A quick 3-step primer for picking the right golf ball for you

golf balls on the range

A golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every shot, so it’s crucial to find one that suits your playing style and visual preferences.

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We recently published our ultimate 2024 Golf Ball Guide, in which we reviewed and recommended 48 different golf balls for your game. You can check that out here, but scroll below for three quick tips when it comes to understanding the right option for you.

Know the make

We repeat: A golf ball is the only piece of equipment you use on every shot, so it’s important to find one that suits your playing style and your visual preferences and personal feedback goals. Whether you’re looking for a premium ball to deliver high performance on every shot, short and long, or looking to stretch your buying dollars as far as they can go while still finding a ball that feels soft on short-game shots, this guide can help you narrow down your selections so you can find your next favorite ball. We repeat again: Just a little digging into the ball market is one of the cheapest ways to elevate your game.

Dozens of golf balls arranged in a circle on grass with a Golf Ball Guide logo in the middle
2024 Golf Ball Guide: 48 golf balls reviewed and recommended for your game
By: GOLF Editors

Know the class

Not all golf balls are alike. In fact, the majority are unique entities designed to fit specific subsets of players and swings. They do, however, fall neatly into four primary performance categories.

PREMIUM: Top-line materials for distance and max short-game performance

PREMIUM VALUE: High-end materials and tech at a lower price

DISTANCE VALUE: For golfers who crave more length off the tee

SOFT SPIN VALUE: Much softer feel and more short-game zip

Make your selection

Once you’ve narrowed down your ideal golf ball selections based on brand, performance and price, it’s time to go shopping. The great thing about golf balls is that testing multiple options won’t bust your wallet and gives you the opportunity to test them in the most important setting of all — the course! So, no matter the final decision, finding a golf ball that fits your game will help improve your consistency and hopefully your scores too.

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