Are you on a quest to find the holy grail of golf balls that will effortlessly align with your swing speed, enhance your distance, and provide that perfect feel on every shot? Look no further! As we tee off into 2024, the golf ball landscape has transformed, introducing innovative designs that promise to elevate your game to its pinnacle. In this article, we’re diving deep into the sphere of the best golf balls of 2024, tailored specifically for golfers aiming to refine their game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual weekend player, understanding the nuances of these top-tier golf balls can significantly impact your performance on the course.
Top Golf Balls of 2024
Whether you prioritize distance, feel, control, or a combination of these factors, the golf balls of 2024 offer innovative solutions for every type of golfer. By understanding the unique features and benefits of each golf ball, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your game and helps you achieve your golfing goals. Here are our picks for top golf balls of 2024:
How We Tested
All of the data was collected in the controlled indoor environment of the TGW Wichita Pure Performance Center. Testing was conducted with Rick Hatfield, TGW’s Master Fitter; who used a Foresight GC2 launch monitor to record numbers. We collected average spin rates for each of the golf balls with a driver, 7 iron, and a half-wedge shot as well as distance for each club.
Titleist Pro V1: the gold standard
The Titleist Pro V1 continues to be the gold standard in golf balls, renowned for its exceptional distance, consistent flight, and very soft feel. Its advanced technology ensures incredible short game control, making it a favorite among tour professionals and amateur golfers alike. The Pro V1 is designed for players seeking performance and consistency in their game, with a penetrating trajectory and a very low spin on long games.
Driver: 257.7 yards average distance | 2,370 rpm average backspin | 142.7 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 176.2 average distance | 5,411 rpm average backspin | 113.4 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 99.1 yards average distance |10,109 rpm average backspin | 76.9 mph average ball speed
Titlelist Pro V1X: For spin seekers
Elevating the game further, the Titleist Pro V1x stands out for golfers who crave more spin and a higher trajectory. It maintains the Pro V1’s tradition of exceptional quality and performance but with a firmer feel. The Pro V1x is engineered for players who need a higher launching ball that provides unparalleled control on the green, making it an ideal choice for those looking to improve their scoring.
Driver: 260.7 yards average distance | 2,469 average backspin | 143.9 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 167.5 yards average distance | 5,866 rpm average backspin | 112.5 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 95.9 yards average distance | 10,504 rpm average backspin | 76.3 mph average ball speed
Titleist 2024 AVX : For Soft Feel
The Titleist AVX is the answer for golfers seeking the softest feel, longest distance, and a piercing, low ball flight. It is designed for those who prioritize premium performance with an exceptionally soft feel. The AVX utilizes breakthrough core, cover, and aerodynamic technologies to be the lowest flying, lowest spinning, and softest Titleist golf ball, perfect for golfers seeking to improve their game with cutting-edge technology.
Driver: 259.3 yards average distance | 2,236 average backspin | 142.4 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 180.1 yards average distance | 5,254 rpm average backspin | 114.5 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 100.9 yards average distance | 9,806 rpm average backspin | 77.5 mph average ball speed
Callaway Chrome Soft: Soft Feel, Great Distance
The Callaway Chrome Soft has revolutionized the concept of golf ball construction. It’s designed for players who want a soft feel without sacrificing distance and control. The Chrome Soft combines Tour-proven performance with unparalleled softness, making it the ball of choice for golfers who prioritize feel and control but still want impressive yardage off the tee.
Driver: 263 yards average distance | 2,511 average backspin | 142.1 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 175.6 yards average distance | 5,101 rpm average backspin | 112.1 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 102.5 yards average distance | 9,810 rpm average backspin | 69.3 mph average ball speed
Callaway Chrome Tour: Precision and Control
The Callaway Chrome Tour is engineered for serious golfers demanding precision and control. It offers a firmer feel than the Chrome Soft, providing golfers with high spin around the greens for ultimate stopping power. The Chrome Tour is the ideal choice for players looking for tour-level performance in a ball that offers a more controlled and penetrating flight.
Driver: 267.1 yards average distance | 2,639 average backspin | 146.2 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 177.4 yards average distance | 5,150 rpm average backspin | 114.1 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 97.3 yards average distance | 10,583 rpm average backspin | 76.4 mph average ball speed
Callaway Chrome Tour X: The X Factor
For players seeking maximum distance with a firmer feel, the Callaway Chrome Tour X is the pinnacle. It combines all the benefits of the Chrome Tour but with a design focused on maximizing distance. The Chrome Tour X is tailored for players who demand high performance, delivering explosive distance, high launch, and low spin for those seeking to outdrive their competition.
Driver: 262.9 yards average distance | 2,639 average backspin | 146.2 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 172.8 yards average distance | 5,728 rpm average backspin | 114.1 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 93 yards average distance | 10,952 rpm average backspin | 76.6 mph average ball speed
TaylorMade TP5: Complete Performance
The TaylorMade TP5 offers a unique five-layer construction, providing complete performance from tee to green. It delivers exceptional distance on drive shots without compromising on feel and control on short games. The TP5 is designed for golfers who seek a superior overall performance ball that offers a softer feel, making it a great choice for players at all levels.
