Top Ten Worst Golf Balls for High Handicappers: Choose the Right Golf Ball

As a high handicapper myself, I know how crucial it is to choose the right golf ball. The wrong ball can make an already challenging game even more difficult.

In this article, I’ll break down the top ten golf balls that high handicappers should avoid and explain why they’re not the best fit for our game.

1. Titleist Pro V1

The Titleist Pro V1 is a legendary golf ball, but it’s not designed for players like us. This ball is engineered for golfers with high swing speeds and advanced skills.

It’s high compression core and urethane cover provide excellent feel and control for skilled players, but can be a nightmare for those of us still developing our game.

For high handicappers, the Pro V1’s responsiveness often amplifies mishits and exaggerates slice or hook tendencies. The ball’s high spin rate, while great for shot-shaping abilities, can lead to more erratic ball flight for less consistent swings.

This means your slices might slice even more, and your hooks could become even more pronounced.

Additionally, the premium price point of the Pro V1 makes it a costly choice for players who are more likely to lose balls during a round. At around $50 per dozen, it can be painful to watch these expensive balls disappear into water hazards or deep rough.

2. TaylorMade TP5x

The TaylorMade TP5x is another tour-level ball that’s not well-suited for high handicappers. It’s five-layer construction and high compression rating make it incredibly responsive to the nuances of a pro’s swing, but this same quality can be unforgiving for less skilled players.

The TP5x’s firm feel might be uncomfortable for high handicappers who typically benefit from softer balls. When you’re still working on consistent contact, a softer ball can help mask some of the sting from mishits and provide a more pleasant experience.

It’s low spin on long shots can lead to reduced carry distance for players with slower swing speeds. While pros and low handicappers can take advantage of this characteristic for piercing ball flight, high handicappers often need more spin to keep the ball in the air longer and maximize distance.

The high greenside spin of the TP5x might be difficult to control for those still working on their short game. This can lead to chips and pitches that zip past the hole or spin back excessively, making it harder to get up and down consistently.

3. Bridgestone Tour B XS

The Bridgestone Tour B XS, famously used by Tiger Woods, is another ball that high handicappers should approach with caution. This ball is engineered for players with swing speeds over 105 mph, which is typically beyond the range of most high handicappers.

It’s urethane cover and high spin rates can lead to more pronounced slices or hooks for players struggling with their swing path. If you’re already fighting a slice, the Tour B XS might make that fight even harder.

The ball’s responsiveness to spin can make it difficult to control for those still developing consistent contact. While a pro can use this characteristic to shape shots and control trajectory, high handicappers might find their mishits becoming even more exaggerated.

While it offers excellent feel and control for skilled players, it may highlight the inconsistencies in a high handicapper’s game. Every imperfection in your swing could be magnified, potentially leading to more frustration on the course.

4. Callaway Chrome Soft X

The Callaway Chrome Soft X is designed for low handicap players and tour professionals. It’s four-piece construction and firm feel are optimized for high swing speeds and precise shot-making abilities, making it a poor fit for most high handicappers.

This ball’s low spin off the driver can result in reduced carry distance for slower swing speeds. High handicappers often need more spin to keep the ball in the air longer and achieve most distance. The Chrome Soft X’s low spin characteristics might lead to shots that fall out of the sky too quickly, robbing you of precious yards.

It’s high greenside spin, while useful for skilled players, can lead to inconsistent short game performance for those still honing their touch around the greens. Chips and pitches might be harder to control, leading to more three-putts and higher scores.

The Chrome Soft X’s performance characteristics are likely to amplify as opposed to mask the typical mistakes of high handicappers. Every swing flaw could be exaggerated, potentially leading to more errant shots and higher scores.

5. Srixon Z-Star XV

The Srixon Z-Star XV is another tour-level ball that high handicappers should avoid. It’s high compression core and firm feel are designed for players with fast swing speeds, typically not found among high handicappers.

This ball’s low driver spin can lead to reduced carry distance for slower swingers. If you’re a high handicapper with a moderate swing speed, you might find your drives falling short of your usual distances with this ball.

The Z-Star XV’s high approach and greenside spin might prove challenging to control. While pros can use this spin to stop the ball on a dime or even back it up, high handicappers might struggle with shots that bounce and roll unpredictably.

The ball’s responsiveness to swing nuances can exaggerate mishits and make it difficult for high handicappers to achieve consistent results. Every imperfection in your swing could be magnified, potentially leading to more frustration on the course.

6. Vice Pro Plus

While Vice has gained popularity as a direct-to-consumer brand, their Pro Plus model is not suitable for high handicappers. This ball is designed to compete with other tour-level balls and shares many of the same characteristics that make those balls challenging for less skilled players.

The Vice Pro Plus has a high compression rating and is optimized for players with swing speeds over 110 mph. For most high handicappers, this means the ball will feel extremely firm at impact and may not compress properly, leading to a loss of distance and feel.

It’s low driver spin and high iron spin can lead to distance loss and control issues for high handicappers. Drives might fall out of the sky too quickly, while approach shots could be difficult to land softly on the green.

