Most Expensive Golf Balls That Are Also the Most Commonly Used
Golf is no gender-biased sport, that’s for sure. But it is indeed a money-biased one, wouldn’t you agree? Heading to a golf course a few times a week or even playing just a single round of golf is indeed a huge privilege.
But we never said that was a bad thing. There’s a niche for such golf course memberships, fancy and technologically advanced golf clubs, and also the most expensive golf balls. In fact, did you know that golf balls are among the most exorbitant expenses? And it seems so big simply because getting the ball back once you swing and strike is not always possible.
So just to tickle our fancy, and yours too if you’re as curious as we are about golf equipment, let’s find out which golf balls cost an arm and a leg.
Quick Run-Through
- Low compression core for explosive distance with slower swing speeds
- Cast urethane cover offers an incredibly soft feel
- High flex casing enhances speed and spin control
- Aerodynamic dimple pattern produces a consistent ball flight
- High compression and extra firmness perfect for hard hitters
- ZG Process core ensures shot consistency
- Drop-and-Stop control on the greens
- 388 dimple pattern optimized for greater distance
- 3-piece construction suitable for average golfers
- FastLayer Core maximizes distance
- Softer feel increases shot-shaping potential
- Low-spin ionomer cover easier for mid-range golfers
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Most Expensive Golf Balls
- 1. Dixon Fire Golf Balls ($70/Dozen)
- 2. Titleist AVX Golf Balls ($70/Dozen)
- 3. Titleist Pro V1 Prior Generation Golf Balls ($62/Dozen)
- 4. Volvik Vivid Prior Generation Golf Balls ($58/Dozen)
- 5. XXIO 2020 Eleven Golf Balls ($50/Dozen)
- 6. Callaway 2020 Chrome Soft Golf Balls ($48/Dozen)
- 7. TaylorMade TP5 Pix USA Golf Balls ($45/Dozen)
- 8. Polara Self Correcting Golf Balls ($45/Dozen)
- 9. Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS Model ($45/Dozen)
- 10. Srixon Z Star 6 XV Golf Balls ($40/Dozen)
- Expensive Golf Balls – Buying Guide
- Final Thoughts
Top 10 Most Expensive Golf Balls
1. Dixon Fire Golf Balls ($70/Dozen)
Construction | Multi-layer |
Cover Material | Cast urethane |
Compression | 90 (medium) |
Color | White |
Let’s say you just happen to find the Dixon Fire Golf Ball on the turf someday. In that case, don’t waste the opportunity and play the ball. Because only when you do that, you’ll see how it travels a whole lot farther in comparison to just about any golf ball you may have ever used. And that’s how you’re most likely to be convinced to buy a dozen of these.
But please note that they are designed for pro-level golfers that desire nothing but the highest performance from their golf balls as far as distance, spin, feel, and durability are concerned. Dixon Fire is specifically engineered for players with a swing speed of above 90-100 mph. But then the trajectory is mid-level, thus perfect for most golfers.
The compression too is in the medium range i.e. 90. It’s soft yet generates the maximum distance. On top of that, the 318 Tour-precision pattern of the dimples, with its aerodynamic capacity, produces a more controlled ball flight.
What about spin? Since it’s more geared toward better players, the spin rate is high. And that implies greater workability, along with exceptional spin control and stopping power.
So is Dixon Fire any good? To be honest, these golf balls perform without any complaints around the greens and for chipping and other such short game aspects. Not the best Tour-caliber golf ball out there, I’ll admit, but just what one would expect from a multi-layered construction that’s superior to most 2-piece and 3-piece golf balls currently available.
And kudos to the brand for using recycled materials for the core AND packaging!
Pros
- Recyclable cast urethane cover
- Energy-intensifying mantle generates more power
- High-intensity Ignite technology core
- 318 Tour-Precision dimples for faster, farther travel
Cons
- Only for single-digit handicappers
2. Titleist AVX Golf Balls ($70/Dozen)
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover Material | Cast urethane |
Compression | 80 (low) |
Color | Yellow |
Does a low compression rating make the golf ball travel farther? Here’s the logic to it – low compression means the ball, at impact, compresses more easily. And that makes way for a greater release of energy, which is sure to travel a lot farther in comparison to higher compression.
