9 Best Golf Balls for Beginners That Soar High & Long!

Now I’m not saying that every new golfer wants to buy gear that optimizes hitting distances but most of them are indeed looking for the best golf balls for beginners that do maximize distance potential. But then, at the same time, there are a few who prioritize other factors like feel, spin, and even affordability.

So first you decide what your goal is or demands are, and then I’ll help you decide which set or pack of golf balls is the most suitable for you. Whatever the case, the top choices and all of my many more best-rated recommendations after that are perfect for golfers with a slower swing speed i.e. beginners.

A Quick Glance!

Now it’s time to take on a more comprehensive approach and look at more top-rated golf balls in a more intricate manner…

9 Golf Balls Perfect for Beginner Golfers

1. Titleist Velocity Prior Generation Golf Balls

Velocity is just a synonym for speed and acceleration!

You simply cannot go wrong with Titleist Velocity Prior Generation if you’re a beginner and/or high handicapper. As this type of golfer, it’s only natural to want to prioritize value above all else. Not every golfer, after all, is okay with spending over $45 on just a dozen golf balls. So it’s a relief to know that top brands like Titleist have affordable offerings too.

Speaking of these golf balls, they’re crafted for newbie golfers who really appreciate the fact that they can feel the much-needed forgiveness in the ball. And when you compare this to range balls, there’s certainly a noticeable improvement in distance.

And why wouldn’t there be distance gains when Titleist Velocity features a unique dimple design (spherically-tiled 328 tetrahedral) that allows the golf ball to launch higher, thus travel longer. Even the larger LSX core adds ball speed, thus boosting distance on your every shot.

The well-engineered cover system is also responsible for launching higher, especially in the case of approach shots. And you get a steep descent angle to achieve great greenside stopping power. To be honest, you could be just a weekend golfer too and still hit some remarkable drives using Titleist Velocity Prior Generation with only occasional or rare slices.

2. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

Highly popular Callaway Supersoft has been compared with Chrome Soft and even Titleist not for nothing. Meaning these Supersoft Golf Balls by Callaway fulfill the basic occupation of going straight and long like no other ball out there. It’s the low compression rating of these 2-piece golf balls that adds speed and consistency.

Unlike premium balls that have a soft feel but tons of spin, these cost-friendly and beginner-friendly golf balls enhance lift, increase carry distance, and produce less spin. That’s partly due to HEX Aerodynamics that minimize drag through impact. And partly, as I said earlier, due to the 2-piece construction and super-low compression rating of the core.

With the 2-piece design, you can also achieve optimal accuracy since the spin rate is low. And then there’s the incredibly soft feel for amazing greenside feel and control. Just imagine this soft feel coming off the putter clubface so very smoothly. You also get to hear that pleasant, appealing sound off the face in the case of both putter and wedge.

And to top it off, Callaway Supersoft allows you to save your hard-earned money without compromising quality. That means spending less yet purchasing top-quality equipment.

Here’s yet another comparison of Callaway Supersoft with Callaway Chrome Soft and Chrome Soft X Golf Balls…

3. TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball

In comparison to some of the premium golf balls available on the market today and even TaylorMade’s own TP5 and TP5x balls, Tour Response is a lot more affordable.

And now let’s compare it to its sibling, TaylorMade Soft Response. Well, Tour Response is certainly softer in terms of feel, which fits in with the demands of beginner golfers.

And it’s because of the urethane cover that this set of golf balls is softer-feeling. If your swing speed is average, you’re sure to achieve a longer distance with these. With a consistent flight that’s much easier to control even when the weather is windy. You can produce well-struck shots that maintain great distance and hold their line.

For many beginner and amateur golfers, Tour Response allows you to play to the best of your abilities while also making the game much less challenging for you. For instance, with the 3-piece construction, it gets more and more effortless to boost ball speed.

And then there’s the ultra-low compression core rating that increases energy transfer and maximizes rebound during impact to generate longer shots by default.

4. Callaway Warbird Golf Balls

If I had to translate the meaning of Warbird in the context of beginner-friendly golf balls, it would mean Designed for Distance. And that’s exactly what you get with Callaway Warbird. To be honest, forget about Supersoft because Warbird is an equally compelling case as far soaring through the sky is concerned.

