Best Premium Golf Balls 2024
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What are the best premium golf balls available to golfers for 2024?
JUMP TO: Best Premium golf balls | Buying Guide | FAQs
Deciding the best golf balls for your game can be pretty overwhelming, especially with the extensive choice available. If you appreciate the finer things in life, then you may want to play with the best premium golf balls, which not only offer incredible feel and performance but also many of them come with the approval of Tour players.
It’s probably a given that most premium golf balls do come with a hefty price tag not everyone will want to pay (understandably). If you don’t want to sacrifice too much performance but do want to save some money check out the best amateur-level golf balls.
The advantage of premium golf balls is that every sensation is enhanced. Although, nothing will ever prepare you for that gut-retching feeling when you bomb one out of town.
The best premium golf balls 2024 at a glance:
Best premium golf balls on Tour: Titleist Pro V1 | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best premium golf balls for alignment and visibility options: Callaway Chrome Soft X | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best short game performance premium golf balls: PXG Xtreme | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best firm feeling premium golf balls: Wilson Staff Model | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Not every golfer needs to play with the best premium golf balls, there will be average golfers out there who will benefit from playing the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers until they reach the level to play with a more premium ball.
Within the premium category of golf balls, there is an option for every golfer. Whether you normally reach for TaylorMade golf balls or Wilson golf balls you’ll find a fantastic premium golf ball in their line-up.
One thing we want every golfer to find is the best value golf balls for their game. If it is that you need to play with premium golf balls hopefully there is an option in this list that offers good value for money for your golf game. Finding value in premium golf balls could prove to be more difficult in the coming years following the news of the golf ball rollback being approved, so in order to find good value now is the time to buy!
Best premium golf balls 2024
Most popular golf balls in professional golf
Best premium golf balls on Tour
Based on these balls being so popular I'm sure you are well aware of how well they perform. The Pro V1s are exceptional from tee to green, providing long distance and incredible spin and control around the greens. The flight of these golf balls is very stable and lower than other premium golf balls. Titleists' premium golf balls do come at a cost, although to many it's warranted.
If you prefer a golf ball with a firmer feel try Titleist's Pro V1x golf balls which are also extremely popular and successful on Tour. Check out the specs for a full comparison.
Read our full Titleist Pro V1 golf balls review
Pros
- Tighter dispersion than the previous model
- Brilliant distance for quicker swing speeds
- Exceptional spin in the short game
- Fantastic feel off the club face
- Played by a host of the world's greatest golfers
Cons
- Urethane cover isn't the most durable
| Construction | Pro V1 - 3-piece | Pro V1x - 4-piece |
| Cover | Cast urethane elastomer |
| Compression | Pro V1 - 87-90 | Pro V1x - 97-100 |
| Dimples | Pro V1 - 388 | Pro V1x - 348 |
| Feel | Pro V1 - soft | Pro V1x - firm |
| Flight | Pro V1 - mid | Pro V1x - high |
| Long game spin | Pro V1 - very low | Pro V1x - low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | Pro V1x Left Dash |
- High gradient core design
- Speed amplifying high-flex casing layer
- Cast thermoset urethane cover
- Spherically tiled tetrahedral dimple design
TaylorMade's five-piece Tour golf ball
Best five-piece premium golf balls
Being premium golf balls, you are guaranteed fantastic performance from the TaylorMade TP5x. They behave very well from tee to green but you really get your money's worth off the tee - not just with distance but also dispersion. If you prefer a more vivid golf ball that assists with alignment, there is the Pix option in the TP5 and TP5x.
The TP5x is slightly firmer than the TP5 (but they are still soft), and the TP5 is slightly more responsive in the short game so if this is your preference the TP5 may be a better option. For a full comparison of both balls' features check the specifications.
Read our full TaylorMade TP5x golf balls review
Pros
- More penetrating flight than the previous model
- Long distance for quicker swing speeds
- Exceptional spin and control in the short game
- Premium feel off every club
- Most popular TaylorMade ball on Tour
Cons
- Urethane cover does mark quite easily
| Construction | 5-piece |
| Cover | Cast urethane |
| Compression | TP5 - 87 | TP5x - 97 |
| Dimples | 322 |
| Feel | TP5 - very soft | TP5x - soft |
| Flight | TP5 - mid-high | TP5x - high |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | TP5 - very high | TP5x - high |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | TP5 Pix; TP5x Pix |
- New seamless tour flight dimple pattern
- Speed-layer system
- High-flex material
The Tour golf ball with multiple models to assist with alignment and visibility
Best premium golf balls for alignment and visibility options
Depending on your swing speed will influence whether you should play with the Chrome Soft X or if the Chrome Soft would benefit your game more. The Chrome Soft X is best suited to those with quicker swing speeds. Whereas the X options are tailored to those with quicker swing speeds. If you do have a quick swing speed and choose to game this ball you will notice exceptional distance and ball flight off the tee. Around the greens, the Chrome Soft X is incredibly receptive, with a slightly firmer feel than the original Chrome Soft (but not firm by any stretch).
