Best Amateur-Level Golf Balls 2024
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What are the best golf balls available to amateur golfers in 2024?
Jump to: Best amateur-level golf balls | Buying Guide | FAQs
Whether you are an amateur golfer who continuously plays to a decent level or an amateur golfer aspiring to lower your scores you need to know what the best golf balls are for your game.
Obviously, golf balls for amateurs cover a wide range of golfers including men, ladies, and those who play with the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers. However, these golf balls are suggestions for amateurs who want to score well, and play with a high-quality golf ball, but not pay the premium price tag.
The best amateur-level golf balls 2024 at a glance:
Best all-round performing amateur-level golf balls: TaylorMade Tour Response | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best value amateur-level golf balls: Srixon Q-Star Tour | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best golf balls for amateurs with quick swing speeds: Kirkland Signature 3-Piece | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
Best greenside performing golf balls for amateur golfers: Callaway ERC Soft | BUY NOW – UK | BUY NOW – US
This is a relatively new category of golf balls which sees a merger between the best premium golf balls and the best beginner and high handicap golf balls. Almost all of the top brands have an option in this category, whether you normally play with Titleist, TaylorMade, or Callaway golf balls, there’s a fantastic model to choose from here.
These balls often incorporate the technology and performance of premium golf balls but are tailored for a golfer with a slower swing speed and less consistent strike. These golf balls probably appeal to more golfers than any – but not many people will assume so – especially after the news of the golf ball rollback definitely happening.
If you’ve never used a golf ball from this category, the choice can be difficult, especially with so many being such brilliant value. Therefore, we have comprised the following list with ranging options to suit every golfer’s needs and wants. Hopefully, you can make a sound informed decision to help you play to the best of your ability.
Best amateur-level golf balls
A premium feeling golf ball targeting amateur golfers
Best all-round performing amateur-level golf balls
I personally play with the TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe golf balls with the 360° clearpath alignment because I value soft feel and greenside performance over long game distance. Despite having a driver swing speed north of 110mph, I don't find the Tour Response difficult to control or lacking performance off the tee - considering the compression is 'too low' for my swing speed. I mainly use the Stripe model because of the visual and alignment aid which majorly helps when putting. I would recommend the Tour Response to amateur golfers who currently pay more than £40/$45 for a dozen golf balls (if you're disappointed blame me).
Read our full TaylorMade Tour Response golf balls review
Pros
- Amazing visual and alignment aid (Stripe golf balls)
- Really soft feel and impressive spin in the short game
- Good feedback and response from every club in the bag
- Great distance off the tee for quick swing speeds despite lower compression
Cons
- Could be too high spin for players with quicker swing speeds
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Soft tour cast urethane |
| Compression | 70 |
| Dimples | 322 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low-mid |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | Tour Response Stripe; Tour Response Stripe Multipack |
- New tour flight dimple pattern
- 100% urethane cover
- Speedmantle with high-flex material
Titleist's golf ball aimed at amateur golfers offering serious distance
Best distance golf balls for amateur golfers
I'm a huge fan of the Titleist Tour Speed (playing links golf myself), I reach for these balls when I know the wind is getting up. The only downside to these balls is the spin and control in the short game, which isn't the highest and one of the main pointers which set this ball aside from Titleist's premium Pro V1 & Pro V1x golf balls. However - at a considerably reduced price - this can be forgiven and definitely shouldn't put amateur golfers off trying these golf balls.
Read our full Titleist Tour Speed golf balls review
Pros
- Strong performer off the tee delivering long distance
- Penetrating ball flight
- Soft feel from every club in the bag
- Great value for quality golf balls
Cons
- Spin's not particularly high on approach shots
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Titleist performance urethane cover |
| Compression | 82 |
| Dimples | 346 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | Mid |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- Reformulated high speed core
- Reformulated proprietary casing layer
- Proprietary Titleist performance urethane cover
- Quadrilateral dipyramid dimple pattern
A brilliant golf ball which makes putting easier and more enjoyable
Best amatuer-level golf balls to help with putting
This ball travels far off the tee thanks to an increased MOI, while the balanced construction holds the CG to the center of the golf ball which helps produce a truer roll on the greens. The Triad is not as soft feeling as other golf balls in this category so it probably won't appeal to every amateur golfer. You can also purchase the Triad in an unpainted (raw) finish which Wilson says performs better aerodynamically - not that we can tell.
