If you’re a high handicap golfer, you’ve probably heard every swing tip in the book. From keeping your head down to swing to swing more smoothly, you have probably heard it all. But here’s something that doesn’t always get the airtime it deserves, the right golf ball can make a world of difference. To help you on your journey, selecting the right golf ball is of paramount importance. The perfect ball can help optimize your shots, leading to lower scores and an overall better game.
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As we look forward to 2025, we’ve compiled a list of the top golf balls tailored for high handicappers. The NCG team has tested and reviewed each model to create the ultimate list. Each of these balls has been designed with specific features to assist high handicappers in achieving their best possible performance on the course.
Here’s some of the best golf ball options for high handicappers…
Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers 2025
Callaway Mavrik Golf Balls
Right out of the box, I found the Mavrik feels like a ball built for speed and endurance. It’s not urethane-covered, which gives it a firmer feel at impact. For me this was particularly noticeable on and around the greens. While it may lack the buttery softness of tour-level balls, the Mavrik’s alignment logo is easy to use and gives a sense of confidence over the putter.
I found the Mavrik’s real strength emerged with the driver. With super-low spin rates, the ball delivered impressive distance. It combined high launch and long roll-out for impressive overall performance. The combination of low spin and high flight provides the optimal launch conditions for maximum distance, and Callaway deserves credit for achieving this balance in a lower-priced ball.
Overall, the Callaway Mavrik is an excellent option for golfers who prioritise distance, durability, and value over greenside spin and soft feel. It is best suited to players who tend to lose a few balls per round or those who simply prefer a firmer, more resilient cover.
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PROS
- Provides excellent distance through low spin and high launch
- Features a helpful alignment logo
- Consistent and stable flight across all clubs
CONS
- The firm feel may not appeal to all players
- RELATED: Read our full Callaway Mavrik Golf Balls review here.
Available: Now
Colours: White
RRP: £26.99
More information: Callaway Website UK / Callaway Website US
TaylorMade Distance Plus
The TaylorMade Distance Plus golf ball represents a brilliant budget golf ball for those looking to increase their distances. Equipped with new technologies, including the all-new React Speed Core, this golf ball produces a low spinning and penetrating ball flight.
Like the name suggests, it’s with the driver or woods in hand where it comes to life. If you can live without tour-level greenside spin then this is a fantastic option for any club golfer.
Pros:
- Plenty of distance off the tee
- A low, penetrating ball flight
- Great value
Cons:
- A drop in the spin rate around the greens
- RELATED: Read our full TaylorMade Distance Plus golf ball review here.
RRP: £21.99 / $21.99
Colours: White / Yellow
More information: TaylorMade website
Bridgestone e12 Straight golf ball
The Bridgestone e12 Straight is a clever, purpose-built ball that does exactly what it claims to. It won’t blow you away with spin or distance, but that’s not the point. For the mid-to-high handicap golfer looking to stay in play, keep it straight, and build confidence off the tee, this ball delivers consistency and forgiveness in a package that won’t break the bank. It’s not flashy, but it’s functional, reliable, and impressively user-friendly.
Overall, I think the Bridgestone e12 Straight is a compelling option for golfers looking for value, forgiveness, and, most importantly, straighter shots. It’s not the longest, nor the spinniest, but for many amateurs it might just be the most helpful.
Who should play it? Golfers who struggle with excessive shot shape and aren’t chasing elite spin or Tour-level feel. If you want to keep it in play and hit more fairways, this is a worthy addition to your bag.
Pros:
- Fantastic ball flight control
- High launch
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Distance isn’t as long as the other Bridgestone e12 golf balls
RRP: £29.99 / $34.99
More information: Amazon UK / Amazon US
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Read the full Bridgestone e12 Straight review here.
Available: Now
RRP: £29.99 / $34.99
More information: Amazon UK / Amazon US
Kirkland Signature Golf Ball
The first thing to say about the Kirkland Signature golf ball is that it is quite the surprise performer. Although I wasn’t particularly impressed with the sound of the ball. Off the putter it feels quite firm and makes a distinct high pitch sound which you could definitely get accustomed to but ultimately doesn’t feel the same as a premium, urethane covered golf ball.
To sum up, it is no Titleist Pro V1 but it is a perfectly good golf ball. If you can get adjusted to the firmer feel and the distinct sound then this could be a nice option for golfers with a slower swing speed. I wasn’t a fan of the feel off the putter face, but then again I’m not someone who the ball is targeted at.
Throw the price in there, especially for those in the US, and all things considered, these balls supply a really great value for money golf ball.
Pros:
- Fantastic value for money
- Overall performance is strong
- Plenty of spin on approach shots
Cons:
- Ball speed and distances down
- RELATED: Read our full Kirkland Signature Golf Ball review here.
