The 9 Best Golf Balls for Beginners to Use in 2024
Written by Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini's father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

Updated on August 25, 2024

When I began playing golf, I thought I needed to get the pricey Titleist Pro V1 like my buddies.

I mistakenly thought that I needed the top-of-the-line balls to be able to play good golf. I was suffering from a classic case of FOMO before that was even a thing!

I’ve tried more balls over the years than I care to admit, so in this article I’ll be breaking down what type of balls I’ve found to be best for beginners and which brands to try. This guide should help take the guesswork out of which golf ball to buy.

For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here are my top choices:

Top Pick
Runner Up
Primary Rating:
4.8
Primary Rating:
4.7
Pros:
  • Produces consistent speed
  • Affordable
  • Maximizes energy transfer
  • Drag-busting aerodynamic dimples
  • Available in 6 colors
Pros:
  • Super affordable
  • Optimal carry distance
  • Straighter ball flight
  • Enhances energy transfer
  • Launches high
Cons:
  • Not suited to higher swing speeds
  • Not the longest golf ball around
Cons:
  • Minimal greenside spin
  • Rock hard construction
Top Pick
Primary Rating:
4.8
Pros:
  • Produces consistent speed
  • Affordable
  • Maximizes energy transfer
  • Drag-busting aerodynamic dimples
  • Available in 6 colors
Cons:
  • Not suited to higher swing speeds
  • Not the longest golf ball around
Runner Up
Primary Rating:
4.7
Pros:
  • Super affordable
  • Optimal carry distance
  • Straighter ball flight
  • Enhances energy transfer
  • Launches high
Cons:
  • Minimal greenside spin
  • Rock hard construction

Why listen to us? Our team has tested and reviewed dozens and dozens of the top balls on the market (you can see those here). We keep detailed notes and findings about each one to come up with our list of recommendations for you.

 

1. Callaway Supersoft

Top Pick
Callaway Supersoft

Supersoft has been one of the most popular golf balls for years. The new Hybrid Cover features a multi-material construction allows for an incredible combination of fast ball speeds from high launch and low spin, soft feel, and excellent greenside control.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Produces consistent speed
  • Affordable
  • Maximizes energy transfer
  • Drag-busting aerodynamic dimples
  • Available in 6 colors

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Not suited to higher swing speeds
  • Not the longest option around

My favorite ball for beginners is the Callaway Supersoft.

I’ve dabbled with the Callaway Supersofts for ages and still find them affordable, high-flying, and long. Its two-piece construction restricts spin and elevates compression for optimal energy transfer, ball speed, and launch.

callaway supersoft vs chrome soft

Slower swing speeds will appreciate the consistently high ball flight and adequate carry distance it provides. Plus, it produces sharp descent angles to propel your ball to land softly on approach, allowing you to attack the flag.

Finally, Callaway’s HEX Aerodynamics technology helps the ball resist drag and extend lift for increased carry and total distance.

 

2. TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft

Runner Up
TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft

Durable and soft iothane cover. Impact propulsion core for longer carry. Patented dimple design for straighter flight, all at a very reasonable price.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Super affordable
  • Optimal carry distance
  • Straighter ball flight
  • Enhances energy transfer
  • Launches high

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Minimal greenside spin
  • Rock hard construction

If it’s value you’re looking for, the TaylorMade Noodle is a great option.

These are one of the cheapest options on the market today, but don’t let that scare you. I experienced success as a high handicapper using the Long and Soft range, which boosted my long-game distance and elevated ball flight.

noodle long and soft review 3

The Noodle features a soft ionomer cover that provides greater short-game control than other distance balls. However, it is nothing near that of a premium urethane ball.

What’s also impressive about the Noodle is its insanely high level of durability. I struck these ionomers on-and-off for over a decade, and they rarely scuffed.

 

3. Pinnacle Soft

Pinnacle Golf Soft 15-Ball White

Designed for golfers who prioritize a soft feel and low compression. They feature a high-energy c...

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Boosts compression at impact
  • Higher ball speed
  • Low spin
  • Improved greenside feel
  • Entry-level price tag

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Minimal greenside spin
  • Higher swing speeds may balloon strikes using the lower compression ball

Pinnacle strikes the ideal balance between softness and distance with these.

When I hit the Pinnacle Soft balls, they produce maximum compression, low spin, and rapid ball pace on long shots. However, the ball transforms to offer a softer feel on short game shots, seldom experienced in a distance ball.

The Pinnacle Soft carries a 332 dimple design which helps limit spin. Remember, less spin equals straighter shots!

Golfers of all skill levels love how the Pinnacle Soft feels coming off of the clubface of their driver. Some golfers have even switched from the premium Titleist Pro V1s to this brand and have seen no difference between the two options.