Low compression also prevents the loss of distance often caused by mis-hits. This means you can achieve desirable yardages through every shot, despite your slower swing speed or high handicap. And that’s great news for beginners, seniors, and women golfers!
You’re also bound to notice an increase in iron spin into the greens. And that’s the best part about Titleist AVX, which is often preferred over Pro V1. The AVX golf balls offer an exceptional feel off the irons, particularly their favorable behavior when the conditions are windy.
The golf ball travels straight and even holds the green in the case of short irons. So it’s more than just a highly recommended choice for those who want to gain some extra distance.
If Pro V1 is all about mid-launch and mid-spin and Pro V1x all about high-launch and high-spin, AVX is the personification of low-launch and low-spin (for your long game of course).
What’s the most fascinating about Titleist AVX is that it was brought into existence as an alternative. The brand, with AVX, designed a ball that travels faster with more greenside spin but without affecting iron performance. So the low iron spin characteristics are preserved, along with a softer feel because of the lower compression.
Moreover, comparatively speaking once again, the core of AVX is slightly larger to make its casing layer thinner, thus more flexible. In simple words, distance-boosting benefits off the tee (that too with low spin).
Pros
- Low compression, high-speed core for more distance
- Durable propriety urethane cover offers a very soft feel
- High-flex casing layer adds more speed and spin control
Cons
- Lower handicaps don’t appreciate the lack of spin
3. Titleist Pro V1 Prior Generation Golf Balls ($62/Dozen)
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover Material | Cast urethane |
Compression | 110 (high) |
Color | White |
A compression rating of 100 and above is the most suitable for hard hitters in golf. Simply because they need that high accuracy you normally get from high compression.
Low compression golf balls deliver more distance, which is why slower hitters find them more in tune with their skills. But those that swing faster can really benefit a great deal from the extra firmness of high compression.
Titleist Pro V1 Prior Generation are performance golf balls that feature the brand’s exclusive ZG Process core technology, along with patented thermoset urethane elastomer cover. The ZG (Zero Gradient) core ensures unparalleled consistency, which can be advantageous to all types of golfers.
Bogey golfers also purchase Titleist Pro V1 Prior Generation by the way, so it’s not just for more experienced players you know. When you can’t hit too far, golf balls with such a soft feel do indeed work in your favor. Merely because they provide greater control in the green and fairway, thanks to the 388 dimple structure and cast urethane cover material.
The dimple pattern results in a more consistent, longer ball flight. Even tighter dispersion in the case of less favorable conditions is made possible. So it’s safe to say that they’re worth the “expensive” price tag.
Pros
- Performance-driven high compression golf balls
- ZG Process core technology for speed and distance
- Durable urethane elastomer cover offers a very soft feel
- Drop-and-Stop control on the greens
Cons
- High compression not for slower swing speeds
4. Volvik Vivid Prior Generation Golf Balls ($58/Dozen)
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover Material | Ionomer |
Compression | 80 (low) |
Color | Vivid orange |
To be blunt and honest, these are actually very good golf balls well worth the price. Consider yourself the luckiest golfer in the whole world if you happen to just stumble upon one of these on the course someday. Although how the golf ball can get lost is a total mystery because the factor of visibility is not at all disappointing here.
The extraordinary matte finish plus vibrant Vivid orange color (there’s blue, green, yellow, red, another orange, and white too) make the ball stand out, literally, both when airborne and on the ground. The bright color and matte finish do indeed make it seem like the golf ball has no dimples, but know that they’re there!
Speaking of which, it’s a mid-level to high-level spinning ball. In comparison to Titleist, the spin rate is much the same but then it has a softer feel that might decrease the distance. Nevertheless, Volvik Vivid is a very suitable choice for slower swing speeds. All because of the softer compression rating of course.
Here’s what one of the best golf instructors on YouTube has to say about Volvik Vivid.
Factually speaking, the design of Volvik Vivid Prior Generation is much the same as Titleist Pro V1. Meaning exceptional distance and even a good amount of spin into the greens. It’s just that the former is available in a wide range of bright colors with a matte finish – greater visibility indeed.
