When it comes to picking the best golf balls for high handicappers, it’s not an easy task as every high handicap golfer is unique in its play style, trajectories, swing speed, and goals.
It’s a general assumption that most high handicappers have slower swing speeds compared to lower handicappers, while we know some high handicappers who hit it miles. Some want to generate lots of spin on their shorts, while others go in the opposite camp to minimize their hooks and slices. Similarly, some high handicap players fancy the soft feel of their golf ball, while others don’t bother about the feel; they just are focused on getting the most distance possible. So choosing the most suitable golf ball for a high handicap golfer is a slightly trickier task than it appears at first glance.
If you’re a high handicapper looking for the perfect golf ball for you but are confused by the sheer number of options available in the market, you’re at the right place. We’re a team of expert golfers who’ve been reviewing golf balls for years. Today our breakdown enlists the 8 best golf balls for every type of high handicap golf player, including the balls catered towards choices for fast and slower swing speeds, budget-friendly, a soft feel, as well as distance picks. So stick to the read for getting a perfect ball that doesn’t hurt your score and your wallet.
8 Best Golf Balls for High Handicap Golfers
Based on our research, testing, and experience, the top 8 golf balls for high handicap are listed below:
- BridgeStone e12 Contact Golf Ball
- Vice Tour Best Value Golf Ball for High Handicappers
- TaylorMade Soft Response
- Wilson Triad Golf Ball
- OnCore ELIXR Golf Ball
- Srixon AD333 Golf Ball
- Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball
- Titleist Velocity
Being a handicapped golfer, it’s likely you’re using any of these, but if you’re looking at making a change or upgrading your kit, read On! Below, we’ve explained each brand with pros and cons to assist you in making an informed decision.
BridgeStone e12 Contact Golf Ball
Bridgestone e12 Contact golf ball provides more forgiveness in the long game while bridging the gap between tour balls and distance balls in the short game. This new mid-priced model by Bridgestone has a three-piece ionomer cover with 326 hexagonal, wide, and deep dimples that promise to increase the surface contact between the clubface and ball by 38 percent. Increased ball-face contact ensures straighter flights, better energy transfer, and longer shorts.
This ball provides low compression, so we can expect a high launch and low spin on full shots. This makes the ball best suited for high handicappers. A Golf Datatech Survey published on 28 September 2021 says that it’s the #1 Ball Fitter in Golf as it’s comfortable and easy to use.
Reasons to Buy
👍Soft core provides better spin.
👍vibrant matte color options to choose from.
👍The grip feel is very comfortable.
👍Dimple design encourages less sidespin
Reasons to Avoid
👎The ball scratches too easily, so only good for slower swing speed
Verdict: All in all, this ball is available in a variety of matte colors (white, green, red, and yellow), which makes it an outstanding golf ball for golfers who want to find more fairways and hit longer.
Vice Tour Best Value Golf Ball for High Handicappers
Over the last few years, Vice Tour Best Value Golf Balls have made quite a splash in the golf ball scene. This mid-priced ball features a 3-piece construction that ensures a Soft Energy Speed Core to provide a smooth feel and enhanced distance.
The 392 Aerodynamic dimple design gives impressive stability through the wind with those higher flights, as well. The durable Surlyn cover is pretty impressive, so you’re more likely to lose the ball before you need to replace it. 🙂
Reasons to Buy
👍Good quality golf balls that provide better alignment lines than premium golf balls.
👍Provides impressive distance with a decent feel and noticeably strong flight.
Reasons to Avoid
👎Provide a little control over spin for higher shots.
Verdict: Overall, If you’re looking for affordable and best golf balls for high handicappers that provide good value for money, the Vice Tour is a pretty good choice for you.
Noodle (TaylorMade) Long and Soft
The TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft is a 2-piece, affordable golf ball with a fun name. The durability and playability of these balls have made them the most suitable for high handicap players.
