I recently decided to take the Kirkland Signature (their latest release) out to the course to do some testing for this review.
I’ll admit that I’ve tested Kirkland Signature golf balls in the past (the older model), and I thought they were good. I won’t say they were my favorite golf balls, but certainly a good value.
So I was excited to see what the newest release had to offer. Here is my honest opinion on the Kirkland Signature Performance+ golf balls.
Why listen to us? Our team has tested dozens and dozens of the top balls on the market (you can read in-depth review of each here). We keep detailed notes and findings about each one to come up with our recommendations for you.
Overall Rating and Thoughts
I’m impressed with the way the Kirkland Signature golf balls feel. I think they have improved from the original model. A big reason the Kirkland Signature golf balls did so well in my testing is that they’re fairly priced. If you find a better deal than these, let me know!
Best for: I would highly recommend the Kirkland Signature for golfers in the 10-25 handicap range that are looking for a mix of performance and value. Make sure you have at least an average swing speed as slower swing speeds may struggle to compress this one enough.
Overall Score: 9/10
Features
One of the most commonly asked questions I get about the Kirkland Signature is whether or not it is a replacement for the Pro V1. Let’s face it: when you look at the price that you can get these golf balls (for Costco members), it’s nearly impossible to say they have the same R&D and technology as the number one ball in the game.
And they don’t.
However, I think you will get more than what you pay for with the Kirkland Signature new release. Here’s what you can expect.
Soft Cast Urethane Cover
The outer cover of the Kirkland Signature is a soft urethane. It seems a bit more durable than we typically see in this price range, and it’s designed to improve overall spin characteristics around the golf course.
The urethane covers are also durable, but most importantly, it’s designed to help lower some spin off the tee and keep your golf ball moving toward your target.
Three Piece Technology
The Kirkland Signature is a 3 piece golf ball. It’s considered to be low compression, but Kirkland doesn’t advertise the compression. I’m guessing it’s around 70-90, but it’s hard to exactly say where it stands.
The ball consists of a highly elastic rubber core, a speed-boosting mantle, and a soft urethane cover core. With each of these pieces, it’s easy to see how the Kirkland Signature is able to get some performance from both the tee and green.
Fine Tuned Spin
The technology in the Kirkland Signature is designed to give you longer distance off the tee and higher spin rates around the green. With the three pieces and the cover and mantle design, you will find diversity in the spin performance.
338 Dimple Pattern
The 338 dimple pattern improves aerodynamics and allows for penetration of the golf ball through the air.
I don’t recommend choosing a golf ball based on the number of dimples it has or even the dimple pattern. However, when you can cut through the wind and difficult course conditions because of this unique dimple pattern, you’ll be glad the ball has it.
Performance
Now that you have the basics of what to expect from the Kirkland Signature golf ball, let’s get into what my performance was like on the golf course. I can tell you that I’m impressed with this ball overall, and it’s one of the better 3 piece models I’ve tried.
Price
Score: A+
Pricing is about as good as it will get, considering the technology included in the Kirkland Signature golf ball. The price is about half of any other three-piece performance ball with a urethane cover.
In addition, since it’s Kirkland, when you purchase the golf balls directly from Costco you’ll get two dozen for about the price of one dozen from another manufacturer.
The bottom line here – these are worth the money.
Feel and Sound
Score: A
Overall, I really like the feel and sound of the Kirkland Signature. The feel is honestly a little similar to the Pro V1. It has a slightly firmer exterior than others on the approach and full-swing shots.
However, when you get closer to the greens, the ball is plenty soft enough to hit short approach shots with a softer landing.
The sound was great. It came off the face, sounding like a premium golf ball.
Side note: If you read my recent review of the Piper golf balls, you know that sound can be a major problem in choosing the right golf ball.
Spin
Score: B+
Spin is where I wanted to check out what the Kirkland Signature had to offer. Let’s face it: if you want to even be talked about in the same sentence as the Titleist golf balls, spin is a huge factor.
I was impressed with the overall low spin from the tee. As long as you have average swing speed or above, you will get low spin and plenty of roll in the fairway.
On approach shots to the green, the ball did seem to stop quite well. I was able to hit some short irons to the pin that stayed within just a few feet of where they hit.
Greenside spin was, of course, just a little less.
It’s not quite as zippy as a Pro V1 or Pro V1 x. I think it’s just the material’s quality and the grab it gets on the green.
However, would I stay away from this golf ball because of its performance around the green? Absolutely not!
There is plenty of spin coming from the Kirkland Signature to make it a good choice for the majority of golfers.
Suppose you’re a 2 handicap playing in a local qualifier or the club championship. In that case, I may try something with a little more of a premium cover (still urethane) that allows for even higher greenside spin rates.
Distance
Score: A
The distance from the Kirkland Signature golf balls is good. I had no trouble getting my drives to the typical spot I do when using a Chrome Soft or Pro V1.
The distance on the iron shots was fine. I didn’t notice it to be as strong with the irons as some other golf balls on the market, but I wasn’t coming up short. The total distance from the tee is quite good.
What I Like About Kirkland Signature Golf Balls
As you probably already can see, I like these golf balls. In fact, for a casual round of golf, I would have no problem putting them in play and feeling like I was using something that was still benefiting my game.
Performance from Tee and Green
Distance from the tee was plenty long enough. At the same time, I got some spin around the green. Anytime I can find a golf ball that addresses more than one area of my game (for a fair price), I’ll take it.
This type of performance is hard to find for the price that Kirkland offers.
Responsive Around The Greens
Even though I’ve played with balls that seem to have a slightly softer feel and generate a little more spin, the Kirkland Signature has a lot to offer. It’s responsive, impressive, and allows you to be in control.
Priced Lower Than Other 3 Piece Golf Balls
The pricing on these balls is worth mentioning again. It’s hard to be too critical when a golf ball is offered at this price, and you get this amount of performance.
What I Dislike About Kirkland Signature Golf Ball
There’s always some areas of weakness we can point out about the golf equipment we test. Before I get into the shortcomings of the Kirkland, it’s worth mentioning that these balls have more positives than they do negatives.
Might Not Be Best for The Fastest Swing Speeds
I think faster swing speed golfers will benefit from something with slightly higher compression. You may find that you aren’t maximizing distance and spin by using the Kirkland Signature.
Not as Much Spin as The 4 and 5 Piece Golf Balls
Spin rates from the Kirkland Signature are good, but you will get higher with a TP5 or a Pro V1x. Be smart about how much spin you need. Sometimes, too much spin, especially from the tee, will cause some trouble.
5 Comments
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Brittany Olizarowicz
Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1
Thank you for the insight on the Kirkland golf ball. I’m 75 and can still drive a golf ball 200–220 yards. I recently switched to a Pro v1 . I will try the Kirkland based on your article. Thanks
Let us know how it goes with the Kirkland (and wow, you’re still ripping the ball!)
Would you consider this Kirkland Signature ball to be comparable to the DT Titleist balls of the late 1970s and early 1980s?
Hey Vince, I asked Britt your question – unfortunately, she never had a chance to play with those Titleist balls so would be hard for her to give an accurate comparison. She said these balls were awesome during her testing, and she recommends them for golfers in the 10-25 handicap range that are looking high performance while also offering a more affordable price tag. Hope that helps!
Overall the Kirkland is a good value. However around the greens the Pro v has a slight advantage. You can’t beat the price