Choosing the Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
Being a mid handicapper doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of your golf balls. In fact, boosting your game could be as simple as choosing the right ball, one that suits your personal preferences and playing style. So, what are the best golf balls for mid handicappers?
In my personal experience, Srixon Soft Feel golf balls are the ultimate choice for mid handicap players. I've played with a lot of golf balls, from the Srixon Soft Feel to the Titleist Velocity, and this is the one I keep coming back to. Now, let's delve into why and consider the other top contenders.
Comparison of the Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
| Golf Ball | Key Features | Who's it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Srixon Soft Feel | Durable, soft feel, high ball flight | Mid handicap players who want a durable and reliable ball |
| Kirkland Signature | Budget-friendly, urethane cover | Mid handicap players on a budget |
| Callaway SuperSoft | Ultra-low compression, soft feel | Players who prefer a softer feel |
| Wilson DUO Professional | High visibility, urethane cover | Players needing high visibility and durability |
| Srixon Q-Star | Premium performance, affordable | Mid handicap players seeking value for money |
| TaylorMade Tour Response | Tour quality, low compression core | Players who want a lower compression core |
| Callaway ERC Soft Triple Track | Alignment aid | Players who struggle with putting |
| Vice Pro Soft | Three-piece ball, urethane cover | Lower mid-handicappers with low swing speeds |
| Titleist Velocity | High flight, lower spin | Players who like to hit long and straight |
Srixon Soft Feel
Durable with a high ball flight and soft feel, the Srixon Soft Feel is a fantastic choice for mid-handicap golfers like us. Its two-piece construction provides the perfect balance between distance and control. With its lower compression, it achieves both distance and soft feel.
Pros:
- Excellent durability
- Soft feel
- High flight trajectory that aids visibility
Cons:
- Some players might not prefer the softer feel
Kirkland Signature
If you're on a budget but still want a premium-level performance, the Kirkland Signature is for you. Widely considered the best budget urethane golf ball, it offers impressive distance without sacrificing control.
Pros:
- High-quality performance at a budget-friendly price
- Urethane cover offers durability and control
Cons:
- Not as widely available as some other brands
Callaway SuperSoft
The Callaway SuperSoft is a personal favorite of mine. Not only does it possess an ultra-low compression core, but it also delivers a unique and very soft feel, perfect for mid handicappers like us.
Pros:
- Offers an ultra-soft feel
- Low compression aids in longer drives
Cons:
- Softness may not appeal to all golfers
Wilson DUO Professional
The Wilson DUO Professional is a brilliant example of a golf ball that perfectly combines visibility and durability. Its high-visibility urethane casing means you can keep easy track of your ball throughout the round.
Pros:
- Highly visible, meaning fewer lost balls
- Durable urethane cover
Cons:
- Might not offer the same 'feel' as some other balls
Srixon Q-Star
Srixon Q-Star golf balls have an excellent reputation among mid-handicap golfers. Offering a premium level of performance at an affordable price, they're undeniably great value for money.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Offers premium-level performance
Cons:
- May not suit golfers who prefer a softer feel
TaylorMade Tour Response
Do you want tour-quality in a ball that won’t put your bank account off balance? The TaylorMade Tour Response is the perfect pick with its low compression core and a urethane cover.
Pros:
- Tour-quality ball
- Low compression offers good distance
Cons:
- Might not offer the high spin some golfers prefer
Callaway ERC Soft Triple Track
If your putting game needs help, look no further than the Callaway ERC Soft Triple Track. The alignment aid on these balls is there to improve your putting accuracy—a benefit you can't ignore.
Pros:
- Has an alignment aid for putting
- Soft texture provides a comfortable feel
Cons:
- The soft feel didn’t impress all testers
Vice Pro Soft
The Vice Pro Soft is a three-piece ball with a urethane cover, well suited for lower mid-handicappers with lower swing speeds.
Pros:
- Great for low swing speed players
- Low-compression, three-piece construction
Cons:
- Not the best for golfers with high swing speeds
Titleist Velocity
Here's a fun fact, I have played with the Titleist Velocity the most over the past year, and I absolutely love it. It delivers solid distance and a high flight.
Pros:
- Offers long distance with lower spin
- High flight trajectory aids visibility
Cons:
- Reduced spin may not appeal to everyone
What Makes these Balls Ideal for Mid Handicappers?
The best golf balls for mid handicappers are a blend of distance and control. That’s why I recommend balls like the Srixon Soft Feel, which are designed to meet these needs. As a mid handicap golfer myself, I look for specific things – low driver spin for maximized distance, and medium wedge spin for control around the greens.
And although statistics won't tell you everything about why these balls are perfect for the mid handicapper, my personal experience has shown the difference the right golf ball can make. For instance, I once played my lowest round ever with a golf ball that had essentially zero wedge spin. So, don't underestimate the importance of choosing the right ball.
Upgrading from an average golf ball to one specifically suited to your handicap and playing style can be a real game-changer. "If you’re a 10 handicap, a 15 handicap or a 20 handicap", as I often say, "check out these balls that will take you to lower scores."
Although everyone is slightly different, upgrading your golf balls can help take your game to the next level. Remarkably, the best nine holes I have ever played were the ones I used a 7 wood instead of a driver.
Remember, choosing the right golf ball is about finding a balance that works for you. So, why not give one of these a try and see how your game improves?
