Premium ball, inexpensive ball, refurbished ball: what should you choose if you’re not a pro? The answer comes down to one simple idea. As long as you can’t feel the difference in feel between two balls, a A good-quality, mid-range ball That's enough. Here's how to choose, when to move up to a higher-end model, and what happens during a ball fitting.
A premium ball or a cheap ball?
A premium ball costs significantly more. It's only worth it if you're able to feel the difference in texture around the green, which is rarely the case when you're just starting out. That's the conclusion reached by Rick Shiels, a golf equipment tester followed by millions of golfers:
- A beginner rarely can tell the difference between a soft ball and a hard ball;
- Losing expensive balls in the trees or in the water doesn't help your game;
- A good-quality, mid-range ball is suitable for improving your game;
- You move up to a higher-end product once you've figured out which texture you prefer.
New, refurbished, or used balls?
To start with, basic “soft” balls work just fine, and the balls refurbished or used are a cost-effective solution. A word of caution: be wary of balls retrieved from lakes, as they may have been in the water for a long time and may no longer fly as straight.
Be sure to bring enough balls to finish your round: on the course, beginners often lose several.
What happens during a ball fitting?
Just like with clubs, there’s such a thing as a ball fitting. Golf Monthly followed one from start to finish:
- A questionnaire: your current ball, the type of greens you're playing on, your ball flight, and the feel you prefer.
- Shots from the green toward the tee: half-wedge, wedge, 7-iron, then driver.
- Three Key Measures: spin, ball height, and angle of landing.
- A blind test around the green, to compare the balls without knowing their names.
You don't need to hit the ball perfectly—just play your usual shots. The test shows, above all, that the feel you experience depends largely on the sound, meaning the ball, the club, and the quality of the swing. Note: A fitting offered by a brand compares only that brand's balls.
Rules You Need to Know About the Ball
- We're playing some game balls, not driving range balls.
- Mark your ball a personal mark to identify it: if you’re unsure about a ball you’ve found, it must be possible to identify it as yours.
- Keep a ball marker and a divot tool in your pocket: they're part of your basic gear.
To learn everything about the ball itself, see the definition of the golf ball.
Video Lessons on How to Choose the Right Ball
Premium ball or cheap ball: Which one is best for a hobbyist?Rick Shiels · 8 min
How Does a Golf Ball Fitting Work?Golf Monthly · 10 min
Golf Equipment for Beginners: Clubs, Balls, and AccessoriesKevin Faivre · 11 min
Golf Rules: A Maximum of 14 Clubs and the Right EquipmentFrench Golf Federation · 4 minTo help you choose your clubs, read our guide Choosing Golf Clubs When You're Just Starting Out, and check out all the videos in this category Equipment and Fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Balls
Which golf ball should you choose when you're just starting out?
A basic or mid-range “soft” ball of good quality, either new or refurbished. A premium ball doesn’t offer any added value unless you can feel the difference in touch.
Do premium balls really make a difference?
For a good player, yes, especially when it comes to touch and control around the green. For a beginner, the difference is rarely noticeable, and losing expensive balls can be costly.
Can you play with used balls?
Yes, it's a good, affordable option for beginners. Just avoid balls retrieved from lakes, as they may have lost their flight characteristics.
What is a ball fitting?
A session where we measure the spin, height, and landing angle of several balls hit with your usual clubs—from the wedge to the driver—to find the one that best suits your game.