5 best golf balls for the average golfer

We thought we would have a little fun with this one. But before we get to recommending the best golf ball for the average golfer, we had better figure out exactly who he is and what type of ball would suit his game. According to National Golf Foundation, Golf Monthly and the US Census Bureau the average golfer looks like this:

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Our 5 top picks

Our Choice

TaylorMade believes the Tour Response is made for you. If you are a Mid Handicapper, who likes a low compression ball geared for distance of the tee with a great touch and feel around the greens then maybe they are absolutely right. 

The 3-piece urethane covered ball has all the feel and performance of a premium ball but priced at a lower price point. It is a great ball for average swing speed golfers since it loves to get up and out there off the tee. Players will not feel they are giving up distance and still plays very well into the green. 

We felt that the TaylorMade Tour Response really hit the sweet spot as far as delivering a ball that truly aligned with the derived profile and this is why it is our choice for the best golf balls for the average golfer.

Tour Response’s key selling points:

Engineered to Respond to Your Game

An ultra-low 40 compression core gives you a softer feel while maximizing energy transfer and rebound at impact, resulting in greater distance.

100% Urethane Cover

A soft, cast urethane cover allows the grooves of the wedge to better grip the golf ball for increased green-side spin. A crosslinking chemical reaction forms the urethane material, which creates an irreversible link for improved shear resistance and greater durability.

Hi-Spring Core

A core made from soft flexible materials with increased elastic components delivers better and softer feel with an ultra-low 40 compression.

Speedmantle™ with HFMq

A firmer second layer surrounds the soft inner core and allows for an explosive transfer of energy and increased ball speeds.

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Our Runner Up – best golf balls for the average golfer

The Titleist AVX is designed to complement the premium line next to the ProV1 and ProV1x. For those golfers not able to generate the swing speeds or manage the increased driver spin rates of the flagship models the AVX is a great option.It delivers excellent scoring control for golfers who prioritize distance and extremely soft feel with a piercing, low ball flight. The newest version has improved the balance between distance and feel making it ideal for all around play.

The AVX ‘s key selling points:

Longer Distance

You’ll notice more distance on all your shots, due to a large core formulation, thin cover and unique aerodynamic dimple design that generates a piercing, low flight.

Increased Spin and Control

The thin urethane cover system gives you more precise control on scoring shots into the green.

Designed for Speed

The Titleist AVX golf ball is designed for high ball speed and long distance along with excellent greenside spin and control with very soft feel.

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Our Other top picks for the best golf balls for the average golfer

Ranked 3rd

Grabbing the last podium position the Volvik Tour S3 takes 3rd place on our best golf balls for average golfers list. It is a 3-piece mid-launch, low spin trajectory golf ball optimized for driver swing speeds from 95-110 mph. Those players who do not meet the needed swing speeds will not profit from the ball’s construction so ideally, they should be respected. Volvik’s patented VU-X Urethane cover, and 336 dimples provide for excellent control while still keeping spin rates from the tee low. 

The S3’s uses the mixed power core with Bismuth metal and rubber to boost the balls resiliency and energy transfer. These gains are realized due to the expansion of the Bismuth material in the core by 3.5% in volume.  Volkik has registered the world’s first patent using Bismuth to improve a golf balls performance.

The Tour S3 is a premium golf ball that is targeted at low to mid-level handicap players. 

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Ranked 4th

If you are looking for a soft golf ball that performs well on the lower range of average swing speeds then it is worth giving the Callaway E•R•C Soft a try. Callaway’s claims it is their longest soft ball and we have not seen anything to prove them wrong. The new Hybrid Cover, with an Impact Modifier (PARALOID™), from Dow is one of the strongest, and still flexible, materials we have seen on a golf ball.  

The E•R•C Soft does deliver a good combination of a ball that can be launched long and high from the tee while keeping low spin speeds that are important for the less accomplished golfer. The feel is soft and there is a moderate amount of spin into and around the green but there are balls that will give you more in this area. Some will like the triple alignment tracks for a little additional guidance on the greens but we are not sure if this translated into any stroked saved in our trials. 

Since this is Callaways answer to the Titleist AVX is is only fitting that it also makes our best golf balls for average player rankings.

The E•R•C Soft key selling points:

Maximum Ball Speed and Total Performance from Tee-To-Green

High Energy Core is engineered to increase ball speed and distance through the bag. The core also works with the High-Speed Mantle to boost resilience and speed.

Exceptional Feel, Control and Spin with Long Distance

The new Hybrid Cover features an innovative PARALOID™ Impact Modifier made from DOW. This allows us to create a highly versatile, multi-material construction. It’s how we deliver an incredible combination of maximized distance from high launch and low spin, soft feel, durability, and excellent greenside control.

Enhanced Ball Speed and Control

Our High-Speed Mantle creates more efficient energy transfer between the layers for more ball speed, and provides more wedge spin around the green.

Advanced Alignment from Triple Track Technology

We’ve prominently featured our popular Triple Track lines on ERC Soft to help you focus and find the right alignment for every putt

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Ranked 5th

To be clear the Bridgestone Tour B RXS is a great golfball. The only reason that it is down on our best golf balls for the average golfer list is that it pushes the limits of the average golfer. While the B RXS requires a little more ability to control the ball some of the other options can be more forgiving.

The Bridgestone Tour B RXS received an update last year introducing their new REACTIVE cover technology. The result, a more balanced ball with both impressive distance and green side spin. The RX line is the softer of Bridgestones flagship line of balls and the B RXS is the softest of them all. The ball does generate a medium-high 3000+ rpm from the drive which is best suited for low to mid handicappers.

The Tour B RXS key selling points:

Faster speed and reduced spin off the driver Gradational Core

Added distance and forgiveness comes from the Gradational Compression core. Higher initial ball speed and lower side spin from the Gradational Compression core help give you an advantage on the course.

Dual Dimple

Extra distance and enhanced aerodynamics are a result of the Dual Dimple technology. The added distance comes from a more efficient ball trajectory thanks to less drag when the ball is in flight.

Seamless Cover

Consistent flight and performance are a result of the proprietary Seamless Cover Technology. The perfect performance and aerodynamic balance comes from a manufacturing processes that creates a perfectly balanced dimple pattern.

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This year I am tracking all the balls I find during my golf rounds to come up with this years winner of the OFF PIST GOLF BALL OF THE YEAR. If you would like to see if any of our recommendations strayed from the fairway come take a look.