If you're a high handicapper, that can mean one of two things - it's time to take your game up a notch, or hitting the links just got way more challenging.
High handicappers have a unique opportunity. They can strive for greatness or settle for mediocrity. The choice is yours—will you take the challenge and improve your game?
There are countless golf balls to choose from, so we've done all the legwork and created a great list of golf balls designed especially with higher handicappers in mind.
So get prepared to drive further than ever while enjoying approach shot control - 2023 will be YOUR year on the course.
PS: For fun, we've included a fabulous list of books to entertain and inform high-handicap golfers. You'll find it at the end of this article.
What is a High Handicap Golfer?
If you're reading this article, you probably already know what a high handicap golfer is, but in case you've given the link to this article to a non-golfer who you hope will buy you golf balls as a gift (a fabulous idea, by the way), here it goes:
A high-handicapped golfer is a player who has difficulty on the golf course due to their score. This means that they have an above-average amount of strokes per hole. These talented individuals may not always be able to hit par but can still showcase their skills and enjoy the game.
For golfers, handicaps can make a world of difference. While an average golfer may require fewer strokes to complete a hole than the high-handicapper, they must still consider the terrain and other variables in their approach.
On the other hand, higher handicappers benefit from more lenient rules regarding roughs or bunkers on some courses, which could help level out any disadvantage when playing against lower-skilled opponents.
Why Does a High Handicap Golfer Need High Handicap Golf Balls?
Higher handicap golfers can benefit from special balls designed to optimize performance and help them play their best! The enhanced materials in high-handicap balls mean they can go farther, fly straighter, and resist slicing or hooking – giving those with higher skill levels an edge on the course.
What to Look for in a High-Handicap Golf Ball
Low Driver Spin
A low driver spin can help high handicappers hit the ball farther and straighter off the tee.
High spin on the driver can cause the ball to climb too quickly, resulting in a loss of distance and a tendency to slice or hook. High spin can also cause the ball to feel less stable in the air, which can be difficult for high handicappers to control.
Conversely, lower-spinning balls will typically have a more penetrating ball flight, which can result in more distance and better accuracy.
So, low-driver spin is important when buying high-handicapper golf balls because it can help improve distance and accuracy off the tee.
Accelerated Ball Speed
Accelerated ball speed is important for high-handicap golfers because it can help them hit the ball farther and more consistently. Higher ball speed can also lead to longer drives and more distance on approach shots, making the game more enjoyable and less frustrating for those with higher handicaps.
Additionally, golf balls with accelerated ball speed often have a softer feel which can be more comfortable for high handicappers to hit.
High Launch
High launch refers to the angle at which the ball leaves the clubface at impact and is important for high-handicap golfers because it can help them achieve more distance on their shots. Higher launch angles typically result in more carry and less roll, which can benefit players struggling to generate power and distance. Additionally, a high launch can help improve control and accuracy by reducing the ball's spin and keeping it in the air longer.
Compression
Compression refers to the energy lost when a golf ball is struck. A high-compression golf ball is designed to have lower energy loss, which can result in more distance and control for skilled golfers.
However, for high-handicap golfers, a lower compression ball may be more appropriate as it will compress more easily upon impact, creating more feel and control for the golfer. This is why compression is important when buying a golf ball for high handicap golfer, as it can greatly impact their performance on the course.
Cover
The cover of a golf ball is important for high-handicap players because it affects the ball's spin and control. High-handicap players typically have less control over their swing, so a ball with a soft cover will help them achieve more spin and control on their shots—this can lead to straighter shots and more consistent ball flight.
Also, a soft golf ball cover can help with the feel around the greens, making it easier for high-handicap players to control their short-game shots.
Dimples
Dimples on a golf ball help to reduce drag and increase lift, which results in the ball traveling farther through the air. This can be beneficial for high-handicap golfers as it can help increase the distance of their shots.
Additionally, dimples can also help to improve the ball's stability and accuracy in the wind. Overall, dimples on a golf ball are important because they can help to improve performance and make the game more enjoyable for high-handicap golfers.
Colors
Colors can make a difference for high-handicap golfers because they can help with visibility and locating the ball on the course. Bright colors, such as neon or high-visibility colors, can make it easier for a golfer to spot their ball in the rough or on the fairway.
Additionally, high-handicap golfers may prefer colored balls for personal preference or to help them differentiate their balls from others in their group.
Price: What type of golf ball is best for you?
Should you purchase a premium golf ball? Is a quality ball needed?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Price is important when buying proper golf balls because it can affect the quality and performance of the ball, such as giving you a more stable ball flight. Higher-priced golf balls tend to have better technology and materials, resulting in more distance, better accuracy, and a more consistent ball flight.
However, lower-priced balls can still be a good option for high handicappers who want a budget-friendly option.
It is said that golf balls are like eggs—they're sold by the dozen, and before you know it, you have to buy more!
With that in mind, it may be better for high-handicap golfers to buy cheap golf balls because they may lose or mis-hit more balls (ball after ball), and it can be more cost-effective to purchase the lower-priced options. A budget-friendly golf ball may be an excellent choice if you buy golf balls faster than chickens laying eggs.
