Yes, that time of the year has come. You know the one when Mariah Carey gets her annual portion of radio time. On a more serious note, you might be looking for that perfect Christmas gift for a golfer close to you. Golf balls could be the perfect solution because, well, all golfers need them to play. The only question might be which ball to choose. The 2024 golf ball Christmas gift ultimate shopping guide is here to help you.
I have divided this guide into different categories. This way you can see what category is most suitable for the golfer or golfers you buy gifts for. Let’s start.
Best Overall Golf Balls
As the name suggests, this category contains the best golf balls on the market, also known as premium balls. With any of these choices, you can’t go wrong. They are produced by the biggest brands in the industry and perform the best on the course. However, they will cost you top dollar which comes as no surprise.
Also, it would be beneficial to know if there is a brand preference. Some golfers would not be so thrilled to get a Callaway ball under the tree if they were die-hard Titleist loyalists. Therefore, maybe do some homework before making the final call.
Bridgestone Tour B XS
Tour B XS is a great ball coming from one of the leading brands. It was Tiger Woods‘ ball of choice for the longest time until he switched to the Tour B X earlier this year.
It has one competitive advantage compared to the other balls in this category. Specifically, it is the price. The difference is not significant, but it is a touch cheaper than its competitors.
PROS
- Distance Control
- Feel
- Premium Golf Ball
- Price
CONS
- Not Beginner Friendly
Callaway Chrome Tour
This ball was built to compete with the Titleist Pro V1. Have they succeeded? It is hard to tell. However, it is a high-performing ball that can challenge any other ball in the category.
You can’t go wrong with this choice if you are buying for a Callaway loyalist. Even if you buy the ball to an unaffiliated golfer, they will certainly appreciate it.
PROS
- Distance Control
- Greenside Spin
- Premium Golf Ball
CONS
- Not Beginner Friendly
- Price
TaylorMade TP5
It is the premium golf ball with the most layers (5) on this list. Not that it matters, but it is an interesting fact. Nevertheless, it is a great performing ball.
Again, make sure to do your research to get it right. You don’t want to buy a TaylorMade ball to a Callaway or Titleist loyalist.
PROS
- Distance Control
- Feel
- Short Game and Greenside Spin
- Premium Golf Ball
CONS
- Durability
- Not Beginner Friendly
- Price
Titleist Pro V1
If you know anything about golf, this ball should need no introduction. The Pro V1 is the golden standard for premium balls. Actually, for all the golf balls no matter the category.
It is by far the most popular choice among professional and amateur golfers. So, even if the person does not exclusively play Titleist balls, you can’t go wrong with the Pro V1.
PROS
- Balanced Performance
- Consistency
- Distance Control
- Feel
- Premium Golf Ball
CONS
- Not Beginner Friendly
- Price
Best Value-for-Money Golf Balls
In this category, the options are for golfers looking for a solid on-course performance but do not care about playing premium models. Here it is all about a great value provided by very decent golf ball models. They are not the most expensive choices but are not the cheapest either. It is all about balance.
Bridgestone e12 Contact
This ball is most suitable for a mid-handicapper who is into golfing. Due to its straighter flight, it is quite forgiving. It is considered a game-improving ball.
With a friendly price, it is a great choice for the dollars spent. For someone looking to enjoy the game more and lower their frustration level, it is a solid pick.
PROS
- Distance
- Multiple Color Options
- Price
- Soft Feel
CONS
- Less Approach and Greenside Spin
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
Srixon Q-Star Tour
One of the best choices in the category, both performance-wise and price-wise. It is one of the best non-tour premium golf balls on the market.
For anyone who plays Srixon balls or has no preference, this is a great choice. It is most suitable for mid-handicappers.
PROS
- Distance
- Price
- Soft Feel
CONS
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
TaylorMade Tour Response
Another quality performer you can’t go wrong with. TaylorMade has not released the new version yet, but this one will get the job done.
The non-tour premium category, where this ball falls, can appeal to a wide range of golfers. Mid-handicappers could profit from this one and enjoy playing it.
PROS
- Distance Control
- Soft Feel
CONS
- Not Suitable for Fast Swing Speeds
Wilson Triad
I have to say this ball offers great value for money. Arguably, it is the best ball in this category. Wilson has done an excellent job here.