Pros
- Power Core delivers explosive distance
- Bright-colored matte finish maximizes visibility
- Low compression suitable for slower swing speeds
- Very distinct putting line improves aiming accuracy
- Stop and Spin control and an incredibly soft feel
Cons
- Highly susceptible to scuffing
5. XXIO 2020 Eleven Golf Balls ($50/Dozen)
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover Material | Ionomer |
Compression | 70 (low) |
Color | White |
If your golf swing speed is neither too slow nor too fast, meaning moderate, then it’s time to embrace the XXIO 2020 Eleven Golf Balls. They are made to maximize performance in the case of a mid-level swing speed and handicap rating. And how do I know this apart from the fact that I’m a professional golfer and coach myself? Let’s find out below.
First of all, XXIO golf balls are very well-received among average golfers due to their maximum distance potential and incredibly soft feel. The latter, in particular, i.e. the uncommonly soft feel of XXIO Eleven paves the way for enhanced swing comfort. So you can boost distance and make the golf ball travel straighter off that tee the most effortlessly.
Secondly, there’s the FastLayer core each golf ball is outfitted with, which hands out exceptional feel and distance – the perfect justification for the high cost indeed.
Another thing that does seem like a deciding factor is the ionomer cover. In comparison, to urethane, this is the most durable and lowest-spinning. More often than not, more experienced golfers choose urethane covers for both control and feel. But ionomer is a better choice for mid-range players.
It’s like they have the capacity to provide a firmer feel + more spin or softer feel + more distance. If you don’t believe me, let’s hear it from the Marketing Director itself of XXIO Golf USA.
Pros
- Premium 3-piece construction golf balls
- Best for durability and low spin off the tee
- FastLayer core maximizes distance
- Perfect for moderate swing speeds
Cons
- None recorded so far
6. Callaway 2020 Chrome Soft Golf Balls ($48/Dozen)
Construction | 4-piece |
Cover Material | Cast urethane |
Compression | 75 (low) |
Color | Yellow |
A widely recognized competitor to Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Chrome Soft is yet another expensive set. Some say that it’s actually better in comparison to Pro V1. You get even more spin control and greater distances. So let me explain how that’s possible in the first place.
Callaway Chrome Soft features two things Pro V1 doesn’t have. An ionomer blend and Dual SoftFast Core. The ionomer cover creates a larger energy transfer. And this max. energy transfer comes from Callaway’s Dual SoftFast Core. The core is larger and faster for producing an optimal combination of spin and launch.
Plus, there’s the yellow Truvis pattern specifically designed by Callaway to increases visibility and focus.
Now that the debate between Callaway Chrome Soft and Titleist Pro V1 has been settled, let’s move on to another very popular comparison between this and Callaway Supersoft.
In that context too Chrome Soft is better if what you wish for is boosting your all-around performance. Meaning if your priorities include more greenside spin and control as well, apart from distance and speed of course.
But if it’s only distance that you want, which doesn’t make much sense because what’s the point of hitting long when you can’t get the ball to also travel straight and more accurately, nevertheless Supersoft is all about pure distance and distance alone. That’s precisely why it made it to my list of the longest golf balls.
Moreover, Chrome Soft as well as Chrome Soft X (yet another competitor) are perfect for boosting your short game performance. They just grab the face of your golf club, meaning they check up very nicely.
But then if you’re still a little confused about which Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball you should choose, this video might help.
Pros
- Larger, faster inner core for higher launch and lower spin
- Ionomer blend delivers increased ball speed
- Optimized aero design minimizes drag to maximize distance
- Special Truvis pattern for better visibility and focus
Cons
- Too much spin may cause hooks or slices if you’re new
7. TaylorMade TP5 Pix USA Golf Balls ($45/Dozen)
Construction | 5-piece |
Cover Material | Cast urethane |
Compression | 97 (medium) |
Color | White with multi-color graphics |
When a top golf brand like TaylorMade and a PGA Tour professional golfer like Rickie Fowler come together, the result takes the form of TP5 Pix. These golf balls are all about high-grade performance and there’s no denying that for all the reasons discussed below.
TaylorMade golf balls surely know how to take a beating. And you pay the hefty price just for that! So let’s get that out of the way before anything else.
TP5 Pix USA Golf Balls by TaylorMade feature a 5-layered construction. And this the brand has specifically engineered for performance with every golf club you own. After all, 5-piece golf balls are specifically crafted for accomplished golfers.
