Best Beginner Golf Balls In 2024 - Review & Buying Guide
- Tom Ewins
- May 30, 2022
- 15 min read
Updated: Mar 12, 2024
You have finally decided to get your own set of clubs and have been digging through information to find out what's best for you. Got the perfect golf bag and the best looking covers and hopefully you used our guide on The best beginner golf irons.
But you have forgotten one thing, Golf Balls. You can't go out on the golf course without these.
"Does it really matter i'll use any". That could be a big mistake for new golfers and this is why we have created the Best Beginners Golf Balls list.
So, golf balls can make big difference to your game, not necessarily in terms of distance but on how the ball feels when you hit it. Also what kind of ball is best for you whether it be a hard golf ball or a soft golf ball.
Here are our Best Picks For Those Of You That Are In A Hurry
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Best All Round Beginner Golf Ball
-- Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball --
The Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball stands out for beginners, combining distance, control, and a soft feel to enhance overall play.
Its forgiveness improves enjoyment, while the low compression core aids players with slower swing speeds.
Designed for versatility and durability, it's visible, resilient, and offers great value, making it an ideal, budget-friendly choice for new golfers focused on game improvement.
Best Budget Beginner Golf Ball
-- Rife RX5 Tour Feel Golf Ball --
The Rife RX5 Tour Feel Golf Ball stands out as an excellent budget-friendly option for beginners.
This is thanks to its soft feel that aids in shot feedback, enhanced control for improving short game accuracy, and impressive distance capabilities off the tee.
Its durable construction withstands frequent practice, offering great value.
Priced accessibly, it allows new golfers to enjoy high-quality performance and focus on honing their skills, making it a practical choice for those new to the sport seeking comprehensive game improvement.
Rife also have a great Beginner Golf Set. Check it out here: Rife RX5 Package Set Review
Best Beginner Golf Ball For Slow Swing Speeds
-- Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball --
The Callaway Supersoft golf ball is ideal for beginners with slow swing speeds, thanks to its ultra-low compression core that maximizes distance and reduces spin for straighter shots.
It offers a soft feel for better feedback, improved accuracy, and control, all while being forgiving on mis-hits.
Coupled with its affordability, the Supersoft makes it easier for new golfers to enjoy and improve their game without a hefty investment, blending premium features into a budget-friendly package.
Check out this video on why golf balls matter.
For those of you who a more in depth dive into some of the best golf balls on the market then please keep reading.
What We Look For In A Beginner Golf Ball
We have looked at 4 main areas when it comes to beginner golf balls in this list these are:
Spin - How easy is it to place spin upon the golf ball
Compression - How much does the golf ball compress
Construction - How the golf ball is constructed and how it helps
Durability - How long will the golf ball last
We use these factors to determine what golf ball is good for beginners and what isn't.
Below you will find a
Best Beginner Golf Ball List
-- Srixon AD333 Golf Ball --
Balanced Performance: It offers a great mix of distance, durability, and a soft feel. This balance is crucial for beginners who need a forgiving ball that still provides feedback on their shots.
Spin Control: The AD333 is designed with a lower spin rate off the driver, which helps beginners achieve straighter, longer drives—a common challenge for new players. Yet, it still provides enough spin around the greens for shot-making control.
Soft Feel: Its softer feel is comforting on impact, making it easier for beginners to gauge their shot quality and improve their swing based on tactile feedback.
Visibility and Durability: The ball’s visual design and construction make it easy to locate on the course, while its durability means it can withstand the rigors of learning the game, providing long-lasting playability.
Value: With a price point that’s accessible for beginners, the AD333 offers advanced technologies and performance benefits without the premium cost, making it an excellent choice for those new to the game or on a budget.
American Golf
-- Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball --
Distance Optimization: Engineered for maximum distance, the Pinnacle Rush helps beginners extend their drives and achieve longer shots with less effort, a key factor in building confidence on the course.
Durable Design: It’s built to be durable, allowing it to withstand the frequent use (and occasional misuse) typical of beginner play. This durability means new golfers can practice more without frequently replacing their balls.
Soft Feel: Despite its focus on distance, the Pinnacle Rush provides a sufficiently soft feel on impact. This feedback is important for beginners to refine their swing and feel connected to the game.
High-Speed Core: Its high-speed, low-spin core is designed to aid beginners by enhancing distance and improving the straightness of shots, reducing the effects of common errors like slices or hooks.
Affordability: Priced accessibly, the Pinnacle Rush offers beginners the opportunity to use a high-performance golf ball without the premium cost. This makes it easier for new players to invest in other areas of their game.
Where To Buy:
Amazon
-- Callaway Warbird Golf Ball --
Designed for Distance: The Warbird is engineered to maximize distance, featuring a larger, high-energy core that helps beginners drive the ball farther. This can be especially encouraging for new players looking to increase their range.