 

4. Bridgestone e6 Soft

Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls

This golf ball features low driver and long iron spin for straighter distance, as well as an advanced mantle and cover which work together for great approach and green-side performance.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Promotes straight flight
  • Generates impressive distance
  • Enhances energy transfer at impact
  • Restricts spin
  • Soft feel

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Reduced workability
  • Limited short-game spin

The Bridgestone e6 Soft features a Gradational Compression core, which produces maximum energy transfer at impact. As a result, it accelerates my ball speed and minimizes ball spin. Moreover, it promotes straight ball flight to achieve greater consistency from tee to green.

bridgestone e6 1

While there are cheaper options, none provide the performance that Bridgestone does. Also, getting a high-quality option for less than $2 apiece is quite a bargain in our book.

The engineers at Bridgestone designed this with the beginner in mind. The e6 Soft offers less spin than other balls, especially when using the driver, fairway woods, and long irons. This results in straighter shots and more confidence when hitting the longer clubs.

You’ll love the soft feel of this ball, especially when chipping, pitching, or putting. The Delta Dimple design also provides solid control on all types of shots. Give these Bridgestone e6s a go, and you will not be disappointed.

 

5. Titleist Velocity

Titleist Velocity

This ball offers longer distance, extremely low long game spin, and high flight on all shots.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Super low long-game spin
  • Improved feel compared to other distance options
  • Produces rapid pace
  • Elevates flight
  • Available in multiple optic-friendly colors

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Higher price than most distance balls
  • Minimal greenside spin

If you don’t mind paying a few extra bucks, the Titleist Velocity balls are an excellent choice for beginner golfers.

I found these provide exceptional speed and low spin on long shots to promote distance and prevent hooks and slices. In addition, its spherically-tiled Octahedral dimple pattern encourages higher ball flight for increased carry yards and a soft landing on approach.

titleist velocity 1

Another welcome feature of the Titleist Velocity balls is their optic-friendly colors (white, matte green, matte pink, and matte orange). I noticed they were easy to follow in the air and spot on the turf.

 

6. Srixon Soft Feel

Srixon Soft Feel

One of the more affordable, quality balls on the market. With a soft center that gradually transitions to a firm outer edge, the FastLayer Core offers incredible softness and great distance off the tee. The dimple pattern reduces drag at launch and increases lift during descent.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Optimal compression at impact
  • Ideal for moderate swing speeds
  • Affordable
  • Produces sufficient spin around the greens for casual golfers
  • Outstanding aerodynamic dimples

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Not suited to high swing speeds
  • Not the longest option out there

Srixon is somewhat new to the ball manufacturing scene, as they started back in 2000.

However, these folks know how to make a high-quality optionl for an affordable price, and it is one of my go-to balls. The core consists of Srixon’s patented Fastlayer technology, which allowed me to maximize compression at impact and ramp-up spin while restricting long-game spin.

srixon soft feel 3

This leads to a softness that is second to none and plenty of distance off the tee. Srixon makes these balls with a 338 Speed Dimple Pattern to increase length.

The soft cover performs well around the greens, and the thick black line helps line up your putts quickly and effectively.

 

7. Wilson Staff Duo

WILSON Staff Duo Soft +

The Wilson Staff DUO Soft+ Golf Balls are designed for golfers who want a soft feel and maximum distance. They feature a low compression core and a high-performance ionomer cover for improved performance.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Produces impressive long-game yardage
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Encourages a higher launch
  • Promotes longer carry distance
  • Budget-friendly

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Rock hard feel off the putter face
  • Limited short-game spin

Wilson has been a major brand in golf for several decades as they’ve been manufacturing balls since 1954. Wilson’s best ball for beginners is the Duo, which compresses efficiently at impact, prompting higher ball zip, launch, and carry distance.

I recently took a few of these for a spin. The balls initiated amplified zip and lower spin on long shots for phenomenal distance results. The VelocitiCOR technology is responsible for the speed and spin results, providing maximum support to slower swing speeds.

A few extra yards off the tee is never a bad thing!

 

8. Vice Pro Soft

Vice Pro Soft

3 piece cast urethane cover. Low compression for extra-soft and responsive feel.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • Elevated spin around the green
  • Built for moderate and slow swing speeds
  • Promotes increased long-game distance
  • Available in matte colors
  • Affordable for a urethane ball

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • More expensive than other options for beginners
  • Some players struggle to follow the red matte on brighter days

Vice is a hot new brand gaining traction for its direct-to-consumer business model. These balls cost more than the others on our list because they are three-piece urethane balls built to travel long off the tee and spin high around the green.

vice pro soft golf ball review

Unlike many Tour-constructed urethane balls, the Pro Soft proved effective for my moderate swing speed. I launched it consistently and appreciated the added control and greenside spin.

In addition, I feel seniors can thrive with the ball speed and spin assistance delivered by the Vice Pro Soft. While high handicappers are free to give it a go, losing these is heavier on the wallet than our other options.

The Vice Pro Soft is available in three shiny matte colors (red, white, and lime). The Vice Pro Softs are worth trying out if you possess the budget and enjoy an all-around performance.