Recently introduced to the Chrome Soft range are the alignment and visibility options which can help to enhance your performance and help you lower scores. My personal favorite is the 360° Triple Track because it makes lining up putts slightly easier (not that I hole them).
If you think the Chrome Soft X might not be the best premium Callaway golf ball for you, have a look at the comparisons of specifications to determine which ball will work best for you.
Read our full Chrome Soft X golf balls review
Pros
- Impressive distance in the long game
- Incredible spin and feel
- Outstanding feedback from the club face
- Range of alignment aids and visibility assistance
Cons
- Soft feel won't be to everyone's liking
| Construction | Chrome Soft - 3-piece | Chrome Soft X; Chrome Soft X LS - 4-piece |
| Cover | Chrome Soft - ultra-soft-urethane | Chrome Soft X; Chrome Soft X LS - soft urethane |
| Compression | Chrome Soft - 75 | Chrome Soft X; Chrome Soft X LS - 100 |
| Dimples | 332 |
| Feel | Chrome Soft - soft | Chrome Soft X; Chrome Soft X LS - medium |
| Flight | Chrome Soft - highest | Chrome Soft X - high | Chrome Soft X LS - higher |
| Long game spin | Chrome Soft; Chrome Soft X LS - low | Chrome Soft X - low-mid |
| Short game spin | Chrome Soft - high | Chrome Soft X - highest | Chrome Soft X LS - higher |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | 360° Triple Track; Triple Track; Truvis |
- Precision technology
- Construction optimization
- Hyper elastic softfast core
- New tour aero
An exceptionally durable Tour golf ball
Best premium golf balls for durability
Every golf ball in the Z-Star range is suited most to golfers with quicker swing speeds - because of the higher compression. Perhaps the best in this range is the Z-Star XV because of its all-round versatile performance. These balls are incredibly durable for a premium golf ball, which is something you don't always find. Playing with a durable golf ball could save you money and shots.
For a full comparison of the Srixon Z-Star range of golf balls have a look at the specifications. If you struggle to see your ball or lining it up on the greens the Z-Star Divide is available in half yellow, half white.
Read our full Srixon Z-Star XV golf balls review
Pros
- High-durability golf balls
- Good distance in the long game
- Impressive spin and control around the greens
- Very soft feel and nice feedback
Cons
- Soft feel isn't everyone's preference
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | Z-Star - 92 | Z-Star XV; Z-Star Diamond - 102 |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Z-Star - softer | Z-Star XV; Z-Star Diamond - soft |
| Flight | Z-Star - mid | Z-Star XV; Z-Star Diamond - mid-high |
| Long game spin | Z-Star; Z-StarXV - low | Z-Star Diamond - mid |
| Short game spin | Z-Star - highest | Z-Star XV - high | Z-Star Diamond - higher |
| Color options | White; Yellow (Z-Star Diamond - white only) |
| Alternative models | Z-Star Divide |
- Speed dimple pattern
- Thin premium cover
- Spin skin+ coating
- Fastlayer DG core
The most cost-effective premium balls available to golfers
Best value premium golf balls
At such a reasonable price point it's clear to see why these balls are becoming more common in the bags of club golfers as well as the bags of esteemed Tour players. Designed for golfers with quicker swing speeds, every other golf ball in the Tour B range has a lower compression rating - so if you haven't got a swing like Jason Day, there are alternatives. To see which Bridgestone Tour B ball is best for you, head to the specifications.
