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Best of the best! We bring you the low down on the best golf balls for mid handicappers you can buy in 2026
Choosing the right golf ball can be the difference between another frustrating round and one where everything clicks. For mid handicappers, the right ball can unlock more consistency, help dial in distances, and even shave a few strokes off the card.
But with a market flooded with plenty of options from a whole load of different golf brands, it can be hard to know which is the best option to go with. But fear not. Here at National Club Golfer, we’ve tested and compared the latest offerings from all the biggest names in golf to bring you a clear, practical guide.
Whether you’re a steady 15 handicapper looking to break 80 or an improving 10 aiming for single digits, our 2026 rundown focuses on real-world performance. We factor in how each model feels, how much distance each golf ball can produce and, of course, the best value for money options.
If you’re a mid handicap golfer, then these are the golf balls best suited to your game this season…
Seed describe the SD-05 as their Pro Feel golf ball, and I thought it certainly lived up to its name. With a soft urethane cover, low compression core, and a price point well below the big brands, it’s pitched as a genuine alternative to the likes of the Titleist AVX or Callaway Chrome Soft.
The SD-05 Pro Feel is now in its second edition. It is designed to suit players with mid-to-slower swing speeds who still want plenty of spin and control into the greens. The ball is built with a soft rubber core, an ultra-thin DuPont HPF mantle, and a urethane cover. This three-piece construction is intended to combine feel with control while still maintaining distance for players who do not generate the highest swing speeds.
Overall, the Seed SD-05 is clearly not built to be the longest ball on the market, but it shines where most golfers need it most, in and around the greens. It offers excellent wedge spin, reliable iron numbers, and a soft feel off the putter. When you combine that with its very competitive price point, it becomes an outstanding option for the mid-swing speed golfer who wants urethane performance without the premium price tag.
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PROS
Outstanding wedge and short-game control
Soft feel off the putter
Designed to suit mid-to-slower swing speeds
CONS
Not the longest option off the tee
RELATED: Read our full Seed SD-05 Golf Balls review here.
The Volvik UR3 Tour Soft presents a clean, traditional white look. I think this should appeal to players who prefer a classic style over more colourful options. For me, one of its standout features is the three-line alignment aid printed alongside the logo. This design makes lining up both tee shots and putts noticeably easier, adding a simple but effective bonus for golfers who value precision.
The UR3 Tour Soft has a urethane cover, which delivers the kind of greenside spin and short-game control that golfers moving up from distance balls will immediately appreciate. The feel off the wedge and putter is good, though slightly firmer than some of the premium offerings. That said, the spin control on chips and pitches was more than adequate, offering confidence around the greens.
Overall, I think the Volvik UR3 Tour Soft is a standout value option for golfers looking to make the switch to a urethane-covered ball. It delivers strong spin performance around the greens, a helpful alignment aid, and solid tee-to-green play at a price point that is hard to beat. While it may not be the very longest or softest ball available, it strikes an impressive balance that will suit many golfers looking for performance on a budget.
PROS
Impressive wedge spin, close to premium ball levels
Consistent overall performance across the bag
Very affordable
CONS
Driver spin and peak height are a little on the low side
RELATED: Read our full Volvik UR3 Tour Soft Golf Ball review here.
Volvik has built a reputation for producing colourful and distinctive golf balls. I’m please to say the Vista 3 Prism 360 certainly continues that tradition. The ball features a full 360-degree coloured stripe that wraps around its surface, designed to act as an alignment aid on both putts and tee shots. Some players will appreciate the assistance and the unique appearance, while others may find the multi-coloured stripe a little too bold. Nevertheless, it immediately stands out as a ball with a clear identity.
As a PGA coach, the main reason I like this golf ball for many of my clients is the alignment line. Golfers being able to line this golf ball up on the green, I think is invaluable. Anytime golfers are helped with alignment is a big plus as we all know the struggles a golfer can have on the greens. However, I’m not fully convinced on the multi colour stripes. One solid strip who have been substantial, but that just may be me being a slight bore.
Overall, I didn’t get the sense that the Volvik Vista 3 Prism 360 golf ball tries to compete directly with premium urethane balls, and that is to its credit. Instead, it focuses on delivering consistent spin, reliable distance, and strong control for a much more accessible price.
PROS
Coloured alignment stripe is genuinely helpful
Consistent spin and reliable distances
A golf ball with character – not often one can say that
CONS
Ionomer cover cannot quite match the feel and spin of premium urethane models
RELATED: Read our full Volvik Vista 3 Prism 360 Golf Ball review here.
