If extra yards are your key requirement, check out our guide to the best distance golf balls on the market...
Best Distance Golf Balls
From premium tour balls down to budget 15-ball packs, there’s barely a golf ball on the market in any category where distance isn’t a major consideration for the manufacturer.
But while tour-calibre balls are also just as concerned about spin, control and feel, our focus here is on those distance golf balls balls whose primary attribute is unashamedly how far they go!
There are lots of things golfers of various experiences and abilities would ideally like their golf ball to do, but precious few would ever say no to a few extra yards. However, with distance balls there are sacrifices you need to be aware of.
Most balls here say they do offer elements of feel and playability. But closer to the green they will inevitably feel harder and come off the clubface quicker on those delicate shots and putts. A lob over a bunker to a tight pin will definitely be a tougher proposition than with a softer ball.
Most distance balls use a two-piece design comprising merely a cover and a core, rather than the multi-layer constructions used in premium golf balls. It is this simple construction that paves the way to perhaps the distance golf ball’s biggest plus – the price you pay.
Some of the balls listed below represent astonishing value for money. If you’re new to the game, or tend to despatch more than your fair share to the jungle, you’ll be looking for value golf balls and won’t want to be shelling out too much for your ammo.
So, if price and distance are more important than all-round performance, these are the eight golf balls you should be checking out…
Best Golf Balls For Distance
Titleist Velocity golf ball
+ Latest cover design brings added feel
+ Colour options to suit all tastes
– At the pricier end of the distance ball market
The latest Titleist Velocity model features a larger, higher-speed LSX core that boosts ball speed on all full shots while keeping spin down for optimum distance. The updated cover retains the Velocity’s renowned distance attributes, while adding a greater element of feel for more greenside playability.
Aerodynamics have been improved via a dimple design that promotes a high-flying trajectory for greater stopping power with your irons. Available in white or matte pink, green and orange.
Callaway Warbird golf ball
+ Eyecatching low price for a top brand
+ Designed for longer carries
– Feels very firm around the green
Callaway has used the Warbird name for several decades now, and it has become synonymous with distance in its ball range. The latest Warbird model generates its distance via a large, soft, high-energy core with a low compression.
Distance is further enhanced via Callaway’s HEX Aerodynamics cover design that helps to reduce drag for longer carries. The cover is made from a thin ionomer material to add an element of feel to the overall package.
Srixon Distance golf ball
+ Ideal for 80+mph swing speeds
+ High penetrating ball flight
– Durable cover may be too hard to some
The latest Srixon Distance model boasts a softer compression than the previous version. It delivers optimum distance via greater initial velocity and a higher launch angle for a penetrating ball flight.
The dimple count is down significantly too (108 fewer), which Srixon says will reduce drag and increase lift for better performance in all wind conditions. The durable cover is engineered for greater cut-proof durability
TaylorMade Distance Plus golf ball
+ Low spin and drag for more distance
+ Mid to high wedge spin for short-game control
– Mid-ball flight trajectory may not be high enough for some
The Taylormade Distance Plus golf ball promises golfers more distance on all shots. It generates added ball speed via its high-velocity REACT Speed Core and aerodynamic 344-dimple cover. These combine to keep spin down and reduce drag, both of which can hamper distance if too high.
Wilson Tour Velocity Tour Distance golf ball
+ Excellent value for those starting out
+ Dimple pattern enhances power from the tee
– Cover may feel too hard on putts
This low-compression Wilson ball promises extreme distance via a hard ionomer cover material that optimises trajectory for maximum distance and roll. An enhanced aerodynamic dimple pattern adds to the power potential from the tee.
Although a low-compression ball overall, its mid-compression core introduces an element of greenside playability.
Bridgestone e12 Speed golf ball
+ Designed to reduce sidespin
+ Third mantle layer boosts initial velocity
– Only for those with 105+mph swing speeds
The only three-piece model in this guide, it is the e12 Speed’s third Active Acceleration Mantle layer that is the key to added distance courtesy of increased thrust and a higher initial velocity at impact.
This layer also allows the core to be optimised for greater forgiveness and enhanced feel. Bridgestone’s Delta Wing Dimple pattern then reduces drag for optimal aerodynamic cover performance.
Pinnacle Rush golf ball
+ Longer off both driver and irons
+ Suitable for all abilities
– Slightly softer than previous generations which may not appeal to all
The Pinnacle name has long been associated with good-value distance golf balls and the latest Rush is no exception.
It’s the high-energy core that drives performance, generating faster ball speeds with every club. An icosahedral dimple design, comrising 332 dimples in a soft, durable ionomer cover, promises a consistent, powerful ball flight with more than a hint of feel.
Vice Drive golf ball
+ One of the lowest-priced branded balls on the market
+ Extremely cut-resistant cover for durability
– Not suitable for faster swing speeds
It is the Vice Drive’s soft Energy Speed Core that generates extra distance for beginners and those with low to medium swing speeds.
The durable Surlyn cover is highly cut-resistant on mishits or misadventures, with 312 large dimples keeping air resistance to a minimum for a stable ball flight. This latest Drive model offers higher wedge spin rates for greater control close to the green.
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