Read our full Bridgestone Tour B X golf balls review
Pros
- Soft golf balls which offer good control around the greens
- Impressive spin with each golf ball
- Good distance due to less drag during flight
- Tour standard golf balls for a range of golfers
Cons
- Aren't the most durable golf balls
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | Tour B X - 94 | Tour B XS - 84 | Tour B RX - 79 | Tour B RXS - 65 |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Tour B X; Tour B RX - soft | Tour B XS; Tour B RXS - softer |
| Flight | Tour B X - lowest | Tour B XS - low | Tour B RX - low-mid | Tour B RXS - mid |
| Long game spin | Tour B X; Tour B RX - lower | Tour B XS; Tour B RXS - low |
| Short game spin | Tour B X; Tour B RX - high | Tour B XS; Tour BRXS - higher |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- REACTIV iQ urethane cover
- Gradational compression core
- Dual dimple technology
- Seamless cover technology
A golf ball fit for Tour golf, especially around the greens
They may not be a ball found in the bags of Tour pros, but that doesn't mean they don't perform as well as those golf balls. Being best suited to golfers with quicker swing speeds, they will most likely befit the best amateur golfers. The branding stamp on the ball is a very good alignment aid while putting and will hopefully help you roll in more putts.
Read our full PXG Xtreme golf balls review
Pros
- Impressive greenside and short game spin
- Good value for money
- Durable urethane cover
Cons
- Only available in white
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 97 |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Mid-high |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White |
- High C.O.R polybutadiene core created for high-speed performance
- Firm ionomer mantle layer engineered to increase speed and distance off the tee
- Soft urethane bright white outer cover
- 338 dimple pattern engineered to deliver aerodynamic characteristics
The longest premium golf ball
The Tour X offers a soft feel from every club in the bag and exceptional short game performance to rival any of the other best premium golf balls - a winning combination when factoring in the impressive long game performance. Maxfli's Tour X golf balls may not be everyone's preference, to find which one will suit your game the most have a look at the specification for a comparison of all three balls in the Tour range.
Read our full Maxfli Tour X golf balls review
Pros
- Incredible value for money
- Premium performance at an affordable price
- Soft feel and long distance
- One of the more durable premium golf balls
Cons
- Alignment isn't very clear, which won't suit everyone
| Construction | Tour; Tour S - 3-piece | Tour X - 4-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | Tour - 85 | Tour S - 80 | Tour X - 100 |
| Dimples | 318 |
| Feel | Tour - softer | Tour S - softest | Tour X - soft |
| Flight | Tour - mid | Tour S | low-mid | Tour X - mid-high |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- Center of gravity balanced
- Soft cast urethane
- Tetrahedron dimple pattern
- Fast core
- High-speed mantle
Titleist's lowest flight premium golf ball
The golfer who will benefit from this ball is one with a slower swing speed than those who use either the Pro V1 or Pro V1x, someone who struggles with too much ball flight and spin or someone who wants a very soft feel. Titleist offers this ball in both white and yellow - and for those wanting extra alignment assistance, there is the AVX Enhanced Alignment.
Read our full Titleist AVX golf balls review
Pros
- Very responsive in the short game
- Incredibly soft premium golf ball
- Really good long game performance
- Low and penetrating ball flight perfect for windy conditions
Cons
- Low ball flight won't suit everyone
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 77 |
| Dimples | 348 |
| Feel | Very soft |
| Flight | Low |
| Log game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | AVX Enhanced Alignment |
- High speed core formulation
- High flex casing layer
- Softer cast urethane elastomer cover system
- Spherically-tiled 348 catenary dimple design
A firm feeling premium golf ball offering impressive responsivity
The Staff Model golf balls were designed with players' influence in order to produce a premium golf ball worthy of being played in professional golf. The Wilson Staff Model golf balls perform incredibly well off the tee with good distance and spin numbers. While around the greens, the balls behave very well with admirable spin and control. The response from these balls is very strong thanks to the firm feel - this may not suit everyone.
There is also an unpainted version of this ball (Staff Model R) which is designed to travel better, with less drag, and produce more spin and control than the painted version (it's hard to see any difference).
Read our full Wilson Staff Model golf balls review
Pros
- Very strong feel from every club in the bag
- Impressive stopping power when approaching greens
- Good long game distance and penetrating ball flight
- Raw finish is exceptionally durable
Cons
- Firm feeling won't suit everyone
| Construction | 4-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 100 |
| Dimples | 362 |
| Feel | Firmer |
| Flight | Mid |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White |
| Alternative options | Staff Model R |
- V-COR advanced performance
- 4-Layer spin and control
- 3SIX2 seamless urethane cover
Fantastic range of premium direct-to-consumer golf balls to suit multiple golfers
This range of premium golf balls won't suit every golfer, they are tailored more to those with quicker swing speeds. Each one of these balls produces optimum spin in the long and short game, providing impressive performance from tee to green. Seed are a direct-to-consumer (DTC) company and you can benefit from a discount if you subscribe to receive a delivery of your favorite balls every one, two, or three months.