Tour Response is designed as TaylorMade’s softest premium golf ball, sitting just below the TP5 range while still using tour-level materials.
It features a low-compression core for a very soft feel, combined with a 100% urethane cover for better spin and control around the greens. New for 2026 is microcoating technology, which helps improve consistency in ball flight, peak height, and dispersion.
TaylorMade has made significant gains upping the wedge spin on the 2025 model. It also produces extra yards of the tee combined with a slightly improved softer feel. It is definitely an improvement on the previous model.
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Overall, I really like the TaylorMade Tour Response. If you’re looking for a premium quality golf ball that’s just going to be a little softer this is a great option.
Pros:
Soft feeling
Great wedge spin
Good driver distance
Cons:
Spin from the driver produced slightly more spin than desired
RELATED: Read our full TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball review here.
Srixon’s FastLayer Core, which starts soft in the centre and firms up toward the edges, mimics multi-layer performance in a simple two-piece design. Combine that with an aerodynamic dimple pattern and you’ve got a ball that’s forgiving, long, and stable in flight.
The Srixon Soft Feel is a standout choice for mid to high handicap golfers who want more distance, better feel, and short-game spin. The bonus, you get all this without breaking the bank.
It’s not the fastest or the spiniest golf ball, but it’s one of the most balanced and efficient options in its class.
If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper or someone with a moderate swing speed, the Bridgestone E6 Soft might be one of the best value balls on the market. It’s not built for maximum distance off the tee for high-speed players, but its soft feel and surprisingly high short-game spin make it a standout in the lower price category.
Overall, there’s a lot to like about the Bridgestone E6 Soft. It’s not going to suit everyone, particularly those with faster swing speeds, but for the golfer it is made for, it delivers superb performance where it matters most.
I felt the feel was genuinely soft, the spin was impressive for a two-piece construction and for the price is a fantastic ball Bridgestone have managed to produce.
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Pros:
Excellent feel
Plenty of spin around the greens
Practical for putting with the alignment aid
Cons:
May not suit faster swinging golfers
RELATED: Read our full Bridgestone e6 Soft review here.
The first thing that stood out to me was the feel. Off the putter face and wedges, the Seed SD-X1 offers a soft, responsive sensation that I think players who favour feedback will appreciate. It doesn’t feel mushy like some other budget golf balls. In fact, I found there’s still a satisfying ‘click’ on well-struck putts and a confidence-inspiring sound at impact with full wedges. Compared to the Titleist Pro V1, it’s just a shade firmer, but the difference is subtle enough not to be off-putting.
Distance off the tee was competitive. My ball speeds were nearly identical to those produced by more expensive counterparts. The SD-X1 launched with a mid-high trajectory and, during my testing, displayed excellent stability in the wind, keeping its line impressively well. It’s not the lowest spinning driver ball, so higher swing speed players might see marginally more movement—but it’s not enough to cause concern.
Overall, the Seed SD-X1 might not unseat the Pro V1 or TP5 for elite amateurs, but it doesn’t need to. For most golfers, especially those who want premium feel and performance without draining the wallet, the SD-X1 is more than capable. It’s a golf ball that delivers where it matters, distance, feel, and durability all at a price that feels almost too good to be true.
PROS
Outstanding value
Strong all-round performance
Soft feel with good control
CONS
Slightly less greenside spin than top-tier balls
RELATED: Read our full Seed SD-X1 Golf Ball review here.
These cool looking golf balls, with the drip pattern, certainly match their bold aesthetics with fantastic performance. They offer high end distance performance that wouldn’t look out of place from a Titleist Pro V1 testing session.
Additionally, they allow for creative use with a wedge in hand. There is plenty of spin available around the greens for check, control and back spin. Although, that spin rate does come down for the longer irons and driver.
I think it is fair to say Mizuno has made improvements in the golf ball market over recent years. This is one of their latest tour offerings and is a great option for golfers looking for a premium golf ball.
There is plenty of performance available throughout the bag with consistent off the tee performance. Around the greens there is plenty of control and spin available to top off an all-round top performing golf ball.
Pros:
Constant performance
Plenty of control and spin around the greens
Competitive distances off the tee
Cons:
Spin rate was a touch low from the mid iron strikes
The AVX has undergone some upgrades for 2026, including a new softer urethane cover aimed at improving short game spin and control. There has also been a faster core added for long distance off the tee.
I would say compared to the premium ball line up from Titleist it’s much softer but it’s not compared to other’s in the range such as the Velocity or Soft Feel.
Overall, the 2026 AVX is a good option for players who want to use a 3 piece urethane golf ball. It’s not the longest golf ball than I’ve tested in the Titleist range or the spinnest but it did offer consistent data throughout the bag.