As the name indicates, these balls are built for long distances and provide a great feel. To give longer carry, TaylorMade Noodle Long and Softballs feature a 342 aerodynamic dimple design that assists them in flying through the air with ease. This ball is aimed at golfers with a swing speed of 70-95 mph. The Noodle would be a great choice for those with a faster golf swing, as it will become out of control in that case.
Reasons to Buy
👍Best balls to add consistency to the long game.
👍Affordable with durable Iothane cover
Reasons to Avoid
👎Not suitable for golfers with fast swings.
Verdict: Putting it in a nutshell, Noodle (TaylorMade) Long and Soft are great long-distance, super soft, and durable balls at bargain prices.
Wilson Triad Golf Ball
The Wilson Triad is a 3- piece golf ball that promises to provide high-end quality. This ball best fits players looking to break 100 consistently. As per our expert golfers, the Triad’s high MOI design provides a high speed, low spin, and a more stable flight for better accuracy.
The ultra-thin Urethane cover can engage longer with short iron and wedges, generating good spin control. Further, these balls have even density throughout the layer for better roll on the greens. Simply we can say it’s a hidden gem that can go longer and straighter.
Reasons to Buy
👍Offers Consistent ball flight and a softer feel.
👍Provide Good distance in the long game
Reasons to Avoid
👎These aren’t painted balls, so they seem extra dirty after a few minutes of usage.
Verdict: All in all, The Wilson Staff Triad golf ball is the perfect stepping stone for high handicappers who want to take their game to the next level with an affordable option. Also, this ball has some features best suited for low to mid-handicappers.
OnCore 2022 ELIXR Golf Ball
In April 2022 OnCore released a new version of the ELIXR series, and our team got a chance to text 2022 ELIXR. As per our experience, This model is OnCore’s 3-piece, value-priced urethane offering that provides tour-level tee-to-green performance.
OnCore 2022 ELIXR Golf Ball has an average compression of 83 (The mid-80s) and low driver spin, making it one of the best golf balls for high handicappers. The firmer cover improves ball speed, and the new dimple design pattern ensures a high ball flight.
Reasons to Buy
👍Luxury soft feel.
👍 Powerful ball flight.
👍Incredbally durable ball at a reasonable price.
Reasons to Avoid
👎Some balls may perform differently based on their color (green, white, and yellow).
👎 Can’t reach the performance level of some high-end premium balls.
Verdict: Reaching the point home, the OnCore ELIXR golf ball brings a super tour-level performance to high handicap golfers allowing them to get the best out of their game each time they hit the ball.
Srixon AD333 Golf Ball
The Srixon AD333 Golf Ball provides more control over the spin to bring exceptional performance. The 2-piece Ionomer construction makes this ball strong and consistent even in the wind.
With each wedge, the compression is low, making this Srixon model the best for high handicappers. The 338-speed dimple patterns provide impressive forgiveness even on poor strikes.
Reasons to Buy
👍Decent balls that can provide several rounds of play without any scratches.
👍Provide excellent distance off the tee at an affordable price.
Reasons to Avoid
👎This model by Srixon may not provide the same spin level as most of the premium-priced balls do.
Verdict: The Srixon AD333 Golf Ball promises to provide the best of both worlds. It provides low compression that limits the spin-off of the tee for maximum distance. We rate it as an excellent all-rounder for the average yet high-handicap player who doesn’t want to spend much on their golf kit.
Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball
Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball, with its HEX Aerodynamic, promises to deliver high performance at a relatively modest price that offers excellent value for money. As per CallWay sayings, this model by the brand has achieved performance due to a low compression core that provides greater ball speed and increased distance.
This ball surprisingly delivers straight ball flight, thanks to its low spin-off of the woods, irons, or hybrids. As the name indicates, this it’s a super soft distance ball with a great feel.
Reasons to Buy
👍A highly durable model.
👍Good balls at a reasonable price.
