A good set of golf balls can make a big difference to your game, especially for high handicappers who lack consistency and control over distance. No golfer, regardless of experience, would go out to play on the course with the wrong equipment, including golf balls, an integral part of their golfing game.
High handicappers benefit most from golf balls that counteract common difficulties: lower swing speeds that require softer compression, misleading spin characteristics requiring aerodynamic steadiness, and covering materials that promote straighter shots at the expense of runaway slices or hooks.
To better maximize accuracy and lower scores, the high handicapper's best golf ball to buy must strike a delicate balance between its softness, forgiveness, launch, and control. That said, there is no single, one-size-fits-all answer to this. The answer is to cater to the individual golfer's needs, such as swing speed and feel preference.
In this article, we will talk about five golf balls for high handicappers: Srixon Soft Feel, Callaway Supersoft, Bridgestone e6, Titleist Tour Soft, and TaylorMade Tour Response, and how each one of them handles these key performance aspects, and which would be the best choice for you.
Comparison Table
|
Golf Ball |
Construction |
Compression |
Cover Type |
Key Strength |
|
2‑piece ionomer |
~60 |
Ionomer |
Soft feel, good distance |
|
|
2‑piece |
~38 |
Ionomer/Hybrid |
Ultra-soft, high launch, low spin |
|
|
2‑piece |
~45-50 |
Seamless Surlyn |
Straight flight, distance |
|
|
2‑piece ionomer |
~70-88* |
Ionomer (4CE) |
Soft feel, mid-spin, value |
|
|
3‑piece urethane |
~70 |
Urethane |
Tour‑level feel & short‑game control |
*Note: Compression ratings can vary by testing method and model year. Recent testing indicates that Tour Soft falls at the higher end of this range.
1. Srixon Soft Feel
The Srixon Soft Feel benefits high handicappers by combining a low-compression, sensitive core with a soft, ionomer cover that encourages lift and forgiveness. With a reliable 338-dimple aerodynamic design, this ball eliminates sidespin and produces straighter flights, making it ideal for players who need accuracy without sacrificing feel or distance. Its soft sensitivity short of the greens provides reassurance, especially on tricky approach and iron shots.
|
Key Specs |
|
|---|---|
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Compression |
~60 |
|
Construction |
2‑piece ionomer |
|
Feel |
Very soft |
|
Distance |
Good |
|
Short‑game Spin |
Moderate |
|
Best For |
Soft feel & budget |
2. Callaway Supersoft
The Callaway Supersoft is a standout for high handicappers due to its extremely low compression and forgiving hybrid cover. Designed for lower swing speeds, it delivers high ball speeds, straighter flights, and consistent trajectory through its Hex aerodynamics, minimizing slices and hooks. With an extraordinary soft feel, it inspires confidence around the greens and amplifies playability in all aspects of your game.
|
Key Specs |
|
|---|---|
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Compression |
~38 |
|
Construction |
2‑piece, Trinomer & hybrid cover |
|
Feel |
Ultra soft |
|
Distance |
High launch, long carry |
|
Short‑game Spin |
Low to moderate |
|
Best For |
Swing speed under ~85 mph |
3. Bridgestone e6
The Bridgestone e6 provides high handicappers with an aggressive combination of distance and accuracy. Seamless Surlyn covers its large, soft core with gradational compression technology, and its Delta dimple configuration offers more launch, less sidespin, and much straighter shots. It's best for players needing more carry and accuracy off the tee, but still provides a satisfyingly soft feel that builds short-game confidence. With ultra-low compression, this ball is ideal for moderate swing speeds.
|
Key Specs |
|
|---|---|
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Compression |
~45-50 (ultra-low) |
|
Construction |
2‑piece, seamless Surlyn cover |
|
Feel |
Moderate‑soft |
|
Distance |
Long, straight flight |
|
Short‑game Spin |
Lower |
|
Best For |
Distance & forgiveness |
4. Titleist Tour Soft
The Titleist Tour Soft offers an excellent balance for high handicappers who desire performance and affordability. It features a low-to-medium compression ionomer cover and aerodynamic shaping for a soft, responsive touch, consistent distance, and added control on mid-speed swings. It's a great mid-priced option that delivers consistent performance from the tee through the green, making it a trusted alternative for those working to improve every aspect of their game. Note that compression can vary by model year, with recent versions measuring firmer than earlier models.
|
Key Specs |
|
|---|---|
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Compression |
~70-88 (varies by model year) |
|
Construction |
2‑piece ionomer (4CE grafted) |
|
Feel |
Soft |
|
Distance |
Solid |
|
Short‑game Spin |
Moderate–low |
|
Best For |
Value with soft feel |
5. TaylorMade Tour Response
The TaylorMade Tour Response brings tour‑grade performance to improving golfers. It features a three-piece construction and a soft urethane cover, providing an enhanced feel, playable spin, and responsive short-game performance, a convenience usually associated with accomplished players. As a mid‑range product, it suits golfers who are progressing beyond typical high-handicap play and desire accuracy and feedback without straying into the premium category. This ball is ideal for mid-to-low handicappers who seek tour-level technology at a more affordable price point.
|
Key Specs |
|
|---|---|
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Compression |
~70 |
|
Construction |
3‑piece urethane |
|
Feel |
Soft, tour‑level |
|
Distance |
Strong |
|
Short‑game Spin |
High |
|
Best For |
Improving mid‑handicappers seeking control |
Our Choice for High Handicappers
Although sometimes overlooked, choosing your golf ball is a key step to improving one’s game, particularly for high-handicappers. The right ball has a big effect on distance, forgiveness, and control, traits that can make or break your game, especially if you are still refining your swing consistency and hit accuracy. Each of the five golf balls discussed here possesses unique qualities designed to help high handicappers play with greater confidence and effectiveness.
For ultimate softness and playability, the Callaway Supersoft and Srixon Soft Feel are excellent, budget-friendly options, aimed at slower swing speeds and prioritizing straight flight.
The Bridgestone e6 is focused on distance and reduced spin with its ultra-low compression design, making it ideal for those who fight a slice or hook off the tee.
If you desire a more upscale feel with consistent overall play, the Titleist Tour Soft offers proper control throughout the course.
Lastly, for players who need to improve their short game but don't want to spend a lot of money on high-end tour balls, the TaylorMade Tour Response offers urethane cover performance on a budget-friendly price point—though it may be more of a ball than true high handicappers need.
So, which one is best? Well, the perfect golf ball for a high handicapper is a function of personal swing speed, feel preference, and course conditions. Any of these superior choices, tested under real game conditions, can make the difference for you. With the proper ball in play, high handicappers can enjoy both confidence and measurable results, turning frustration into progress with each round and reducing their handicap.
At Lost Golf Balls, we're here to help and offer a massive array of golf balls that can fit any player's style or needs. Our blog and user-generated reviews can also provide you with a great deal of guidance on what balls will best suit your needs, and our regular sales and new arrivals can help you determine if there are newly arrived items that will work for you.
Check out our selection today, and learn more about how we can help you improve your game!
Note: Golf ball compression ratings can vary depending on testing method, equipment, and model year. The ranges provided above reflect typical measurements from independent testing sources.