Read our full Wilson Triad golf balls review
Pros
- True roll helps to hole more putts
- Neat dispersion off the tee
- High spin and control with lond-mid irons
- Consistent ball flight
Cons
- Not being a soft golf ball, it may not appeal to as many golfers
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 85 |
| Dimples | 348 |
| Feel | Mid |
| Flight | Mid |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | Triad R |
- Triad balanced construction
- T3 technology
- High MOI design
- Ultra-thin urethane cover
Srixon's answer for the players who don't quite have the swing speed to play with a tour standard golf ball
Best value amateur-level golf balls
This golf ball is very soft and performs incredibly well in the short game, providing high spin and control - something many amateur golfers appreciate (but not everyone). Being cheaper than most of its competitors, the Q-Star Tour is definitely a ball amateur golfers should try. If you like a more vibrant golf ball the Q-Star Tour Divide is a great option (it also helps with putting).
Read our full Srixon Q-Star Tour golf balls review
Pros
- Very good greenside spin and control
- Impressive distance and feel from every club in the bag
- Wind doesn't massively hamper distance
- High durability
Cons
- Incredibly soft golf ball, which may not appeal to all golfers
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 72 |
| Dimples | 338 |
| Feel | Softer |
| Flight | Mid-high |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | Q-Star Tour Divide |
- Fastlayer core
- Spinskin with SeRM
- Speed dimple pattern
A fantastic value golf ball for amateur golfers with quicker swing speeds
Best golf balls for amateurs with quick swing speeds
Price isn't the only positive of the Signature 3-Piece golf balls. They are very soft, travel far off the tee, and stop quickly in the short game - from tee to green, this is a fantastic golf ball. Durability was previously an issue of the Kirkland golf balls but this seems to have been resolved for this newer model. At such a reasonable price for two dozen golf balls, all amateur golfers should give these balls a go - unless you have a slow swing speed.
Read our full Kirkland Signature 3-Piece golf balls review
Pros
- Outstanding price per ball considering the high quality
- Combination of long game distance, short game spin and premium soft feel
- Works incredibly well for golfers with quicker swing speeds
- Very consistent ball flight
Cons
- Not very widely available
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 95 |
| DImples | 338 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White |
- Increased core size
- Mantle with new proprietary cover
- New proprietary TPU with improved scuff resistance and impact endurance
- Modified dimple depth for optimized flight height
An amazing golf ball offering incredible greenside spin and control
Best greenside performing golf balls for amateur golfers
Despite not being a huge fan of the golf ball's visuals away from the putting green, I could not have been more impressed with the performance. This is a mid-compression golf ball (70) but it delivered on distance and dispersion off the tee - something I can't say about all golf balls intended for a slower swing speed than mine. I am definitely more of a fan of the Triple Track alignment aid. The Callaway ERC Soft was the first Callaway ball to feature the Triple Track design which has since been enhanced to the 360° Triple Track on the Chrome Soft range.
I struggle to see a major difference between these golf balls and the Callaway Chrome Soft (apart from the price).
Read our full Callaway ERC Soft golf balls review
Pros
- Very good greenside spin and control
- Incredibly soft golf balls
- Excellent visual and alignment aid
- Impressive distance off the tee
Cons
- No option for balls without visual and alignment aids
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Hybrid |
| Compression | 70 |
| Dimples | 332 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low-mid |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
| Alternative models | ERC Soft 360° Fade |
- New GRIP urethane coating
- New HyperElastic SoftFast core
- Hybrid cover
- High speed mantle
- Triple Track dagger technology
Titleist's softest golf ball which provides a sensational soft feeling off every club in the bag
Best soft feeling golf ball for amateur golfers
For a soft golf ball, this performs well in the long game with regard to spin and distance. If you currently play a soft golf ball with low compression, this is definitely the next step up if your swing speed is becoming too quick. Also, it is a great golf ball for those players who don't want to spend a tonne of money on an incredibly soft feeling golf ball that exhibits great performance (especially for a two-piece ionomer golf ball).