The composition includes a low compression rating. So you can generate low spin and high launch off your driver. Then there’s the soft fast inner mantle in the 5-piece construction that optimizes difficult shots hit with long irons.
The high-contrast, multi-colored graphics are sure to turn heads. More importantly, they heighten visibility, no matter the light settings. Plus, this ClearPath Alignment System gives you instant visual feedback.
TP5 Pix is also equipped with a speed-boosting layer system that has HFM (higher flex material). Because even more experienced players sometimes struggle with improving energy transfer. So there’s absolutely no doubt that you can get this golf ball to rebound quickly in order to boost ball speed and, ultimately, your performance.
One more important aspect that matters a great deal in the case of Tour performance is the spin achieved. TaylorMade has infused a Dual-Spin Cover in both the TP5 and TP5x. It takes the form of cast urethane (softer-feel) cover, which elevates groove interaction to hand over greater greenside spin. It even makes the golf balls more durable.
Needless to say, TaylorMade has set a benchmark with TP5 Pix. From the perspective of performance, no other golf ball compares to this one!
Pros
- Multi-colored graphics provide visibility in all light settings
- Contrasting, large graphics also deliver optimal spin feedback
- 5-layer construction performs with every golf club
- Proprietary HFM material boosts speed and distance
- Low compression Tri-Fast core maximizes launch and minimizes drag
Cons
- Obviously, not suitable for slower swing speeds
8. Polara Self Correcting Golf Balls ($45/Dozen)
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover Material | Ionomer |
Compression | 85 (medium) |
Color | White |
These Self Correcting Golf Balls by Polara actually work, believe it or not. As a high-handicap golfer, you’re most likely struggling with your golf swing and gaining distances. So the chances are that you’re also cheating on the turf, which includes not counting mulligans. In that case, why not use golf balls like these unhesitatingly!
You may lose around 10 yards in order to place the ball at the center of the fairway, no doubt. But better a few yards short in the fairway than in the trees, right!
Also, Polara golf balls and other such self-correcting balls are only suitable for recreational golfers. They’re banned by the R&A and USGA, for obvious reasons of course.
However, what you need to focus on more is a simple fact that the golf balls improve accuracy. And that means not having to struggle with slices or hooks any longer. All thanks to the special, even though banned for professional play, dimple pattern.
Extra, shallow dimples react differently when subjected to airflow and also reduce sidespin. And that’s how the self-correction occurs in mid-flight.
After all, hooks AND slices can slow down the pace of your game. And let’s not also forget how frustrating and embarrassing they are. So minimize the chances by 50-percent to 75-percent with self-correcting golf balls.
And just so you know, this is the XDS version – Extra Distance and Spin. Perfect for you if your priority is to reduce slices and hooks. Then there’s Ultimate Straight, Ultimate Straight XS, and XD (Extra Distance) as well. But what they all have in common is the ability to eliminate the possibility of slicing or hooking.
Pros
- 2-piece golf balls reduce slices and hooks
- Central core and outer cover both maximize distance
- Maximum spin control around the greens
Cons
- Lining up the ball is a bit tricky
- Not USGA-legal
9. Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS Model ($45/Dozen)
Construction | 3-piece |
Cover Material | Urethane |
Compression | 86 (medium) |
Color | White |
Bridgestone manufactures tires, so what in God’s name is the brand doing designing golf balls! Well, to be completely honest with you, Bridgestone Golf Tour B XS Golf Balls could just as well be the best you may have ever used. And Tiger Woods agrees too!
Off the face of any golf club, the ball feels super soft. And with putters, the feel is just downright confidence-boosting, which means you get to sink more putts than ever.
But what’s more important here is that this is Tiger Woods’ golf ball. So if you too are a golfer with a swing speed above 105 mph, then a ball like this can really give you just the feel and spin control you demand around the greens. And if the distance is a priority too, then maybe consider choosing the Tour B X version instead.
Either way, with a faster swing speed, it becomes easier to make the most of Bridgestone’s Gradational Compression core. Then you achieve a high-speed launch as well as low spin, which just by the way also boosts distance.
Furthermore, there’s the Dual Dimple structure too that brings into the picture advanced aerodynamics for boosting distance. So your every good shot is bound to go straight and long. But then watch out if your swing speed is slow because, in that case, the ball drops down too quickly.
