All of us who do not earn money from golfing are amateur golfers. Granted, we all play on different levels and that is fine. Also, that does not mean you or I should not play with the best golf ball for our game. Whether you are a scratch golfer or a 30-handicapper you should check the best golf balls for amateurs in 2024. Believe it or not, the right golf ball choice can change your game, for the better.
Choosing the right ball is a whole topic on its own. However, you can always find one that will work well for your skill level and style of play. Besides blending performance with a sense of comfort, it will give you confidence as you play. I can’t stress this enough, your golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every single shot. Always remember that when you are in the ball selection process.
Best Golf Balls for Amateurs In 2024
As an amateur golfer, you can be at any skill level and therefore there are golf balls that cater to different levels. I will give you two options for each category, high-handicappers, mid-handicappers, and low-handicappers. Let’s start.
High-Handicappers
Srixon Soft Feel
This is one of the best overall performers in the two-piece soft balls category. From its soft feel off the clubface to a decent amount of greenside spin, this ball is a good choice.
You won’t be disappointed by its distance or durability. Additionally, it comes at a very consumer-friendly price. Briefly, this ball presents a very good value for money.
PROS
- Beginner Friendly
- Distance
- Durability
- Price
CONS
- Less Spin
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
Titleist Velocity
When it comes to distance balls, the Titleist Velocity is the real deal. It is a great choice for distance seekers and for anyone trying to get longevity out of a ball.
It will not give you the softest feeling when you hit it, but it will go far. The ball costs a bit more than its competitors like the Callaway Warbird or the TaylorMade Distance+, but it is worth it.
PROS
- Color Choices
- Distance
- Durability
CONS
- Less Greenside Spin
- Price Compared to Competitors
Mid-Handicappers
Bridgestone e12 Contact
If you just transitioned to a mid-handicap class, this ball is a good choice. It will give you a solid overall performance with an emphasis on longer distances.
For how much it costs, you will get a nice return for the money spent. On top of everything, it comes in multiple colors which can help you play in different conditions or make your round more fun.
PROS
- Distance
- Multiple Color Options
- Price
- Soft Feel
CONS
- Less Spin
- Not Suited for Fast Swing Speeds
Wilson Triad
This ball will suit you the best if you are an established mid-handicapper or are getting close to transitioning into the low-handicap class. It just performs solidly across the board.
It is just a fraction away from the elite golf balls, but it is not far off. For a lower-than-premium ball price, you will get a ball that won’t disappoint.
PROS
- Distance
- Durability
- Greenside Feel
- Price
CONS
- Available Only in White Color
Low-Handicappers
Titleist Pro V1
When it comes to premium golf balls, the Pro V1 has been the gold standard for a long time. Granted, the other companies are closing the gap, but it is still the go-to ball.
The most popular choice by professional players will give you a balanced performance and will do whatever you want it to do. With it, you can simply not go wrong.
PROS
- Balanced Performance
- Consistency
- Distance Control
- Feel
- Suitable for a Wide Range of Golfers
CONS
- Never on Sale
- Price
Titleist Pro V1x
Think of this ball as the Pro V1 just for players with the fastest swing speeds. If you fall into that category, you will certainly benefit from this high-compression ball.
It will give you a high flight trajectory, go a long distance, and more iron and short game spin compared to the Pro V1. Also, it feels a bit harder off the clubface, but that is a minor thing.
PROS
- Consistency
- Distance
- Distance Control
- Short Game Spin
CONS
- Never on Sale
- Price
Golf Ball Construction and Its Impact on Your Game
The golf ball construction is so often overlooked, nonetheless, it can be a game changer. From two-piece to five-piece design, each ball offers different benefits that can seriously affect what the ball does along with your game. Either way, despite how it might look, all balls are not the same.
One of the key elements of a golf ball is its compression rating. Simply, it is the measure of how much a golf ball deforms upon impact with your club. Now, as amateur golfers, we all hit the ball with different intensity. Therefore, some balls might suit our swing speed better than others. Let’s put it this way, golfers with slower swing speeds will benefit more from low to mid-compressed balls. Even though, if they play with a higher compressed one won’t hurt their game so much. Granted, they will hit further the lower compressed ones but it’s fine. On the other hand, faster swing speed players won’t get much benefit out of lower-compressed balls.
Then there are dimples, which are more important than you think. These tiny indents play a crucial role in the aerodynamics of the ball. They dictate lift and drag, and ultimately, how straight and far the ball will fly. You don’t have to know everything about dimple design when choosing a golf ball, but it is good to have an idea. Manufacturers will tell you with their product description how the ball is supposed to perform.
Tips and Strategies for Testing and Buying Golf Balls
To start with you have more options of golf ball models and places to buy them than ever before. There are classic brick-and-mortar stores, but there are also a lot of online stores to choose from. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Online retailers offer convenience and sometimes better prices and some brands are exclusively sold directly to customers. But then, physical locations can offer you the personal touch and expert advice. Also, there is ball fitting that is best done in person.
Testing can be the key to your selection process. It goes along with fitting since your fitter will offer different models to test out. You can also do the testing yourself. However, this requires more time and possibly money since you have to purchase the balls to test. For this, I recommend narrowing down your choices to two or three models to expedite the process and save money.
Quantity-wise, it will depend on how often you change or lose your balls and how often you want to buy them. Once you find the right ball, you can stock up. There are going to be occasions when golf balls go on sale, like the holiday season or Black Friday. Those would be good times to buy a larger quantity that will last some time.
Evolve and Adapt
If you golf for a substantial period of time, there is a good chance your game will evolve. Usually, that evolvement brings lower scores and more enjoyment to your rounds. With all that, it is important that your golf ball keeps up with your game. As you improve your skill level, the ball you are used to might not be able to do what you need it to. Therefore, make sure you upgrade your golf ball so you can play to your full potential.
Which golf ball do you play? Why did you choose it? Share below!
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