Read our full Titleist Tour Soft golf balls review
Pros
- Super soft golf ball
- Amazing feel off every club in the bag
- Consistent ball flight
Cons
- Greenside spin and control worse than expected
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Ionomer |
| Compression | 67 |
| Dimples | 346 |
| Feel | Very soft |
| Flight | Mid |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- Large fast core
- 346 quadrilateral dipyramid dimple design
- Thin 4CE grafted Fusablend cover
A direct-to-consumer golf ball to rival the big brands' best amateur-level golf balls
This ball is tailor-made for golfers with slower swing speeds - having a low-compression core. However, if you feel you need something with a higher compression core, Seed has you covered. The SD-05 is strong from tee to green, with good distance off the tee and impressive greenside spin and control. While you may manage 1 or 2 rounds with the same golf ball, it definitely will be more cut up than other brands.
Pros
- A cheaper option being a DTC golf ball
- Available on a subscription basis makes them even better value for money
- Impressive greenside performance
- Competitive distance off the tee
Cons
- Not the most durable golf ball
| Construction | 3-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | Low |
| DImples | 332 |
| Feel | Super soft |
| Flight | Higher |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | High |
| Color options | White |
- Soft feel rubber core
- Ultra thin DuPont HPF mantle
- Soft cast urethane cover
Cut Blue
An amazing amateur-level golf ball with a four-piece construction
The Cut Blue is perhaps stronger off the tee than it is on approach shots and around the greens. This ball travels exceptionally well into the wind thanks to the drag reduction aerodynamics - this also helps the ball travel well in more neutral conditions. Around the greens, the Cut Blue feels really soft and provides good feedback off the club face, but the performance just isn't as impressive as the response.
Pros
- Consistent ball flight
- Travels well into the wind with drag reduction
- Environmentally friendly packaging
Cons
- Only available in the US
| Construction | 4-piece |
| Cover | Urethane |
| Compression | 90 |
| Dimples | 314 |
| Feel | Softer |
| Flight | High |
| Long game spin | Low |
| Short game spin | Mid |
| Color options | White |
- Tour quality urethane cover
- USGA conforming
RAM's golf ball which helps those with slower swing speeds maximize distance
Best amateur-level golf ball for players with slower swing speeds
RAM golf balls are very durable, and it makes the value for money even better. You can only buy these golf balls in three or six dozen, which for those who like to bulk buy is perfect. However, if you are just wanting to try these golf balls it makes it difficult to take the leap - especially with a more unknown golf ball. I doubt you would be disappointed with these golf balls because of their impressive tee-to-green performance. Certainly worth trying if you are struggling for distance and don't have the quickest swing speed.
Pros
- Good distance off the tee
- Very durable
- High spinning around the greens
Cons
- Only available to buy in bulk
| Construction | 2-piece |
| Cover | Surlyn |
| Compression | 70 |
| Dimples | 392 |
| Feel | Soft |
| Flight | High |
| Short game spin | Low |
| Long game spin | High |
| Color options | White; Yellow |
- DuPont surlyn cover
- 392 icosahedron dimple pattern
Best amateur-level golf balls: Buying Guide
How to choose the best amateur-level golf balls
This category of golf balls hasn’t been massively inundated until very recently. Now, the best amateur golfers have an extensive range to choose from. Golf balls are vitally important to get right for your game in order to score better and improve your handicap. Therefore, we have compiled a list of key factors to consider when purchasing golf balls.
Budget
The majority of amateur golfers will not need to play with a premium golf ball partly because of ability but also because of price. It’s very rare that any golf balls in this category are more than £40/$40, which is a reasonable price for better amateur golfers to pay. Obviously, if you do want to play with a premium golf ball we won’t stop you!
Compression
The best amateur golfers will potentially know which compression golf balls work best for their games, but if not, you can easily find out. Most of the best amateur-level golf balls are suited for golfers with more moderate and quicker swing speeds, but it’s not only swing speed which dictates what compression you need. As a better amateur golfer, you may benefit from attending a golf ball fitting to ensure you find the perfect ball for your game, which will have the optimum compression for you.
Performance
With the golf ball rollback due to come into force in the not-too-distant future, performance has never been more important! If you want to make sure you have a ball that travels as far as possible it’s worth stocking up now before it’s too late.
