Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers in 2023

golf ball on a tee

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find the Best Golf Balls for Beginners and High Handicappers in 2023, then we recommend the Srixon Soft Feel.

Golf balls are one of the most important pieces of golf equipment you will purchase. Even the best players in the world ask themselves, “what’s the best golf ball for me?”  In fact, other than your golf glove, it is the only equipment that you will use on every single shot of every single round of golf that you play.

In this article, we’re going to review the following golf balls:

A good golf ball can be the difference in yards of distance, spin to hold greens, and even carry to get you over any hazard that you face. Golf balls can also be very expensive. As a beginner or high handicapper, this expense grows exponentially because of the sheer number of balls you will probably lose as you improve your golf game. With that in mind, the best golf balls for beginners and high handicappers will be much different and more concerned with price than the seasoned player.

How to Choose the Best Golf Balls for Beginners and High Handicappers

Just like everything else in life, there is a learning curve to the game of golf. There is something about golf though that makes the learning curve not only bearable but fun. I remember some of my worst rounds would include two or three great shots that made me think I could really play, and those shots made the other 100 shots (if I am honest it is more like 125) absolutely worth it. The point is, you will not pick it up over night.

Knowing that going in should help you avoid some mistakes. The first mistake that a lot of new golfers make is that they spend $45 on a dozen golf balls. This is a mistake because the most likely scenario is that you will walk off the 18th hole using a borrowed ball from your partner because your 12 are somewhere in the woods/water/hazard. There is no such thing as a magical golf ball that will improve your swing and make you better than you are. Those $45 golf balls only help someone who is already a lot better than you get a few extra yards or a little better spin on the ball.

At the same time, you do not want to get “dead” balls that make even your very few good shots look below average. The key is to choose a ball that is forgiving and promotes as little spin as possible. Do not worry about getting the new three to five layer balls that help with distance, spin, and softness. Get a one or two layered ball that will allow your good shots to fly straight and your bad shots to not go as far out of the way as they would with more spin. Choose balls that are not too expensive but will still perform well.

What are the Most Important Qualities in a Beginner and High Handicapper Golf Ball

While a golf ball does not fix your swing, it can help to accentuate the positives and help to mitigate some of the negatives. For most beginners, the biggest negative is the amount of side spin that a mishit creates. This sidespin increases the number of hooks and slices you will see off the tee and the ground. Some golf balls help to reduce this sidespin, and that is a key element for a beginner.

Aside from reducing spin, softness around the greens is important for beginners. This is known in the golfing world as “compression.” The compression is the measure of how soft or hard your ball is or feels. You want your ball to hold on those approach shots that you hit perfectly so that you can get a feel for what it is like to reach a green in regulation. Having a hard ball, while it may slightly improve distance, will not stop on the green or play out of the bunker as well as a softer ball. Look for a low compression ball and worry about distance later.

Another characteristic that is helpful to a beginner is consistency. Many people look for the cheapest option every time they go to purchase a new dozen.

However, purchasing the same ball each time can be helpful because it takes some of the guesswork out of judging your swing.

If you consistently use the same ball, then you can never blame your lack of success on the equipment. You know what the ball will do when you hit it well and when you do not, and there is something to be said about that.

Finally, look for a low cost option. People will try to sell you on the latest and greatest ball, but for a beginner it just does not matter as much.

When you start hitting the ball consistently and only need minor adjustments to improve your score, then you can maybe look at spending a lot on a golf ball.

As it is, you will lose them, dent them, and abuse them and it is just not worth spending too much money on it in the beginning.

Who Should be Using these types of Golf Balls

The question you may be asking yourself is, “Am I a beginner or what is a handicap?” If you are asking yourself this question, the answer is probably yes.

A beginner, as the word suggests, is someone who is just starting out and trying to find their swing. Beginners are usually wildly inconsistent from day to day and even from shot to shot.

If you have been playing golf regularly for a year, you are probably still a beginner. Many golfers who play six to eight times per year may maintain their “beginner” status for years.

A great example of what a beginner looks like is the first time I played with some of my friends in college. I had just picked up the game with my Dad and this was one of the first times playing without him.

The other three guys I was playing with and I came up to the first tee box and a group of men told us to play through. I am still not sure why, but we balked at the idea and told them how bad we were at golf. They insisted, so we proceeded to hit our drives.

I specifically remember crushing a drive straight down the middle of a narrow fairway and having a 75 yard second shot which I put in the middle of the green. I remember proudly walking up to that shot and calmly burying my birdie putt on the first hole.

The men saw it all. What they did not see, however, was that if I had kept my true score that day it could have easily topped 150. And that is the definition of a beginner.

The type of people who should be taking this golf ball advice is just like the guy (myself) I described above. You may hit five incredible shots in a row and then do nothing but scramble for the next 12 holes.

You may hit one good shot the entire day and then come back the next week and break 100. If you are a beginner, then you know, and if you shoot over 100 consistently, then you fall into the “high handicapper” category and should follow this advice as well.

The Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers in 2021 Reviewed

Srixon Soft Feel

We have a new top golf ball for beginners and high handicappers, and it is the Srixon Soft Feel. They give you a ton of forgiveness, are very low-compression, fly really high, and are as soft as any ball you will find.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Srixon Soft Feel

They are great for moderate to slower swing speeds and perform especially well for slower swingers. These may be the best beginner’s golf balls out there. The firmer outside cover combined with a softer core gives you a low spin rate, good distance, softness around the green, and really good feel. Pretty much everything a beginner or higher handicapper is looking for in a golf ball. Also, the price is great so that you do not have to worry about losing balls and breaking the bank.

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Pros

  • The firmer outside cover gives you great distance and a high launch.
  • A low compression soft core that gives you great feel without sacrificing distance.
  • A really good ball for slower and moderate swing speeds.
  • The cover is thinner than most in this category and gives you good spin on approach shots and around the green.
  • Great energy transfer for optimal distance.
  • 324 dimples on a lonomer cover gives you really straight and penetrating ball flights.
  • Longer shots with a smoother and softer feel.
  • Pretty much all of the features beginners are looking for.

Cons

  • A little more spin off the tee than some other options.

Titleist TruFeel

Titleist has been at the top of the golf ball game for a long time, and their TruFeel offering, combined with the ever improving Pro V1, will help them stay there. Everyone knows about the ProV1 and how well it has performed, but the TruFeel, for its category and market, is making a name for itself as well. Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Titleist TruFeel

Designed to be long and soft, its 2-piece construction is perfect for moderate swings and inexpensive enough for beginners to lose a few out on the course. The TrueTouch core technology is what sets this ball apart. It gives you excellent greenside control with great feel on every shot. You get a really low spin rate on longer shots but with good feel around the green. The dimples provide great aerodynamics to cut through the air while the TruFlex cover is designed for optimal control. If you have a more moderate to slower swing speed, this core technology is made for you.

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Pros

  • TruCore technology gives you a very reactive core, especially for moderate and slower swing speeds while also giving you lower spin rates.
  • Very soft with great greenside control.
  • A low spin, low compression core maximizes distance off of the tee.
  • A new, more aerodynamic dimple pattern gives the ball a penetrating ball flight while keeping spin low.
  • A really good golf ball for a good price.
  • Great feel from every distance.
  • For its price point, it compares favorably to most other golf balls.

Cons

  • Not enough spin around the green for many golfers.
  • The core gives you a high launch which may fly too high for some players.

Callaway Supersoft MAX

The Callaway Supersoft MAX replaces the Magna in the “Supersoft” line of golf balls. This ball is really good for beginners simply because it is slightly larger than most golf balls, a little easier to hit, and it launches a little higher.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Callaway Supersoft MAX

The MAX golf ball also adds some distance and especially on off center strikes. The cover is a tri-blend ionomer rather than the Paraloid hybrid cover, and the ionomer is actually firmer and thinner for a little more ball speed. This ball is well-suited for beginners and high handicappers because it gives you distance, forgiveness, and a high launch. In essence, it makes the game slightly easier which makes it a lot more fun starting out.

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Pros

  • Slightly larger with a 1.73-inch diameter rather than the normal 1.68 inches.
  • The larger size raises the center of gravity and makes it an easier ball to get off the ground and with a higher launch.
  • The tri-blend ionomer cover is thin and built for maximum speed and distance.
  • A larger golf ball is logically easier to hit.
  • You have a few different color options from which to choose.
  • Can be found for a great price.
  • Does everything a beginner would want a golf ball to do.

Cons

  • Does not add much spin or feel around the greens.
  • The core is soft but the cover is firm.

TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft 

A 2-piece ball with a low compression core, it is a great ball for beginners and high handicappers. The Noodle really is long and soft and comes at a great price.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - TaylorMade Noodle Long and Soft

The only real weakness of the ball is around the green where you miss some of the feel and extra spin of the more expensive balls. For a beginner, however, this will not affect your game at all.

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Pros

  • With a low compression core, this ball is as long as many of the balls outside of its price range.
  • A good ball at a good price.
  • Lands soft on the green.
  • Has a penetrating flight because of dimple design.
  • It is a very forgiving ball on longer iron shots and off of the tee.

Cons

  • You lose some spin and playability around the greens.
  • Not as easy to control as some of the higher end balls.

Callaway Supersoft

Since most beginners are looking for a soft, long ball with little spin, the Callaway Supersoft may be the perfect fit. Its 2-piece construction with a low compression core keep it soft while jumping off long irons and woods.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Callaway Supersoft

 Most beginners and high handicappers do not feel the difference in the spin or playability of the ball around the greens, but need a high launching ball that gives some added distance and this ball does just that.

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Pros

  • Performs well in the features that most beginners are looking for…Distance and forgiveness.
  • Lands softly on the green and has a straight and true roll off of the putter.
  • A low spin rate helps keep the ball straight off of the tee.
  • Has some alignment features that could help at setup.

Cons

  • Like many other 2-piece golf balls, the Supersoft falls short on and around the greens.
  • Not as soft as some of the competitors on this list.

