Finding the perfect golf ball can be a game-changer for seniors facing challenges in their game.
We break down what type of ball is best for older players and which brands to try. After reading this article, you’ll be able to quickly decide which ball is right for you and your game.
For golfers that just need a quick recommendation, here are our top choices:
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- Soft compression core
- Hybrid cover provides increased durability and an improved feel for short-game shots
- Designed to produce a low spin rate
- Good price
- Some golfer may find the cover is too tacky for their liking
- High-performance polymer mantlet helps improve ball speed
- Delta Wing Dimple Pattern offers higher trajectory on all shots
- Aerodynamically designed for less drag
- 70 compression rating may not be low enough for some golfers
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
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.
Pros
- Super low compression maximizes energy transfer
- Accelerates ball velocity
- Restricts long-game spin
- Available in five optic-friendly colors
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited spin around the green
- Higher swing speeds may balloon their shots with this ball
Callaway Supersoft are an excellent choice for senior golfers because of their high amount of softness and greenside spin. I’ve played the Supersoft on multiple occasions and appreciate them for their effortless launch, lightning pace, and low long-game spin.
These characteristics, with a Soft Compression Core, help senior golfers get the ball consistently airborne off the tee and on approach. This high trajectory will enable folks to stick approach shots closer to the flagstick. No more worrying about bouncing shots off the green and into the bunker!
This ball offers a higher launch and provides plenty of distance, thanks to Callaway’s HEX Aerodynamics technology.
In addition, you can source the Supersoft balls in green, orange, red, pink, and yellow to follow them through the air and find it in the rough. Finally, the price is pretty solid since they’re only a little more than $2 per ball. That’s a good bargain in our book!
2. Bridgestone e12 Contact
The unique Contact Force Dimple Pattern that creates 38% more surface contact on impact. Dimple pattern also makes your ball fly longer and straighter with every club in your bag.
Pros
- Flies straighter than its peers
- Increase friction and spin around the green
- Fast ball speed
- Soft feel
- Low long-game spin
Cons
- More expensive than most distance balls
- Restricts workability
Bridgestone makes some of the best balls in the industry, which is why Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, Lexi Thompson, and Fred Couples play them. However, their chosen balls require a high swing speed unattainable by the average senior golfer.
I find the e12 Contact offers seniors the best combination of a powerful launch, straight ball flight, and impressive distance. In addition, the Contact Force Dimple Pattern boosts energy transfer by up to 38%, according to Bridgestone.
It proves vital on short game shots as the added friction imparts better spin for improved greenside control. However, don’t expect the level of spin enjoyed with a premium urethane tour ball. However, it’s sufficient for mid and high-handicappers.
The e12 has a slightly softer feel than its e6 counterparts and produces superior accuracy, control, and distance. As a result, they are better suited to mid-handicap senior golfers.
The softer feel combined with more spin on the greens is the perfect combination.
3. MG Golf Balls Senior
Expect more distance. Astonishingly more. The MG Senior flies higher and longer, with a hotter feel off the face and a sound you aren't used to hearing anymore.
Pros
- Initiates a towering launch
- Boosts energy transfer at contact
- Minimal spin on long shots
- Built for slower swing speeds
- Delivered impressive carry distance
Cons
- Not USGA approved
- Feel super hard
MG isn’t as well known as a brand like Titleist, Bridgestone, or Callaway. However, this company makes a fantastic golf ball that is designed specifically for seniors.
I produced a towering launch with the MG with a higher ball flight for impressive carry distance, a trait ideal for slower swing-speed golfers.
The company claims this ball is the longest for golfers who drive less than 250 yards. I’d manage my expectations, but it does have the potential to boost energy transfer, accelerate ball speed and induce consistent long game length.
This is not approved by the USGA so you won’t be able to use it if you play in any official tournaments. However, the MG Senior motto is “make golf fun, not frustrating.”
Many senior golfers swear that this ball travels much further than any other brand they have tried. Some folks say that the MG Senior will go up to 10% longer off the tee.
However, many seniors claim this product doesn’t have a soft enough feel or greenside spin.
4. Titleist Tour Soft
Titleist makes this ball with special technology that results in less spin when hitting your longer clubs (driver and fairway woods).
Pros
- Optimizes energy transfer from the clubface to the ball
- Drag fighting aerodynamic dimple pattern
- Accelerates ball zip
- Restricts speed
- Provides a satisfactory short-game feel
Cons
- Expensive for a senior’s ball
- Not the highest-spinning option around
If you want a high-quality ball and don’t mind paying a little bit extra for it, the Titleist Tour Soft is an outstanding option for senior golfers.