But that’s enough about long game performance, what about the short game? Needless to say, Bridgestone Tour B XS features a revolutionary Reactiv urethane cover with shock-absorbing properties, which is extremely useful on low-impact shots. In turn, you get more control and spin without the shadow of a doubt. And it’s all consistent throughout!
Even the durability factor is commendable because of this urethane cover of the golf ball. But then it’s not totally immune to scuffing.
Pros
- Designed for faster swing speeds
- Softer feel and more greenside spin
- Contact Force Dimple enables greater energy transfer
- Reactiv urethane cover increases distance and durability
Cons
- Not made for slow hitters
10. Srixon Z Star 6 XV Golf Balls ($40/Dozen)
Construction | 4-piece |
Cover Material | Urethane |
Compression | 102 (high) |
Color | White |
Now here’s a 4-piece construction golf ball for more experienced/skilled players. The beauty of 4-piece as well as 5-piece balls is that they impact greater spin and spin optimization. Then Srixon Z Star 6 XV also has a high compressing rating. And here are the benefits for that…
- Harder core, thus firmer feel perfect to withstand faster ball speeds.
- Slower compression means it demands a harder swing for activation.
- Higher compression, when combined with a higher swing speed, maximizes distance.
- And lastly, firmer cores are often a part of Tour-grade golf balls.
So it’s no surprise that there’s a Fast Layer Core to keep up with your high speed. You also get more lift with less drag because of the slightly deeper 338 Speed Dimple pattern. Your drives are bound to travel straighter and farther. And that’s precisely why you pay the extra cost.
Ask any experienced golfer and they’ll tell you just how reliable Srixon Z-Star XV really is as far as higher spin and softer feel are concerned. Unlike Srixon Z-Star, the XV has a thicker cover for ball speed. Something that the former doesn’t provide on its own because of the thinning down of the cover/skin, but then the lower compressing rating makes up for it.
Moreover, with XV, there’s greater resilience present in the inner core. The material is the higher COR type that has proven to deliver incremental increases in the ball speed as well as distance. So it’s safe to say that Z-Star XV, in comparison to Z-Star, is a lot firmer. Thus, more suitable for golfers with a faster swing speed.
And you don’t even have to pay the most for this one! I mean there are much more expensive options on this list that perform pretty much the same way as Srixon Z-Star XV Golf Balls. So it’s a win-win situation here!
Pros
- 4-piece construction golf balls for high-speed players
- New 4th Generation coating maximizes spin
- Fast Layer Core provides an exceptional feel
- 338 Speed Dimple flies straight even in windy conditions
Cons
- Not for slower swing speeds
Expensive Golf Balls – Buying Guide
What Makes Golf Balls so Expensive?
Firstly, it’s because higher-priced golf balls are also the highest quality golf balls. Secondly, almost every expensive option is designed by a renowned brand (for example, Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, etc.). And these companies use advanced technology that they’ve worked on for decades.
Do I Need to Buy the Most Expensive Golf Balls?
The main benefit of expensive golf balls is that they deliver additional control, feel, and spin on your shots close to the green. In that case, do you struggle with your short game performance? If yes, then the extra money is worth spending.
What is the Average Price of a Golf Ball?
Just one visit to any local golf pro shop is enough to bring to your notice that regular golf balls cost not more than $10-$15 per dozen. As for their expensive counterparts, the price can shoot up to $50 for a dozen.
Why are Dixon Fire Golf Balls so Expensive?
All you have to do is have a look at the packaging of the Dixon Fire Golf Balls. You’ll instantly notice that even that is 100% recyclable, apart from the elastodynamic recyclable cast urethane cover.
Furthermore, with Dixon, every aspect of your short game is bound to improve. After all, it’s specifically designed for golfers who prioritize high performance.
Final Thoughts
Now it’s true that higher-priced golf balls are designed for more experienced, low-handicap golfers. Precisely because they spin more around the green and travel farther off the tee.
But then that doesn’t mean beginners, high handicappers, etc. are inapplicable here. It’s just that golf balls for newbies should be more affordable because their chances of losing balls during just a single round of golf are soaringly high. So why put your hard-earned money to waste, right!
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