The 5 Best Golf Balls for Beginners: Hit Further Today

We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you are just starting out playing golf, your handicap is probably high like it is for all beginners.

A golf handicap is a numerical representation of a golfer’s potential playing ability, based on his scores and the courses played. It is used to allow golfers of different levels to play together.

The lower the handicap, the better a player is deemed to be.

Handicap scores can be as low as zero. This score is termed as scratch. It can also go as high as 36 for men and a maximum of 40 for women.

There are many ways how you can improve your handicap, but sometimes a big boost can come from finding the best ball for high handicap golfers, that suits your play style.


Our Best Golf Balls for Beginners



Best Golf Balls For Beginners

Callaway Warbird Golf Balls

Best Overall

KEY FEATURES

  • available only in two colors

These great golf balls by Callaway are specially designed for players who are seeking additional distance for maximum flight.

The Callaway Warbird has softer Warbird Core golf balls for beginners that provide faster ball speeds for long-distance shots. The design of the extra-large energy core makes these balls gain more distance off the tee with a straight flight.

The HEX Aerodynamics surface pattern generates better low-speed lift for the ball and helps in the reduction of drag and promotes stable flight while holding itself in the wind. Warbird is a two-piece golf ball construction with an ionomer cover that enhances the feel without sacrificing speed and distance.

best golf balls for high handicappers

CLICK TO READ MORE

This ball is available in two color choices: One is the traditional white and another is optical yellow for better visibility in the air or on the ground. The white golf balls are much cheaper than the colored ones. If you're not picky with the color, you can choose the white balls and save a few bucks. The package weighs 9.1 pounds with four sleeves of three golf balls. The design of the extra-large high energy core makes those balls gain more distance off the tee.

In the series of Callaway golf balls, Warbird, with its commitment to distance and dual-color choices, is considered the best golf ball. It will always be a much-appreciated ball for any golfer that needs a little lift.

On our list we consider this to be the best golf ball for 20 handicappers or higher, as well as the best golf balls for beginners.


Wilson Smart Core Golf Balls

Best on a Budget

Wilson Smart Core Golf Balls

KEY FEATURES

  • great distance feel
  • longer and straighter drives
  • Price
  • 85 compressions
  • has 432 dimples

In the age of smartphones and smart TVs, we now have a “smart” golf ball.

What stands out with the Wilson Smart Core Golf Ball is its patented Smart-Core formula, which reacts to your swing speed.

Around the green (short game), it provides a softer response for more spin and control and an exceptional feel. This golf ball is a two-layer design with 85 compressions. If you're curious about the dimples of this golf ball...Smart Core golf balls have 432 dimples.

CLICK TO READ MORE

Off the tee, on long shots, it provides a firm response, minimizes spin, and gives more distance and accuracy. Because of the unique smart core of this golf, the contact of the driver and golf ball provides a low spin rate. It also offers consistent distance with iron in your short game.

In other words, it specializes in straight distances whenever you need it. Protected by a durable ionomer cover, it has long-lasting playability through different conditions.

Lastly, the Wilson Smart Core ball is the best golf balls for beginners when it comes to value. It is already a pack of 24 balls at a very reasonable price. You no longer have to worry about hitting balls into the hazards, even though this ball will help you reduce that issue anyway.


Titleist Velocity Golf Balls

2nd Best Overall

KEY FEATURES

  • consistent launch
  • low spin on drivers
  • 4 color options for more fun
  • sometimes it bounces too much on green

You probably have seen Titleist golf balls everywhere. After all, the Titleist brand is known as the #1 ball in golf. Therefore, we made sure to include Titleist as the best golf ball for high handicappers on this list as well.

Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls are probably some of the best golf balls in the market, but as a beginner, they may not be as suitable due to the price and technology involved. The Titleist Velocity golf balls, on the other hand, maybe suitable for you.

CLICK TO READ MORE

Titleist golf balls are the best golf balls for beginners who are looking for consistency with their launch. The two-piece construction of the ball with LSX core offers extra yardage with your drives. It is also available in four color options, in which pink, green, and orange are all matte colors. A colored golf ball makes it easier for you to spot the golf ball on the rough.

The Titleist Velocity features a soft-compression and high-velocity core which provides lower driver spin over long distances which helps reduces unwanted hook and slice sidespins for straighter distances.