Its impeccable energy transfer, low spin, and increased ball speed proved invaluable off the tee, as I produced a satisfactory yardage control. Besides great distance and excellent feel, I welcomed the consistent ball flight, which fought drag on the way up and increased lift on the descent for longer carry.
Some senior golfers have even said that this provides them with an extra five yards of distance off the tee. It traveled longer on the fly, but I felt the added lift prompted a soft landing with less roll.
The alignment aid also comes in handy when you’re trying to line up a putt and it’s nice to not have to mark your balls.
These also have a high level of durability. Many senior golfers claim they are nearly impossible to scuff.
5. Callaway Chrome Soft
Faster, larger Graphene-infused Dual Soft Fast Core is designed for increased distance. Larger inner core creates higher launch and lower spin. The thinner, firmer outer core is reinforced with Graphene for better durability
Pros
- Increased wedge spin
- Higher launch than most Tour balls
- Limited driver spin
- Straight ball flight promotes improved accuracy
- Soft feel
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Not suited to moderate or slow swing speeds
For the senior golfer who is highly skilled (single-digit handicaps), we recommend the Chrome Soft from Callaway. Moderate to low swing speeds may struggle to consistently launch the ball, as was my case.
However, superior golfers with higher swing speeds will appreciate the softer feel, increased distance, and control of the Chrome Soft. Plus, its higher launch and straight fly work well for seniors, requiring a slight boost off the clubface.
The ball is the most expensive on our list because it’s a premium option made with four-piece technology.
I did appreciate the low driver spin and fast ball speed for improved distance. However, slower swing speeds will struggle to consistently launch this ball, losing yardage and accuracy.
The Chrome Soft is also exceptionally forgiving, thanks to its Dual SoftFast Core. The triple track design is a nice touch and features one red line between two blue lines. Despite its superior qualities, the price is on the higher side.
6. 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.
Pros
- Affordable
- Launches high and straight
- Restricts spin for optimal distance
- Creates sublime speed
- Drag resistant dimples
Cons
- Reduced short-game spin revolutions
- Fast swing speeds may lose control of high-launching shots
Srixon makes our list for the second time with their Soft Feel. The core is made with Srixon’s one-of-a-kind Fastlayer technology, which boosted my energy transfer from the clubface to the ball.
Senior golfers will enjoy how speedily this ball comes off the clubface, as I experienced, and flies high and straight. Srixon designed these balls with a 338 Speed Dimple Pattern to increase distance off the tee.
The softcover shell makes the ball react very well on the putting surface and the thick alignment line is very helpful for lining up your putts quickly and effectively.
7. Vice Golf Pro Soft
3 piece cast urethane cover. Low compression for extra-soft and responsive feel.
Pros
- Boosts distance off the tee
- Lowers long game spin
- Elevates greenside spin
- Feels soft off the clubface
- Available in 2 optic friendly colors
Cons
- Expensive compared to other senior balls
- The red matte finish is difficult to track in bright light
Vice is new to the ball manufacturing game but they’ve started out with a bang, offering a unique straight to consumer model. These three-piece constructions carry advanced technology to maximize long distance while preserving spin.
I enjoyed the urethane cover on the Vice Pro Soft, which boosted my control around the green more than its peers. It felt soft off the clubface and produced a medium launch for desirable flight and landing.
These hold up remarkably well, even in tough weather conditions thanks to their 336 dimple design. If you need a ball that provides a higher level of visibility, Vice also offers this ball in matte red and matte lime colors.
If you have a little bit of extra room in your budget and want to see what all the hype is about, give the Vice Pro Softs a try.
8. TaylorMade Distance Plus
React core and low drag aerodynamic design make this a popular choice amongst many golfers.
Pros
- Produces impressive distance
- Increased ball speed off the clubface
- Lower long-game spin
- Affordable
- Contains an alignment aid
Cons
- Provides limited spin and greenside control
- Hard feel
If you’re a senior golfer looking for both soft feel and good distance, the TaylorMade Distance Plus may just be the ticket! I received explosive pace, low long game spin, and stable flight for increased carry distance off the tee when testing this ball.
TaylorMade uses its patented REACT speed core, relies on low-drag aerodynamics, and its 342 dimple pattern to produce plenty of distance. The Distance Plus also launches higher than any other value ball that TaylorMade offers.
This ball has a compression rating of 77 which means it’s very forgiving and easy to compress for senior golfers with slow to medium swing speeds.
Also, the Plus Alignment Aid helps golfers line up putts in a quick, efficient manner. And if it’s value you are looking for, this is the cheapest option on our list.
9. Srixon Q-Star Tour 3
The new FastLayer Core offers distance and soft feel without compromise due to a gradual transition from soft inner core to firm outer edge.
