10 Best Golf Balls for Average Golfers & Mid Handicappers to Play Better

The best golf balls for average golfers or mid handicappers and premium golf balls differ a great deal. For one thing, the latter is specifically engineered for more skilled/advanced players simply because these focus a great deal on spin. Even the slightest mis-hit and the ball is bound to not take it well. Meaning it’s going to land in the rough!

When, as a mid handicapper, you use a golf ball made for low handicappers, expect your draws to transform into hooks and fades into slices. After all, that’s what emphasized spin does. And let’s not also forget that the “premium” type is more expensive as well.

In that light, let’s find out what are the right set of golf balls for your average handicap and skills…

Quick Run-Through

Top 10 Golf Balls Suitable for Mid Handicappers (The Average Golfer!)

1. Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls – Best for Softer Feel

If you’ve been a part of the game for a considerable amount of time now, then it’s no news to you that Srixon Soft Feel has been around for quite a while. It’s Srixon’s most popular and affordable set. Although this is the new version that came out in the month of November in 2020.

What you’re looking at is a 2-piece construction equipped with a thin, soft ionomer cover and phenomenal FastLayer Core. The softer center of the core becomes firmer gradually i.e. toward the perimeter or outer edge. No doubt, the sound and feel are incredibly soft because of the ultra-low compression rating of 60. This applies to both long and short game.

Even the dimple pattern is such that it favors the techniques often used by average golfers in that it generates a stable flight with a high launch and optimal approach shot control. Speaking of control, you can aim better because of the thicker alignment line, which is black by the way.

To be honest, you just won’t be able to find anything like this – a softer feel on every pitch, chip, and putt!

2. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls – Best for Extra Distance

You may have heard pretty amazing things about Callaway Supersoft, but have you ever testes these great claims? Maybe now it’s time to do that, don’t you think?

Firstly, let’s get it straight that these golf balls are made for explosive distance. And the proof of that lies in the super-low compression rating of 38. This means, despite a slower swing speed, the ball’s carry distance doesn’t get compromised AT ALL.

But then you’re an average golfer, what about that? Your swing speed can be 108-110 mph also and still Callaway Supersoft will go looong. The most surprising part is the soft feel, along with the optimal control and spin imparted by the ball.

More often than not, you cannot expect such high-level performance with low-end, 2-piece golf balls. So that part is pretty shocking too. It’s not just the low compression but also the revolutionary HEX Aerodynamics that make an impact. Both combine to boost carry distance like no other.

3. Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls – Best for Easy Alignment

So the key technology includes a reformulated core that increases ball speed and minimizes spin for more distance, restructured dimples for further enhancing long-game performance, and brand new side alignment aid. Now, what does this ALL mean?

No matter the length of your shot, Titleist TruFeel feels extremely soft, which undoubtedly translates into greater control.

Despite the touch of grab in the case of pitch and chip shots that are often well-struck by average golfers, the golf ball, with wedge shots, releases slightly more in comparison to the brand’s popular Pro V1x. But then keep in mind that a higher ball flight somehow means an increase in the stopping power.

Moderate spin and vying ball speed – that’s the combination you absolutely must look forward to with your irons shots. Compared to Pro V1x, distance, ball speed, and spin are only just slightly low. But I think the new sidestamp alignment aid makes up for that. It is indeed a very useful feature to have at your disposal both off the tee and from short range.

4. Titleist Tour Soft Golf Balls – Best for Short Game Control

Since the previous Titleist invention was a bit disappointing in terms of short game control, let me introduce you to another set of Titleist golf balls that isn’t. All thanks to the new cover formulation of Titleist Tour Soft, it generates all the advanced control and even soft feel you demand for your short game.

The perfect ball for average or mid-handicap golfers who prioritize solid distance, soft feel, and decent spin. Compared to Srixon Soft Feel (reviewed earlier), Titleist Tour Soft performs slightly better in the areas of feel, distance, and spin in that it cranks it up a notch.

You have the same 2-piece construction here as Titleist NXT Tour S. But Tour Soft is slightly firmer than NXT Tour. The core, in this case, is the ultimate fuel for boosting ball speed.

