 mph.
8. Polara Self-Correcting Golf Balls ($45)
- Anti-slice, anti-hook golf balls
- 3-piece construction for soft feel, forgiveness, and control
- Extra greenside spin and green-holding power
- The cover starts to wear off very quickly
- You have to align the ball for every shot
If you’ve waited and worked long enough to hit those drives straighter and straighter and longer and longer, it’s time to try out these Self-Correcting Golf Balls by Polara.
You pay more for straighter drives of course, but also for greater confidence on your approach shots as well as off the tee. Plus, the white color is perfect for keeping the cover bright for visibility.
These 3-piece golf balls correct your slices and hooks, no doubt. Meaning they cut them down by at least half while also adding extra distance. It’s a very useful pick, albeit a costly one, for every recreational golfer out there who demands higher greenside spin control as well.
9. XXIO 2020 Eleven Golf Balls ($50)
- 3-piece golf balls for better feel and forgiveness
- Good greenside spin and FastLayer distance-enhancing core
- Made for golfers with a slow swing speed
- Not for fast-speed players
You really don’t have to be a low-handicap or fast-swing golfer to choose premium. Even if your swing speed is below average, which is less than 90 mph, you can still go for the expensive lot of golf balls. Although you should then take into account that, as a weaker player, you lose more golf balls.
Anyway, XXIO 2020 Eleven Golf Balls are high-performing and there’s no questioning their authenticity. Even the quality of these balls is not disappointing when compared to top brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, Bridgestone, and the like.
The premium 3-piece construction appeals the most to mid-handicap golfers since it gives them the advantage over the short game without compromising distance. For pretty much the same reason, even higher handicappers prefer 3-piece golf balls because of the incredibly soft feel and greater distance.
What Makes A Golf Ball So Expensive?
When you take a golf ball and split it open, for instance, you’ll see that it consists of more than just a single layer. Rather there are multiple layers. And the higher the number of layers, the more research and development has gone into the golf ball. Hence, more money. And that explains the higher selling price of that golf ball.
At the core of every golf ball, there’s an artificial or synthetic compound. And outside, there’s the cover. But what determines the cost is what kind of materials are used and technologies infused for creating this core and cover.
Do You Need to Purchase the Most Expensive Golf Balls?
More often than not, these are premium multi-layered golf balls that feature a softer-feel urethane cover. Naturally, this does sound a big deal, which it actually is in terms of performance.
But then not all golfers really benefit from this except those who don’t struggle with their short game anymore. However, if you still do, then your set of skills would be better off with more inexpensive and lower-priced golf balls.
Do the Most Expensive Golf Balls Make A Difference?
Truth be told, when golf balls are priced quite high, it simply means they’re engineered to increase greenside spin and provide a softer feel during impact. And these are added benefits that do not usually appeal to average golfers if you ask me.
So if you too are an average golfer, then why bother paying more for golf balls when you can probably use that same dough to improve your swing.
Now It’s Time to Compare – Cheap vs. Expensive Golf Balls
1. Construction
This is probably the most telling difference between high-priced and low-priced golf balls. Because the latter is made using fewer materials, thus fewer layers or pieces. The primary goal here is to focus on just one thing. And that goal could be anything from a longer distance to higher trajectory and lower spin.
For example, 2-piece construction golf balls are the best for boosting distance.
And then you have more layers added into the mix – 3-piece, 4-piece, and 5-piece golf balls (by default, they’re higher priced). The extra layers here are put in place to achieve more in terms of advanced performance off the tee, fairway, as well as green.
2. Material
You don’t exactly have to be a Senior Tour professional like me to know that superior quality equipment means spending more money. And with superior quality comes superior performance too. For instance, golf balls that are very expensive can give you less long-game spin and, at the same time, more short-game spin.
Mostly, the expensive lot features softer-feel cover materials, such as urethane.
3. Feel
After construction, I think it’s the feel of the golf balls that is quite noticeable when comparing the two ends of the price range spectrum. Expensive ones definitely feel so much better at impact, whether off the tee or the green. By better, I mean softer to hand over more control and spin.
On the other hand, you have cheaper golf balls that feel like a rock when you strike them. And because of this unfavorable hard feel, greenside distance control becomes tricky.
4. Durability
It’s only logical to assume that lower-priced golf balls aren’t going to last as long as their premium counterparts. But then you also have to take into consideration that cheaper balls, since they have a more firm feel, are made of a thicker outer material and harder internal core. And this surely is less likely to get and look all beaten up sooner than you can imagine.
While the more expensive golf balls, just because they feature a more responsive or reactive core and thinner cover, tend to show signs of wear and tear very easily. Urethane covers, after all, are softer. As a result of which, they’re less durable than, for example, economical Surlyn golf balls.
But then if you end up losing your golf balls all the time, durability shouldn’t be a concern at all.
5. Spin
You get more spin from a higher-end golf ball and even greater stopping power. This is how distance control becomes so much easier when chipping with a premium golf ball.
But then this doesn’t mean weekend golfers who fail to generate enough spin should spend more money on golf balls. Rather use that same money to actually learn how to create more spin.
The extra spin is actually a huge benefit for better players who want to increase spin as much as possible as a part of their playing strategy. So in that case, you can differentiate between a low-priced and high-priced golf ball.
6. Compression
Playing the wrong compression means choosing a golf ball that doesn’t match your swing speed, hence it can ruin your whole game. As a rule of thumb, high-compression golf balls are for faster-swing players and low-compression golf balls for slower swing speeds. With a low compression rating, it’s easier to gain extra distances despite being a slow-speed golfer.
As for expensive or premium golf balls, these are mostly high-compression ones. So once again, it has been proven that the expensive kind is better suited for low handicappers with a swing speed above average (that is above 90-95 mph).
How Much Should I Spend On Golf Balls Anyway?
A dozen golf balls can cost you as low as $10-$15 or as high as $50-$70. It’s the average or amateur golfer that often chooses the mid-range – golf balls priced at $20-$30. And this is usually the 3-piece construction. Below that, you’ll get only 2-piece golf balls. And above that, there are 4-piece and 5-piece golf balls, the most expensive of the lot.
Now what should be your price point hugely depends on how much golf you play. If you’re a recreational golfer, no sense in spending huge sums of money on the premium kind. At such times, cheaper-priced 2-piece golf balls are perfect for slower swing speeds. As opposed to expensive Tour-level golf balls that can only be controlled via a faster swing speed.
And That’s A Wrap!
It’s the lower handicappers that can use premium golf balls to their advantage. But there are a few choices for mid-handicap and even fewer for high-handicap golfers too. Just keep in mind that high-end golf balls produce more greenside spin. And only if they’re long off the tee as well can someone who’s not a fast-swing player benefit.
The higher price is often a result of using more advanced materials. For instance, in the case of Dixon, the price is on the more expensive side because the brand decided to use an eco-friendly cast urethane cover.