 

9. Callaway Warbird

Callaway Warbird

The Warbird Golf Ball is engineered for maximum ball speed through the bag. The extra-large, high-energy core is highly compressible to unlock more potential distance at any swing speed.

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What I Like About This Ball

  • High-energy core
  • Accelerated ball zip
  • Elevated flight
  • Impeccable aerodynamics
  • Affordable

What I Dislike About This Ball

  • Rock hard on short game shots
  • Limited short-game spin

Like the Noodle Long and Soft, I played the Warbird numerous times when I was a high-handicapper, and my admiration still runs high for these balls. The large, high-energy did wonders for ball speed, low spin, and a towering launch for consistent yards off the tee.

Callaway Warbird 2

The signature Callaway Hex Aerodynamics proved efficient in the sky as it resisted drag and increased lift on the descent. Despite a lack of spin, the higher ball flight promoted a soft landing on approach shots.

Beginners with moderate swing speeds should consider the high-flying Callaway Warbird for long-game consistency.

 

What Kind of Ball Should You Be Using as a Beginner?

There are a plethora of brands and features to choose from so it’s difficult to know what ball is right for you as a beginner golfer.

Here are the most important features I tell beginners to look for when buying balls for the first time.

1. Opt for an Ultra Soft Feel

Most golfers who are new to the game have slower swing speeds. This means they need something that will deliver optimal distance, even on shots that are not well struck.

Soft balls will provide a decent amount of spin but will limit the amount of sidespin that causes hooks and slices. This is a huge advantage for beginners because it will allow them to find the fairway more often instead of the trees or water. Ultra Soft balls also perform brilliantly both on and around the greens.

2. Pick The Correct Compression Rating

Soft balls with a lower compression rating provide a high level of forgiveness, which is a necessity when you’re first learning how to play golf. Most newer golfers struggle with hitting the ball straight so the extra forgiveness that a soft ball brings will come in handy on the course.

What compression rating should you look for as a beginner? Make sure that the balls you are buying have a compression rating of 70 or less. Most of the UltraSoft options have a compression rating of around 35 or so.

3. Go with Cheap Over Expensive

When you’re first starting to get into golf, it’s not necessary to buy expensive balls. Most beginner-level golfers won’t notice any difference between a ball that costs $4 apiece vs. a ball that costs $1 each. The reason is that most new golfers rarely make consistent contact with the center of the clubface.

A good strategy is to buy balls that are both soft and cheap. Take the money that you saved from buying cheaper balls and invest in some lessons with a PGA teaching professional. By doing this, you’ll be well on your way to learning the game and shooting lower scores on the course.

4. Look for Distance Options

Beginners are best suited to distance balls with a two-piece construction and a durable, ionomer cover. These restrict spin on long shots and accelerate ball speed to generate straight, long strikes.

While distance balls deliver superior length off the tee, they tend to provide restricted greenside spin and control. However, their higher launch profile generates elevated flight and prompts sharper descent angles for a soft landing.

 

Other Golf Ball FAQs for Beginner Players

Should you always use the same balls?

The majority of amateur golfers seem to play a wide variety of different balls. If you checked the golf bags of most weekend hacks, you would probably see five to ten different brands inside.

While it may seem cool to collect and play with a plethora of different options, this seemingly innocent choice may be hurting your performance on the course.

So… YES, play the same ball for every round. A key to playing your best golf is consistency and playing the same ball each time provides that. PGA Tour pros play the same type of ball for several years for this very reason.

You never want to be on the tee box or green and wondering how your ball is going to perform. Pick a brand of ball that you trust with features that help compensate for your weaknesses and stick with it! You wouldn’t change out your driver or irons after a couple of bad rounds, so don’t do so with your balls either.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to be married to one particular brand or type of ball for the rest of your life. A good strategy is to stick with the same ball for one to two years and then reevaluate your own strengths and weaknesses as a golfer.

If you’ve made big improvements to your game and lowered your handicap quite a bit, consider switching to something that will fit your new skill set. I like to reassess my game at the beginning of every year to see if I need to make any equipment changes.

Does it matter what option you use as a beginner?

YES, it matters a great deal what type of ball you choose as a beginner golfer. Like we discussed above, since most new golfers struggle with accuracy (hooks, slices, pushes, etc.), it makes sense for them to choose something with a low spin rate. Eliminating sidespin will help beginners hit the ball straighter more consistently.

The last thing you want to do as a beginner is to choose something hard. Hard balls will have a faster spin rate which will make your hooks and slices much more prominent. Golf is hard enough as it is. Don’t make it even harder by choosing the wrong ball.

Do softer balls go further?

As a general rule, the harder the ball the farther it will fly. That doesn’t mean you should opt for the hardest ball you can find just to maximize distance. Several studies have shown that the distance difference between hard and soft balls is often only five yards or less.

The reason most beginners should choose something soft is because of the high amount of forgiveness they offer. Forgiveness and control should be prioritized over sheer distance. Remember, you’re trying to shoot your best score, not win some kind of longest drive competition.

 

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Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini's father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8