Additionally, back in the day when I was reviewing it, I didn’t come across any negative feedback. That speaks volumes. Also, mid-handicappers who are inching toward a low handicap could benefit from it.
PROS
- Distance
- Durability
- Feel
- Price
CONS
- Available Only in White Color
Budget-Friendly Golf Balls
Next, we have a category that will offer you decent golf balls at a reasonable price. Granted, you will not get the same performance on the course but it is the thought that counts. Keep in mind that maybe not gift these balls to ball elitists who play only premium models.
Anyone who approaches golf primarily for fun reasons will appreciate a gift in this category. These balls will not break your bank and still come from top brands.
Maxfli Straightfli
This is one of a couple of golf balls in this guide that I have not tested and reviewed. However, I have read some positive reviews. Its main objective is to provide golfers with a straighter flight and a soft feel.
More importantly, it is almost as cheap as they come for a decent quality. So, it is one of the great choices for a budget-friendly ball.
PROS
- Distance
- Soft Feel
- Straighter Flight
- Price
CONS
- Less Spin
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
TaylorMade Distance Plus
This is TaylorMade’s cheapest ball on the market. It is built for one purpose and that is distance. Don’t expect miracles on the course with it. However, it is very budget-friendly.
When reviewing this ball a few years ago, it did not show great durability. But now a newer version finally came out. Hopefully, the quality has improved at least slightly.
PROS
- Beginner Friendly
- Distance
- Price
CONS
- Distance Control
- Durability
- Lack of Spin
Top Flite XL Control
This is another one I have not tested and reviewed. Nonetheless, I have read reviews and the verdict is it is a very affordable decent ball.
Granted, there are some concerns with its durability, but for that price, there is no big surprise. Anyway, it offers a balance between distance and greenside control with a soft feel.
PROS
- Balanced Performance
- Soft Feel
- Price
CONS
- Durability
- Low Spin
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
Wilson Duo Soft
It is Wilson’s softest ball in the lineup and one of the softest balls out there in general. The hardly beatable price makes it a great choice when the budget is tighter.
Also, it is often on promotions and discounts so you might catch even a better deal. Don’t expect high performance, but expect a low price at all times.
PROS
- Distance
- Price
- Soft Feel
- Straighter Flight
CONS
- Low Spin
- Not Suitable for Fast Swing Speeds
Golf Balls for Beginners
These options are best suited for anyone who has just started golfing. Therefore, these balls help beginners hit the ball straighter and narrow the margin of errand shots. Okay, they might not transform a golfer into a professional overnight, but they will help make their game more enjoyable.
Another plus side is that they are not the most expensive ones either. Plus, they are fairly durable and will last for a decent amount of time (if not lost, obviously). Similar to the previous category, you can get a quality product, save some money, and make someone happy at the same time.
Bridgestone e6
The e6 is a very popular choice among recreational golfers. How do I know that? Usually, shortly after it is released, only the yellow version remains available for sale.
Bridgestone’s softest golf ball will not make anyone a better golfer but it will save some bucks. Nonetheless, it is still a decent performer and a great option for beginners.
PROS
- Beginner Friendly
- Distance
- Price
- Soft Feel
- Straighter Flight
CONS
- Lack of Colored Options
- Lower Spin
- Not Suitable for Faster Swing Speeds
Callaway Supersoft MAX
This is the most unique ball in this guide. Why, you ask? Because it is oversized. But don’t worry—it conforms to the regulations and is perfectly legal to play.
Its size makes it a perfect ball for beginners because it is slightly easier to hit. Therefore, if you know anyone who is struggling to make contact, it could be the help they need.
PROS
- Beginner Friendly
- Distance
- Durability
- Easier to Hit
- Price
CONS
- Lower Spin
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
Srixon Soft Feel
Out of all the two-piece recreational balls I have tested, this one is arguably the best overall performer. On top of everything, it comes at a very reasonable price.
Besides feeling nice and soft on contact, it goes a decent distance. Also, in the competitive market, this one is highly underrated. Great value for money.