Durable Cover: With a durable ionomer cover, the Warbird withstands the wear and tear of beginner play, making it a cost-effective choice for those still mastering their swings.
Reduced Spin: It offers reduced spin off the tee, which can help in achieving straighter shots. This reduction in side spin is crucial for beginners who are working on their accuracy and consistency.
Two-Piece Construction: The simple two-piece construction of the Warbird makes it an ideal choice for beginners. It provides a good blend of distance and feel without the complexity of more advanced golf balls, simplifying the game for newcomers.
Value for Money: Priced affordably, the Warbird allows beginners to enjoy the benefits of a high-quality Callaway golf ball without breaking the bank. This affordability ensures that new golfers can focus on improving their game without worrying about the cost of equipment.
Where To Buy:
American Golf
-- Taylormade RBZ Soft Golf Ball --
Soft Feel: True to its name, the RBZ Soft provides a very soft feel upon impact, which is beneficial for beginners as it offers better feedback and control. This can help new players improve their feel for the game and shot precision.
Distance Performance: Engineered to enhance distance, the RBZ Soft is designed for players who seek to extend their reach on the course. This is particularly encouraging for beginners looking to see tangible improvements in their driving distance.
Low Drag Aerodynamics: The ball features a dimple pattern optimized for low drag, which promotes a higher launch and longer carry. This aerodynamic efficiency is great for beginners, enabling them to achieve more satisfying flight and distance even with slower swing speeds.
Durability: It has a durable ionomer cover that resists scuffs and cuts, ensuring the ball lasts longer even with regular use. This durability is crucial for beginners who may be practicing frequently and hitting various surfaces.
Affordable Quality: Offering TaylorMade’s quality at an accessible price point, the RBZ Soft is an attractive option for beginners. It allows them to benefit from a high-performance ball without the high cost, making the game more accessible and enjoyable.
Where To Buy:
Amazon
-- Titleist Tour Soft Golf Ball --
Performance Balance: Offers a mix of long distance, soft feel, and control, aiding in overall game improvement for beginners.
Forgiveness: Designed to minimize the effects of mis-hits, making the game more enjoyable for new players.
Soft Compression: Features a low compression core for a softer impact feel, beneficial for beginners with slower swing speeds.
Construction: Two-piece construction tailored for versatile performance, ideal for beginners unfamiliar with complex ball designs.
Visibility and Durability: High-visibility options and a durable cover make it easy to track and resilient to wear and tear.
Value for Money: Provides premium ball features at an accessible price, allowing beginners to invest in other golf areas.
Where To Buy:
American Golf
-- Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball --
Soft Feel: The HEX Soft is engineered to provide a supremely soft feel upon impact, which is crucial for beginners as it helps in developing a better sense of touch and control over their shots.
HEX Aerodynamics: Equipped with Callaway’s patented HEX Aerodynamics, this ball reduces drag and promotes stable, long flights. This technology is especially beneficial for beginners, aiding them in achieving greater distance with improved accuracy.
Low Compression Core: The low compression core of the HEX Soft enhances energy transfer from the club to the ball, allowing for increased distance even at lower swing speeds. This feature is particularly advantageous for beginners who are still developing their swing.
Enhanced Forgiveness: The overall design of the HEX Soft golf ball lends itself to increased forgiveness, helping to minimize the effects of off-center hits. This can lead to more consistent play and confidence building for novice golfers.
Value for Money: Offering Callaway’s renowned quality at a budget-friendly price point, the HEX Soft presents an attractive option for beginners. It allows them to enjoy the benefits of a premium brand while focusing on game improvement without significant financial investment.
Where To Buy:
Amazon
-- Rife RX5 Tour Feel Golf Ball --
Soft Feel:Â It provides a soft feel upon impact, which is beneficial for beginners learning to gauge their shots and seeking immediate feedback for improvement.
Enhanced Control:Â Designed to offer increased control on the green, the RX5 Tour Feel helps beginners work on their short game, improving accuracy and confidence.
Distance: Despite its soft feel, it’s engineered for impressive distance off the tee, aiding beginners in covering more ground with fewer strokes.
Durability:Â The RX5 Tour Feel is made to last, offering good resistance to wear and tear, which is economical for beginners practicing frequently.
Price Point:Â Priced as a budget-friendly option, it allows beginners to access high-quality performance without a significant investment, making it easier to focus on developing their skills.
Where To Buy:
American Golf
-- Wilson Duo Soft Golf Ball --
Ultra-Soft Feel: With one of the lowest compression rates in the market, the Duo Soft provides an exceptionally soft feel, which is beneficial for beginners by offering superior feedback and control on shots, enhancing the learning experience.
