Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers

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Every golfer has had the experience of switching golf balls, playing with random balls they find, and being unsure which ball to choose. As a high handicapper, you should look for something that fits your game and doesn’t break the bank. I’ve tested a ton of golf balls and found some tips to help you make a selection. Here are the best golf balls for high handicappers.

How to Select a Golf Ball

Picking the right golf ball can be tricky, but I have some tips to make it easier. First, think about your swing speed. If you swing fast, you might prefer a firmer ball. Slower swingers might prefer softer golf balls. For most of these selections, I’ve gone with something in between.

Compression is another key factor. High-compression balls tend to go farther for faster swingers. But don’t count them out if you swing slower – they can still help you hold greens better due to higher spin rates.

Spin is super important too. More spin can help with control, especially around the greens. But too much spin might hurt your distance off the tee and lower spin balls will be easier to keep straight on imperfect shots.

A key component is if you like the feel of a golf ball. Get a 3-pack sleeve of a couple of different balls and work backward from the practice, putting green to chipping to iron shots, and see if you have a feel preference.

Once you have a ball that you like, stick with it! Switching golf balls through your round can lower your confidence and provide inconsistent results.

Top Pick: Vice Pro Golf Balls

I think these Vice Pro golf balls are a great choice for high handicappers looking to up their game without breaking the bank.

My typical ball is a Titleist Pro V1 or AVX, and these Vice balls hold their own against these market leaders. The soft feel off the tee is really nice, and I noticed a good amount of spin when I hit my approach shots. For the price, these balls perform way better than I expected.

The only downside I noticed was that they seemed to scuff up a bit easier than some of the pricier balls I’ve used. But at this price point, I can live with that. If you buy these in bulk (24 pack), you also get a great discount.

Another Solid Option: Bridgestone e12 Contact Balls

I think high handicappers should buy these balls for their mix of distance, control, and feel. They have less spin on them than some balls, which will help keep your drives a little straighter.

I’ve also played the e6 quite a bit in the past, and both of these mid-tier balls from Bridgestone are great.

Upgrade Pick: Titleist AVX

I’d recommend these balls for high handicappers looking for soft feel and great control around the greens, and want a premium Titleist golf ball.

I recently took these Titleist AVX balls out for a spin, and I was pretty impressed. The soft feel off the clubface is noticeable right away.

On longer shots, the ball flight was nice and low. This came in handy when the wind picked up. I didn’t feel like I was losing much distance compared to other premium balls, either. With a lower price point than the Pro V1 and a similar performance, this is my go-to golf ball.

Around the greens is where these balls really shine. I got some nice spin on chip shots and pitches. It helped me stop the ball quicker on those tricky downhill lies. The price is a bit steep, but for high handicappers who don’t lose too many balls, I think it’s worth it.

FAQ

What about refurbished golf balls?

In general, these golf balls come with a risk. You could be losing yards and consistency if they’re not refinished perfectly. It’s not ideal to risk hitting bad shots due to your golf ball. A used golf ball without any blemishes is probably a better option, assuming it hasn’t been left in poor conditions (over a winter season or at the bottom of the pond for a year).

What about cheaper golf balls?

By all means, go with a cheaper golf ball if you’re losing lots of balls and instead spend that money on some lessons. Once you’ve cured the worst of your mishits then upgrade to one of these golf balls. If possible, try to use a consistent golf ball throughout each round to keep the feel the same.

Kyle J. Larson

Kyle is an avid golfer who has played since around the age of 12. Over the last few years, he's lowered his handicap from the mid-20s to a 5 through lessons and practice. When he's off the course, he is a professional web designer.