The Titleist Velocity also offers responsive, excellent short game performance and is also appropriate for golfers with a mid handicap.

As with the Titleist brand, the Velocity is one of the best golf balls for beginners that is highly trusted quality and consistency. This is the best value ball you can get from a premium brand and you will be able to play it year-round.


Bridgestone Golf E12 Speed Golf Balls

Best for Distance

Bridgestone Golf E12 Speed Golf Balls

KEY FEATURES

  • longer and straighter ball flight than the previous model
  • Fair Price
  • great feel on short game

Many golf pros trust their game with Bridgestone, so why shouldn’t you?

The e-Series golf balls were manufactured with one purpose: Make Golf Easier, and Bridgestone surely accomplished that goal with the Bridgestone E12 Speed balls.

The E12 Speed is an upgrade from the rest of the E-series for sure. In case you were wondering why they went straight to an E-12 from the E-7 - they used 12 years' worth of research data to design this ball.

CLICK TO READ MORE

Made as a three-piece golf ball, it comes with a Surlyn cover and Bridgestone's patented Delta Wing Dimple design pattern and technology. This allows you to shoot the E12 Speed balls for longer distances and ball flight due to the improved aerodynamics.

The progressive core enhances ball speed over longer distances while the mantle layer reduces back spin, giving you more control and an exceptional feel.

With the Bridgestone E12 Speed balls, it is easy to hit straight and far with consistency, easy to have a good spin on approach shots, and have a soft feel on the green. A great choice for sure.


Wilson Ultra 500 Straight Golf Ball

Best for Spin Reduction

KEY FEATURES

  • durable
  • high energy titanium core
  • great feel and good distance
  • not markable with a sharpie

Wilson is one of the leading pioneers of the golf ball industry, meaning the majority of their balls can be extremely pricey.

However, the Wilson Ultra 500, while being a basic two-piece golf ball, have incredible technology used in the manufacturing process, which creates a great golf ball and allows them to be extremely cost-effective.

Added to the balls are amazing spin-reducing technologies that allow the balls to fly straighter and farther. Perfect for beginners.

CLICK TO READ MORE

With a low spin design, you can be sure your shots will be on target!

They also feature a titanium core, with a cut-resistant cover allowing for amazing distance, and perfection on the driving range.

The cut resistant Surlyn cover means that the Wilson Ultra 500’s have a considerable lifespan, you are more likely to have lost the ball, than damage it!

This is one of the cheapest golf ball options reviewed here, perfect for beginners and high handicappers, particularly if you're trying to reduce spin.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Should I Choose My Golf Balls As A High Handicapper Or Beginner?

There are many ways to lower your handicap. One of them is having a regular effective golf practice session. If you want to speed up your performance and want to see if you're doing it right, you can take advantage of using some of the best training aids.

Another way is using the best golf balls for beginners which suits your style of playing. Many high handicap golfers who have lower swing speeds will benefit if the ball travels more distance. 

Beginner golfers tend to slice the golf ball off the tee. This is one of the common problems that beginner golfers have. Thus, distance golf balls are the best golf balls for high handicappers or beginner golfers because distance matters more for beginners than spin or control. Distance golf balls are the best golf balls for beginners. It has a lower spin that will minimize the slice.

Before we dive into the list of best golf balls for high handicappers, click here to learn how to calculate your handicap.

How Does Golf Ball Compression Work?

Compression is a measurement of force needed to compress the golf ball against the clubhead. The ball launches as this compression is released.

A higher compression ball requires a higher swing speed to generate maximum distance while a lower compression ball requires less.

Below is the general Guide to Golf Ball Compression:

  • Swing Speed <85 mph: Low Compression (<65)
  • Swing Speed 85-104 mph: Mid Compression (66-89)
  • Swing Speed >105 mph: High Compression (>90)

As you can see, the golf ball compression must equate to the swing speed of every golfer. For optimal performance, it is a must to think carefully about the golf balls for beginners that would be perfect for you.


Testing Criteria Used for Evaluation

Golf Ball Types

Choosing the best golf balls for beginners is as important as choosing the set of golf equipment. You can have the best golf club sets but when not paired with the right golf ball, you will not get the optimum results of your play.