Buying Guide
Understanding Your Skill Level and Needs
The first rule to buying the perfect golf ball, understand where you actually stand in the game. Knowing your playing level helps you pick a ball that will complement your style, impacting your performance significantly. As a mid handicapper, you would ideally want to focus on areas you need improvement and choose a ball that allows those enhancements.
Construction of Golf Ball
One of the features to consider when buying golf balls is their construction. Golf balls come with varying layers from one to five, each designed for a different skill level. As mid handicappers, look for balls that offer a blend of distance and control, such as three-layer golf balls.
Two-piece golf balls are great if maximum distance is your main priority. They have a rubber core with a durable outer cover, providing fewer spinning possibilities, which in turn reduces the slice or hook, making them ideal for beginners.
Three-piece balls, offering a balance of distance, control, and feel, typically include a rubber or liquid core, an outer layer of enhanced rubber or a similar material, and a cover. They provide a more suitable solution to intermediate players like you, offering more spin control and better feel.
Four and five-piece constructions usually deliver a blend of distance, spin, and feel uniquely tailored for advanced golfers.
Compression
The term compression refers to the degree of hardness and density in a golf ball. High compression balls, ranging 90 and above, require a fast swing to compress them and achieve maximum distance, ideal for pro players. Lower compression balls, with a rate below 90, are softer and compressed more easily, and so, give more distance with slower swing speed. This feature makes them preferable for beginners. As a mid-handicappers, you should ideally go for medium compression balls.
Spin
The spin of the ball plays a pivotal role in its journey from the tee to the hole. High spinning balls provide a longer carry in the air but might be more challenging to control. Low spin balls, on the other hand, offer less air time but run farther once they hit the ground. Mid spin balls are naturally the middle-ground option, offering both decent air travel and run distance, which should be ideal for mid-handicappers.
Ball Cover Material
The golf ball cover affects its performance, durability, and feel. The most common materials are Surlyn and Urethane.
Surlyn-covered balls are more durable and offer less spin, which is perfect for entry-level golfers who prioritize longevity and distance.
Urethane-covered balls, despite being less durable, provide a better grip on the clubface due to their soft feel, resulting in higher spin rates. This trait makes them perfect for advanced players who value control and spin over distance.
As a mid-handicapper, aim for the best of both worlds. A multi-layer ball with a urethane cover could be a good choice. It offers decent durability with a better spin and control than two-piece balls.
Price
Remember, enhancing your game is about practicing and fine-tuning your skill, not about buying the most expensive balls on the market. So, ensure you consider these elements alongside your budget. Determine what matters most to you between distance, spin, durability, and price before making a decision.
Dimples
It might come as a surprise, but those little depressions on the ball, known as dimples, play a significant role in determining how far and straight the ball goes. They help reduce the drag and enable the ball to lift during play. While most golf balls come with 300 to 500 dimples, as a mid handicapper, you should not worry too much about them.
By taking into consideration all these factors, you will be well on your way to finding the right golf balls for your game. Remember, at the end of the day, the best ball for you is one that enhances your strengths and minimises your weaknesses. So, don't hesitate to try out different balls until you find the perfect one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a mid handicap golfer?
In golf, a mid handicapper refers to a player with a handicap ranging from 11 to 20. This isn't an official designation, but rather a general guideline within the golf community. If you're a mid handicapper, in practice, you can usually shoot in the 80s for each round and consistently break 90 after every few rounds. For those unfamiliar, the term 'handicap' in golf outlines the player's skill, the lower it is, the more proficient the golfer is. Therefore, mid-handicappers represent the average segment of golfers, neither beginners nor professionals, but those who have gained a decent command of the sport. But, of course, identifying oneself as a mid-handicapper does not preclude aspiring for better scores and becoming a low handicapper eventually.
How do I know what golf ball is right for me?
In golf, the type of ball you use can significantly impact your game. The right choice usually comes down to your swing speed. For those with slower swing speeds, a golf ball with a compression speed of 80 or less might be a good fit because it doesn't require a forceful hit to function effectively. Conversely, golfers with a more vigorous swing should consider a golf ball with a compression speed of 100 or above. This higher compression rate means the ball won't deform too much with their stronger hits, maintaining the integrity of the ball's flight. For players with a medium swing speed, a ball with a compression rating around 90 does the trick. However, everyone's game is different, and personal preference plays a significant role. So don't shy away from trying out different balls till you find the one that suits your style the best.
What are the best irons for distance for mid handicappers?
(It seems that the original answer to this question was omitted. Let me provide one.) When it comes to the best irons for mid handicappers aiming to gain some distance, several names stand out in the market. Models like TaylorMade M4 Irons, Callaway Mavrik Irons, and Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Irons are well reputed for their combination of performance and forgiveness, attributes vital for mid handicappers looking to increase their distance. But remember, it's essential to try them out personally because the 'best' iron is the one that feels the best in your hands and complements your game style seamlessly.
What is a low compression golf ball?
When we speak of low-compression golf balls, we're referring to the ones with soft cores. These balls are designed to compress, i.e., deform, easily. This characteristic means you don't need a powerful swing to make the most of these balls, making them a popular choice among senior golfers or ones with slower swing speeds. The softer, lower compression golf balls assist in maximising the distance of your shot, compensating for the lesser power behind it. In essence, these balls offer a great balance of better distance and softer feel, making the game more enjoyable for the relevant golfers.