But then don’t expect a highly responsive feel like you would with the brand’s premium Pro V1 golf balls because the cover isn’t urethane. Rather it’s an ultra-thin 4CE grafted cover – precisely the very same feature that produces advanced short game control. So everything, indeed, has its ups and downs.

If Pro V1 is the best for maximum control and Velocity for minimal spin control, then Tour Soft offers the best of both worlds.

Now let’s see how Titleist AVX compares with Titleist Tour Soft…

5. TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft Golf Balls – Best for Beginners

As an average golfer, you most likely must’ve used or at least heard of TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft. It’s also one of the top choices on this list of the best distance golf balls. More specifically, it’s the best bang-for-the-buck choice.

Beginner golfers swear by the performance generated by these TaylorMade golf balls. Unlike other low-end balls, the experience here consists of maximum distance, soft feel, significant spin, and also commendable durability. The spin this golf ball imparts is, in particular, the most praiseworthy characteristic.

2-piece construction with low compression and Surlyn cover seems like a suitable choice for players with a swing speed of 75 mph or higher. To be honest, moderate to slow swing speed golfers don’t notice the neither too soft nor too long compression rating here.

And one last thing – the feel of TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft is comparatively softer than its competitors like Bridgestone Tour B XS, Titleist Pro V1, and the like. But when you compare it to its fellow 2-piece, ionomer-cover golf balls, TaylorMade has a solid mid-compression.

6. Bridgestone e12 Contact Golf Balls

So far, I’ve mostly reviewed only 2-piece golf balls since they’re SO GOOD when it comes to boosting distance and all. But now it’s time to look at things another way – the 3-piece construction way.

The benefits of 3-piece golf balls, for a beginner or average golfer, include less pronounced slices and hooks. And for someone more experienced, 3-piece means amazing shot-shaping and green-stopping capabilities.

But then that’s not the major benefit here in the case of Bridgestone e12. With these golf balls, the star of the show is the special Contact Force Dimples. They generate greater friction to give you greater greenside spin. Just test it against any Bridgestone golf ball and you’re sure to see the noticeable difference.

What about long game? Well, e12 dimples increase ball speed as a result of the larger contact they have with the face of your golf club. At the same time, decreased spin in the case of straighter shots is another very distinguished long-game benefit.

One of the very few golf balls that perform just as advertised!

7. TaylorMade Project (a) Golf Balls

With TaylorMade Project (a) Golf Balls, you simply don’t have to struggle anymore to look for the most suitable golf balls for your mid-level handicap. The combination of good control and spin yet long distance off the tee seems like the perfect deal for average golfers.

These TaylorMade balls have a lower compression rating of 70, which means golfers with a swing speed under 100 mph are sure to benefit the most here. Although high handicappers and beginners might want to steer clear because of the inclusion of urethane cover, core, and mantle. Unfortunately, urethane tends to produce hooks and slices in the case of mis-hits.

TaylorMade Project (a) is often compared with Srixon Soft Feel. You can watch this video if you want to know which one is better…

Unquestionably, the urethane cover of TaylorMade provides a softer feel and more spin, which explains why the greenside reactiveness of the ball with short and mid irons is so great.  Moreover, reduced driver spin and increased wedge spin are produced by the mantle.

Plus, bonus points for the high-visibility yellow color of the golf balls!

8. Srixon Q-Star Tour 2 Golf Balls

If both your swing speed and golf handicap are mid-level, then you simply have to experience the genuine Tour-grade performance of Srixon Q-Star Tour 2. And it’s all because of the greater control, softer feel urethane cover with the soft and responsive core. In short, it’s all because you can achieve Tour-caliber greenside control and maximum distance.

The feel is ultra-soft around the greens. But with driver and irons, you get a firmer feel and lower spin regardless of the low compression rating of 72. Speaking of which, these Srixon golf balls stop quickly in the case of high pitches and the low chip shots produce a controlled, consistent roll-out.

FastLayer, with its softer center and firmer outer edge, is added to the mix. And so is the special lift-creating 338 dimple pattern to produce a penetrating flight. You have Spin Skin cover material technology with Slide Ring Material (SRM).

In simple words, the cover material technology of these golf balls is the same as Srixon Z-Star. And you know what that means? When urethane cover spreads or expands into the grooves of your wedge, you get enhanced spin at impact.