The golf ball may look the same but they are constructed differently. The design and technology used in each golf ball aim to help the players increase their distance and be more in control with their game on the green.

Below are the different types of layers of golf balls.

2-piece ball

Two-piece balls are the best golf balls for beginners. 2-piece golf balls which are also known as the "distance ball" is composed of a hard solid core. It creates less spin and usually has a straighter flight. This golf type of golf ball is more affordable because of the simplicity of the design. As you practice constantly, you cannot avoid losing some golf balls. Others may end up in the lake or pond and you will fail to recover them. As the lost ball piled up, you may realize that losing the golf ball is just like losing your hard-earned money in the thin air. Over-all, this is the best golf balls for beginners.

3-piece ball

The 3-piece balls are usually composed of solid or liquid center core. If the 2-piece construction is considered as the distance golf balls, this one is the middle ground. This golf ball is ideal for golfers with average swing speeds. The three-piece balls cover has a soft feel. It also creates more spin which can be a disadvantage for high handicapper and beginner golfers.

Multi-Layer

These are the golf balls that have 4-5 layers. These are often used by Tour players, like the Titleist Pro V1. These are made for elite players. The cover of this golf ball is usually thin and is made from urethane materials. This ball is not the best golf ball for beginners.


Dimples

Dimples help the ball travel more distance. The air clings into the dimples thus increasing the lift and reduce the aerodynamic drag. The number of dimples of the golf ball affects the ball flight and can make the ball travel a long distance. The drawback of this is that you will have less greenside control.

Core

The core is the most powerful part of your golf ball. It is the engine that engine of the ball and is responsible for your ball flight in the fairway. A golf ball with a larger core is a great ball if you are looking for more distance.

Cover

The two most known cover is the surlyn and urethane. This is more durable and has a lower spin rate. While the urethane cover is often found on the 3-piece ball, which is often the high-end golf ball and is preferred by elite players because it gives them more control around the greens.

Colors

To make the game more fun, some golf balls are available in different colors. You can choose the color that you think matches your personality. Colored golf balls are a great contrast in the course. Colored golf balls are the best golf balls for beginners. It will help you minimized the losses of your golf ball. It will be easier to spot them even on the rough.


Conclusion

NAMEEDITOR'S CATEGORYPRODUCT
Callaway Warbird Golf BallsBest OverallCallaway Warbird
Wilson Smart Core Golf BallsBest on a BudgetWilson Smart Core Golf Balls
Titleist Velocity Golf Balls2nd Best OverallTitleist Velocity Golf Balls
Bridgestone Golf E12 Speed Golf BallsBest for DistanceBridgestone Golf E12 Speed Golf Balls
Wilson Ultra 500 Straight Golf BallBest for Spin ReductionWilson Ultra 500 Straight Golf Ball

There you have it, our selection of the best golf balls for mid to high handicappers for optimal performance and great distances.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter too much which ball you chose, as long as you have consistent practice with the selected golf ball.

Just select one from the list, practice often and you’ll definitely see your handicap score go down!

If you have any more queries about the top golf balls for high handicappers, feel free to ask us in the comments section below. If you know any other suitable alternatives, feel free to add let us know.

NAMEEDITOR'S CATEGORYPRODUCT
Callaway Warbird Golf BallsBest OverallCallaway Warbird
Wilson Smart Core Golf BallsBest on a BudgetWilson Smart Core Golf Balls
Titleist Velocity Golf Balls2nd Best OverallTitleist Velocity Golf Balls
Bridgestone Golf E12 Speed Golf BallsBest for DistanceBridgestone Golf E12 Speed Golf Balls
Wilson Ultra 500 Straight Golf BallBest for Spin ReductionWilson Ultra 500 Straight Golf Ball

Denny Putsh
Denny Putsh

With over 25 years experience in the world of golf, I've dedicated a significant portion of my life to appreciating this sport. From my early days swinging a club at 12 years old to now, my passion has only grown. While I avidly follow the PGA Tour, what truly captivates me is the evolution of golf equipment and technology. Over the years, I've familiarized myself with the latest gadgets, training aids, and golf accessories that enhance the golfing experience. My mission is to share this knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow golf aficionados, ensuring they have access to the best insights and recommendations. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, I'm here to guide you through the dynamic world of golf innovation.

Modern Golf Apparel

X