Best Golf Balls 2023

A buyers guide to the best golf ball for your game

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Choosing the perfect golf ball isn’t just about picking the shiniest one on the shelf, it’s about aligning technology with your individual game. From low-spin and high-speed balls designed for the power hitters, to softer, more forgiving options for those with moderate swing speeds, this year’s line-up is all about diversity and customization.  As top manufacturers unveil next-generation models, you may find yourself overwhelmed with choices. Don’t worry we’ve scoured the reviews and teed up a comprehensive guide that fits the best ball with your game. 

Titleist Pro V1 – Best Overall

Key Specifications

• Three piece construction
• Two colors – white and yellow

Pros

• Outstanding performance from tee to green
• Enhanced yardage, especially in mid-iron play
• Robust trajectory
• Pleasantly soft touch on impact

Cons

• Low spin players may have lower performance with this ball

The Titleist Pro V1 is a legacy name in golf balls. Since its release, it’s become the go-to ball for many pros. After 23 years and a revamp two years ago, the latest version promises and delivers on improved distance, reduced long-game spin, and more consistent flight, maintaining its top-tier status in the high-end golf ball market and our best overall pick.

A noteworthy advancement from its predecessor is the innovative high-gradient core. With a firmer outer layer, sporting 388 tetrahedral dimple design (for a better understanding of dimples read How Many Dimples Are on a Golf Ball and Why?), that gradually softens toward the center, this design aims to increase ball speed while lowering spin during long shots. The revamped manufacturing technique also ensures uniform speed and spin, enhancing the ball’s overall consistency.

Reviews revealed remarkable improvements, especially in mid-iron shots. Many noticing less spin and slightly increased distance, confirming the new Pro V1 as a powerhouse in its class. The consistency off the tee was also impressive, with minimal spin variation. If excessive spin has been your issue, this ball could be the solution. Additionally, its flight trajectory is slightly lower than that of the Pro V1x, offering a remedy for those who struggle with high shots.

Contrary to its low-spin capabilities in long shots, the Pro V1 shines with greater control in short-range games. Particularly inside 50 yards, the ball displayed excellent touch on pitch and chip shots. The soft feel on impact is sure to boost your confidence, making it easier to take more aggressive shots when you’re close to the hole.

Bridgestone Tour B X – Best Low Handicap

Key Specifications

• Three piece construction
• Two colors – white and yellow

Pros

• Top-tier distance
• Very high greenside spin
• Best ball for fighting fliers
• Favors straight-flight over workability

Cons

• Players who rely on workability should consider a different ball
• Firm feel may not appeal to some players

The Bridgestone Tour B X stands out as the ideal choice for the low-handicap golfer with a balanced playing style. Reviews note a lengthy ball flight and comes with an unrivaled greenside spin rating.

Looking for a ball that allows you to launch it long off the tee while offering finesse around the green? The Bridgestone Tour B X accomplishes this thanks to its REACTIV IQ cover, engineered for maximum driver distance as well as enhanced spin for your approach and shots near the green.

When rated on a spectrum from workable to straight-flying, the Tour B X ranks among those with the straightest flight paths in the tour-quality category. Additionally, it takes the lead in flier prevention ratings.

Srixon Soft Feel – Best Mid Handicap

Key Specifications

• Three piece construction
• Two colors – white and yellow

Pros

• Soft feel at impact
• Good control around the greens

Cons

• Slightly less distance off the tee
• Not a good fit for higher swing speeds

The Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball’s 13th iteration once again sets a high bar in the realm of performance golf gear, aimed at helping you lower your scores. With its low-compression, high-spin design, this ball is particularly well-suited for golfers with slower swing speeds seeking extra support from their golf ball. This latest model builds on an already formidable franchise and offers excellent value.

Srixon has introduced several enhancements to the Soft Feel, most notably a revamped core. This new core transitions from a soft center to a firmer outer layer, culminating in a 1.6mm ionomer cover. This design is intended to facilitate the ball’s quicker return to form post-impact, thereby boosting speed and power. Additionally, Srixon employs what they refer to as a “Speed Dimple” design, featuring 338 dimples intended to reduce aerodynamic drag, allowing for swifter flight.

Overall, this ball provides great distance. While it does have higher spin rates than some may prefer—making it less ideal for faster swingers—our tests revealed high, lengthy, and favorable carry distances. Those with driver swing speeds ranging from 60-90 mph will likely appreciate the elevated ball flights in comparison to harder golf balls.

Close to the green, this ball shines. A wide range of players will find the control and spin beneficial. Known for its soft feel, this ball grants exceptional control on pitches and chips, which tend to stop rapidly on the green. The ionomer cover provides a pleasing feel during putting, and the added alignment side-stamp is a welcome feature.

Callaway ERC Soft Triple Track – Best High Handicap

Key Specifications

• Three piece construction
• Two colors – white and yellow

Pros

• Soft feel on all shots
• Extra distance off the tee
• Extra alignment assistance via the Triple Track design

Cons

• Not for you if you’d like a harder ball feel
• Triple Track isn’t the cleanest look

The ERC Soft is marketed as the longest, softest ball in the brand’s lineup, boasting a blend of advanced technology to optimize both driving and greenside performance.