Pros
- SD-01 was the official ball of the PGA EauroPro Tour before it ended in 2022
- Really good subscription service at a very affordable price
- Incredible performance to battle the major brands' premium golf balls
Cons
- Logo on the ball may be off-putting for some golfers
| Construction | <meta charset |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | Tour |
| Dimples | SD-01; SD-02 - 336 | SD-X1 - 332 |
| Feel | SD-01; SD-X1 - soft | SD-02 - medium |
| Flight | SD-01 - high | SD-02 - low | SD-X1 - mid |
| Long game spin | SD-01 - very low | SD-02; SD-X1 - low |
| Short game spin | SD-01; SD-X1 - high | SD-02 - max |
| Color options | SD-01 - White; Yellow | SD-02; SD-X1 - White |
| Alternative models | SD-01 - The Jack |
- High energy rubber core
- Ultra thin DuPont HPF mantle
- Larger SpeedSpeed core
Brilliant option premium golf balls for those who like to bulk buy
DTC golf balls tend to be cheaper than balls manufactured by the major brands, and Vice's premium golf balls become cheaper the ball dozens you add to your basket - perfect for those who like to buy in bulk. Every ball in Vice's premium range is available in multiple colors and patterns if you enjoy playing with a more vibrant golf ball. If you want to decrease how much you spend on premium golf balls without sacrificing performance, Vice is a fantastic brand to switch to.
Pros
- Premium golf balls to rival the biggest golf ball manufacturers
- Incredible savings when you purchase multiple boxes
- Amazing value for money
Cons
- Not the most durable premium golf balls
| Construction | Pro Plus - 4-piece | Pro; Pro Soft - 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | Pro Plus - 95 | Pro - 85 | Pro Soft - 70 |
| Dimples | Pro Plus - 336 | Pro; Pro Soft - 318 |
| Feel | Pro Plus - soft | Pro - softer | Pro Soft - softest |
| Flight | Pro Plus - high | Pro - mid | Pro Soft - low-mid |
| Long game spin | Pro Plus - high | Pro - mid | Pro Soft - low |
| Short game spin | Pro Plus - higher | Pro - highest | Pro Soft - high |
| Color options | White; Red; Lime | Pro - Ice blue | Pro Soft - Coral; Peach; Blue |
| Alternative models | Drip | Pro Plus; Pro - Shade |
- Keep in line putt-line
- Energy speed core
Cut DC
Cut's extremely affordable premium golf balls
The DC golf balls are intended to compete with the best premium golf balls, and they definitely deliver. The balls travel very well from the tee box, they are incredibly receptive in the short game, and the soft feel is high quality. The DCs are best suited to golfers with quicker swing speeds because of the higher compression rating (105). So, if you're a better golf with a quick swing speed and saving money without sacrificing performance sounds good to you then give the Cut DCs a try.
Pros
- Incredible value for money
- Impressive tee-to-green performance
- Clear line for alignment purposes
Cons
- Only available in the US
| Construction | 4-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 105 |
| Dimples | 360 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- USGA conforming
- Comparable to well-established golf ball manufacturers
Best premium golf balls: Buying guide
How to choose the best premium golf balls
Ensuring you’re playing with the best golf balls for your game cannot be overstated. Playing with the right ball can help you play your best golf, lowering your scores and making you have more fun on the course. When choosing which balls are best for you there are many components to factor in. The following considerations may help you to find the ultimate golf ball for your game.
Budget
You may be a little bit skeptical as to how budget can be a factor when purchasing premium golf balls – but it can. Not all premium golf balls have to be expensive, you can save some money by choosing direct-to-consumer (DTC) golf balls. Alternatively, if you know you want a specific ball but it’s more than you want to spend, you could budget elsewhere in order to get the balls you desperately want.
Compression
Many of the best premium golf balls have a high compression rating, meaning they are best suited to golfers with quicker swing speeds. However, not every golf ball in this category follows suit, there are some options with a lower compression rating. Also, swing speed may not be the only determining factor if you are a better player with a more moderate swing speed because your strike may enable you to play with a higher compression golf ball.
