Golfers have an overwhelming amount of choices to make when choosing the best golf balls for their game, and finding the best golf balls for seniors can be particularly challenging.
You’ve probably seen the hundreds of choices when it comes to golf balls, and after a while, it can become confusing and overwhelming.
There are certain key characteristics you’ll want to keep a close eye on that can make huge improvements in your game and help combat changes in your swing speed as you continue to play.
What’s interesting about choosing golf balls – especially golf balls for seniors – is that the most expensive is rarely the best option! Same goes for “what balls the pros use”.
We’ll break down the best golf balls for seniors to improve your game with choices for every budget.
Our Picks for the Best Golf Balls for Seniors
| Overall Best Golf Ball for Seniors | Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls |
| Best High Flight Golf Ball for Seniors | Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Balls |
| Best Budget Option Golf Ball for Seniors | Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls |
| Best High Visibility Golf Ball for Seniors | Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls |
| Best Consistent Performance Golf Ball for Seniors | Bridgestone E6 Golf Balls |
| Best Overall Value Golf Ball for Seniors | TaylorMade Burner Golf Balls |
| Best Golf Ball for Seniors Not On A Budget | Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls |
Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls
Callaway holds multiple spots on this list, and for good reason: they make outstanding golf balls with different features for players at any stage in the sport.
As the name implies, these golf balls are super soft (get it?) and are best suited for senior golfers who don’t have very high swing speeds or are experiencing diminishing swing speeds. In fact, these are some of the softest golf balls on the market.
Pros:
- Ultra-Low compression core produces long, straight drives
- Great feel for short game
- Designed for low spin on drives and short game
Cons:
- Some players may find the ball feel too soft for their preference
Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Balls
With its ultra-soft feel, solid performance, and great pricing, the Titleist DT TruSoft is our pick for the best golf ball for seniors on a budget.
Titleist has squeezed in new tech (TruTouch and TruFlex) in this iteration of the DT TruSoft to help you in each area of your game, resulting in an extremely soft ball that still delivers distance while minimizing spin.
Pros:
- Trusted consistency and quality from one of golf’s top brands
- Low spin and compression helps maximize distance
- TruTouch technology helps maximize stopping power to improve short game
Cons:
- Priced higher than most other selections on this list
Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls
Srixon has been making golf balls for over 70 years, and in that time have won over 70 PGA Tour events and hold over 500 worldwide golf ball patents- more than Titleist, Callaway, and Nike combined. This expertise comes across in their products!
These are great golf balls for seniors as they respond well from drivers and irons to give you better consistency in your game. Srixon claims that independent testing shows their Soft Feel golf balls outperform their competitors in the 2-piece soft golf ball segment in the areas of drive length, accuracy, and stopping power, while still providing great spin for shots made on the green.
Pros:
- Soft cover and low compression core provides for great distance and a softer feel
- 338 Speed Dimple pattern cuts through wind for straighter shots and increased accuracy
- Spin is great where you need it (green shots), and minimized where you don’t (drives and iron shots)
- Excellent price
Cons:
- Spin and softness are less than other more expensive balls
Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls
Callaway is one of the biggest brands in golf – and for good reason. Callaway Chrome Soft Golf balls feature a patented dual-core construction that pairs a firm outer core with an exceptionally soft inner core.
The firm outer core provides better control for low handicappers with higher club head speeds, while the soft inner core allows for better distances and faster ball speeds for golfers with a lower swing speed.
This golf ball’s setup and construction ensures that you’ll see a direct benefit no matter your play style.
Pros:
- Construction allows for more consistent and easier long-distance shots
- Great value for the money compared to similar performing golf balls (comes in a pack of twelve golf balls)
- Easy-to-spot design
Cons:
- Limited design / color options (golf balls available in white, yellow, and a red Truvis pattern)
Bridgestone E6 Golf Balls
If you’re looking for a soft-feeling ball that still delivers distance, Bridgestone E6 golf balls ares the rare example that can do both very well at the same time.
The beauty of this ball is that you won’t give up too much accuracy with the E6 either, as it’s designed to reduce spin off the tee.
Pros:
- Mid-level compression is perfect for high handicappers
- Great mix of softness, distance, and reduced spin
- Affordable and comes in a variety of colors
Cons:
- Not recommended for faster swing speeds
- Short game control can be a bit challenging
TaylorMade Burner Golf Balls
TaylorMade’s Burner Golf Balls provide a great ball choice for older golfers by combining a ball that can achieve max distance while also providing a soft feel. These golf balls allow for you to get a high launch angle with every club in your bag, providing for a better and more consistent game from this 2-piece ball.
Don’t be fooled by the 2-piece construction, though: these balls really do provide a soft feel from drivers all the way to your putter, and manage to pull off the stunt of not feeling like hitting rocks in the process.
