Golf is really a journey that we go on to try to continually improve. We all strive for the improvement in our game. There comes a time on that journey when we need to recognize we have actually improved. Our handicapping system allows us to measure that improvement as we progress from the high handicap range into the mid handicap range. As we move into that range we need to adjust our equipment to better take advantage of what golf gear can give us. If you think about it, you change your club usually with every swing but your golf ball is a constant. This leads us to examine the best golf balls for mid handicappers.
What is the Definition of a Mid Handicapper
You are starting to feel better about your game. You have more confidence on the tee and are starting to shape some shots. Granted, your game is far from perfect but the shots that you used to struggle with are now becoming easier and happening more consistently. Your handicap range is generally between plus 10 to 20.
Why Change Your Ball Now?
It was two or three seasons ago that I noticed the improvement in my game. When I play one of the stats that I keep track of are how many usable drives I hit. A usable drive to me is one that I can advance the ball directly towards the hole even if it is a punch shot keeping it under some tree branches. An unusable drive is one that might be lost, out of bounds or behind a tree with only an escape shot back to the fairway as the only shot available. I noticed that my percentage of usable drives had improved somewhat.
I played golf with friends at a nice course I had never played before. For the occasion, I bought some better golf balls than I normally play. What I noticed is that my drive dispersion seemed to be improved that day. The drives seemed to have a little more distance. I actually got some spin on some shots going into the greens. Perhaps this was because I was extra focused wanting to play well. Possibly it was due to paying more attention because it was a new course to me. The only difference though was the new golf balls. I tried the new balls a few days later on my home course and had the same improved results.
Buying Guide
As a mid-handicapper, choosing the right golf ball to suit your style and skills is essential. In this buying guide, I will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the best golf balls for your game.
Compression: It is important to pay attention to the compression rating of a golf ball, which ranges from low (soft = 30) to high (firm = 120). As a mid-handicapper your swing speed is probably in the 105 mph to 85 mph range. You should probably opt for a 60 to 90 compression balls. This will give you the best balance between control and distance. More on this later.
Construction: Golf balls are generally constructed with two, three, or four layers, each designed for a distinct purpose. As a mid-handicapper, it’s wise to choose a two to three layer. This will give you the best combination of distance, feel and spin.
Durability: The durability of the cover material should be taken into account since it affects the lifespan of the golf balls. Look for balls with an urethane or ionomer cover as these provide an excellent balance of durability and performance.
Spin: As a mid handicapper you should consider a golf ball with a moderate spin rate. This will give you better control around the greens without sacrificing too much distance.
Cost Considerations in Changing
When should I buy some more sophisticated balls?
You can buy balls whenever and whatever skill level you like, but I would suggest that if you are losing more than two balls per round, you should stick to the cheaper or second-hand ones for the following reasons:
1. When you count how much money you are losing every time you nail one in the water, out of bounds or the bushes, it starts to hurt…badly.
2. On top of that, standing on the tee and feeling tension because you don’t want to lose one of the new balls you’ve purchased will affect your game negatively in an immeasurable way.
If you feel comfortable to buy these balls and feel confident you may lose only one or two and the idea of losing them won’t negatively affect your game than buy the more expensive balls. You should continue to check out different balls to see what will lead you to lower scores.
I will let you in on some personal experience. My wife and I golf weekly. She is a persistent beginner who shows a lot of promise. If she hits one into the water, she will drop a ball and try to make it over the water again, and again. (Think the last hole experience in Tin Cup.) She persistently will look for balls when we can’t find them. I love her for it but if she thought the golf balls cost $5 versus $1 I would never be able to get her back into the game. I shop for golf balls for us on lostgolfballs.com. Honestly, I’ve been very pleased with the quality of the balls we have received. We are purchasing what I would categorize as budget level to mid level balls. In other words, we are not going for the bucket of “mint” level Titleist Prov1s. However they do have good pricing on balls like Callaway Chrome Soft.
How Does Compression Ratings Factor In
There are a few variables to consider when trying to select the right golf ball compression for your game. Swing speed, handicap, and desired ball feel will all have impact on choices. Here are a few basics to help you think about the ball to try.
Faster swing speeds need high compression golf balls (105 mph plus). Why? A higher compression golf ball is designed to give high swing speed players optimal accuracy, spin control, short game responsiveness, ball flight, feel, and backspin to lower their scores on the golf course. The options in this bracket will usually be a premium golf balls.
Average swing speeds (85 – 105 mph) have options to think about. If you are medium swing speed golfer, you have a choice when it comes to the ball you play. If distance is what you’re looking for, then go with a lower compression balls. If more ball control is what you are seeking, choose a higher compression balls. Be sure to match the compression level with your swing speed.
Slower swing speeds (less than 85 mph) need a lower compression ball to maximize distance. For most high handicappers distance is at a premium. The lower compression balls will give you more spring off of your club face.
Here Are Some Recommendations
Here are the 8 best golf balls for mid-handicap golfers:
- 1. Srixon Soft Feel (best for handicap 10+)
- 2. Kirkland Signature (best budget urethane golf ball in the world)
- 3. Srixon Q-Star (best for green side spin)
- 4. Callaway SuperSoft (best for super soft feel)
- 5. Wilson DUO Professional (best low visibility urethane ball)
- 6. TaylorMade Tour Response (best-value Tour quality ball low compression)
- 7. Callaway ERC Soft Triple Track (best alignment aid for putting)
- 8. Vice Pro Soft (for lower mid handicappers with low swing speed)
I guess this will come across as a snobby comment but I was surprised to see the Costco brand Kirkland on the list and so highly rated. I don’t know where they source them from but next time I am in Costco I will check them out.
Conclusion
Anyone asking me for advice on which ball to play as a mid handicapper will get one of two responses:
If you want a cheaper ball made with surlyn and you lose more than 2 per round, get Srixon Soft Feel.
If you want a tour style of golf ball and want more spin, get a Tour Response or Kirkland Signature.
These are the best golf balls for mid handicappers.
As with nearly everything in golf, play around with options then stick to what works. Unless you’re a total beginner, try not to bounce around different balls. Find one which works and learn how it reacts to your game. It’ll save you strokes I promise.
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