The urethane cover, while providing excellent feel for skilled players, may not offer the durability needed for players prone to frequent mishits. High handicappers might find these balls scuffing and cutting more easily, leading to inconsistent performance and the need for frequent ball changes.

7. Volvik S4

The Volvik S4 is a tour-performance ball that, despite it’s eye-catching colors, is not a good choice for high handicappers. It’s four-piece construction and urethane cover are designed for players with high swing speeds and advanced shot-making abilities.

For high handicappers, the S4’s high spin rates can lead to more pronounced slices or hooks. If you’re already struggling with a slice or hook, this ball might make those issues even more severe.

It’s firm feel might be uncomfortable for players used to softer balls. When you’re still working on consistent contact, a firmer ball can make mishits feel more jarring and unpleasant.

The ball’s responsiveness to spin can make it difficult to control for those still working on consistent contact. While a pro can use this characteristic to shape shots and control trajectory, high handicappers might find their mishits becoming even more exaggerated.

8. Snell MTB-X

The Snell MTB-X is often praised for it’s tour-level performance at a lower price point, but it’s still not ideal for high handicappers. This ball is designed for players with above-average swing speeds and a preference for firm feel.

High handicappers might struggle with the MTB-X’s low driver spin, which can result in reduced carry distance for slower swing speeds. If you’re not generating enough clubhead speed, you might find your drives falling short of your usual distances.

It’s high iron and wedge spin, while useful for skilled players, can lead to inconsistent performance for those still developing their short game skills. Approach shots might be harder to control, potentially leading to more missed greens and higher scores.

The firm feel of the MTB-X might not provide the forgiveness that many high handicappers need. Mishits can feel harsh and may lead to a loss of confidence over the ball.

9. OnCore Elixr

The OnCore Elixr is marketed as a tour-caliber ball, which immediately suggests it’s not the best choice for high handicappers. It’s three-piece construction and urethane cover are designed to offer tour-level performance characteristics.

For high handicappers, the Elixr’s high spin rates can exacerbate slice or hook tendencies. If you’re already fighting a slice or hook, this ball might make that fight even harder.

It’s firm feel might not provide the forgiveness that many high handicappers need. When you’re still working on consistent contact, a firmer ball can make mishits feel more jarring and unpleasant.

The ball’s responsiveness to spin can make it challenging to control for players still working on consistent contact. While a pro can use this characteristic to shape shots and control trajectory, high handicappers might find their mishits becoming even more exaggerated.

10. Mizuno RB Tour X

Rounding out our list is the Mizuno RB Tour X. This ball is designed for players with high swing speeds and a preference for tour-level performance, making it unsuitable for most high handicappers.

The RB Tour X’s high compression core and firm feel can be difficult for slower swingers to compress properly, leading to distance loss. If you’re not generating enough clubhead speed, you might find your shots falling short of your usual distances.

It’s high spin rates, while useful for shot-shaping, can amplify the effects of mishits and lead to more erratic ball flight for less consistent swings. This means your slices might slice even more, and your hooks could become even more pronounced.

The ball’s responsiveness to swing nuances can exaggerate mishits and make it difficult for high handicappers to achieve consistent results. Every imperfection in your swing could be magnified, potentially leading to more frustration on the course.

Why These Balls Are Problematic for High Handicappers

Now that we’ve gone through the list, let’s explore further into why these balls are particularly challenging for high handicappers:

Compression

Most of the balls on this list have high compression ratings, typically above 90. Compression refers to how much the ball deforms at impact.

High compression balls require faster swing speeds to properly compress the ball and achieve optimal performance.

High handicappers often have slower swing speeds, typically below 90 mph with the driver. When using a high compression ball, they may not be able to compress the ball sufficiently, leading to a loss of distance and a harder feel at impact.

Lower compression balls (around 70-80) are generally more suitable for high handicappers as they’re easier to compress, providing better distance and a softer feel even at lower swing speeds.

Spin Rates

Many of these tour-level balls are designed with high spin rates, particularly on approach shots and around the greens. While this can be useful for skilled players who can control their spin, it can be problematic for high handicappers.

High spin rates can exacerbate slice or hook tendencies, making it harder to keep the ball in play off the tee. Around the greens, excessive spin can make chips and pitches more difficult to control, leading to inconsistent short game performance.

For high handicappers, a ball with moderate spin rates is often more forgiving and easier to control.

Feel

Tour-level balls often have a firmer feel, which can be less forgiving on mishits. High handicappers, who are more likely to mishit shots, may find these balls uncomfortable and even painful to hit, especially in colder weather.

Softer feeling balls can help mask some of the sting from mishits and provide a more pleasant experience, which can be crucial for maintaining confidence and enjoyment on the course.

Price

Many of the balls on this list are premium, tour-level balls that come with a hefty price tag. For high handicappers who are more likely to lose balls during a round, using expensive balls can be financially impractical.

More affordable balls designed for high handicappers can provide better performance for your skill level at a fraction of the cost.

