The 12 best golf balls on the market

 

With all the big gear arriving periodically every
season—the flash drivers, sparkling irons, and game-changing putters—new golf
balls sometimes escape our attention. 

However, playing with the right model is essential
as a golf ball is the one piece of equipment you use on every shot.

Below are some of the best golf balls on the market. We’ve covered the highest quality products and their mid-price counterparts, so even those shopping on a budget can get the best value for their money. 

 

Srixon

Premium price:

1. Z-Star (£34.95) & Z-Star XV (£34.99)

SeRM (Slide Ring Material) may sound a bit of a
mouthful, but we’re talking about greater spin. A softer cover than previous
generations, it digs into clubhead grooves to generate more greenside and
approach control.

Other features and benefits of this ball include aerodynamic improvements for greater flight, a new FastLayer core for a softer feel and increased speed. Golfers should also find that these balls are resistant to scratches and wear.

 

Mid-price:

2. Srixon Soft Feel (£23.00, RRP 24.99)

How will
an extra 14 dimples affect performance (338 compared to 324 on the previous
model)?

Well, Srixon says it creates a longer and more stable flight, while the new FastLayer core should generate extra yards off the tee for those golfers with slower swing speeds.

We’re offering 12 FREE Srixon balls for a limited time only. Simply become a Golf Care policyholder or refer a friend who takes out a policy, and this exclusive gift is yours. Find out more.

 

Titleist

Premium price:

3. Titleist Pro V1 (£44.99) & Titleist Pro V1X (£44.99)

Last year, the best balls in golf arrived in shops,
having undergone a significant rebuild. Titleist focused on increasing
long-game performance without impacting its short-game qualities.

The casing layer below the cover has been thickened, whilst the cast urethane elastomer cover is thinner. The result? Greater ball speed and more long-game spin for greater distance.

 

4. Titleist AVX (£48)

Like the Titleist’s Pro V1 and V1x, the new AVX is also designed to offer all-around performance from tee to green. Of the three models, it offers the lowest spin, launch, and the softest feel, earning it its spot on our list of the best golf balls.

 

Mid-price:

5. Titleist Tour Soft (£29.99)

This model features the largest core ever produced by Titleist, which helps generate longer distance. It means a thinner cover, which generates increased short game spin. Meanwhile, the Tour Soft “T” side stamp offers users alignment assistance.

 

TaylorMade

Premium price:

6. TP5 (£41.99), TP5x (£41.99), TP5 Pix (£44.99)

TaylorMade’s premium offering features a new
‘high-flex’ material. Its Tri-Fast core consists of an extra-large inner core
wrapped in increasingly stiffer materials, which helps generate more speed.

Meanwhile, the brand-new TP5 Pix model features ClearPath alignment. The 12 pixelated, triangle-shaped graphics provide immediate feedback on how the ball rolls. Rickie Fowler played a significant role in shaping its design—and he’s not a bad putter, is he?

 

Mid-price:

7. TaylorMade Tour Response (£34.99)

High performance at a lower price—sounds good,
right? ‘Easy to play, easier to afford’ is the strapline TaylorMade uses to
describe this new three-piece model.

Its ultra-low 40 compression core should offer a softer feel while maximising energy transfer at impact for more distance.

 

Callaway

Premium price:

8. Callaway Chrome Soft (£44.99) & Callaway Chrome Soft X (£34.69)

The latest generation Chrome Soft balls have been
designed with a larger core, which helps produce a higher launch and lower
spin.

Meanwhile, the thinner, firmer outer core offers
enhanced durability and wedge spin.

In addition, a new High-Speed Mantle System with a new proprietary Ionomer blend helps create more efficient energy and faster ball speeds.

 

Mid-price:

9. Callaway ERC Soft (£32.99)

Callaway’s extensive line-up of balls includes a new
model named after its founder, Ely Reeves Callaway. Based on robot testing,
this is the brand’s longest golf ball with a soft feel.

The multi-material cover creates faster ball speeds for longer distances, a soft feel, and higher spin for improved control around the green. Meanwhile, “Triple Track Technology” helps improve alignment and accuracy.

 

Mizuno

Premium price:

10. RB Tour (£34.99) & RB Tour X (£34.99)

In 2019, Mizuno—renowned for its eye-catching and
high-performing irons—released two premium golf balls.

Its Cone Profile Dimple (C-Simple) creates more trigger points to keep fast-flowing air close to the ball’s surface, which reduces drag. In addition, its high-traction urethane cover is designed to improve greenside performance.

 

Wilson Staff

Mid-price:

11. Duo Professional (£31.95)

Here’s one to try if you’re on a stricter budget
when it comes to reloading the golf bag. It was launched as the world’s softest
three-piece urethane ball, offering a superb feel.

Not only that, but it also comes in various matte colour ways—including green and orange. These are not to everyone’s taste, but a ball that’s easier to find has its plus points.

 

Also worth trying…

Mid-price:

12. Volvik Vivid (£34.99)

You may have seen one of these glowing in the rough
during winter. We have Volvik to thank for matte-finished balls–but are they
just a gimmick?

The reviews tend to suggest otherwise. Volvik has
become a popular choice for those with slower swing speeds, and four players in
the LPGA are currently using their balls. 

Next time you’re down the club, grab a word with
your teaching pro, who can advise on what model will help your game. A
30-minute ball fitting might not sound as riveting as getting kitted out for
new irons but finding the best golf balls can dramatically impact your game.

Now we’ve reached the end of our list, you may wonder, what are the best golf balls? Volvik could soon overtake some of the bigger names in the industry thanks to their rising popularity. Watch this space.

 

If you buy a new set of golf balls, you may want to protect them and the rest of your equipment through specialist golf insurance.

With Golf Care, your equipment is covered against theft, loss, and damage up
to the value of £7,500. You’ll also receive Public Liability cover up to £10m
and 12 FREE Srixon soft feel balls, among other perks.

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