As a beginner golfer, you’ll notice quickly that your swing speed is different and that your shot trajectory is also different than that of experienced golfers. You also might be losing some distance off your shots. The type of golf ball you use can help you to improve all of these areas, as well as your score. So, what are the best golf balls for beginners?
Table of Contents
Rules of Golf Specifications on the ideal golf balls
In the Rule of Golf with details of golf ball specifications, it is clearly mentioned that a golf ball must not be more than 1.620 inches in diameter and must not weigh more than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois. It further adds that the golf ball must not be designed or manufactured with any artificial devices or unusual methods to change its aerodynamic properties or weight distribution during flight, after launch from the tee.
According to the same Rule of Golf, a golf ball must have a uniform diameter and spherical shape. The coefficient of restitution (COR) of the ball’s surface must not be greater than 0.800 when tested in accordance with Section 5-1/2 of USGA Test Protocol. The golf ball must also have at least 4.0 characters of dimple depth and a minimum dimple diameter of 0.040 inches (1 mm).
All these specifications help to ensure that all golf balls perform within the same parameters, so that no player has an unfair advantage over another.
What are the different types of golf balls?
There are three main types of golf balls:
Distance balls: These are designed for players with higher swing speeds who hit the ball a long way. They have a harder cover and a lower compression core, which means they don’t compress as much on impact, resulting in less spin and more distance. However, they can be more difficult to control.
Spin balls: These are designed for players with lower swing speeds who want more control over their shots. They have a softer cover and a higher compression core, which means they compress more on impact and create more spin. This extra spin can help to keep the ball on the fairway and close to the hole. However, they don’t tend to travel as far as distance balls.
All-round balls: These are a compromise between distance and spin balls and are designed to offer a good mix of both. They have a mid-range compression core and cover, which means they provide a good combination of distance and control.
What are the factors to consider when choosing the best golf balls for beginners?
There are a few factors you should consider when choosing the best golf balls for beginners:
Swing speed: This is the speed at which you swing the club and is measured in miles per hour (mph). If you have a higher swing speed, you’ll benefit from using a distance ball. If you have a lower swing speed, you’ll benefit from using a spin ball.
Spin rate: This is the amount of spin that is put on the ball and is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). If you have a higher spin rate, you’ll benefit from using a spin ball. If you have a lower spin rate, you’ll benefit from using a distance ball.
Compression: This is a measure of how much the ball compresses on impact and is measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the highest compression. If you have a higher swing speed, you’ll benefit from using a lower compression ball. If you have a lower swing speed, you’ll benefit from using a higher compression ball.
Cover: This is the outer layer of the ball and can be made from different materials, such as Surlyn or urethane. Urethane covers are softer than Surlyn covers and provide more spin, but they are also more expensive.
Dimples: These are small indentations on the surface of the ball that help to create lift and reduce drag, which gives the ball more distance. Dimples can vary in size, depth and pattern.
What are the best golf balls for beginners?
The best golf balls for beginners are:
- Titleist TruFeel Golf Ball
- Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball
- Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball
- Wilson Zip Golf Ball
- Volvik Power Soft Golf Ball
- TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball
- Vice Drive Golf Ball
- Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball
Reviews of the Best Golf Balls for Beginners
Titleist TruFeel Golf Ball
Our overall best golf ball for beginners in this 2022 list is the Titleist TruFeel Golf Ball. It is a high-quality ball that has been designed to offer good distance and control for players with a moderate swing speed. It has a low compression core and a soft cover, which creates more spin and makes it easier to control. The ball also features dimples that help to reduce drag and increase lift, giving it more distance.
This ball is made with a patented core construction that provides a softer feel and longer distance off the tee. Plus, the golf ball’s excellent greenside control means you’ll be able to stick your shots close to the hole time after time.
Pros:
- Offers good distance and control for players with a moderate swing speed
- Low compression core and soft cover create more spin
- Dimples help to reduce drag and increase lift
- Patented core construction provides a softer feel
Cons:
- Some beginners may find it difficult to control
- May not suit players with a high swing speed
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball
The Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball is another excellent choice for beginners. It has a low compression core that creates more spin and makes it easier to control. The ball also features dimples that help to reduce drag and increase lift, giving it more distance.
This ball is made with a softer feel in mind and is designed to offer good greenside control. It’s also a great choice for players with a moderate swing speed.
Pros:
- Low compression core creates more spin
- Dimples help to reduce drag and increase lift
- Designed to offer good greenside control
- Great choice for players with a moderate swing speed
Cons:
- May not suit players with a high swing speed
- Some beginners may find it difficult to control
Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball
The Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball is another great choice for beginners. It has a low compression core that creates more spin and makes it easier to control.
For many years, the Callaway Supersoft has been a very popular golf ball. It has a soft feel with a compression rating of 38, allowing novices with slower swing speeds to compress the ball and generate a long distance.