Construction

Most of these balls feature complex, multi-layer constructions with urethane covers. While this allows for precise performance characteristics, it also makes the balls less durable and more prone to scuffing and cutting.

High handicappers, who are more likely to hit thin shots or make contact with the ball’s cover, may find these balls wearing out quickly, leading to inconsistent performance.

What High Handicappers Should Look for in a Golf Ball

Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, let’s talk about what high handicappers should look for in a golf ball:

Lower Compression

Look for balls with a compression rating between 70-80. These will be easier to compress with slower swing speeds, providing better distance and a softer feel.

Moderate Spin

Balls with moderate spin rates offer a good balance of distance off the tee and control around the greens. They’re less likely to exaggerate slices or hooks and are easier to control on approach shots.

Softer Feel

A softer feeling ball can help boost confidence and provide more feedback on your shots. It’s also more forgiving on mishits, which can help make the game more enjoyable.

Durability

Look for balls with more durable covers, such as Surlyn or similar materials. These will stand up better to the occasional thin shot or tree hit, maintaining consistent performance for longer.

Visibility

Many high handicappers benefit from balls with enhanced visibility features, such as bright colors or alignment aids. These can help with focus at address and make it easier to find your ball after errant shots.

Value

Consider balls that offer good performance at a reasonable price point. As a high handicapper, you’re likely to lose more balls, so finding a balance between performance and cost is important.

Recommended Balls for High Handicappers

While this article focuses on balls to avoid, it’s worth mentioning a few options that are well-suited for high handicappers:

1. Callaway Supersoft: This ball offers low compression, low spin off the tee, and a very soft feel.

It’s also affordable and comes in various high-visibility color options.

2. Srixon Soft Feel: Another low compression option with a soft feel and good durability.

It provides decent distance off the tee and adequate greenside control.

3. Titleist TruFeel: This ball offers a very soft feel, low spin off the driver for straighter shots, and good short game control.

It’s also one of Titleist’s more affordable options.

4. Wilson Staff Duo Soft+: One of the lowest compression balls on the market, the Duo Soft+ offers excellent feel and good distance for slower swing speeds.
5. Bridgestone e6: This ball is designed for most straightness, helping to reduce slices and hooks.

It has a soft feel and offers good value for money.

Remember, the best ball for you might require some experimentation. Consider trying a few different options to see which one suits your game best.

The Importance of Ball Fitting

While this article provides general guidance, it’s worth noting that individual swing characteristics can vary greatly, even among high handicappers. That’s why ball fitting can be a valuable process.

Many golf retailers and pro shops offer ball fitting services. During a fitting, you’ll hit various balls while your launch conditions are measured. This data can help identify which ball characteristics work best for your swing.

Even if you don’t go through a formal fitting process, experimenting with different balls on the course or at the range can help you find the one that performs best for your game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a high handicap in golf?

Generally, a handicap of 18 or above is considered high. This means a player typically shoots in the 90s or higher for 18 holes.

Do golf balls really make a difference for high handicappers?

Yes, using the right golf ball can make a significant difference for high handicappers. The right ball can provide better distance, improved control, and a more enjoyable playing experience.

Are expensive golf balls worth it for high handicappers?

In most cases, expensive, tour-level golf balls are not worth it for high handicappers. These balls are designed for advanced players and may actually hinder the performance of less skilled golfers.

What compression golf ball should a high handicapper use?

High handicappers typically benefit from lower compression golf balls, usually in the 70-80 range. These are easier to compress with slower swing speeds.

Are colored golf balls good for high handicappers?

Many high handicappers find colored golf balls useful. They can be easier to see in flight and find on the course, potentially speeding up play and reducing lost balls.

How often should high handicappers change their golf ball during a round?

High handicappers should change their ball when it shows signs of significant wear, such as deep scuffs or cuts. This might be more frequent than for lower handicap players because of more mishits.

Can using the wrong golf ball increase a slice or hook?

Yes, using a golf ball with characteristics unsuited to your swing (like high spin rates for many high handicappers) can exacerbate existing swing flaws like a slice or hook.

Is it okay for high handicappers to use found golf balls?

While it’s tempting to use found balls to save money, it’s better to use consistent, appropriate balls for your skill level. Found balls of unknown type or condition can lead to inconsistent performance.

How does swing speed affect golf ball choice for high handicappers?

Swing speed is crucial in ball selection. High handicappers often have slower swing speeds and benefit from lower compression balls that are easier to compress for optimal distance.

Can high handicappers use the same ball as pro golfers?

While it’s possible, it’s generally not recommended. Balls designed for pros are optimized for high swing speeds and advanced skills, which can make them challenging for high handicappers to use effectively.

Key Takeaways

1. High handicappers should avoid tour-level, high compression golf balls.
2. Balls with moderate spin rates and softer feel are generally more suitable for high handicappers.
3. Lower compression balls (70-80) are easier for slower swing speeds to compress properly.
4. Consider factors like durability and visibility when choosing a ball.
5. Experimenting with different balls or getting a professional fitting can help you find the best ball for your game.