Pinnacle Soft

The Pinnacle Soft was built for beginners at a good price because, if we are honest, we all lost quite a few golf balls starting out. The “Soft” was Pinnacle’s answer to the growing demand for soft and long golf balls that are made for slow to moderate swing speeds. Balls whose core has a low compression rating that react to the club.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Pinnacle Soft

The Pinnacle Soft does all of that and more. Featuring Pinnacle’s lowest compression core and icosahedral dimple design along with a soft cover, this ball has a good ball flight while providing great feel all over the course. This is one of the best 2-piece golf balls around the green and it lands very softly on your approach.

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Pros

  • One of the best “distance” balls on the list.
  • Really soft feel and good distance from your irons.
  • Low compression and really reacts well with your clubs.
  • 332 icosahedrical dimples that will provide you with a straight flight, over a long distance, while cutting winds with ease at a slow spin rate.
  • Great features and price for a beginners game. 
  • The ionomer cover adds to the soft feel.

Cons

  • Not great around the greens.
  • Better for distance than precision.

Wilson Staff Duo Soft+ 

Wilson’s longest 2-piece ball to date as it changed the core of the ball to its new “VelocitiCor” technology.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Wilson Staff Duo Soft+ 

 It also tests as the 2-piece ball with the lowest spin rate on the market which helps to keep it straight and long off of the tee. Wilson has increased compression slightly but without losing distance or feel.

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Pros

  • One of the softest balls on the market.
  • Made for golfers with moderate to slow swing speeds.
  • An inexpensive option that can be found at most retailers.
  • Tests well and usually receives high reviews from golfers.
  • Very low spin off of the tee which helps to keep it straight and long.

Cons

  • Not enough spin and feel to be good around the greens.
  • Not as long as the other balls on this list.

Bridgestone e6 

The Bridgestone e6 is a 2-piece golf ball with a low compression core and “dual dimple” outer cover that promotes less spin and higher ball speed.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Bridgestone e6 

The Bridgestone name has become synonymous with good quality at an even better price and is widely considered one of the best golf balls for under $30. 

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Pros

  • A 2-piece ball that uses changes in compression from the inner core to outer core to play more like a 3-piece ball.
  • Will help you straighten out a hook or a slice.
  • Plays very soft while maintaining distance.
  • Is better around the green than most of its competition.

Cons

  • Does not have the same distance as some other low compression core balls in this price range.
  • Does not give you top end spin around the green.

Callaway Warbird

Another 2-piece ball that focuses on distance, in fact, the motto on the box reads, “Designed for Distance.” The Warbird has a firmer and more energetic core than most 2-piece balls and a very aerodynamic dimple design.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Callaway Warbird

This ball is designed to get into the air quickly, fly high and straight, and land a long way from the tee. While the core is firmer, it is also larger which increases the compression and the energy produced by the core. This is a very long golf ball.

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Pros

  • Built for distance.
  • Great value for the price, especially if you are looking to add some distance to your game.
  • A firmer core than most of the other balls on this list.
  • A very large core that gives it more energy and compression even at a greater firmness than most.
  • The ionomer cover is very thin which provides more feel and allows for the larger core.
  • The dimple design and thinner outer layer provides greater aerodynamics and allows for a penetrating and straight ball flight.
  • Produces low spin even with a higher ball flight.
  • Produces great ball speeds which makes the Warbird ideal for slow and moderate swing speeds.

Cons

  • Not as many “beginner” features as some of the other golf balls on the list.
  • No “short game” aids or features to speak of, and it does not produce a lot of feel or spin around the green.

Pinnacle Rush

While the “Soft” focused on feel, the Pinnacle Rush focuses on distance above all else. It has a very high energy core, firm outer covering, and aerodynamic dimple design that make this ball one of the longest on the market.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Pinnacle Rush

As equipment continues to improve and players continue to get stronger, distance is king. The Pinnacle Rush was built for speed and it can definitely add a few yards to your stroke. The advanced icosahedral dimple design with 332 dimples delivers a consistent, powerful ball flight, while its soft, durable ionomer cover provides great feel.

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Pros

  • An advanced icosahedral dimple design with 332 dimples to deliver a consistent, powerful ball flight, while its soft, durable ionomer cover provides great feel.
  • A great value.
  • This ball was built for speed and distance.
  • Even the sound at contact makes you think you are hitting the ball a long way.
  • If you are looking to add distance to your game, this is one of the best balls on the market. 
  • The icosahedral dimple design provides a consistent and penetrating ball flight no matter the conditions.
  • Produces a low spin rate.
  • A firmer ionomer cover help provide even more distance.

Cons

  • Focuses on distance at the expense of everything else. 
  • Not great around the greens.

Final Thoughts On The Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers

Best Choice: Srixon Soft Feel

The added forgiveness that you get with the Srixon Soft Feel is what put the Srixon on top of the list over the next 3 on the list.

Best Golf Balls For Beginners and High Handicappers - Srixon Soft Feel

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They are all good golf balls, but the low-compression, high launch, and extra forgiveness that these golf balls give you are perfect for beginners and high handicappers, but even with those features you get the soft feel from everywhere on the course. On top of these features, it is also an inexpensive ball that makes it a great value.

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