Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
If you identify as a mid handicapper, chances are your handicap falls between 12 and 25. Whether you’re looking for a premium ball, a cheap golf ball, or something with a softer feel, I have you covered. I’ve tested almost every golf ball on the market, and I prefer to take them on the golf course to get a good indication of how they perform. As a former golf professional, I’ll tell you which golf balls are your best options if you want better spin, more distance, etc. I’ve broken this list into categories to help you find the best golf balls for mid handicappers like yourself!
The Best Golf Balls For Mid Handicappers
After dozens of rounds testing all of the best top golf balls for mid-handicap players, my three favorite options were:
Here’s a breakdown of the best golf balls in each category, followed by some of my on-course testing, primarily to determine the benefits you’ll find in the short game.
| Category | Golf Ball Options |
| The Best Low Spin Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers | Titleist AVX, Callaway Chrome Soft X LS |
| The Best Distance Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers | Titleist TruFeel, TaylorMade Distance+ |
| The Best Golf Balls for Feel for Mid Handicappers | Vice Pro Plus, Titleist Pro V1 |
| The Best Premium Golf Balls for Mid Handicap Golfers | Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Chrome Soft |
| The Best Cheap Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers | Kirkland Signature, Cut Blue |
| Best For Slower Swing Speeds Mid Handicap Golfers | Maxfli Tour S, Vice Pro Soft |
| Best For Fast Swing Speeds Mid Handicap Golfers | Titleist Pro V1x, Bridgestone Tour B X |
The Best Low Spin Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
Low spin golf balls are great when it comes to maximizing distance. Also, jump on a launch monitor and see if you have issues generating too much spin; these golf balls could help.
Titleist AVX
At first, I wasn’t sold on whether the Titleist lineup needed the AVX. After playing some rounds with it, I actually like this ball. The Titleist AVX utilizes innovative high-speed, low-compression core technology to deliver remarkably low spin for longer distances and a penetrating flight trajectory.
I’ve found that I love how the AVX feels coming off the clubface. Around the greens, it still has enough spin for me; the only problem here is that it’s just as expensive as the other premium Titleist balls.
- For the player who is looking for a low flying, low spinning golf ball with very soft feel and excellent greenside control.
Callaway Chrome Soft XLS
Callaway Chrome Soft XLS features an advanced Graphene-infused Dual SoftFast Core, offering an extremely low spin on long shots.
I was really surprised the first time I tried the Callaway Chrome Soft XLS; it was longer than the Pro V1 for me and had a really great feel around the Green. The Chrome Soft XLS is a premium ball, but it’s great if you want low spin while still getting a higher ball flight.
- New Precision Technology delivers our tightest dispersion, consistently fast ball speeds and total performance. We’ve enhanced every component and design feature to create the highest quality golf balls.
The Best Distance Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
Distance golf balls for mid handicappers have mid to low compression, and they fly far from the tee and on approach shots with the irons.
Titleist TruFeel
Titleist TruFeel is designed with TruTouch core technology, providing low spin for long distances. When I tested these on the course, I was surprised that they actually have decent spin on the approach shots.
The closer you get to the Green, the harder the ball is to control. However, for good feel and long distance (at a fair price) you’ll like this one.
- For players who prioritize soft feel and who trust the Titleist brand.
TaylorMade Distance+
Another great option for distance and affordability is the TaylorMade Distance+. This ball incorporates REACT Speed Core technology to maximize distance. You should get a lot of ball speed on this one and low spin off the tee.
When it comes to approach shots and greenside feel, this is not your best choice. Slower swing speeds will be like the Distance+ on the approach shots because of the extra few yards of roll you can get.
The Best Golf Balls for Feel for Mid Handicappers
Feel can be a bit of a personal preference. However, most players agree that having a golf ball that is soft enough around the green and firm enough off the tee is the best match for going low.
Vice Pro Plus
I’m a big fan of the Vice golf balls. I won’t tell you they are Titleist (because they aren’t); however; the Vice Pro Plus made it to the top of my list of best golf balls for mid-handicappers. The Vice Pro Plus features S2TG technology (Stick to the Green) in its urethane cover.
You don’t find urethane cover golf balls at this price often. The Vice Pro Plus offers a combination of excellent feel and spin control on approach shots and around the greens. I would try this one if you need a fair price with the feel of premium performance.