Ultimately, the perfect choice depends on your needs. Let's take a look at a wide range of golf balls from which to choose:
Find Your Perfect High Handicap Golf Balls Here
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure Notice: It is important to also note that
https://golfonlinetoday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, the owner of this site earns from qualifying purchases.
- The Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball is designed to provide maximum distance and accuracy while being incredibly soft and comfortable to hit. The low compression core helps to reduce spin off the tee, making it easier to hit straight shots. In addition, the HEX Aerodynamics dimple pattern helps to reduce drag and improve lift, providing more distance and accuracy.
- For years, Supersoft has been one of the most sought-after golf balls, and now it has even more incredible cover, core, and flight technologies.
- The hybrid cover incorporates a groundbreaking Paraloid Impact Modifier developed by Dow Chemical. The combination of materials creates impressive ball speed, high launch with low spin, a soft feel, and superior greenside performance.
- The Soft Compression Core maximizes energy transfer to maximize ball speed, providing high loft and low spin in longer clubs for maximum distance.
Hex Aerodynamics enhances lift and reduces drag for superior carrying power and longer flight.
Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls come in many color choices, too.
TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball
The TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball is a great choice for high handicappers in 2023. This ball has been designed to maximize distance off the tee while providing excellent control and accuracy around the green.
In addition, this ball's React Speed Core helps reduce the spin of the driver, allowing you to hit longer drives with more accuracy. The ball's cover is also designed to be durable and provide excellent spin control around the green.
The Distance+ Golf Ball also features an aerodynamic unique dimple pattern that helps reduce drag and increase lift, providing more distance and accuracy. This golf ball also has a two-layered construction with an ionomer cover, offering mid/high spin and a softer shot feel, resulting in greater distance.
Colors: White or yellow
Wilson Duo Soft+ Golf Ball
Wilson's Duo Soft+ golf ball is an absolute winner, not just because these are some of Wilson's best-selling golf balls. Its low compression rating of 35 is perfectly suited to slower swing speeds. It also has a Surlyn cover for added durability plus reduced spin, so it packs some serious power too.
Wilson's proprietary VelocitiCOR maximizes energy transfer from the clubface to the ball at impact, so you can tee off with confidence, knowing that accuracy, distance, and consistency are within reach.
This ball has been designed to provide maximum distance and accuracy off the tee while providing excellent feel and control around the green. The Duo Soft+ features a two-piece construction with an ultra-soft core that provides a low spin off the driver for increased distance. The soft cover also helps to reduce spin around the green for improved control.
We like how the Wilson Duo Soft+ ball offers optional printed logos of NFL teams, but if football's not your thing, choose from an array of colors.
Vice Pro Soft Golf Ball
The Vice Pro Soft golf ball is designed for those seeking the ultimate advantage in extra distance and control. Its soft core creates less spin on tee-off, providing a more accurate flight path to extend your drives further.
With its three-piece urethane cover working to reduce drag and increase speed, it has never been easier to hit longer. Not only that, but this remarkable ball also features an ultra-durable 336 dimple design, so it can stand up against any shot you take throughout your game—all while looking stylish with aesthetically pleasing white, red, or lime green colors.
Srixon Z-Star Golf Ball
The Srixon ZStar golf ball is designed to provide maximum distance and accuracy while providing a soft feel that will help you get the most out of your game. The ZStar has a low-compression core that helps reduce spin off the tee, allowing you to hit longer drives more accurately. It also features a soft, durable cover that provides excellent spin control around the green.
The ZStar also features a unique dimple pattern that helps reduce drag and increase lift, providing more distance and accuracy. This golf ball is available in white or yellow colors and will help you improve your game in 2023.
FastLayer core begins with a soft core and gradually stiffens towards the edge, offering maximum distance for high-speed players with excellent ball control.
Featuring a thicker thermoplastic urethane cover with Spin Skin and SeRM, a durable coating with flexible molecular bonds, it is designed to dig into the wedge and iron grooves, providing more control and spin for improved stopping power.
338 Speed Dimple Pattern provides increased lift and reduced drag to help golfers achieve longer and straighter shots, even under windy conditions.
Callaway Supersoft MAX Golf Ball
The Callaway Supersoft MAX Golf Ball maximizes distance and accuracy while providing a soft feel on every shot. The Supersoft MAX features a low-compression core that helps reduce spin off the tee, allowing you to hit longer drives more accurately. The HEX Aerodynamics dimple pattern also helps reduce drag and increase lift, providing more distance and accuracy.
The Supersoft MAX also features a soft cover that provides excellent spin control around the green. This golf ball is available in white or yellow colors and will help you improve your game in 2023.
Callaway designed the Supersoft MAX to give you the most distance and accuracy.
Players with slow swing speeds will benefit from Callaway's longest golf ball. Its large size is designed to deliver greater accuracy and higher launch angles while meeting all regulatory golf standards.
Calloway's forgiveness aims to make shots hit further by improving contact.
The Tri-Blend Ionomer Cover is specifically built to increase ball speed. This cover material also creates an impressive combination of high launch and low spin in your longer clubs.