Improved Distance: Despite its softness, the Duo Soft is engineered for optimal distance, helping beginners achieve longer drives and more satisfying overall play without needing to perfect their swing speed.
Straight Flight: The ball is designed to reduce spin off the tee, leading to straighter flight paths. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners, as it minimizes the effects of slices or hooks and improves accuracy.
Durable Construction: It boasts a resilient ionomer cover that withstands the rigors of frequent play, making it a durable option for beginners who are still fine-tuning their technique and may hit various surfaces.
Affordable Performance: Offering the benefits of a soft, low-compression golf ball at an accessible price, the Duo Soft allows beginners to enjoy high-quality performance without a significant investment, making golf more enjoyable and less financially burdensome.
Where To Buy:
American Golf
-- TaylorMade Soft Response Golf Ball --
Soft Feel: Its design emphasizes a soft feel upon impact, crucial for beginners as it aids in better shot feedback and control. This softness is particularly helpful in developing a more nuanced approach to both long and short games.
Extended Flight: The Soft Response is engineered with a ZnO Flex Coreâ„¢ that optimizes energy transfer for higher launch and longer flight, assisting beginners in achieving more distance from their shots without requiring high swing speeds.
Durable Cover: It features a durable, soft ionomer cover that not only contributes to the ball’s soft feel but also ensures it can withstand the wear and tear of regular play, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent practice.
Improved Aerodynamics: Utilizing TaylorMade’s Extended Flight Dimple Pattern, the Soft Response enhances lift for longer carry distances while maintaining stability in the air, beneficial for beginners aiming for greater consistency in their game.
Value-Oriented: Offering TaylorMade’s premium ball technology at an accessible price point, the Soft Response provides beginners with an affordable option to play a high-performance ball, balancing quality and cost to support ongoing development.
Where To Buy:
Amazon
-- Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball --
Ultra-Low Compression: Its ultra-low compression core is the hallmark feature, which increases the deformation of the ball at impact, leading to less spin and more distance for players with slower swing speeds.
Soft Feel: The Supersoft lives up to its name by providing a soft feel on all shots, which is encouraging for beginners as it enhances the sensation of contact and provides valuable feedback on each stroke.
Improved Accuracy and Control: The low spin from the ultra-low compression core also aids in straighter flights, reducing slices or hooks that can frustrate beginners. This leads to improved accuracy and control, helping new golfers to develop confidence.
Distance: Despite the soft feel, this ball is designed for distance. Beginners with slow swing speeds can still achieve satisfying yardage off the tee and with longer clubs, making the game more enjoyable.
Forgiveness: The overall design of the Supersoft promotes forgiveness, making it easier for beginners to get good results even on off-center hits.
Price Point: Offering these premium features at an affordable price makes the Callaway Supersoft an attractive choice for beginners, allowing them to use a high-quality ball without a significant investment.
Where To Buy:
American Golf
-- Srixon Ultisoft Golf Ball --
Ultra-Soft Feel: The UltiSoft lives up to its name by providing an exceptionally soft feel on impact, beneficial for beginners as it helps in enhancing touch and control, particularly on short game shots.
Low Compression Core: Its low compression core is tailored for golfers with moderate swing speeds, maximizing energy transfer for improved distance and a softer feel, making it easier for beginners to achieve satisfying results with less effort.
Improved Accuracy: The ball’s construction is designed to reduce spin off the tee, resulting in straighter flight paths. This feature is invaluable for beginners by helping to minimize the effects of slices or hooks and promoting more consistent and accurate drives.
Durable and Soft Cover: Equipped with a durable yet soft cover, the UltiSoft ensures longevity and a gentle feel, making it a practical option for beginners who are in the process of refining their skills and may encounter various playing conditions.
Affordability: With a focus on offering advanced technology at a budget-friendly price, the Srixon UltiSoft enables beginners to experience the benefits of a premium golf ball without the high cost, aiding in their golfing journey without straining their budget.
Where To Buy:
American Golf
So there you have it, our list on the Best Beginner Golf Balls. Every golf ball has its own unique feature and there is one suitable for every golfer.
If you have not yet got all of your golf equipment checkout our Best Golf Club Sets For Beginners and our Top 10 Classic Golf Shoes
FAQ
Difference Between Soft & Hard Golf Balls
So, as beginner golfers you could be seeing a few different results with your swing.
Firstly, you are not getting much distance
Secondly you are either slicing the ball or hooking it.
Yes this mostly comes down to your swing, but having the correct ball can make a difference too.
If your struggling with distance then this could be due to a slower swing speed. Slower swing speeds are great for beginners as it can help you get your timing and your tempo right.
Unfortunately this does not offer much in terms of distance.
Changing your golf ball to a soft ball (low compression) will help you get a little extra distance. Essentially as you make contact the ball will compress and spring away from the club face causing increased speed as it leaves the club head.