Pros:
- Great feel across all clubs
- React Core provides better energy transfer from club to ball, offering long shot carry and distance
- Excellent pricing for performance as compared to higher-priced balls such as the Titleist Pro V1
Cons:
- Limited color options: currently only available in Yellow.
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
This 3-piece construction ball from Titleist features a soft feel, 352 dimples, and features Titleist’s patented Drop-and-Stop short game technology to minimize roll and provide you better control in every area of your game.
These balls are used by players of varying skill levels, as they offer a lower flight trajectory that some players prefer. Don’t be confused by it’s similarly-named counterpart, the Titleist Pro V1x – the V1x is better suited for more experienced players who prefer a firmer feel and higher spin.
The Pro V1 is a great golf ball for seniors that combines solid, consistent performance with any club to help you shoot your best scores.
Pros:
- Low spin maximizes control
- Excellent shot trajectory and distance
- Nice, soft feel
Cons:
- Highest-priced on this list of best golf balls for seniors
Best Golf Balls for Seniors Buyer’s Guide – What to Look For
Golf balls may seem like a minor piece of the puzzle, and it’s easy to get caught up in the many options available, chuck it all up to fancy marketing, and randomly pick a ball that “looks good” in the store. This would be a mistake! A golfer’s ball is an important part of their game.
While we do have a wide variety of choices when selecting the best golf ball for high handicappers, we need to keep in mind the different factors of golf balls, and the roles those factors play in your game.
What Do Seniors Need from Their Golf Balls?
You’ll want to think about what changes in your body and overall play style are happening, on how best to remedy them.
Typically, we see three main areas that need improvement (these can be addressed individually or all together):
- driving issues
- iron troubles
- short game (chipping and putting) challenges
Don’t get too hung up on construction style, dimple count, or other factors- focus on what feels great and improves your game the best.
Look through the following areas to gain a better understanding of how each can be improved by choosing the right golf ball.
Addressing Driving Issues for Seniors
Choosing a ball with the proper compression rating for your swing speed ensures you’re getting the best distance performance out of your golf ball. Choose a ball that’s too stiff, and you’re robbing yourself of extra yards on each shot.
Additionally, if straight drives are proving to be a challenge, be sure to look at low-spin balls on the higher end of the compression range.
Addressing Iron Troubles for Seniors
Correcting distance and accuracy issues in iron play will be similar to the driver issues we just covered, with the exception that you will likely want to lean toward a performance-focused, softer type of golf ball when addressing iron troubles.
Addressing Chipping and Putting Problems for Seniors
Not dialing in your short game’s performance can really add up, costing most players an average of 10 strokes per round!
While changing your ball is not a magic wand, selecting the best golf ball for your situation will improve feel, playability, and confidence, resulting in overall better play.
Generally speaking, softer is better when you’re attempting to solve any type of short game problem. Just be aware of softer balls’ tendencies to wear out faster and you’ll be in great shape.
Cost
High handicappers should take price into consideration as a key point when choosing the best golf ball to start with. Even avid golfers can easily lose balls to water hazards, deep rough, and more at the rate of between 1 and 2 balls per round!
Considering that you may lose up to a few balls per round, you’ll want to keep your budget in mind when choosing a ball.
The bottom line here is that you don’t need to buy super expensive golf balls, as your swing speed won’t really allow you to benefit from the technology in most premium golf balls.
Visibility
With age comes vision issues, and you may not be able to trace the ball on those longer drives or shots that land in the rough.
We recommend using balls that have high-visibility patterns or brightly colored balls, shortening the amount of time you spend searching for your ball, losing less balls overall, and speeding up your gameplay.
Spin
Spin in your golf ball actually allows your ball to travel higher in the air, using the aerodynamics of the dimples to create the “push” beneath the ball. Simply put, the more spin a ball has, the higher in the air it will go. You’ll often find that the best golf balls for seniors have low spin in order to provide better control and consistency in shots.
Compression (a.k.a. Hard vs. Soft Golf Balls)
Simply put, compression is a measurement of how much a ball compresses against the club face at impact. The ball launches as that compression is released, which directly affects your shot distance.
The lower a golf ball’s compression rating, the softer the ball feels, while a ball feels firmer as it’s compression rating increases.
Typically balls are marked with compression numbers, ranging from 60 to 110. Overall, these ranges are split into three compression ratings to make it easy for you to determine which compression rating is best for you.
Which Golf Ball Compression Rating is Right for You?
If your swing is 85mph or less
Low-compression golf balls are the best bet here, as every yard matters in your game. Beginners, juniors, ladies, and seniors will benefit most from low compression. Look for a rating 80 or lower.
If your swing is 85-104mph
Mid compression golf balls are suggested for you, as low compression balls could create control issues. These balls will provide a combination of control and distance for most players. Look for a compression rating of 80 to 90.