So Srixon Q-Star Tour 2 is proof that you can switch to Tour-grade golf balls without having to compromise on an important factor like distance.

9. Snell MTB Black Golf Balls

The Original MTB surely made its presence felt in the golf market and on the golf course. And now it’s MTB Black that’s making news currently. And why wouldn’t it when the golf ball is the newer, more improved version of not only the Original MTB but also MTB Red.

MTB black, in comparison to MTB Red, spins less. You can even compare MTB Black to non-Tour golf balls like BXS and BX because even these two models are suitable for average golfers with a swing speed of about 100 mph.

The best approach to testing ANY golf ball is on the putting green, within 100 yards. Along with testing a few mid-iron shots. In that context, MTB Black produces a lower spin rate than BXS and slightly higher than BX. The latter implies a bit of extra stopping power.

You can say that the Tour-caliber urethane cover contributes to producing the optimal spin around the greens. At the same time, urethane also offers a very nice feel off your putter and wedges. So if you’re okay with a lower spinning golf ball just because lower spin eliminates random slices and hooks, then I don’t see anything wrong with MTB Black.

Now here’s the comparison between MTB Black and MTB-X…

10. Wilson Golf Staff Fifty Elite Golf Balls

Unbeatable value and performance-driven – the best way to describe these low-compression golf balls by Wilson Staff. The 50 in the product title is actually the compression rating. And despite being a cheaper-priced i.e. more affordable set, it by no means fits into the category of low-end.

First off, the lower compression means golfers with a slower swing speed (below 90 mph) are sure to gain long carry distances even in the case of mis-hits. Even the level of spin is very noteworthy, so the ball stays on the green and also travels straight through the air.

But then, at the same time, low compression equals a rubbery soft feel and sound. However, this doesn’t really matter if your swing speed is only average. In that case, lower compression is the ultimate solution to your problem.

In the end, you just have to use simple logic here. Even as an average golfer, you’re bound to lose plenty of golf balls. So they might as well be inexpensive ones, right?

Definitive Buying Guide for Average Golfers

What is the Most Suitable Golf Ball Construction?

So should you buy 1-piece or 5-piece golf balls as an average or mid-handicap golfer?

Now you should know that high handicappers and beginners, more often than not, go for 2-piece golf balls precisely because they’re the best for boosting distance. And also because they’re cheaper.

As for you, a mid handicapper, even your focus, more or less, is hitting greater fairways and green. In that case, you can also opt for the 2-piece construction. Keep in mind that more layers generate more spin. And with extra spin, you can slice or hook the ball more easily. But at the cost of distance of course.

Then you have 3-piece golf balls as well made for those who demand a little more spin while also making the most of its distance-boosting properties even on mis-hits. Mid handicappers and average golfers please take note.

As for 4-piece and 5-piece golf balls, they’re used by pro-grade golfers because it’s obvious that these balls require you to strike a solid contact. Maximum control is what you ultimately get and enjoy, but at a higher price indeed.

What About Golf Ball Compression – Low or High Is Better?

How much do you have to compress the golf ball as an amateur or average golfer?

There’s a simple and straightforward explanation for this. If you swing fast enough (above 95-100 mph), then the compression rating should be higher, that is over 100. But if that’s not the case, choose a lower compression golf ball (80 or less) to prevent major curves i.e. slices and hooks and loss of distance.

Should You Buy Golf Balls That Spin Too Much?

As a golfer whose handicap is not low, you’re better off with low-spin golf balls. Because excessive spin just makes the shot curve too much, which certainly is not what you need. Less spin increases distance by making the ball travel straighter. On the other hand, a curved flight almost always reduces distance.

So if you want to hit greater fairways and greens to improve your scorecard, then select low spin all the way!

What About Golf Balls Determine Distance?

Needless to say, increasing distance is a priority even for mid-level golfers. Unless you’re an average player who can hit enormous distances on your own. More often than not, this does not happen, right? So instead you rely on golf balls that travel farther.

As for what about golf balls determine distance, the answer is the compression rating of the ball. And that, as you may already know, depends on your swing speed. Slower speed golfers choose lower compression as it generates less spin and more distance.