Pros
- Elevated wedge spin
- Rapid long game speed
- Reduced long-game spin revolutions
- Maximizes energy transfer at impact
- Produces penetrating ball flight
Cons
- Not ideal for slow-swing-speed seniors
- More expensive than most senior balls
Srixon just keeps finding ways to impress with their new advances in technology. The Q-Star features a soft inner core but a hard outer shell to induce a soft feel, increased compression, and minimal long-game spin. I found it generated a medium launch, greater distance, and wedge spin.
SpinSkin technology that is designed to dig deeper into the grooves on your irons and wedges. This leads to maximum spin thanks to this new type of urethane cover.
The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern leads to better trajectory and the 72 compression rating means senior golfers will love how it performs on the green. It’s also equipped with an alignment aid for an improved aim off the tee and on putts.
10. Wilson Staff Duo
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.
Pros
- Consistent ball speed off the clubface
- Minimal spin
- High ball flight
- Durable construction
- Optimizes energy transfer at contact
Cons
- Minimal spin
- Feels like a rock off the putter face
Wilson has been making solid balls for more than seven decades.
Their perfect option for senior golfers is the Duo, which provides plenty of yardage off the tee, thanks to aerodynamic dimples and low spin design.
I was pleased with the Duo’s consistently high ball speed and low spin, which produces exceptional yardage. Plus, its durable construction meant it took a beating without scuffing for improved longevity.
The core of this two-piece features VelocitiCOR, Wilson’s patented technology to optimize energy transfer and spring it off the clubface.
The Kind of Ball You Should Be Using as a Senior
If you’re a senior golfer, here are a few factors to consider before deciding on which ball to buy. These factors should be used as just general guidelines.
1. Choose Soft Over Their Hard Counterparts
As a general rule, our swing speeds tend to decrease as we age due to the decrease in both flexibility and muscle mass.
While there are some senior golfers who don’t fit into that category, the majority don’t swing as fast as they did in their younger days.
It’s a safe bet for most senior golfers to choose a soft ball instead of a hard one. Softer balls have a lower compression rating, which will allow folks with slower swing speeds to hit the ball further off the tee.
Softer balls also offer less side spin, which means more forgiveness on mishits like hooks and slices. A high level of forgiveness is a huge advantage, especially to golfers with higher handicaps.
2. Choose a Ball that Launches Higher in the Air
Many golfers have a more difficult time getting the ball high enough in the air as they age. Luckily, golf ball manufacturers design certain balls to launch with a higher trajectory.
This helps on approach shots, which you wan to stick on the green near the flagstick instead of hitting the green and rolling off of it.
3. Find a Ball That Enhances Your Short Game
Since most senior golfers lose a bit of distance off the tee with each passing decade, performing well in the short game becomes even more important to shooting low scores.
Most seniors will do well with something that provides lots of spin both on and around the greens. So look for a ball that provides a soft feel on chips, pitches, and putts.
4. When It Comes to Price, Remember Goldilocks
Let’s face it – price is always a factor in our decision-making, even when it comes to buying balls. We all have different amounts of discretionary income so there’s no one size fits all approach.
Although cheap balls are just fine for beginner-level golfers, seniors often find that the cheapest balls usually don’t provide enough control in the short game.
With that being said, the safest bet for seniors is to choose a ball that is more in the mid-range of prices.
Use the story of Goldilocks and her porridge as an example. You want something that’s not too expensive but not too cheap either. Losing an expensive Titleist Pro V1 in the lake may cause you unnecessary stress and trying to putt with a super cheap fifty-cent ball is no fun.
Choose the middle of the road.
5. Choose a Ball with High Visibility
An unfortunate gift from Father Time to most senior golfers is worse eyesight (heck, this is already becoming an issue for me in my late 30’s).
Senior golfers can sometimes struggle to find a white ball, especially if it’s early in the morning or late in the evening during twilight.
Choosing one of the newer balls that have a bright-colored matte finish can help with this common problem. These striking new colors also have a nice look to them.
Other Ball FAQs for Seniors
Should you always use the same balls?
All senior golfers should play the same ball every time they hit the links. A hidden key to playing great golf is consistency. Using the same ball each time you play will provide just that.
You never want to be in the middle of a round and feel unsure about how your ball is perform in certain situations. Find something that best suits your game and stick with it for the long haul.
Don’t constantly switch out which ball you’re hitting because it only leads to confusion.
Does it matter what ball you use as a senior?
The type of ball matters quite a bit if you’re a senior golfer. Manufacturers design different types of balls to help with certain weaknesses. Make today’s technological advancements work for you and not against you.
Since most senior golfers lose a little bit of their swing speed as they age, a soft ball is by far the best choice. This will help you get the most distance out of every well-struck drive.
Don’t make the game harder than it has to be by choosing the wrong ball.