After all, these golf balls feature the softest and largest core for maximizing the distance factor, irrespective of where on the course you are. The thin cover combines with the brand’s HEX Aerodynamics to produce a consistent, penetrating flight with low spin. The perfect recipe for beginners indeed.

However, the thin cover used may not be the best choice for durability. But then you have to decide what matters more because to gain something, unfortunately, you have to lose something too.

But there’s just no denying that average golfers appreciate the highly compressible core of this thing even with a slower swing speed as you will still be able to hit long-distance shots. And if you don’t choose this one, you’re surely going to be missing out on the opportunity of not taking advantage of such a sweet deal.

5. Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls

It’s a huge surprise to know that despite generating such long distances, Titleist Pro V1 is not listed as one of the illegal, non-conforming golf balls. And that’s great news, right? Titleist has manufactured Pro V1 and Pro V1x to give players the golden chance to improve their long game and short game performance.

Both of these Titleist golf balls generate less spin in comparison to the ones that came before them. Although Pro V1x reduces the spin a little more, which, when you combine with the slightly higher launch as well, produces stronger, longer ball flights more consistently. But then that’s only for the sake of comparison. Overall, the flight is remarkable with good greenside control.

The brand has re-designed its dimple pattern to upgrade Pro V1. So it helps you with maximizing both distance and consistency. Even pro-level golfers like Adam Scott (among many others of course) are playing Titleist Pro V1 for reasons other than just distance.

6. Srixon AD333 Golf Balls

In 2020, Srixon launched its AD333 Golf Balls, which soon became quite popular as one of the most sought-after 2-piece golf balls for newcomers. It is a low compression golf ball that, even when you mis-hit, goes higher and longer. That’s the importance of golf ball compression rating.

It’s the perfect choice for average or below-average golfers who demand a more balanced performance, durable construction, and affordable price. And this 2-piece design delivers exceptional greenside control and feel, along with boosting distance of course.

With AD333, despite the inexpensive price tag, you get access to Srixon’s premium technologies. For instance, the soft, highly resilient, thin cover with an Energetic Gradient Growth core promotes a higher launch, all the while preserving greenside performance.

Reduced drag is also possible when it comes to producing a consistent trajectory. If you ask me, it’s one of the best for you if what you prioritize is max. playability from a more durable 2-piece construction. So now you can stack almost everything important in your favor, even wedge backspin (and this is incredible given that this is a 2-piece golf ball).

Now let’s hear what PGA professional Mark Crossfield has to say about all this…

7. Snell MTB-X Golf Balls

You do have to pay more for Snell golf balls, even this one, which is really disappointing because most beginners often go for affordable options. But then if you’re okay with literally losing money since you are indeed going to lose your golf balls as a beginner, there’s no harm done here. Snell MTB-X, when you keep aside the money factor, is a distance golf ball indeed.

This 3-piece ball has a softer cover, which means you get a softer feel. But then some beginners still find this feel slightly on the firmer side. BUT that’s a good thing that the brand intended to do specifically for those who wish to maximize their distance potential.

Off that tee, Snell MTB-X feels incredibly hot off the clubface. So you can look forward to a penetrating ball flight – massive driving distance. No matter your swing speed, you’ll now be able to hit with confidence, even when the conditions are windy.

What about its performance around the greens? Snell MTB-X grips very nicely. But it doesn’t tend to spin a lot in the case of a short-side shot.

8. Wilson Sporting Goods Tour Velocity Distance 15-Ball Pack

Trust me on this, you’re sure to gain an extra 10 to 20 yards each time you strike well. These Wilson Sporting Goods Tour Velocity Distance Golf Balls, first of all, come in a 15-pack set. And at such an affordable price! Normally, you get a dozen for a slightly higher price. But in this case, you receive more than a dozen at a much cheaper price without compromising quality.

Needless to say, it’s not just the driving distance that increases but even your iron shots feel longer and better. On the flipside, spin isn’t such a commendable factor as it doesn’t hold the green. But then you need to understand that distance golf balls, more often than not, have a weak side. And that weak side is not much spin.

