Buying Guide: Best Golf Balls For The Money (2022)

There are many golf ball producers, and many variations of golf balls on the market, each promising new and great levels of performance. There really are only a few different kinds of balls, but there are many slight variations. Balls are different because they perform differently, and your level of play can affect the type ball you should get.

Golf balls that most people use are two parts, the inner core and the outer plastic layer. Higher level balls have a liquid or rubber core, wrapped in string, and a rubberized outer shell. That’s three parts, and some even have five parts as you get into the more expensive or professional level balls. One might think the higher level balls are best for everyone, but that is not always the case. The lower level balls are much cheaper, and if you tend to hit your balls into the lake or into the woods where they will never be found, it is just economic sense you should stick with the lower priced two-part balls.

Top 10 Best Golf Balls for Beginners

Plastic covers

The covers of balls are either made of plastic like ionomer, or a more rubberized Urethane. The ionomer covers allow the ball to go higher, and reduces hooking and slicing. This type ball is also better for those with a slower swing. Distance and low spin are the keys to this type ball.

Rubberized covers

Professionals, or even very good amateurs, are better suited to the rubberized cover of urethane. These balls go further on the original drive, and offer more touch near the greens for the expert golfer. It will also benefit those with a very fast swing. These balls have less spin, so they will stop on the green, but unless you are skilled enough to take advantage of that, it might actually hurt your overall game. Some of these type balls are three, four or even five piece balls.

There is also a middle range ball available, which is a three-piece ionomer ball.  These balls have higher launch and lower spin, and roll further once they land.

Dimple patterns

Combine these two or three basic types with the dimple patterns on balls, and you have a lot of options. The dimple patterns were developed to affect the aerodynamics of the ball in the air. Years of research have gone into different shapes, sizes and patterns. Pros recommend finding one that fits your game. Balls have 300 to 500 dimples. A smooth ball would go only half the distance of a dimpled one, scientists say. It is hard to say which dimple pattern is best, so it may be best to experiment to see which fits you best.

Finding your ball

An article on golf balls in American Golf magazine, say you should experiment and find the ball that fits you best. There are subtle differences, and constant give and take in the game of golf. You may have to sacrifice a little distance for a little more accuracy, or vice versa, depending on your skill level.

A writer in Golf Digest suggests finding the shot that is most important to your game, and use that as your main reference point. Through reading ball analysis and practicing with different balls, find the one that best fits your best shot, and stick with that one.

Financial aspects

The Golf Digest article suggests balancing the cost of the golf balls against your skill level. Your skill level does have a lot to do with how well you will play, and the quality of the ball will accentuate that slightly to a certain degree. Finding the ball that best balances those two aspects is a good determining factor in which ball you should buy.

Other considerations

There are fancy things like drivers and launch monitors to help you determine which is best, but that can get expensive. If you are a beginner, or have a low skill level and are not likely to get a lot better, that may be too expensive. It is better then, to just experiment with different brands and types of balls. The ones you score the best with are the ones that are best for you to use.

If however, you are really good at the game, and want to continue to get better, you may need a higher level ball. Experiment with some of the three or four-part balls with the rubberized surface and see what works best.

Care and maintenance

The best way to take care of your golf balls is to not hit them into a pond, or otherwise lose them. That is easier said than done usually , but sometimes just being careful with your shots can make a difference.