Do You Want the Golf Ball to Give You More Control?

Well, this depends on your swing speed once again. On an average level, 3-piece golf balls seem perfect because they provide the best combination of distance (soft rubber core) and control (urethane cover). More of the latter than the former actually. But if distance is your only priority, then 2-piece all the way.

However, for greater control, you cannot go wrong with the 3-piece construction when it comes to achieving extra spin control using your irons.

What Type of Golf Ball Is the Best for Boosting Accuracy?

Undoubtedly, multi-layered golf balls hand out more accuracy. This could also mean 3-piece golf balls improve accuracy, consistency, and control for average speed golfers than their 2-piece counterparts. And that’s due to the mantle layers enhancing the feel and, ultimately, allowing you to shape and control the shots.

How Does Dimple Pattern Affect Golf Ball Performance?

With the ability to reduce drag, dimples generate a smoother ball flight. In that context, shallower dimples minimize spin and increase trajectory. Therefore, the best choice for mid-level golfers. As opposed to deeper dimples that produce a much higher spin rate.

What Makes Golf Ball More Resilient, More Durable?

That would be the cover of the golf ball. You have Surlyn with its stronger abrasion resistance and minimized susceptibility to scuffing. This means urethane cover golf balls, unfortunately, tend to disappoint when it comes to durability.

Is Affordability A Factor When Buying Golf Balls for Average Golfers?

Do you not mind losing most of the golf balls from your brand-new expensive set in a single round of golf? If yes, then affordability does indeed matter. Because then you simply can’t afford to lose $5 per ball.

And then there’s the undeniable truth that expensive golf balls are often highly recommended for high-end players because of their higher, more advanced performance.

Does Brand Matter When Buying Golf Balls?

It goes without saying that not all brands offer the same level of performance, quality, durability, etc. And once again it’s obvious that premium, top brands give you high-end products. For example, Callaway, TaylorMade, Srixon, Titleist, and many more on this list.

Mostly, golfers choose based on their personal preferences. So if you started the game of golf with a particular brand, then maybe you should check out their extended range that now caters to your more developed, average skills as a golfer.

Nevertheless, what matters more than anything else is construction, compression, cover material, and the like. So try not to be very brand conscious.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Tell If You Are An Average Golfer?

Just look at your final golf scores. Are they over 90 (72-par course)? If yes, you are an average golfer indeed. Based on USGA findings, the average score in golf is 91 across all ages. However, this doesn’t include weekend golfers who rarely record their golf handicap. So when you include those, the average score inches nearer to 100.

Now let’s look at the whole thing from another point of view – your handicap. If that’s over 20, you’re a high handicapper. So, in this way, you still are included in the category of average. Let’s break it down even further…

• Low handicappers shoot in 70s.
• Mid handicappers shoot in 80s.
• High handicappers shoot over 90.

This means that if you find yourself shooting under 90, it’s time to choose an entirely different set of golf balls. Like the ones I’ve reviewed in this article.

As An Average Golfer, Does It Matter Which Golf Balls You Use?

Is your short game performance up to the mark? If not, there’s no denying you should be using cheaper-priced golf balls in order to stop wasting your hard-earned money. But then if that part of your round of golf is satisfactory, spending extra money on regular or premium golf balls is totally worth it.

What Are the Best Golf Balls for Distance?

Golf balls with a lower compression rating i.e. 80 or below perform the best as far as booting distance is concerned.

Another useful feature or technology perfect for average to beginner golfers is aerodynamics. Golf balls with aerodynamics reduce drag, which, in turn, maximizes distance potential.

What Is the Average Swing Speed and Golf Handicap?

Swing Speed – 80 mph to 95 mph

Golf Handicap – 16-20 with a score of 90

Wrapping It Up…

It certainly is no easy task to choose a golf ball that suits your swing speed, golf handicap, and overall golfing skills and techniques. But there’s a process and quite an effective one at that. That’s why there are so many specifications, such as compression rating, cover material, construction, spin, accuracy, affordability, and more.

Lucky for you, I have talked about everything important in this post. And I’ve also shortlisted top-rated golf balls that do nothing but complement your mid-level playing abilities on the course.

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