A High-speed, low-compression core enhances energy transfer and provides an amazing super soft feel.
OnCore ELIXR PGA Tour Soft White Golf Balls
OnCore ELIXR PGA Tour Soft White Golf Balls have a low compression core that provides maximum distance off the tee while also providing a soft feel around the greens. The ball's dimple pattern helps reduce drag and increase lift, allowing for more accuracy and control. Additionally, the urethane cover provides excellent spin control, allowing you to hit more accurate shots.
With its revolutionary core design, Velocity from OnCore helps generate a faster velocity rate (up to 99.84% of the USGA limit).
The control of the perimeter weighting provides precise shot dispersion off the tee and on the fairway; while providing outstanding backspin for maximum control around the green.
Distance is maximized by combining highly powered launch velocity and perimeter weighting to allow for optimum accuracy in long, straight shots.
Low driver spin and an optimal launch angle result in more distance and better control when hitting off the tee. On the other hand, mid-high spin rates enable shots to drop and stop more quickly with scoring clubs.
The 85 compression rating combined with a cast urethane cover creates a trampoline effect when hitting the ball and provides a softer feel during those important shots near the green.
Color: white
Bridgestone e12 CONTACT Golf Ball
If you're looking for a ball for entry-level play, this may be your ball of choice.
- The Bridgestone e12 CONTACT Golf Ball gives maximum distance and accuracy, making it perfect for those still learning the game. The ball's soft core helps reduce spin off the tee, while the dimple pattern helps create a more consistent flight path. Additionally, the urethane cover helps to provide excellent spin control around the green.
- The e12 CONTACT is designed with a low-compression core, which helps to reduce spin off the tee and increase distance. The dimple pattern also helps to reduce drag and increase lift, allowing for more accuracy and control.
The urethane cover provides excellent spin control around the greens, allowing you to hit more accurate shots. - Bridgestone employs the CONTACT Force dimple, a structure with a raised center region and an outer periphery that reduces horizontal spin during the ball flight. As a result, it generates 38% more contact with the ball for increased driver speed and distance, more control, and friction with wedges.
- The Active Acceleration Mantle is made from a specialized High-Performance Polymer material with a surfactant, resulting in enhanced thrust and greater initial ball velocity on contact.
- The Bridgestone golf balls give you 38% more contact with the clubface, greater speeds, and long-distance accuracy.
Color: White
Bonus: Informative and Entertaining Books for High-Handicap Golfers
The Practice Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Golfers, by Adam Young
The Practice Manual by Adam Young is a must-read. Grant Waite, a PGA tour winner and Champions Tour player with the 3rd best final round in PGA tour history (60), praised the book for its well-thought-out research and writing.
Ron Gring, named Golf Magazine's top 100 instructors 10 years in a row, Golf Digest's #6 best teacher in State, and an instructor to several winning tour players, also highly recommends The Practice Manual. He believes that if long-lasting performance improvement is your goal, you should identify your priorities and apply them to your game.
Leveraging cutting-edge motor learning research, Adam Young unveils critical elements for perfecting an effective practice plan and identifies what has been missing from previous attempts. Already hailed as one of America’s bestsellers in golf circles across five countries, this book offers solutions that will help players everywhere quickly improve their skillset.
Mind Games: A Case Study of the High Handicap Golfer: Psychology Tips to Dominate Your Headspace and Shave Strokes One Shot at a Time, by Russ Amelang
Mind Games: A Case Study of the High Handicap Golfer: Psychology Tips to Dominate Your Headspace and Shave Strokes One Shot at a Time, by Russ Amelang
This book provides a comprehensive look at the psychology of golf, from understanding why we make mistakes to how to stay focused and motivated on the course.
It also offers practical tips and strategies for improving your mental game, such as visualization techniques, goal setting, and positive self-talk. With its easy-to-understand language and real-life examples, Mind Games is a must-read for any golfer looking to take their game to the next level.
Robotic Golf: How a High-Handicap Golfer Can Become a Single-Digit Golfer by a Guy Who Did It, by Larry Carpenter
Robotic Golf uses robotic golf technology to help golfers achieve single-digit handicaps.
The book starts with an introduction to robotic golf and how it can help golfers improve their game. It then dives into the details of robotic golf, including the different types of robots available and how to use them effectively.
The book also provides tips on practice drills, course management, and mental strategies to help golfers reach their goals. With its easy-to-follow instructions and real-life examples, Robotic Golf will help take your golf game to the next level.
Understanding the Golf Swing, by Manuel de la Torre
Understanding the Golf Swing provides an in-depth look at the golf swing, from fundamentals to advanced techniques. It covers topics such as grip, stance, posture, ball position, alignment, and more. The author provides detailed explanations and illustrations to help golfers understand the mechanics of the swing.
The book also includes drills and practice tips to help golfers improve their game. With its comprehensive coverage of the golf swing, Understanding the Golf Swing is a must-have for any golfer looking to take their game to the next level.
Find Best Golf Ball For High Handicappers
Whether you’re looking for distance, forgiveness, or spin control, one of these golf balls is sure to help improve your game. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have great rounds of golf!
