Are you a high handicapper looking to improve your game and enjoy every round on the course? Choosing good golf balls for high handicappers can make a world of difference, helping you achieve greater distance, accuracy, and consistency.
In this guide, The Carnoustie Golf Club will explore the key features to look for and reveal our top picks for the best golf balls designed specifically for high handicappers. Whether you’re seeking more forgiveness on off-center hits or a softer feel for enhanced control, we’ve got you covered.
What is a High Handicapper in Golf?
In golf, a handicap is a numerical measure of a player’s potential ability. A high handicapper typically has a handicap of 20 or above, indicating they generally shoot around 90 or higher for 18 holes.
High handicappers often face challenges such as:
- Inconsistent ball striking
- Difficulty with accuracy and distance control
- Struggles with shot shaping and spin management
- Less experience with course management
Understanding these challenges is crucial in selecting the right golf ball to complement your skills and help you improve.
Key Characteristics of Good Golf Balls for High Handicappers
When selecting a golf ball, high handicappers should focus on certain key characteristics to improve their performance on the course. These include forgiveness, low compression, spin control, soft feel, durability, and cost-effectiveness
Forgiveness
Forgiveness in a golf ball refers to its ability to minimize the effects of mis-hits. High handicappers benefit from forgiving balls because they:
- Reduce side spin, leading to straighter shots
- Maintain distance on off-center hits
- Provide more consistent ball flight
Look for balls with larger cores and softer covers, as these features contribute to increased forgiveness.
Low Compression
Low compression golf balls are ideal for high handicappers because they:
- Require less swing speed to compress the ball
- Promote greater distance for players with slower swing speeds
- Offer a softer feel at impact
The ideal compression range for high handicappers is typically between 70-80. However, players with very slow swing speeds might benefit from even lower compression balls (50-60).
Spin Control
Controlling spin is crucial for high handicappers. The right ball should:
- Reduce side spin to minimize slices and hooks
- Provide enough greenside spin for improved short game control
Look for balls with dimple patterns designed to reduce overall spin while maintaining some spin around the greens.
Soft Feel
A soft feel in a golf ball offers several advantages for high handicappers:
- Enhanced feedback on shots, aiding in skill development
- Improved control in the short game
- More confidence when putting
Soft feel is typically achieved through a combination of core design and cover material.
Durability and Cost
High handicappers often lose more balls during a round, so durability and cost are important factors:
- Look for balls with durable covers to withstand mishits and tree impacts
- Consider value packs or slightly older models for cost savings
- Balance performance needs with budget constraints
To improve your golf game as a high-handicapper, having the right equipment is essential, and this includes not just golf balls but also appropriate shoes. High-handicappers can benefit from golf balls designed to enhance distance and forgiveness, just as men’s golf shoes play a crucial role in providing stability and comfort on the course. The right pair of shoes, much like the right golf ball, can improve your performance by ensuring a stable stance, which directly impacts your swing. Together, choosing the right golf balls and shoes tailored to your needs can significantly boost your game.
Best 5 Good Golf Balls for High Handicappers
Below, we’ve listed the top 5 golf balls that cater specifically to the needs of high handicappers, each designed to enhance performance and reduce common challenges like slices, hooks, and lack of distance.
Titleist Tour Soft
The Titleist Tour Soft offers a great combination of distance, soft feel, and greenside control. It has a larger core for better speed and distance while maintaining a soft feel. It has 342 cuboctahedron dimple design for consistent ball flight.
Why it’s ideal for high handicappers:
- Offers a blend of distance and a soft feel
- Provides good greenside spin without excessive spin off the tee
Price: Around $35-$40 per dozen
Callaway Supersoft
Callaway Supersoft is known for its incredibly low compression (38), making it one of the softest balls on the market. It also features a durable cover that reduces drag for longer shots. It also offers Soft Trionomer cover for enhanced feel and control.
Why it’s ideal for high handicappers:
- Extremely easy to compress, great for slower swing speeds
- Promotes straighter ball flight
- Soft feel aids in short-game confidence
Price: Approximately $22-$25 per dozen
Srixon Soft Feel
Srixon Soft Feel delivers a good balance of distance and feel. Its low compression core (60 compression) helps with distance, while the soft cover aids in greenside control.
Why it’s ideal for high handicappers:
- Excellent combination of distance and soft feel
- Promotes straight ball flight
- Affordable option without sacrificing performance
Price: Around $20-$25 per dozen
Bridgestone e6
The Bridgestone e6 focuses on reducing spin for straighter shots. It has a soft feel and a forgiving design that helps high handicappers hit more consistent shots. It features Delta Dimple design for smoother air resistance.
Why it’s ideal for high handicappers:
- Designed specifically for moderate swing speeds
- Promotes straighter ball flight
- Good balance of distance and feel
Price: Approximately $22-$27 per dozen
Wilson Staff Fifty Elite
The Wilson Staff Fifty Elite offers a low compression core (50), providing both distance and soft feel. It’s also one of the most affordable options on the market.
Why it’s ideal for high handicappers:
- Excellent for very slow swing speeds
- Promotes straight ball flight and reduced side spin
- One of the most affordable options in the market
Price: Around $15-$20 per dozen
Conclusion
Choosing good golf balls for high handicappers can significantly impact your game. Remember, the best ball for you is one that complements your swing and helps you build confidence on the course. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options to find the perfect match for your game.
When selecting the right golf equipment, it’s important to consider both performance and comfort. Just as high handicappers benefit from using forgiving golf balls that improve their game, wearing the right golf pants can enhance comfort and flexibility during play. The best golf pants allow for ease of movement, which can help you focus on your swing. By choosing the appropriate gear, from golf balls to men’s golf pants, you can enjoy a more successful and comfortable golfing experience.