What matters the most instead is that you can now hit 20 yards longer than ever before. It’s also a pretty neat choice for average and/or mid-handicap golfers. All thanks to the mid-compression rating that increases both the playability and the feel on approach shots and your overall short game.

9. Vice Golf Drive White 2020 Golf Balls

To be honest, the only 2-piece golf ball manufactured by Vice that seems like it’s the best choice for beginners and also high handicappers. In comparison to their other pro-grade offerings (Tour, Pro, Pro Soft, Pro Plus), Vice Drive is more affordable, thus beginner-friendly indeed.

It consists of a Surlyn cover, which is certainly more durable. More importantly, Surlyn covers, off the tee, generate reduced spin. And compared to urethane covers, Surlyn is definitely more suitable for beginners since the former is found on higher-end golf balls often chosen by more experienced players.

Below the Surlyn cover, there’s an extremely soft and wear-resistant core. And with the special 312 dimple pattern, Vice Drive generates more flight stability on a consistent basis. This applies to windy weather conditions too by the way.

What’s even more favorable here is the exaggerated roll you get with these golf balls. You know what that means, don’t you? Even longer driving distances and more assistance in the case of long putts.

PGA golf pro Ricks Shiels discusses if Vice Drive is really awesome or overhyped…

Pros

• 2-piece golf balls for extra distance off the tee
• Large 312 dimple design stabilizes ball trajectory
• Surlyn cover minimizes spin and maximizes durability
• Energy Speed Core imparts a smooth feel during impact

Cons

• None so far

What Do Beginner Golfers Need From Golf Balls?

To be very specific, golfers new to the game of golf are better off with golf balls that are durable and that boost their distance potential. On the other hand, a golf ball that’s highly likely to generate a lot of spin is not for the newcomer golfer.

One that adds more speed and power to your every shot is what helps the most when it comes to developing your game and also helping you perfect your swing. And the one very important factor that plays a major role in all this is the cover material of the golf ball.

Surlyn performs the best in terms of increasing distance potential, with its firm feel. As for soft-feel urethane, it produces more spin and gives you more control. So that’s the kind of golf balls more skilled golfers appreciate. But if you’re a beginner who’s focused more on distance and durability, go with Surlyn-cover golf balls.

Choosing Golf Balls Based On Beginner Golfing Skills

1. Construction

1-piece golf balls are the cheapest of the lot, price-wise and quality-wise. No wonder you don’t spot them on the course. It’s just a Surlyn cover with dimples molded into it.

2-piece golf balls consist of a core (resin or acrylate) and cover (mostly, Surlyn). Surlyn covers are extremely durable and wear-resistant.

Another great thing about the 2-piece construction is the affordability and distance-boosting potential. This is why beginners are always on the lookout for the best 2-piece golf balls. On the flip side, they don’t spin as much.

3-piece golf balls have a very solid core, a cover (urethane or Surlyn), and a rubber layer between the two. In comparison to 2-piece, 3-piece is softer with a higher greenside spin that allows you to control ball flight. Being able to lower long-game spin rate – that’s the beauty of the 3-piece design. As long as the softer feel is suitable for you, these golf balls are no issue.

Multi-layered golf balls are 4-piece and 5-piece golf balls. Either way, they work the best for golfers with a faster swing speed, meaning not for beginners. Only if you have an above-average or higher swing speed that a 3-piece or 4-piece construction can maximize distance and spin. The inner core is for explosive distance and all the layers between cover and core for spin.

Now here’s another reason why beginners don’t go for multi-layered golf balls – the cover, more often than not, is ultra-thin, thus more susceptible to wear and tear. Plus, this ultra-thin cover gives maximum backspin as well as control, which is what Tour-grade and more experienced golfers desire, not distance-loving beginners.

2. Compression

The general, agreed-upon rule is that low compression is the most suitable for slower swing speeds. The harder the core of a golf ball, the less likely it is to compress, right?

Even your swing speed is a factor that affects the compression rating. This is why high-speed i.e. more skilled golfers achieve greater control with high compression golf balls. While the low compression ones are crafted to simply just spring off that clubface and travel longer distances. Thus, the best for the slower swing speeds of beginners.