- 4 Piece Cast Urethane cover ball construction with extra-thin cover for the most comprehensive performance from tee to green
Titleist Pro V1
Yes, mid handicappers should consider the Titleist Pro V1. It’s one of the better balls for mid handicappers. You’ll get better control, consistency, impeccable feel, and plenty of distance (off the tee).
The Titleist Pro V1 features next-generation 2.0 ZG Process Core technology, delivering very low long game spin. There’s a reason the pros use the Pro V1.
- New high gradient core technology lowers long game spin for longer distance
The Best Premium Golf Balls for Mid Handicap Golfers
Premium golf balls are priced over $50 a dozen. If you want to shoot lower scores and feel like investing in better equipment is part of that journey, these are the golf balls to try. Is it essential to play with premium? Not really.
Titleist Pro V1
The Pro V1 makes the list yet again. We kind of judge every golf ball in the game based on the performance of the Titleist Pro V1, which happens for a reason. The ball is long from the tee, accurate on iron shots, and gets it close to the hole on your chips. I also find the Titleist Pro V1 my preferred feel on the putting greens.
- New high gradient core technology lowers long game spin for longer distance
Callaway Chrome Soft
Again, the Chrome Soft balls feel better and perform better than I initially gave them credit for. I notice that the Chrome Soft is generally a little longer with the iron shots than the Titleist Pro V1, so that’s a positive for me. Urethane balls aren’t cheap, but the Callaway Chrome Soft, with a soft feel, high launch, and low spin, makes distance and control on the course a bit easier.
- New Precision Technology delivers our tightest dispersion, consistently fast ball speeds and total performance. We’ve enhanced every component and design feature to create the highest quality golf balls.
The Best Cheap Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
Spending money on golf balls that end up in the water is frustrating. If you play courses with a lot of out-of-bounds, here are the golf balls to put into play that won’t take all of your greens fees money.
Kirkland Signature
The Kirkland Signature is a 3 piece golf ball made for long distances from the tee and has an excellent greenside feel and control. It doesn’t spin like a premium urethane ball; however, when you look at the pricing, this is an excellent value for mid-handicap golf balls.
The previous model, or the original Kirkland Signature, seems to get better distance from the tee and offer more assistance around the greens than the newest release.
- 3-piece Urethane Cover Golf Ball
Cut Blue
The Cut Blue is a four-piece golf ball with the price of a two-piece golf ball. When you hold the Cut Blue up next to premium golf balls from manufacturers like Bridgestone, Titleist, and Callaway, you can see the construction and materials are not as good. Cut Blue utilizes a Dual-core design to deliver reduced spin for longer distances and a urethane cover for great feel and control.
You will know the Cut Blue isn’t a premium ball, but it has some good performance for the price it’s offered. I did notice that the cover on the Cut Blue cuts a little quicker than the Titleist. Keep that in mind if you like to bounce shots down the cart path.
- With an ultra-durable Tour Quality Urethane cover, this is specifically crafted to minimize spin and maximize distance on the course. Improve accuracy, green-side control, and impressive score reductions.
Best For Slower Swing Speeds Mid Handicap Golfers
The slower swing speed golfer typically needs extra ball speed, a higher flight, and lower spin rates. Here are two options to try.
Maxfli Tour S
The Maxfli Tour S is built with a soft core and optimized aerodynamics. The Tour S enhances distance and performance for golfers with slower swing speeds through lower spin rates. I could generate a lot of ball speed and distance with the Tour S.
I liked it for approach shots with irons and around the greens; it performed better than most. This is it if you want something with straighter ball flight, a good feel, and a strong value.
Vice Pro Soft
Another one of my favorite golf balls, the feel on the Vice Pro Soft is excellent. Vice Pro Soft is engineered with a low compression energy speed core and a durable urethane cover.
If you have difficulty generating speed (from the tee OR around the greens), the Vice Pro Soft will help optimize feel and spin rates. It’s not the longest ball in the game, but it’s one of the best all-around choices for slow-swing speed mid handicap golfers.
- 3 Piece cast urethane cover ball construction with extra-thin cover for high short game spin
Best For Fast Swing Speeds Mid Handicap Golfers
If you have lots of swing speed, the Titleist Pro V1x and the Bridgestone Tour BX are the best options for you.
Titleist Pro V1x
The Titleist Pro V1x features a high-flex casing layer and 2.0 ZG Process Core, designed to deliver high trajectory, low long game spin, and fast ball speeds for golfers with faster swing speeds.
When your swing speed gets fast, you need something with higher compression like this to maximize performance. The Pro V1x is not a great choice for iron distance if your swing speed is slower.