Vice Pro Air golf ball
First thing to say is that for those players who produce a sub 90mph ball speed and want that bit of spin around the greens then this is a great option. Most of us club golfers are always looking for ways to squeeze some extra distance out of our driver and long irons. This will help those slower swinging golfers do just that.
The Vice Pro Air golf balls are also a fun looking balls that will spice up your golf equipment nicely. I did find that these often promoted a slower ball speeds from other Vice golf ball models. I certainly think there is a a place for this golf ball and plenty of golfers could benefit from it.
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Pros:
- Soft feel off the putter face
- Equipped with a cast urethane cover
- Available in a range of fun and cool designs
Cons:
- Not suitable for fast swinging golfers
RRP: £39.99 / $39.99
Colour: White, Neon Lime, Neon Pink, Drip Red Black, Drip Petrol Yellow and Neon Drip
More information: Amazon website / Vice website
Read the full Vice Pro Air review here.
Available: Now
RRP: £39.99 / $39.99
Colour: White, Neon Lime, Neon Pink, Drip Red Black, Drip Petrol Yellow and Neon Drip
More information: Amazon website / Vice website
Srixon UltiSoft Golf Ball
The Srixon UltiSoft doesn’t try to be all things to all golfers, but for the player it is designed for, it’s close to perfect. I think it’s long, incredibly soft, and offers more control than you’d expect from a two-piece construction. If you swing it smooth and like the feel of a softer ball, the UltiSoft might just be your new go-to.
What stood out to me during testing was how hard the UltiSoft works for the player. It’s not just soft for the sake of it, this also translates into performance. Around the greens, it gives the impression it’s going to stop, thanks to the feel, even if in reality it won’t check up like a premium urethane-covered ball. But for its category, I think it’s outstanding.
Pros:
- Consistent performance from tee to green
- Great feel and distance
- Perfect for golfers with moderate to slow swing speeds
Cons:
- None
RRP: £28 / $34.49
More information: Srixon website / Amazon website
Read the full Srixon UltiSoft Golf Ball review here.
Seed SD-02 Golf Ball
They certainly look the real deal. Seed don’t seem to have cut any corners when it comes to the looks and finish. Often when you pick a cheaper golf up it doesn’t look right, the finish doesn’t allow the ball to sit nicely and the text looks cheap.
I actually found that this golf ball flew quite high off the tee. The launch angle was down but the peak height was up. The ball flew considerably higher than I thought it might. This is something that I was happy to see off my driver face as I needed a bit more height with my drives.
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In comparison to the other tour Seed golf ball, the SD-01, I was able to squeeze more distance out of this. Coupled with this the dispersion from front to back was still tight, so it really was a strong performing ball of the tee.
Overall, I was impressed with the performance of the Seed SD-02 golf ball. They really make you beg the question why us club golfers would go and spend over £40 on a box of golf balls. Seed has produced a golf ball that really isn’t far off the mark of some tour-preferred golf balls for half the price.
PROS
- Very strong distances off the tee
- Promotes quick ball speeds
- Sounds fast of the club face
CONS
- None
- RELATED: Read our full Seed SD-02 Golf Ball review here.
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£25.00
Callaway Mavrik Golf Balls
Right out of the box, I found the Mavrik feels like a ball built for speed and endurance. It’s not urethane-covered, which gives it a firmer feel at impact. For me this was particularly noticeable on and around the greens. While it may lack the buttery softness of tour-level balls, the Mavrik’s alignment logo is easy to use and gives a sense of confidence over the putter.
I found the Mavrik’s real strength emerged with the driver. With super-low spin rates, the ball delivered impressive distance. It combined high launch and long roll-out for impressive overall performance. The combination of low spin and high flight provides the optimal launch conditions for maximum distance, and Callaway deserves credit for achieving this balance in a lower-priced ball.
Overall, the Callaway Mavrik is an excellent option for golfers who prioritise distance, durability, and value over greenside spin and soft feel. It is best suited to players who tend to lose a few balls per round or those who simply prefer a firmer, more resilient cover.
PROS
-
- Provides excellent distance through low spin and high launch
-
- Features a helpful alignment logo
-
- Consistent and stable flight across all clubs
CONS
-
- The firm feel may not appeal to all players
-
- RELATED: Read our full Callaway Mavrik Golf Balls review here.
Available: Now
Colours: White
RRP: £26.99
More information: Callaway Website UK / Callaway Website USMore information: Callaway Website UK / Callaway Website US
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Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers 2025
In summary, there is no shortage of quality golf ball options if you are a high handicapper. Most brands have a model or range aimed at beginners or golfers who possibly don’t pay as much golf as single figure handicap players.
This list represents some incredible value for money options, as well as a range of premium golf brands. The golf balls listed may not be the most premium types that are available, but then again they don’t have to be. They still offer strong distances, a nice feel and plenty of spin around the greens. If you are looking to get your handicap down this season then get one of these golf balls in your bag.
Check out our other buyers guides for 2025 below:
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How do we test golf balls?
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.
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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.