Before delving into the best
distance golf balls, it’s first important to understand what a distance golf
ball actually is.
They are traditionally a two-piece ball,
made up simply of a cover and a core, which is in stark contrast to the premium
balls such as the Titleist Pro V1 or TaylorMade TP5. For example, the Pro V1
has three layers, the Pro V1x has four, and the TP5 is the only five-layer tour
ball.
While premium balls are all about spin, feel, and control, distance balls are all about just that. If your memory of a distance ball is of something rock-hard that will send vibrations up your arm if you don’t catch it right, the good news is all that has changed. There is still an element of these factors, but manufacturers are looking to cover exactly what golfers want—usually as many yards as possible.
Distance golf balls are worth
considering if, obviously, you do need a few extra yards, but you should also
consider what type of ball might suit your game and what type of course you
mostly play. So, if chipping and short game isn’t your particular strength, and
you’re not looking for lots of spin around the green, then a distance ball
might provide more benefits than using a premium ball that you might not get
the most from.
They’re also noticeably more durable, so they will keep going for round after round. What’s more—you’ll certainly save yourself some money as, given the make-up of the balls, these are substantially cheaper than some of the more top-of-the-range balls.
Let’s take a look at what the leading brands have to offer when it comes to distance golf balls.
The game’s most popular ball
manufacturer has the Velocity as its leading out-and-out distance ball. This is
all about high launch and low spin, so expect plenty of distance.
You’ll need the higher launch as you wouldn’t expect to see this get a lot of action on the greens, but it still feels playable when you get within 100 yards, and there are lots of options colour-wise, with matte orange, green and blue versions, making it a brilliant addition in the winter months when less spin is required. Plus, you’ll find your ball quicker.
This is very highly thought-of and
does well in any distance ball review. This comes at a brilliant price point
and is Srixon’s best-selling ball, which says plenty about it.
It has a softer compression than previous distance balls and is great in the wind, possessing a penetrating ball flight. And, where it matters, it stands up really well in ball tests despite the lack of spin that a premium ball might offer. Unlike other offerings, though, there isn’t a yellow version of this ball.
The Speed Core here helps boost your ball speed, and this is a very playable ball with a decent greenside feel. There’s also the chance to get at least slightly creative with your shots. Along with the distance gains, there are some other notable benefits with the Distance+—the cross-shaped ‘plus’ alignment stamp helps you line up properly on the greens, and its durability means it’ll last until you stick one out of bounds.
The Warbird name has been synonymous
with Callaway for decades, and this ball is outstanding for those high-launching
drives. This model has a two-piece construction with a firm cover—it’s all
about finding those extra yards with an extra-large, high-energy core packed in
to promote the required launch at various swing speeds.
A nice add-on is that Callaway can personalise the Warbird with initials, a sightline, or crosshairs. These come in both white and yellow.
Bridgestone offers a variety of
distance golf balls and is a brand well worth considering, but let’s focus on
the e9 Long Drive. In terms of marketing, this is a great name for a distance
ball, and it’s been put together in partnership with the World Long Drive
Association to deliver ‘maximum power on every shot’.
They do this by having a ‘gradational core’ that is harder on the outside and softer in the middle to promote explosive distance. Also worth noting is that this is a great all-rounder with plenty of playability closer to the green.
You can find this ball at less than £1 a ball, which, in this day and age, is incredible value, and, for something different, it has 15 balls in the pack rather than the usual dozen. Its mid-compression core means that there’s an element of spin around the greens, but its big plus is a hard ionomer cover that optimises trajectory for that extra distance—which, according to various tests, it delivers in spades.
Like the Wilson, the Pinnacle Rush also comes in a 15-ball pack. As a brand, Pinnacle is synonymous with distance balls, creating them for more than 50 years. There is a noticeable lack of spin, but if you want to hit less club into the greens and add distance with every club in the bag, this is a great addition. Sound-wise, it’s not as clicky as you might expect and is a great ball for a high handicapper or anyone starting out.
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