3. Dimple Pattern

In my reviews, I have talked about how the dimple design of golf balls affects ball flight and spin. Back in the days, there were no dimples on golf balls. But it didn’t take time to discover that a smooth surface doesn’t travel as long as one that’s damaged.

So it was only logical to take advantage of the discovery and transform the way golf balls travel through the air with the help of aerodynamics.

According to the USGA and R&A, dimples only between 300 and 500 are allowed for official or formal play. The most common is between 336 and 392 dimples.

And now here’s the deal – the smaller and deeper the dimples, the more that golf ball is affected by external factors like rain and wind. And that equals to higher backspin and lower ball flight.

On the other hand, if the surface area on the golf ball is less, then its flight is more immune to rain and wind. So shallower and wider dimples produce a lower spin rate and higher launch. And this certainly helps in boosting more distance in comparison to a smaller, deeper dimple pattern.

Now let’s talk about the shape of these dimples. You have hexagon, teardrop, and oval. But there’s no one particular “successful” shape as such.

4. Spin

While the dimples are busy generating low pressure and creating air below it to push the golf ball up, spin provides the ball with the elevation it demands. More spin means a higher flight. But then do you really need that in the first place?

Pro-grade golfers have the potential to produce a lot of backspin that gets the ball to fly over the flag and then make it land back closer to that flag. Now replace backspin with front or forward spin. What happens? The golf ball kicks on, which means now you have to hit before the target to make the ball roll forward.

Creating spin using your short irons is much easier since their lofts are higher to keep the ball flight more elevated for the downward strike. As for long irons, these deliver the least amount of spin and get the golf ball to roll upon landing. So, at such times, controlling distance is no easy feat.

As is obvious then, the spin rate at impact has a direct impact on distance and elevation. When the weather is windy, every golfer benefits more from minimizing elevation. And this means minimizing spin.

5. Pricing

It goes without saying that, as a beginner, you’re going to be losing a lot more golf balls than you care to admit. You’re most likely to finish the round of golf with fewer balls than you started it with. And that’s pretty normal by the way, so don’t be embarrassed or ashamed about it.

So don’t you think it’s a better idea to buy an affordable assortment or set of golf balls!? When golf balls don’t cost an arm and a leg, you don’t feel so bad for losing them. Beginners, at least most of them, choose reasonably priced golf balls instead of splurging on the premium kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should Beginners Use Hard or Soft Golf Balls?

Well, it depends on what your skills and goals are. Harder golf balls are more suitable for you if you want to increase driving distance. They usually have a 2-piece construction – inner core and outer cover.

On the other hand, softer golf balls are often preferred by golfers who want to gain more control around the greens.

Which Golf Balls Are the Best for High Handicappers?

To be honest, beginners and high handicappers, almost always, use the same kind of golf balls and golf clubs. 2-piece golf balls that prioritize either greenside control/feel or distance – that’s up to you.

Just like beginners, even high-handicap golfers should stay away from advanced or multi-layered golf balls as these don’t let you produce favorable results more consistently.

Do Golf Balls Really Matter for Beginners?

Here’s the thing – not all golf balls are designed similarly, right? And why do you think that is? Because not all golfers have the same kind of handicap, swing speed, and other golfing skills. There’s the 2-piece and 3-piece construction, which is the most fitting as far as reducing spin and increasing distance off the tee is concerned. Hence, perfect for beginners.

Then you have 3-piece, 4-piece, and 5-piece golf balls for more advanced players because these give you optimal spin, playability, AND distance.

Final Note

Yes, it absolutely sucks to be a beginner in golf. But then even top brands realize that, which is why there so many beginner-friendly AND inexpensive choices by Titleist, Callaway, Srixon, Wilson, etc. These much-loved brands are manufacturing designs to make it easier for you to learn the ropes of the game quickly and more effortlessly.

But then nothing is ever achieved without practice. So why not practice an actual round of golf with the distance-boosting golf balls I’ve reviewed for you in this article! For one thing, these have a low compression rating for a high forgiveness rating. And that means boosting speed, accuracy, and consistency even with a slower swing speed.