- New high gradient dual core technology lowers long game spin for longer distance
Bridgestone Tour BX
Bridgestone Tour BX is designed with REACTIV cover technology. The REACTIV technology reacts to the force of impact, delivering reduced spin for longer distances and unmatched feel for fast swing speed golfers.
It’s a highly advanced golf ball, so you’ll pay a little extra for it. I’ve never had more luck with a Bridgestone on the course than with a Titleist or a Callaway. However, I can see how this ball benefits the highest swing speed golfers.
- The NEW TOUR B with REACTIV iQ is THE SMARTER TOUR BALL
How Do You Know If A Golf Ball Is The Right Fit For Your Game?
I could go through a complete list of everything to look for to find the best ball for your golf game. However, finding the perfect golf ball is much more about understanding where your game needs the most help on the course. I’ve discovered that most mid-handicap golfers aren’t even sure how a golf ball impacts their game. Here’s what you should know.
If you can’t stop the ball on the green, you need more spin.
Look for a golf ball like the Titleist Pro V1, or at least something with three or four pieces. Sometimes, the average golfer or mid-handicapper looks to get more distance, and they end up with a low spin distance ball that makes it too hard to stop a shot on the greens.
If you like a premium feel, you need a urethane cover.
Cover material makes a big difference when it comes to feel and greenside control. At your skill level, it’s worth investing in a golf ball with better cover material and a 3-piece construction.
For higher ball flight, choose a golf ball with more spin.
Higher ball flight helps stop the ball on the green and maximize carry distance. Use a golf ball with more spin, like the Pro V1x, to get the ball higher.
For extra distance, go with the low spin ball.
Low spinning golf balls help your shot run even when it hits the fairway. Low driver spin is excellent. However, be aware there will be a tradeoff when you get close to the putting green.
If you find your golf ball has only one benefit, you need more layers.
Is the golf ball you are playing with a great option off the tee? Does it have amazing spin control? Are you in love with the feel? Those are all good things, but if you are tired of having a golf ball with just one benefit, choose something with more pieces. It will bring you extra technology.
Track your misses on the practice green to get more information.
Take some putts on the practice green and see what you think of a new golf ball. The easiest way to see what feel is like in a ball is to use your putter. From there, move to the chipping and see how the ball performs. I do this every time I test a new ball, and it’s been an excellent indicator of which golf balls are the best for my game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best golf balls for mid handicappers.
Is the Kirkland Signature golf ball good for mid handicappers?
The original Kirkland Signature golf ball was a great option for mid handicappers. It felt a bit like a Pro V1 at times, but it certainly didn’t feel as premium or have as much control. Overall, the Kirkland Signature has decent spin rates around the ggreen but less spin than the Titleist Pro V. Overall; it’s a good golf ball for the price.
Should mid handicap golfers use a two-piece ball?
Mid handicappers can use a two piece ball but may struggle to get the performance they want from the tee or around the greens. A two piece ball like the Srixon Soft Feel has soft feel around the greens, but not much distance from the tee or spin on short shots. The same can be said for the Callaway Supersoft.
It’s a low compression suitable for lower swing speeds, but around the greens, it won’t stop for you. That’s the problem with two-piece golf balls; they usually have one or two benefits instead of 3 or more.
Do higher swing speeds need more compression?
Higher-swing speed golfers will have difficulty maxing out distance when using a low-compression golf ball. If you have higher swing speed, look for something with a compression rating of 70 or more. Players with the highest swing speed often choose a golf ball closer to 90+ compression.
Is the Titleist Velocity a good choice for mid handicap golfers?
The Titleist Velocity is considered a good choice for mid handicap golfers. The Velocity is in a lower price range than premium Titleist balls. However, it lacks a lot of the greenside control you’ll find with the Pro V1 or Pro V1x. As an alternative to the Velocity, think about using the Vice Pro Plus.
Final Thoughts
Does the right golf ball really matter for mid handicap golfers? I can tell you from experience that the golf ball matters much more than you think. In fact, if you were one of those golfers who ran out to get the Stealth 2 after the release of the TaylorMade Stealth, you may have been better off just switching out golf balls.
Chances are you would have gotten greater distance, better feel, and better performance around the green. (Not to mention the price savings). I didn’t always feel this strongly about putting the right golf ball in play. Please take my word for it; after countless hours on the course playing with nonpreferred golf balls to test them; you’ll be glad you take a little more time finding the right golf ball for your needs.
