Tl;dr: For anyone who wants to improve their golf game with new equipment, it is important to consider that the golf ball is used on every shot. Playing with a ball that matches your swing is vital to get the most out of your game. For new golfers or anyone with low to mid-level swing speed, a softer golf ball will allow you to play shots that you otherwise would not be able to pull off.

When deciding whether to buy a new soft golf ball, there are a few factors that come into play. You should consider your swing speed, each ball’s physical makeup, and the golf ball’s compression rating. Golf ball compression is measured by how much the ball compresses at impact. Balls with lower compression ratings require less swing speed to fully compress the ball, while high compression balls require greater swing speed to fully compress the ball.

All golf balls have a compression rating between 30 to 120 with the lower end being the softest. Any golf ball in the 80-compression range or less can be considered relatively soft. If your swing speed is below 90 mph, you will benefit from the forgiveness and overall feel of a golf ball with a lower compression rating.

If you find yourself hitting approach shots into the green that land on the putting surface and then roll off the edge and into the rough, you should consider a softer golf ball. Playing with a softer golf ball can provide the control you need to keep your ball on the green with a chance to hole a putt.

Having spent most of my life on the golf course playing competitively at the highest level in college and then working in the industry, I have developed a deep understanding of golf ball technology and the role the best golf balls can play in lowering scores. I have a passion for helping others searching for the right golf equipment for their game, and it starts with matching the right golf ball to swing speed and skill level. In this article, I examine the best soft golf balls.

What are Soft Golf Balls?

While most golf balls look similar on the outside, there is a significant difference in performance depending on how soft or hard the golf ball is. Soft golf balls are designed to have a gentle feel on contact to assist players with slower swing speeds that need extra forgiveness. A soft golf ball will have a low compression rating that provides higher launch and a better result when the ball is struck off center, which is common among mid to high handicappers.

What to Consider When Buying a Soft Golf Ball

What is my swing speed?

Regardless of whether you play a hook or slice, unless you are swinging at tour speeds over 100 mph, you will likely benefit more from a softer golf ball.

What terrain am I playing on?

If you are consistently playing where the greens are wet, a low compression golf ball will provide the control you need to keep your ball on the putting surface on approach shots. Conversely, if the terrain is hard, you should consider a higher compression golf ball that will generate maximum spin.

What temperature am I playing in?

For anyone teeing it up on cold mornings, a softer golf ball will feel better off the face at impact and will react with greater forgiveness than a hard golf ball. If you have ever caught a shot thin in sub-50-degree temperatures, you know the stinging feeling that vibrates through your hands. The softer the golf ball, the greater the chance of avoiding this unpleasant experience!

What should I expect to pay?

The price of a dozen soft golf balls varies from the low end of $19.99 to the high end of $54.99. This can be a significant difference for golfers that can send three or more shots directly out of bounds at any point during each round. At the top end, golf balls like the Titleist ProV1 are used by professionals on the PGA Tour, while on the lower end, other soft golf balls are capable of high performance but not quite to the level that a professional would require.

What are the Different Types of Soft Golf Balls?

1. Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls

Titleist is known as the #1 ball in golf, and the ProV1 is a tour-ready stroke of genius. This ball has a soft feel at impact, provides great forgiveness, and low spin for quality golf shots. As far as lower-compression balls are concerned, the ProV1 stands at the firmer end of the spectrum.

Benefits:

• Highly durable for a soft golf ball.
• Great ball speed.
• Low spin on longer shots, acceptable spin on greenside chips.
• Penetrating ball flight.

Be Aware:

• Not ideal for players looking for extreme spin on long shots.
• With a compression rating in the 80s, this ball falls at the stiffer end of what is considered a soft golf ball.

2. Wilson 2023 Duo Soft Golf Balls

With a compression rating of 35, the Wilson Duo Soft Golf ball is the softest ball available. There is no ball that feels as soft as this one.

Benefits:

• Low spin rate with the driver for extreme forgiveness and slimmer shot dispersion.
• Insanely soft feel at impact for short game improvement around the greens and maximum stopping power.

Be Aware:

• Not good for high swing speeds.

3. Callaway 2023 Supersoft Golf Balls

For extreme feeling, Callaway designed the 2023 Supersoft with a compression rating of 38. With this ball, you get the trusted Callaway name and a high performing soft golf ball that will not hold back your long game.

Benefits:

• Incredible feel on all shots through the bag.
• Exceptional distance.
• High launch.

Be Aware:

• This ball is designed to benefit slow swing speed.

4. TaylorMade Soft Response Golf Balls

With a compression rating of 50, the TaylorMade Soft Response Golf Ball provides a smooth feeling option that performs well from tee to green for lower swing speeds.

Benefits:

• Extreme feel for mid to high handicappers.
• Low price point.
• High greenside spin.

Be Aware:

• Not ideal for players that concentrate on length off the tee.

5. Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls

For beginners to mid-level golfers, the Titleist TruFeel is an affordable option with compression ratings as low as 40.

Benefits:

• Half the price of top premium golf balls.
• Soft and delicate feel around the greens and for full shots.

Be Aware:

• Not ideal for max distance and overall performance.

Features to Look for in Soft Golf Balls

Urethane Outer Cover

The outer cover of a golf ball is made from either Surlyn, Ionomer, or Urethane. Urethane covers are higher performing than Ionomer and Surlyn covers but typically come at a higher price. Top performing soft golf balls from Titleist and Callaway are made with a Urethane outer cover, while low performing budget golf balls such as Pinnacle or Top Flite are made with Surlyn and Ionomer.

Multi-Layer Construction

Most golf balls are designed with two piece or multi-layer construction. Balls that only have two pieces are typically budget golf balls that provide little feel around the greens and on approach shots. Tour quality golf balls are constructed with multiple layers to provide soft feel and various levels of compression.

How to Choose the Right Soft Golf Ball for You

With so many options to choose from, finding the right soft golf ball is no easy task. Now that you have an increased understanding of soft golf balls, it is time to make a choice that is right for your game. Below I have described three types of players and the soft golf balls that they should consider based on their swing and goals.

Norm: The Beginner

Norm just took up golf for the first time last summer and is developing his golf swing slowly. At this point, he rarely finds the center of the club face and is just looking to make solid contact and get the ball in the air.

Features Norm Should Look For:

• Lowest compression rate available.
• Multi-layer construction.
• Urethane outer layer for maximum feel.

Ball Examples: Wilson 2023 Duo Soft, Titleist TruFeel

Reynolds: The 15 Handicap

Reynolds has been playing golf for most of his life, and his swing speed is now in the mid 80s. Reynolds is looking for a high performing golf ball that will allow him to get the most out of his swing speed.

Features Reynolds Should Look for:

• Mid-Low compression rating.
• Urethane outer cover.
• Tour level performance.

Ball Examples: Titleist ProV1, Titleist AVX

Bobby: Senior 23 Handicap

Bobby took up golf later in life, but now plays a few days a week since retiring. He has senior flex clubs and plays on the senior tees. He is looking for max feel around the greens and increased distance off the tee.

Features Bobby Should Look For:

• Low compression rating.
• Multi-layer construction with a durable outer layer.

Ball Examples: Callaway Supersoft, TaylorMade Soft Response

Find the Best Soft Golf Ball for You

To get the most out of your golf game, lower your scores, hit it further, and become more accurate, you need to match your swing speed and goals up with the correct golf ball. For anyone with a swing speed of less than 90 mph, there is a soft golf ball on the market that fits your game from manufacturers you can trust.

For additional questions and free personalized advice, please contact a Curated Golf Expert today.