Performance
As you can probably guess, every single one of these golf balls performs extremely well – in the correct hands. Golf balls perform differently based on the person using them. Therefore, it is massively important to ensure you are playing with the best balls for you in order to get the optimum performance from your golf balls. In turn, this should help you play more consistent golf to a better standard.
Feel
The majority of golfers will know what feel they prefer, but for those who don’t the best way to find out is by trying different golf balls to find out if you favor a softer or firmer feeling golf ball. There is no right or wrong with feel – unless it impacts on your performance.
Alignment
Every ball comes with an alignment aid (often in the way of branding) but there are certain brands releasing models of their premium golf balls with enhanced alignment aids. These are brilliant if (like me) you struggle to line putts up, or even if you are an amazing putter they may help you too. I would suggest trying a ball with enhanced alignment just to discover if it has any benefit on your game.
Visibility
More often than not golf balls are available in multiple colors, even if it is just white and yellow. Although there are numerous golf balls on the market which come in all sorts of quirky and vibrant colorways. Playing with a vibrant golf ball may help you and your playing partners locate the ball during flight and in the tall grass – which could help you not to lose as many balls, and lower your scores.
Best Premium Golf Balls 2024: FAQs
Why are premium golf balls more expensive?
Premium golf balls tend to be more expensive than any other golf balls because of the technology and materials used to make the balls. Also, because many of the brands’ premium golf balls are those used by Tour players extensive R&D goes into producing quality golf balls which demand a higher price.
How do I choose the right premium golf balls?
Most players playing with a premium golf ball, or looking to, will be playing golf to a good standard and may know what features they favor in a golf ball. If this is the case find a premium golf ball which you like and as long as it suits your game continue to play with it. If you don’t know what to look for, seek expert advice or book a ball fitting.
Are Titleist Pro V1’s the best golf balls?
Titleist’s Pro V1’s and Pro V1x’s are arguably the best produced golf balls because of their representation on Tour and the accolades they have achieved. They are potentially the most popular balls in golf too. Although they are so popular among pros and amateurs it doesn’t mean they are the best golf balls for everyone.
What golf ball does Rory McIlroy use?
Rory McIlroy plays with the TaylorMade TP5x.
How we test the best premium golf balls
The best premium golf balls have all been rigorously tested over a period of time for us to discover every golf ball’s performance, feel, sound, durability, distance, and spin – along with any other individual aspects of each golf ball. The majority of the best premium golf balls have been thoroughly tested in our second golf balls robot test.
Some of the best premium golf balls we test were provided by the brands, whereas others we had to acquire ourselves. We ensure we test as many options as possible to deliver as much information and insight as possible. Not only do we do this with golf balls, but also with each piece of golf equipment we test. For more information on how we test golf equipment read on here.
About the author
James Hogg – Golf Equipment Writer
James Hogg is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com.
He has a degree in English Language from Newcastle University and an MA in Journalism from Kingston University.
James previously worked for American Golf alongside his studies as part of the sales and fitting team. Having worked in golf retail for seven years he has all the skills and knowledge necessary to review and recommend the perfect equipment for golfers of all abilities and has a strong knowledge of putters, golf balls, and golf apparel, including trousers.
Despite nobody else in James’ family playing golf he took a keen interest as a teenager which saw him become a junior member at Saltburn Golf Club, North Yorkshire. Since returning to Teesside in 2022 James has joined his home course, Cleveland Golf Club. His handicap index is 4.7 thanks to consistent distance off the tee.
Away from golf, James enjoys a multitude of sports, specifically watching Formula 1, American Football and Horse Racing. He’s also a proud supporter of Middlesbrough FC, likes cooking and reading travel literature.
James uses a Callaway Mavrik SZ Driver, Callaway Mavrik SZ 3-Wood, TaylorMade Stealth UDI 3-iron, Ping i210 Irons (4-PW), Cobra King Snakebite 50° Wedge, Mizuno S23 56° and 60° Wedges, TaylorMade Spider X Putter and a TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe golf ball.
You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.
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Cut DC golf balls are one of the best premium golf balls
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Cut DC golf balls are one of the best premium golf balls
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Vice Pro Plus sleeve of golf balls
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Vice Pro Soft golf balls are one of the best premium golf balls
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Vice Pro golf balls are one of the best premium golf balls
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Titleist AVX golf ball
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Titleist AVX are one of the best premium golf balls
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Wilson Staff Model golf ball
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Wilson Staff Model golf ball alignment aid
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Wilson Staff Model sleeve
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Wilson Staff Model is among the best premium golf balls for 2023