Pros:
Consistent data
Low mid to long game spin
Nice feel off the face
Cons:
Not a ‘soft’ golf ball, just softer than the Tour balls aka ProV1
The Tour Soft from Titleist is a familiar name in the golf industry but for 2026 it see’s a upgrade. It’s been refreshed cover through to the core – aiming to improve distance off the tee and stopping power into the greens.
It’s a two piece construction that has a refreshed dimple pattern to increase driver distance – it certainly managed that!
Stopping power into the green was also impressive for a non premium Titleist golf ball, including the price tag.
PROS
Excellent spin rates on short shots
Nice soft feel off the club face
Consistent spin rates with longer clubs
Excellent performance with the driver
CONS
None
RELATED: Read our full Titleist Tour Soft golf ball review here.
The Wilson Triad 2025 is an excellent all-around golf ball that delivers strong spin, good distance, and reliable performance — especially for mid-handicap golfers. Its forgiveness, quality construction, and affordability make it a great option.
I was particularly impressed with its performance around the greens with a wedge in hand. The feel was really good from the urethane cover and there was plenty of spin for optimal control on the putting surface.
Pros:
Excellent short-game spin
Soft feel
Great value for money
Stable ball flight for accuracy
Cons:
Slightly lower driver ball speeds
RELATED: Read our full Wilson 2025 Triad golf ball review here.
The Callaway Chrome Soft provides a softer touch and is ideal for players with slower swing speeds – averaging 90 and 105 mph – who prioritize precision and feel. This ball delivers exceptional control both around the greens and when approaching the flag.
PROS
Great short game feel
Good height/descent angle into greens
Good driver dispersion
CONS
Slightly less spin and distance than Chrome Tour balls
40 years in the golf industry and it’s been worth the wait for Tour Edge to produce their first ball, Exotics.
A firmer feeling, responsive ball that delivers on its promise for high levels of short game spin and lower spin with the driver. Distance wasn’t a problem for the Exotics and constantly too!
Coming in at $39.99, they’re absolutely worth a try!
PROS
Comparable distance with other premium balls
Exceptional performance off the tee
Great short game spin
Great value for money
CONS
None
RELATED: Read our full Tour Edge Exotics golf ball review here.
The Pro S is one of two premium golf balls produced by Mizuno. It’s designed to be much softer than it’s Pro X counterpart but don’t let this fool you as the Pro S is still a firmer feeling mid compression ball.
It’s data from wedge through to driver was incredibly consistent.
PROS
Constant performance
Very durable
Strong penetrating ball flight
CONS
Firmer feeling for a softer golf ball
RELATED: Read our Mizuno Pro S Golf Ball review here.
In summary, there are plenty of options on the market for mid handicap golfers. Some of the biggest golf brands have some quality options at an extremely reasonable price.
There really is something for everyone in this guide, so be sure to check out our full reviews to see what model suits your game best.
At National Club Golfer, we are passionate about producing accurate and thorough reviews and make sure our testing process is rigorous so we get a good understanding of how each club performs.
We headed to Woodhall Spa Golf Club to allow us to collect launch monitor data with our in-house TrackMan and Flightscope. We tested each golf ball on the putting surface and around the greens before collecting data on 50-yard pitch shots, with a 7-iron and with a driver.
What is important when buying a new golf ball?
Feel
Golf ball feel is a personal preference. Different balls on the market will feel softer or firmer depending on their compression and structure. It is crucial to test balls when putting, chipping and hitting long game shots to check you like the performance across all areas.
Distance
How far you want to hit the golf ball is a crucial consideration when picking a brand and model. Getting the right compression relative to your swing speed and strike will help you get the maximum distance out of a golf ball. You also need to consider if getting maximum distance is important to you or if you would rather give up some yardage to gain in other areas.
Spin
Generally, lower handicappers are looking for a ball that spins more so they can get more control around the greens. In this case, getting a ball with a urethane cover is really important as it will give you the most spin and control.
Price
Not everyone wants to spend £50 a dozen on golf balls. When picking the right golf ball for you, you should consider how much you want to spend relative to what performance you want.
You’ve probably spent a small fortune to get the set up that’s right for your game, so don’t forget to get specialist insurance from Golf Care to protect your clubs from theft, loss, and accidental damage. Plus, they even cover GPS watches, trolleys, and other golf equipment. With 30% off annual insurance starting from just £26.59, and a free golf gift bundle worth up to £365 including 12 free Srixon balls, it’s a no brainer. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.
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A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.
Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.
Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.
Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.
With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.
