Our Best golf balls for high handicappers 2021-2022 ranking list is finally here. For all of you high handicappers struggling for results on the course hopefully we can give you some ball options to get you headed in the right direction.
Our high handicapper ball review is part our core set of golf ball rankings. Our 2021-22 format limits our gear comparisons to two year cycles. We have found that it very often aligns with gear manufacturers life cycles given that products are generally not upgraded every year. We have also seen that release dates for new gear at time pre-dates the calendar year. So by crossing over periods we don’t risk losing anything in the margins.
The new dual year format limits our core category ranking list picks to our top 3 options. Because of the we decided to also maintain a master ranking list. By doing so we keep a placeholder for all those options that may have fallen from our top spots during the evaluation period. So, if you want to check out other top option they can always be found here.
Like all of our 2021-2022 golf ball rankings we have introduced a new methodology and basis for our rankings. Now standard deviations are calculated and analyzed as a means of ranking of all of our key metrics. We believe this helps filter out any tendencies to incorporate any personal biases into the rankings. Now more than ever the numbers do the talking. We also see a clear representation of how the ball is performing in relation to the others. We have done a similar exercise with this year’s golf bag reviews and found it extremely useful.
It can be difficult to propose the perfect ball for an individual high handicapper accepting that there are many ways to accumulate strokes on the course. As much as we have seen big swings stepping up and slicing ball after ball to oblivion, we also see golfers 3-putt from about 3 feet from the hole. So, to come up with our recommendations we did have to make some assumptions and generalizations. Here they are…
- Premium priced golf balls were not considered as there is benefit to be realized given the inconsistencies of the golfer.
- Swing speed was not a limiting factor as there are high handicappers all across the spectrum.
- Higher launch would be preferred as is more common for high handicappers to struggle to get ball up rather than high ball flight.
- Low spinning balls were preferred over high spin.
- Ball distance was given limited weighting.
Once filtered our current data of approximately 60 balls was reduced to only 5 options. We then included some of our other metrics in our analysis to come up with our top 3 options. Here they are…..
Titleist ProV1 – Refurbished/reloaded
I know that many golfers and people in general struggle with the thought of playing used gear. Maybe it just doesn’t fit into their country club image. I also know that proposing a used ball does kinda slide out of the 2021-22 concept unless you happen to get a very new used ball 🙂 . BUT if we can all make a little exception then pick up some ProV1 reloaded/refurbished balls and spend your time paying for some help with your swing, not the balls that you donate to the woods and water hazards.
If you are a high handicapper the ProV1 even if slightly blemished is more than ready and willing to take the abuse you plan to give it. It still is arguably the best or most played golf ball for a reason. There just is not a reason for you to pay 2.5x as much for a shiny new one. We also are firm believers that playing the same ball has its advantages. Feel, comfort and confidence in the balls expected performance all things that is best that you expect rather than wonder about while getting ready to swing. Point being is that as your handicap and performance get better you may eventually want to consider shifting to the new ProV1, but it is still a ProV1. So, there will be much less of a change than going from a budget no name ball to a performance option.
There are many suppliers of refurbished balls. We recommend you find one that you trust and stick with them rather than try to save every last penny. We have some friends that had very positive experiences from our recommended supplier so you are welcome to start there. Alternatively good hunting!
- 50 Pro V1 Golf Balls - Mint Condition
Titleist Velocity
Titleist makes balls for the full spectrum of golfers. The Velocity finds itself a perfect fit for those beginners or high handicappers looking for a decent golf ball that will perform and not break the bank. It is a no nonsense, no frill ball that will get you to where you need go. And for those of you will bigger swings, no worries it handles a solid punch. Not sure? Well, it finding its way to 5th spot on our 2021 Off Pist List would tend to suggest that there are many other golfers who are making it their ball of choice.
Our results and remarks:
- Statistics based on average of all swing speeds
- 90th percentile average driver ball speed
- 83rd percentile peak height
- 81st percentile total yards
- Average launch
- 2-piece ball construction very playable for high handicappers
- Durable Ionomer cover for max resistance
Manufacturers remarks:
Bring full throttle distance to your game with New Titleist® Velocity™ golf balls. Engineered for high speed, high launch and low long game spin for explosive distance.
Benefits
- Longer Distance
- Extremely Low Long Game Spin
- High Flight on All Shots
- Playable Greenside Feel
Features
- New Higher Speed LSX Core
- Faster NaZ+ Cover
- Spherically-Tiled 350 Octahedral Dimple Design
- Longer Distance
- Extremely Low Long Game Spin
- Greater Iron Stoppability
- High Flight On All Shots
- Playable Greenside Feel
Callaway Warbird
The Callaway Warbird is another budget ball from a top end ball manufacturer that hits the mark for beginners and high handicappers. It most often draws comparison to the Titleist Velocity and in many ways, they are quite interchangeable. We actually would have had the Warbird on top of the previous iteration of the velocity but the latest Titleist version came out slightly on top.
If you are looking for a higher launch or a little extra savings then still the Warbird might be more up your alley.
Our results and remarks:
- Statistics based on average of all swing speeds
- 85th percentile average driver ball speed
- 90th percentile peak height
- 77th percentile total yards
- High launch
- 2-piece ball construction very playable for high handicappers
- Durable Ionomer cover for max resistance
Manufacturers remarks:
The Warbird Golf Ball is engineered for long distance and maximum speed from a high energy core, and a 2-piece construction. It also promotes high launch with feel and control to go along with all that distance. If you’re looking to hit the ball farther, try the new Callaway Warbird.
Long Distance
Engineered for maximum ball speed through the bag. The extra-large, high-energy core is highly compressible to unlock more potential distance at any swing speed.
High Launch & Long Carry
HEX Aerodynamics reduces drag and promotes increased launch for more speed, hang time and distance.
Supreme Feel & Control
The optimized ionomer cover and large core combine to create great feel and greenside control in a 2-piece design.
- The Warbird Golf Ball is engineered for maximum ball speed through the bag. The extra-large, high-energy core is highly compressible to unlock more potential distance at any swing speed.
- HEX Aerodynamics reduces drag and promotes increased launch for more speed, hang time and distance.
- The optimized ionomer cover and large core combine to create great feel and greenside control in a 2-piece design.
- Sport type: Golf