If your swing is 105mph or above
Your best bet is a high compression or premium ball, as you’ll generate good distance with nearly any ball due to your strong swing speed. Low compression balls could result in a lack of control. Target a compression rating of 90 or above.
Not sure of your swing speed? Check out our golf ball selector guide where we show you how to measure your swing speed without the need for any expensive equipment!
Construction
Golf balls come in five main construction types that involve different materials and technology, each of which can impact your game.
Let’s walk through the most common ball types on the market today:
1-Piece Golf Balls
Construction: typically made 100% from Surlyn, molded with dimples
Best for: Beginners, driving ranges, and mini golf courses
Pros: Highly durable and inexpensive
Cons: Poor feel, minimized spin
2-Piece Golf Balls
Construction: Solid core made from rubber or Polybutadiene (a synthetic rubber), surrounded by an exterior cover of Surlyn or urethane.
Best for: Beginners
Pros: Highly durable, good distance coverage
Cons: Harder to control
3-Piece Golf Balls
Construction: Solid liquid or rubber core, wrapped in a secondary layer of enhanced rubber, surrounded by an exterior cover of Surlyn, Balata, or urethane.
Best for: mid-level and experienced players
Pros: More spin than 2-piece balls, greater feel and control
Cons: Higher cost and less distance than 2-piece balls
4-Piece Golf Balls
Construction: Solid rubber center, inner cover layer, then a middle cover, surrounded by a urethane exterior cover. 4-piece balls typically have higher dimple counts than their 2-piece and 3-piece counterparts.
Best for: Professionals and experienced players
Pros: More spin than 3-piece balls (especially when hitting with irons), and better performance on the greens.
Cons: Less forgiving, higher cost
Dimple Count
Dimples in the golf ball help it fly by creating a thin layer of air that “grabs” the ball’s surface, increasing lift and decreasing aerodynamic drag.
Varying patterns, sizes, and shapes affect the ball’s distance, spin rate, and stability. A totally smooth golf ball hit by a pro would travel around half the distance of today’s modern golf balls!
Most golf balls on the market today have a dimple range of 300 to 500.
Here’s a great video from the PGA on the science of golf ball dimples and how they help:
Best Golf Balls for Seniors: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Difference Between Golf Balls Made For Seniors And Regular Golf Balls?
The best golf balls for seniors have features that compensate for common challenges such as slower swing speeds and keeping the shot straight. This typically involves low compression (to provide better shot distance) and low spin (to help keep the ball on target).
By comparison, other golf balls on the market may provide additional spin or other features based on what each golfer’s needs might be.
Does A Golf Ball’s Cover Affect Its Performance?
Surlyn and Urethane covers each have different characteristics that absolutely affect a golf ball’s performance. For high handicappers, we recommend golf balls with Surlyn covers as they offer better control, response, durability, and affordability.
How Does A Ball’s Spin Rate Impact My Shot?
Yes, a ball’s spin rate will absolutely affect your shot. The rule of thumb is the higher the spin rate, the more power you’ll need to hit the desired shot distance. Balls with low spin are recommended here because most senior golfers tend to have slower swing speeds and less overall experience controlling shots.
Who Is Considered a Senior Golfer?
According to the rules of golf and many golf tournaments, golfers 50 and over are considered senior players. This is regardless of their handicap.
What Are Golf Balls Made Of?
Golf balls are usually made of a rubber or resin core, wrapped in a surlyn or polyurethane cover. The core or inner layers can be between 1 and 3 layers of different types of materials, even using liquid within a membrane for advanced balls. Surlyn covers are the most durable and have a harder feel, while urethane covers provide greater control and a softer feel.
What Is A Golf Ball Compression Rating?
A golf ball’s compression rating is a measurement of how much a ball compresses against the club face at impact. Compression ratings usually fall between 60 and 110, with lower compression ratings being best for new golfers.
What Sizes Do Golf Balls Come In?
While golf balls come in varying sizes, the minimum size should be 1.680 inches according to the official Rules of Golf. Most balls found at retail will be of the same size, and you shouldn’t worry about this factor when making your purchase.
What Is The Weight Of A Golf Ball?
Similar to the golf ball size question above, a golf ball’s weight should not exceed 1.620 ounces per the official Rules of Golf. Don’t get hung up on ball weight when making your purchase either.
What Are Golf Ball Dimples?
Golf ball dimples are symmetrical pits or grooves on the ball’s surface. These typically come in a circular or hexagonal pattern, although some manufacturers have experimented with ovals as well. Golf ball dimples allow air to flow smoothly around a ball’s surface which reduces drag and increases lift.
Do Dimple Counts Matter?
While balls with higher dimple counts perform better, professionals have found that there is minimal difference between most standard dimple counts on balls. We don’t recommend paying a premium between the same general type of ball only due to a difference in dimple count.
What Colors Do Golf Balls Come In?