👍Excellent all-around performance and soft feel.
Reasons to Avoid
👎Less spin compared to urethane balls.
Verdict: Callaway Hex Soft is highly recommended if you fancy having the soft feel and exceptional distance in a golf ball at an affordable price.
Titleist Velocity
Titleist Velocity 2022 golf ball has been on the market for about a decade, and the latest model by the brand claims to be the longest-range ball in the Titleist series. The Longer driver and iron distance, coupled with extremely low game spin, make it the best golf ball for high-handicap players.
The 2-piece core of the ball is a bit firmer to assist in generating more speed on full shots as more energy from the impact is retained. The ball is a great happy medium that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy over distance.
Reasons to Buy
👍Extra large core for low compression and long distance.
👍Available in a variety of matte colors.
Reasons to Avoid
👎Not as durable as many of the premium balls are.
Verdict: Overall, Titleist Velocity golf balls are one of the best golf balls for high handicappers out there. This ball, with a simple design, provides good value for money.
Things to Consider While Selecting The Best Golf Ball for High Handicap
If you’re a high handicap golfer and you’re buying a golf ball for the first time, you may be pondering over which factors you must consider while selecting the most suitable golf ball for you. Well, the section below can assist you in making the right selection.
Affordability
What is your budget to spend on balls? If you’re a golfer with a high handicap, bear in mind you’re going to lose tons of golf balls while playing. This makes affordability the most crucial point when choosing long-term golf balls for players in this category.
In our top picks, the “Noodle (TaylorMade) Long and Soft” can provide you with the cheapest dozen possible with a degree of performance.
Compression
The compression rating of golf balls usually ranges from around 30 to 120 and is a very important crucial factor to consider while making a purchase.
A general rule of thumb is that golf balls with a lower compression rating require lower club head speed to compress the ball to produce a “rebound” effect that may lead to a long distance.
If you’re a slower swinger handicapper who is struggling with distance off the tee, then be sure to buy a ball in the “Low Compression” category.
Low Driver Spin
Being a high handicapper, you must select a low spin ball which will enable you to get more distance out of your shots and hit straighter. This means you’re now going to lose fewer golf balls than before. The Bridgestone E12 in our list provides the lowest possible spin.
Durability
For high handicap players, we suggest a tough, more durable golf ball as it is resistant to cuts and scraps. These balls can endure multiple rounds and assure you that you won’t harm the ball with each strike. Most of the balls in our mentioned models have tough ionomer (surlyn) covers, so they are durable enough to assist you in your golfing journey.
FAQs
1 – what is a high handicap in golf?
A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s on-course potential numerical calculation of a golfer’s on-course ability. A high handicap golfer plays off of 19 or up strokes over par(Players with Handicap index >= 19). About 54. 25% of male golfers and 81% of female golfers fit into this category.
2- Can high handicappers use Pro V1?
Our team of expert golfers doesn’t recommend Pro V1 golf balls to high handicappers due to 2 reasons:
- Pro V1 is a bit expensive so it can break the bank.
- These balls produce higher compression ratings, so they are not suited for players with low swing speed.
Any affordable ball with a low compression rating is best suited to high handicappers.
3- Does golf ball age matter?
No, the age doesn’t matter, but the condition of the ball does. The average age of a gag ball is 10 years, and with proper care and storage, the overall performance can be maintained. But if these caught scratches or cuts, then performance badly goes wrong (Regardless of whether the ball is 1 day or years old).
What is the Best Golf Ball for High Handicappers – Final Verdict
In our opinion, Vice Tours are the best golf balls for high handicappers. These provide a blend of quality and performance with affordability.
As all handicappers have varied playstyles, finding the ball that suits their style is a huge asset. We’re sure that with a little bit of knowledge and experimentation, you can find a pretty good ball with ease. All the models mentioned above deliver exceptional performance with a reasonable price tag. So take your pick and play the ball that makes sense for your game!