Callaway has rolled out a fresh Grip urethane coating and a HyperElastic SoftFast core, designed to deliver increased speed and control. Added to this are a High Energy core and a High Speed mantle, both engineered to maximize distance throughout your set.

Reviews affirmed that the ERC Soft does indeed boost distance and carry. One standout feature was the ball’s high launch angle, resulted from reduced spin rates. It seems the latest tech is doing its job in enhancing clean strikes.

The ERC Soft truly shines around the greens. Its cover yields a distinctively soft feel and generous spin on accurately executed short-range shots. While it may not have as much stopping power as the Chrome Soft, the difference is negligible. Additionally, the Triple Track alignment system aids in lining up putts more precisely.

Bridgestone E9 Long Drive – Best for Distance

Key Specifications

• Two piece construction
• One color – white

Pros

• Solid distance
• Consistent flight
• Responsive feel

Cons

• Not for you if you’d like a harder ball feel

Crafted by Bridgestone in collaboration with the World Long Drive Association, this golf ball is being touted as the brand’s longest ball to date, thanks to several key technological features aimed at extending flight and carry distance.

The e9 Long Drive ball boasts a seamless, injection-molded Surlyn cover paired with Bridgestone’s tried-and-true 330 dimple design. This combination aims to optimize both distance and flight consistency. The ball also features a ‘gradational core’ that gets progressively softer towards the center, which should contribute to higher ball speeds.

What sets the e9 apart, is its excellent blend of driving range and spin control, particularly with mid to short irons. The e9 also delivered on the short game, offering commendable spin control and a soft touch. For those who often play on fast, bouncy courses but still seek that elusive combination of soft feel and long-game distance, the e9 stands as a strong competitor.

Srixon Distance – Best Value

Key Specifications

• Two piece construction
• One color – white

Pros

• Solid distance
• Hard-wearing and wallet friendly

Cons

• Not as responsive on those more delicate shots

In a nutshell, the Srixon Distance ball targets golfers aiming for that extra stretch down the fairway. Remarkably cost-effective, these balls offer a solid performance without breaking the bank, making them a durable and budget-friendly choice.

Reasonably priced for a dozen, these balls come with a fastlayer core and a tough ionomer shell to optimize both distance and tactile feel. Additionally, the 324 speed dimple pattern packs a lot of tech for a modest price point.

Right off the bat, our findings showed a distance boost — a 15-yard gain off the tee to be exact. Moreover, the ball performed exceptionally well in windy scenarios, maintaining a straight flight path during both tee and approach shots.

Given its focus on distance, it’s not surprising that the Srixon Distance ball falls a bit short in the finesse required for the short game. While it handles adequately, golfers who rely on a softer touch and loft near the green may find better-suited options elsewhere.

Maxfli StraightFli – Best for Straight Ball Flight

Key Specifications

• Two piece construction
• Two colors – white and yellow

Pros

• Straighter ball flight
• High, powerful launch

Cons

• Won’t eliminate your slice
• Less greenside control compared to premium balls

Although the Maxfli StraightFli is not going to eliminate your slice completely (sorry) it should dilute the impact of your slice swing and keep more balls in the fairway.  Aside from the flight of Maxfli StraightFli golf balls, I found they helped slower swingers accelerate pace for a high, powerful launch.

The standout feature on this ball is its “Find the Fairway” dimple pattern. The 374 dimples help the golf ball avoid deviation to remain direct and accurate. Your best golf balls for straight flight this year contain a Next Generation Core, which enhances compression at impact and boosts energy transfer.

This helps you produce optimal ball speed and low spin at impact for a high, straight, and long golf shot. In addition, its ionomer cover minimizes spin on high-impact strikes. Conversely, it provides an element of spin in your short game. However, there is insufficient to compete with greenside control from premium golf balls.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Golf Ball

For a much more detailed explanation of how to select the best ball for you, check out our article What Golf Ball is Best for You. But for a brief list of considerations, read on.

Firmness Options

Premium golf balls often come in varying degrees of spin and firmness to suit your individual style. Whether you like a softer touch or greater control off the tee, take time to test both from various distances.

Outer Layer

Golf balls with a urethane cover provide superior spin and feel, albeit at a higher cost. It’s worth exploring whether the added expense genuinely enhances your game, or if mid-priced options might suffice. And to better understand the outer layer options check out What Are Golf Balls Made Of.

Focus on Distance or Control?

Are you more concerned with maximizing your driving distance or refining your short game? For those who prioritize distance, refer to our top distance golf balls guide. If feel and control matter most, try a softer feel golf ball.

Cost Considerations

No comprehensive purchasing guide would skip over the topic of price. Fortunately, most brands offer a range of options at varying price points, ensuring there’s a high-quality ball that fits your budget