PROS
- Balanced Performance
- Beginner Friendly
- Distance
- Durability
- Price
CONS
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
TaylorMade SpeedSoft
It is the newest model on the list and TaylorMade’s way into the low-compressed soft balls category. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised when I tested it.
For its price, this ball will provide a nice soft feel and consistency. That is something beginners can benefit from to build confidence.
PROS
- Beginner Friendly
- Durability
- Price
- Soft Feel
CONS
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
Golf Balls for Casual Golfers
For all the golfers who want to enjoy their time on the course without overthinking equipment details. Ideally, these balls offer quality and ease of play. Again, the emphasis here is enjoyment over chasing scores and game improvement.
Bridgestone e9 Long Drive
Another first-edition ball on this list was built for the sole purpose of going as long as it can. If you know someone who wants distance above anything else, look into this one.
Bridgestone makes solid golf balls, that is a fact. Thus, you can’t go wrong with this choice. Additionally, it comes at a decent price.
PROS
- Distance
- Higher Launch
- Price
- Straighter Flight
CONS
- Lower Greenside Spin
Callaway Warbird
This is another decent choice for occasional golfers that won’t break the bank. Warbird is a bit higher compressed ball which is unusual for two-piece recreational ones.
It is a solid performer for someone who takes golf less seriously. Hence, even if they lose a few balls during a round, there is no harm.
PROS
- Beginner Friendly
- Distance
- Price
CONS
- Durability
- Lower Greenside Spin
Titleist TruFeel
Titleist’s lowest compressed model in the lineup comes at a user-friendly price. It is primarily targeted at golfers who prefer a softer feel with not too much emphasis on performance.
Also, it shows very good durability that can go a long way when you golf. Considering everything, a ball coming from Titleist is rarely bad.
PROS
- Durability
- Price
- Soft Feel
CONS
- Lack of Spin
- Not Suitable for Fast Swing Speeds
Titleist Velocity
We end this category with another Titleist product. Unlike TrueFeel, Velocity is built for the purpose of going as far down the fairway as possible. And it does that quite well.
The only thing is, compared to other distance balls, it comes at a bit steeper price. However, it is a Titleist after all.
PROS
- A Couple of Color Options
- Distance
- Durability
CONS
- Less Spin
- Price
Personalized Golf Balls
This category is straightforward, you pick a ball and make it personalized for that extra thoughtful gift. Ideally, you know which ball you have to buy. If the person in question has a preferred game ball, you should make sure to get that one. Golfers can get a bit sensitive over their equipment, trust me, I know.
Tips to Ensure the Perfect Golf Ball Gift
When it comes to gifting golf balls, a little knowledge goes a long way. Consider these essential tips to make sure your gift hits the mark.
- Understanding the golfer’s preferences is the first step. Are they a beginner, weekend warrior, or an established highly skilled golfer? Matching the ball type with their playing style can show you’ve put thought into their present.
- Budget is another key factor. Keeping track of prices and deals helps you find the best ball without overspending. There’s a perfect ball for every budget, and knowing where to look and what to prioritize makes all the difference.
- Avoid common purchasing pitfalls, like buying high-performance balls for someone who doesn’t need them. Anything like buying the wrong brand or model can be a crucial error. Listen to feedback from golfers themselves to steer clear of any missteps.
- Packaging adds a touch of elegance to your gift. Consider a neatly wrapped dozen in a decorative box. Some brands even offer holiday-themed sets that come pre-packaged, saving you some wrapping hassles.
Making Your Golf Ball Gift Count
Picking the right golf ball as a gift combines practicality with a personal touch. Additionally, it ensures the golfer in your life feels truly appreciated. Taking into account factors like skill level, preferences, and even sentimental value can transform a simple gift into something cherished.
It’s often the small details that matter. No matter what kind of ball you choose, the thought you put into the selection process says a lot. A well-chosen golf ball can inspire confidence and elevate their skills, providing a gift that keeps on giving.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback or engage with other golf enthusiasts to fine-tune your selection. This exchange of experiences can offer fresh insights and help you make an even better choice next time.
I know how much golfers like receiving golf gifts. Hence, the right golf ball will make the experience that much better. Nonetheless, relax, at the end of the day is the thought that counts above everything. Merry Christmas!
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