Supersoft golf balls have always been some of the most popular on the market, and the new version is even better. The Hybrid Cover features an innovative PARALOID Impact Modifier that makes the ball fly fast and straight with low spin, while also providing soft feel and excellent greenside control.
Supersoft Golf Balls have a High Speed Soft Compression Core for maximum energy transfer and increased ball speeds. The Hex Aerodynamics are designed to reduce drag and enhance lift for better carry and distance.
As a beginner, you will benefit from the increased spin and control that this ball offers. The soft feel is also great for beginners as it provides more greenside control.
Pros:
- Low compression core creates more spin
- Dimples help to reduce drag and increase lift
- Designed to offer good greenside control
- Great choice for players with a moderate swing speed
Cons:
- Some beginners may find it difficult to control
WILSON Staff Zip Golf Balls
Our next choice uses a Patented Zero Compression Core and has 302 PhD aerodynamics flat bottomed making it one of the most unique dimple designs to reduce sidespin and ensure a consistent flight. It also has an advanced cover formulation to increase durability and greenside spin. These great features makes this ball ideal for any beginner golfer.
Wilson Staff golf balls are made to perform. Engineered for distance and accuracy, these balls feature a patented zero compression core that ensures maximum energy transfer for more speed on every swing. The 302 PhD aerodynamics cover delivers stable penetrating ball flight and the shallow dimples optimize lift for reduced drag to create more carry distance. These golf balls are available in a variety of colors and pack sizes so you can find the right ball for your game.
Pros:
- 1. Patented zero compression core for maximum energy transfer
- 2. 302 PhD aerodynamics cover for stable penetrating ball flight
- 3. Shallow dimples optimize lift for reduced drag to create more carry distance
- 4. Available in a variety of colors
Cons:
- N/A
FAQs on Golf Balls for Beginners:
Q: What is the difference between a golf ball and a regular ball?
A: Golf balls are designed to be hit by a club and fly through the air, while regular balls are not. Golf balls have dimples on them which help to reduce drag and increase lift, giving them more distance.
Q: What is the importance of a golf ball?
A: A golf ball is important because it is the only thing that you hit with the club. The ball needs to be of good quality in order for you to hit it well and have it fly through the air with ease.
Q: What factors should I consider when choosing a golf ball?
A: You should consider the type of player you are, the swing speed, and the type of terrain you will be playing on. Different golf balls are designed for different types of players, so it is important to choose one that suits your needs.
Q: What is the best golf ball for a beginner?
A: The best golf ball for a beginner is the Callaway Supersoft. It has a soft feel with a compression rating of 38, allowing novices with slower swing speeds to compress the ball and generate a long distance.
Q: What is the difference between a golf ball and a tennis ball?
A: Golf balls are designed to be hit by a club and fly through the air, while tennis balls are designed to be hit by a racket and bounce on the ground. Golf balls have dimples on them which help to reduce drag and increase lift, giving them more distance. Tennis balls do not have dimples.
Q: Can I use a golf ball for other sports?
A: Golf balls can be used for other sports, but they are not designed for it. Golf balls are designed to be hit by a club and fly through the air, so they will not perform as well as a ball that is specifically designed for another sport.
Q: How long does a golf ball last?
A: A golf ball can last anywhere from one hole to several rounds, depending on how well it is made and how well you take care of it. Some golfers prefer to use a new ball every hole, while others are fine using the same ball for multiple holes.
Q: How do I clean my golf balls?
A: You can clean your golf balls with soap and water, or you can buy a golf ball cleaner. There are also many ways to clean your golf balls without using water, such as using a towel or dryer sheets.
Q: Do I need to store my golf balls in a special way?
A: You do not need to store your golf balls in a special way, but it is important to keep them clean and dry. You can store them in a golf bag, or in a box with dividers.
Q: Can I use a golf ball that is damaged?
A: You can use a golf ball that is damaged, but it will not perform as well as a new one. A damaged golf ball can have a smaller sweet spot, which will make it harder to hit.
Q: How do I know if my golf ball is too old?
A: There is no definitive answer, but generally, a golf ball that is more than five years old is too old. The material of the ball will start to break down over time, making it less durable and less likely to fly as far.
Q: How often should I replace my golf balls?
A: You should replace your golf balls every few rounds, or when you notice that they are not performing as well as they used to. It is important to keep a few spare golf balls on hand so that you can always have a fresh one to use.
Q: Do golf balls expire?
A: Golf balls do not expire, but they will start to break down over time. The material of the ball will start to break down over time, making it less durable and less likely to fly as far.
Q: How can I make my golf balls last longer?
A: You can make your golf balls last longer by storing them in a cool, dry place. You can also increase the lifespan of your golf balls by cleaning them after each round.
Hi there! I am Justin, one of the founders here at Golf Bagsy. I have been golfing since I was 12 and have participated in over 50 tournaments since 2018. When COVID took over the golf tournament schedules during the lockdowns, I spent a good amount of time doing research and writing about golf. I also provide part-time coaching for those looking to learn how to play golf and can be reached at justin@golfbagsy.com.