Driver: 264.2 yards average distance | 2,617 average backspin | 145 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 176 yards average distance | 5,608 rpm average backspin | 113.7 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 100.3 yards average distance | 10,121 rpm average backspin | 80.7 mph average ball speed
TaylorMade TP5 x : Go Further, Feel Better
The TaylorMade TP5x takes the innovative five-layer construction of the TP5 and tweaks it for players looking for even more distance. It offers a higher compression and firmer feel, resulting in higher launch and lower spin on full shots for explosive distance. The TP5x is perfect for golfers who prioritize long game performance without sacrificing the feel and control around the greens.
Driver: 267 yards average distance | 2,344 average backspin | 144.6 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 177.8 yards average distance | 5,577 rpm average backspin | 114.6 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 91.5 yards average distance | 10,411 rpm average backspin | 76.3 mph average ball speed
Srixon Z-Star
The Srixon Z-Star 8 is designed for golfers who demand maximum spin control and a soft feel. It features a new core and cover technology that enhances spin for greater control on greenside shots. The Z-Star 8 is ideal for players with moderate to high swing speeds who want to enhance their ability to shape shots and control the ball flight.
Driver: 257.5 yards average distance | 2,757 average backspin | 142.9 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 169.4 yards average distance | 5,634 rpm average backspin | 111.7 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 97.2 yards average distance | 10,368 rpm average backspin | 76.2 mph average ball speed
Srixon Z-Star XV: Distance Meets Control
For golfers seeking both distance and control, the Srixon Z-Star 8 XV offers a firmer feel and higher launch conditions. It combines Srixon’s Spin Skin technology with a slightly higher compression to maximize distance without sacrificing greenside control. The Z-Star 8 XV is perfect for high-swing-speed players looking for a competitive edge in both distance and precision.
Driver: 262.6 yards average distance | 2,345 average backspin | 142.4 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 177.1 yards average distance | 5,434 rpm average backspin | 114.9 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 104.1 yards average distance | 9,863 rpm average backspin | 78.9 mph average ball speed
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B: For Lower Swing Speeds
The Bridgestone Tour B is specifically optimized for golfers with lower swing speeds seeking tour-level performance. It offers exceptional distance and accuracy, thanks to its innovative core and cover technologies. The Tour B RX is designed to provide maximum ball speed and optimal spin rates, making it an excellent choice for players looking to improve their game.
Driver: 259.7 yards average distance | 2,469 average backspin | 142.9 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 180.3 yards average distance | 5,032 rpm average backspin | 114.3 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 95.3 yards average distance | 10,058 rpm average backspin | 76.3 mph average ball speed
Bridgestone 2024 Tour B X: Precision at High Speeds
Lastly, the Bridgestone Tour B X is engineered for players with higher swing speeds demanding precision and feel. It delivers unparalleled distance and accuracy, with a focus on enhancing control and spin on approach shots. The Tour B X is the ultimate choice for competitive golfers seeking to fine-tune their performance and gain an advantage on the course.
Driver: 265.7 yards average distance | 2,677 average backspin | 144.5 mph average ball speed
7 Iron: 170 yards average distance | 5,818 rpm average backspin | 112.7 mph average ball speed
56° Wedge: 101.6 yards average distance | 10,285 rpm average backspin | 79.1 mph average ball speed
The Results
Choosing the right premium performance golf ball for you involves identifying the type of performance you’re looking for. We broke down different types of performance to help make that decision easier.
For the golfer who wants maximum short game spin
If you are looking to get the most control and spin around the greens with maximum stopping power, we recommend trying these golf balls that offered the most spin on average with a 56° wedge.
- Callaway Chrome Tour X
- Callaway Chrome Tour
- Titleist Pro V1X
For the golfer who wants distance with their irons
If you’re looking to squeeze more distance out of your iron game, we recommend these three golf balls which produced the highest average carry distance with a 7 iron during our testing.
- Titleist AVX
- Bridgestone Tour B
- BridgestoneTour B X
In addition to carry distance, reducing spin can also give you a boost in distance. If you are a high spin player and want to reduce spin with your irons, try these out.
- Bridgestone Tour B
- Titleist AVX
- Titleist Pro V1
For the golfer who wants distance off the tee
If you’re looking to add more distance to your drives, we recommend these three golf balls which produced the highest average carry distance with the driver during our testing.
- Taylormade TP5 X
- Callaway Chrome Tour
- BridgestoneTour B X
In addition to carry distance, reducing spin can also give you a boost in distance. If you are a high spin player and want to reduce spin off the tee, try these out.
- Titleist AVX
- Taylormade TP5 X
- Srixon Z Star X
Your Game, Your Choice
The beauty of this diversity is that it empowers you, the golfer, with the freedom to choose a ball that not only complements your individual playing style but also addresses any specific needs or challenges you face on the course. From the tour-level precision of the Titleist Pro V1x to the unmatched soft feel of the Callaway Chrome Soft, and the explosive distance offered by the TaylorMade TP5x, the perfect golf ball for your game is out there.
Remember, the right golf ball can be a game-changer. It’s not just about the brand or the model; it’s about how well the ball matches your swing speed, enhances your strengths, and compensates for your weaknesses. It’s about feeling confident and in control every time you tee up.