Every golf ball performs slightly differently, and only through trying a range of golf balls will you find the best golf balls for your game. If you are playing with the wrong golf ball, you’ll know by how far the ball is going, how high the ball’s flying, how much the ball’s spinning, etc. When you find the perfect golf ball, you’ll know.
Feel
This is a factor most amateur golfers won’t even need to consider. Many regular golfers know exactly what type of ball they are looking for with regard to feel. As golf balls improve in quality, they tend to soften naturally because of the cover material. However, there are still some balls which are harder than others despite still being soft golf balls. Soft feeling is more preferred, but if you do favor a harder feeling golf ball, there are still options.
Alignment
Alignment golf balls are becoming increasingly popular because they offer golfers extra assistance to help them line the ball up with their intended target. These alignment aids differ in size and style in order to appeal to more golfers. The majority of alignment golf balls do come without alignments as well but there are some which don’t.
Visibility
I guarantee most golfers will have been told good golfers don’t play with any other color golf ball than white – this is nonsense. The best-colored golf ball for you is the one you can see best and helps improve your game. Whether this be white, yellow, or pink, when you rip it off the tee, hole out from 100 yards, or sink every 8-foot putt no one will care what color your ball is.
Best amateur-level golf balls: FAQs
How do I know which is the best amateur-level golf ball for me?
Amateur-level golf balls are those intended for the better amateur golfers who would typically play with premium golf balls but don’t need to spend the money. The best amateur-level golf balls tend to pack the same technology as the premium version or are very similar. Most better amateur golfers will know what they look for in their golf balls, and if you have never played with one of these golf balls before, the best ball to start with is the one closest to your current golf ball, and if you don’t like it, simply try other options.
How does an amateur-level golf ball differ from a premium golf ball?
Depending on who you ask, you may get a different answer to this question. However, I believe the main difference is price, purchasing a dozen amateur-level golf balls will save you money without sacrificing much (if any) performance. As someone who prefers this range of golf balls to premium golf balls, I don’t see a massive difference in performance – but my wallet certainly appreciates the difference in price.
Can amateur golfers play with premium golf balls?
Obviously, the answer to this question is yes. Any golfer of any ability can play with any ball they like. However, that doesn’t mean it is the right golf ball for them. Most amateur golfers will find the same, if not more, success from playing with a non-premium golf ball. The issue with premium golf balls for most amateurs is they can’t unlock the full potential of the golf ball, whereas, with an amateur-level golf ball, it’s easier to maximize the potential of the ball to help you shoot better and score better.
How we test the best amateur-level golf balls
We conduct our ball testing both on and off the golf course in order to attain as much information about every golf ball. Whether the brands send us the golf balls directly or we have purchased them ourselves, we make sure to try as many available models to provide as much insight as possible. For more information, follow this link on how we test golf equipment.
While testing each of the best amateur-level golf balls, we are looking at the following features: durability, distance, performance, feel, sound, spin, and anything else specific to each golf ball. We strive to test golf balls and all other pieces of equipment as thoroughly as possible, to provide you with as much information as possible so you can make sound decisions, this has led us to perform our second robot test following the success of our first in 2019.
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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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Best amateur-level golf balls 2023
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Callaway ERC Soft golf ball information
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Callaway ERC Soft are amongst the best golf balls for amateur golfers
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Callaway ERC Soft golf ball
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Callaway ERC Soft Fade in use when lining up putts
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Cut Blue golf ball alignment aid
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Cut Blue golf ball
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Cut Blue are one of the best golf balls for amateur golfers
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Cut Blue sleeve of golf balls
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RAM Laser Plus alignment aid
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RAM Laser Plus is one of the best golf balls for amateur golfers
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Seed SD-05 golf ball alignment aid
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Seed SD-05 golf ball
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Seed SD-05 is amongst the best golf balls for amateur golfers
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Titleist Tour Soft golf ball
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Titleist Tour Soft golf ball alignment aid
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Titleist Tour Soft golf balls information
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Titleist Tour Soft sleeve
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Titleist Tour Soft is among the best amateur-level golf balls available in 2023
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Titleist Tour Speed golf balls information
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Titleist Tour Speed golf ball alignment aid
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Titleist Tour Speed golf ball
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Titleist Tour Speed is one of the best golf balls available to female golfers
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Titleist Tour Speed sleeve