This helps to get maximum distance out of the golf balls and the softer feel will give you a lot more forgiveness in your golf shot.
Harder golf balls offer less in compression and more spin off the tee. If you have a higher swing speed and don't need help with distance this may work for you.
Unfortunately harder golf balls do not offer the forgiveness that soft golf balls do. This is why they are usually used by mid to low handicappers. They do offer a lot more in terms of shot shaping though.
If you are to produce a draw or a fade then a harder golf ball will make this easier. It will also offer a lot more control around the green as you can add more spin to a harder golf ball. Spin rate can make a big difference around the green and help to give you that 'bite' people often talk about.
So, for a beginnner we recommend that you use a softer golf ball as it offers a lot more when your learning the game and working on your stroke. Changing to a harder golf ball may be beneficial to you as you get better in the game.
Cheap vs Expensive Golf Balls?
As a beginner the same goes with most golf equipment. You do not want to be spending your hard earned money on things that you don't need or that won't benefit you as a beginner.
This is the same for a golf ball, at this stage in the game the difference between a cheap or expensive golf ball will not make much if any difference to your game.
We advise you stick to the cheaper balls and don't be tempted by the sales tactics of some of these companies telling you the golf ball will change your game as it won't.
Obviously this is up to you and if you want use a premium golf ball like the Titleist Pro V1 then go for it, we think that would just be a waste of money which you could use on other equipment that will help you improve your golf game.
Golf Ball Construction
The construction of a golf ball can make a difference to your style of play.. A two-piece golf ball is usually used by beginners as they are the most forgiving and the soft compression is good for slow swing speeds.
Where as the tour pros like to use a 5 piece golf ball as you can get a lot more benfits such as a higher spin rate and an outer layer that is more durable.
One Piece Golf Ball Construction
A one piece ball is a one piece moulded ball usually out of Surlyn, with all the dimples and look of a normal golf ball.
These are usually saved for practice balls and range balls and are very rarely used on a golf course.
Two-Piece Ball Construction
The two piece ball is the golf ball that most beginners use as it is the most forgiving and great for slower swing speeds.
They roll further and help to create more distance than most other balls.
They have a solid rubber core and an external cover. This could be either Surlyn, Balata or even a Urethane cover.
This is usually the best beginner golf ball. So if your a beginnner go for a two-piece construction.
Three Piece Golf Ball Construction
The three piece golf ball has a solid rubber core which is surrounded by a secondary layer and then finished in the same layer as the other golf balls. Surlyn, Balata or Urethane.
The idea behind these golf balls is that they offer greater control and feel of the golf ball. So if your shot shaping then these would be your go to golf ball.
Four Piece Golf Ball Construction
This is where it starts to get intersting. A four piece golf ball offers even more in terms of control and feel on the golf ball. It helps with power during high compression and also helps if you are wanting to add spin to the golf ball.
Usually reserved for the higher skill levels of golfers. As this golf ball is not as forgiving as the lesser layered golf balls.
It is made up of a solid rubber core, an inner cover layer and an added middle cover covered with Surlyn or Urethane.
Five Piece Golf Ball Construction
This is the newest design of golf ball and made for advanced players and percieved as high-end balls.
The five piece golf balls have been created to help with many features that a golfer would need in a golf ball. Depending on the golf ball this could mean better with spin, more control around the greens or better for shot-shaping.
Why Do Dimples Matter On A Golf Ball?
So you may think that the dimples on a golf ball are just for decoration or just part of the manufacturing process (I know I did before I found out). But they actually help to make a big difference to the way a golf ball moves in the air and the dimple design all contribute to a better flight.
Dimples have a big affect on the flight path of a golf ball, the dimple pattern helps to reduce drag in the air and becuase there is less surface area then you can get greater distance out of a golf ball.
If the golf ball did not have these dimples then the ball would travel significantly less in the air meaning we wouldn't be able to reach the distances that we can.
A golf ball usually has between 336 & 392 dimples, if you manage to find a golf ball that does not sit within these limits then it probably isn't good quality and you should steer clear of it.
Can The Weather Can Affect A Golf Ball?
Yes, believe it or not weather can have a big effect on how your golf ball performs. If a golf ball is cold it can have an affect on how far the golf ball travels. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly when the ball is cold and the golf club is cold the energy transfer between the club and ball is less efficient meaning a normal strike could be reduced by 5-10 yards or more.
Secondly cold air is less dnese than warm air meaning there is more friction placed upon the golf ball during flight. Again this contributes to a shorter distance.
On the other hand a warmer golf ball will travel further as the air is less dense and the energy transfer is a lot more effiecient in the hot air.
So take this into consideration when playing in the cold, ideally using a softer golf ball will help with maintaining your longer distance shots
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