The most common color for golf balls are white, but you will find other popular colors such as yellow, green, red, and pink. Most of these variations are neon to help them stand out on the course to aid with visibility. Some golf balls also come in unique patterns or have stripes on them to help them be identified.
Why Are Golf Balls Numbered?
Golf balls are numbered to make it easier for golfers to identify which ball is theirs. This comes in handy especially when multiple players are using the same brand of ball, or if playing in a scramble or tournament. (If you’re not sure what a scramble is, check out our glossary of golf terms).
Should I Buy New Or Used Golf Balls?
If you’re learning to play golf or still getting used to the sport, we suggest purchasing new golf balls. Some used balls have imperfections such as cuts in the cover or other wear and tear that can cause the ball to fly inconsistently and result in poor shots even when hit well. Don’t make it harder on yourself!
If you’re looking to save money, you can consider “X-Out” versions of your favorite brand of golf ball. These are the same balls and construction as regularly-priced golf balls, but may have misprints of the logo or markings on the ball which make them essentially factory seconds.
You can find used or recycled golf balls easily and inexpensively from retailers online, but consider that you’ll get a better performance from a new ball, which is key when you’re learning the game.
Should I Buy Lake Balls?
It’s tempting to buy these balls, as they are cheap! That savings comes with a greater price, which is reduced distance. We recommend using these if driving balls on your personal property and for practice only.
What Golf Ball Should I Use For My Swing Speed?
Generally speaking, if your swing is 85mph or less you should aim for a low-compression golf ball. These balls will have a compression rating of 80 or below.
If your golf swing is 85-104 mph, a mid compression ball will work best. These golf balls will have a compression rating of 80 to 90.
If your golf swing is above 105mph, you’ll likely want to go for a high compression or premium ball, with a compression rating of 90 or higher.
How Can I Increase My Swing Speed?
Although there are many factors that influence your swing speed, there are three core functions that play the biggest roles:
- Precision – hitting the ball in the center of the club face (sweet spot)
- Launch Angle – minimizes spin
- Speed – the speed of your clubhead
Precision is affected by your swing stance and accuracy. Although there’s no magic wand to make this easier, having a club that offers more forgiveness will help you in a big way, since having a forgiving club that offers a larger sweet spot will help take better care of you on mishits.
There’s a common misconception about speed we want to clear up: commonly, golfers tend to think that swinging harder at the ball will increase speed.
While this is technically true, many golfers tend to sacrifice balance, accuracy, and stability for that speed, and the tradeoff results in a lack of precision, making it just not “worth it”.
The lighter club weights and senior flex in the best senior golf clubs will help you maintain (or increase) your swing speed without trading off your accuracy, stability, and balance.
One of the toughest parts for most golfers is striking the balance between launch angle and spin.
Most modern golf balls (including the best golf balls for seniors) have technology built in that works to reduce spin, as do most modern clubs.
How Can I Find Out My Swing Speed?
If you’re not sure of your swing speed, there’s a simple way to determine your swing speed. Use the following formula:
- Find your average driving distance by adding your drive totals together (typically 20 or more drives is recommended) and dividing by the total number of drives
- Subtract a “roll factor” of 5% of the drive average by multiplying your average driving distance by .95 (average driving distance x .095).
- Divide your average driving distance minus roll factor by 1.75, which will determine your ball speed at impact.
- Divide your ball speed at impact number by 1.5 to calculate your estimated swing speed.
If that all seems too complicated, you can use the ranges below to categorize the speed of your swing:
- Average Swing Speed: Average drive of 220 yards or less
- Medium Swing Speed: Average drive between 220-260 yards
- High Swing Speed: Average drive 260 yards or more
Do I Need Special Balls For The Driving Range?
Most driving ranges have golf balls available, and the fee to use the range balls will be much lower than the cost of bringing your own balls. Plus, you don’t have to retrieve the range balls after hitting them!
Do I Need a Ball Fitting (and/or Club Fitting)?
This really depends on two key factors: your budget and your skill level.
A custom fitting is a great idea if you’re an experienced player looking for an expert opinion, or if you may need longer or shorter clubs rather than standard.
If you’re a new player, we don’t recommend a club fitting – instead, you should opt for lessons or more time at the driving range in place of what you’d spend on a custom fitting.
If you’d like to learn more, see our guide to the club fitting process so you’ll know exactly what to expect and to get the most value from your experience.
Conclusion
A good senior golf ball should be matched to your play style and swing speed. A ball that provides some forgiveness on less consistent hits while traveling a long distance without fast swings is desirable.
Of the all the golf balls we reviewed above, Callaway Supersoft golf balls are great for combating lower swing speeds and are our top pick for the best golf ball for seniors.
If you’re looking for a new set of clubs to go along with your new golf balls, take a look at our Reviews of The Best Golf Clubs for Seniors of 2021.