In the game of golf, everyone is a beginner at some point. It can be easy to overlook small aspects of the game when beginners are focused on developing a swing that gets the ball in the fairway as much as possible. The golf ball you choose as a beginner is a bigger factor than you think.
Simplicity is key when it comes to getting started in golf. Beginners should look for golf balls that give them the best chance to find the fairways and avoid difficult shots. With some very specific criteria for our picks, we set out to find the best golf ball for beginner golfers. Check out the results below!
TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe Ball
Our Top Picks for the Best Golf Balls For Beginners
Vice Pro Soft
The Vice Pro Soft is a great all-around golf ball that offers a balance of distance and feel. It has a very low compression value and is made with a three-piece construction, making it a great choice for slower swing speeds. Vice is known for making quality, affordable golf balls that rival the big names in the golf industry.
Key features:
- Low compression for increased distance with slower swing speeds.
- Soft feel for better control and feedback on shots.
TaylorMade Distance+
The TaylorMade Distance+ is a budget-friendly option that offers good distance and forgiveness. It has a low compression value and is made with a two-piece construction, making it easier to compress at impact for beginners who have a faster swing speed.
We picked the Distance+ ball because, with a slightly higher compression value than some of the other beginner picks, it is a great option for athletic beginner golfers.
Key features:
- Great for golfers increasing their swing speed
- Durable ionomer cover for longer-lasting performance.
Callaway Supersoft
The Callaway Supersoft is a popular choice for beginners due to its soft feel and forgiveness. This ball is made with a two-piece construction, making it easy to compress for increased distance. It feels as though Callaway tried to push the boundaries of what is possible in a forgiving golf ball with the Supersoft.
Key features:
- Low compression for increased distance with slower swing speeds.
- Oversized design allows consistent ball striking within the rules of golf.
TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe Ball
The TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe Ball is designed for golfers seeking more control and spin on their shots. It has mid-range compression and is made with a four-piece construction, offering a good balance of distance and control.
Key features:
- Mid-range compression
- Cast-urethane cover for increased spin and control on shots around the green.
- Unique design to help beginners line up putts on the green
Titleist TruFeel
Titleist is one of the most reputable brands in golf. If you have heard of the Titlelist ProV1, then you know that it is one of the most renowned golf balls in the game. Beginner golfers can trust Titleist for providing a ball that will benefit their game.
The Titleist Trufeel offers a soft feel and low compression for increased distance. It has low compression and is made with two-piece construction, making it a good option for beginners.
Key features:
- Low compression for increased distance with slower swing speeds.
- TruTouch core for a soft feel on shots.
What Makes a Golf Ball Good For Beginners?
You may have noticed a few terms used frequently throughout our top picks for the best golf ball for beginners. Things like compression, spin, feel, launch angles, materials, etc. We look for golf balls for beginners that meet certain criteria to recommend them for beginners. With that in mind, keep the following factors in mind when looking for the best golf ball for beginners:
Compression
Compression is an important factor to consider when choosing a golf ball, and it refers to how much the ball compresses when it is hit. The compression value of a golf ball can range from as low as 50 to as high as 100 or more. If you are a beginner golfer and wonder what compression value will best fit you, aim for a lower number. Lower means a softer ball and easier to compress to give you the distance.
In simple terms, the compression value of a golf ball determines how easily it will deform when hit. A ball with a low compression value will deform more, making it easier to compress at impact. This means that a ball with a lower compression value will generate more distance with less effort, making it a good choice for beginners who may not have a lot of swing speed.
On the other hand, a ball with a high compression value will be more difficult to compress at impact, requiring a higher swing speed to achieve maximum distance. This type of ball is typically preferred by experienced golfers who have a faster swing speed and can generate more power.
Spin
Spin is another important factor to consider when choosing a golf ball. Spin refers to the amount of spin the ball generates when hit. A ball with too much spin can cause it to hook or slice, which can be a problem for beginners who are still working on eliminating these shots from their swing pattern. A ball with a low spin rate will help to reduce these tendencies and help the ball fly straighter. Keep an eye out for a ball with a low spin rate to help improve your accuracy and distance.
Beginner golfers watching the pros play may notice the sheer amount of backspin that pros can put on their shots and want to replicate the same. There’s no better feeling than to see your ball hit the green and spin back toward the pin. Until you can control your shots by avoiding hooks and slices, it is best to aim for lower-spin golf balls to help you hone in ball control. One step at a time!
Feel
Finally, the feel of the ball is an important consideration. How the ball feels at contact can have a significant impact on your game. A ball with a softer feel will be easier to hit, making it a good choice for beginners. You also gain enough feedback in your shot to the point that it is not overwhelming. A softer ball will help you to generate enough spin, which can help improve your accuracy and distance. Some golfers prefer a harder feel, so it’s important to choose a ball that feels comfortable to you. If you can test a ball before you buy, take it to the store’s practice green and putt around with it. This will give you a good idea of the feel before you buy.
Conclusion
Our hope is that you have more confidence in the golf ball you choose to play as a beginner. As a beginner, it is important to find a ball that will have a lower compression value, moderate to low spin, and a soft feel.
Developing the fundamentals of a good golf swing will only come faster with the right golf ball. Now that you know how compression, spin and feel play into your game, you can play golf and notice improvement with each shot with the right ball.