Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. Top pick
3. Best high flight
4. Best feel
5. Best control
6. Best for distance
7. Best cheap model
8. Best 15-pack
9. Best durability
10. How we test
11. How to choose
12. FAQs
Although swing speed is talked about more than ever before, many golfers won’t really know what theirs is. So, how do you work out if you have a slower swing speed? Well, how far you hit it off the tee with a driver is certainly a major clue. TrackMan data accumulated over several years has revealed that the ‘average’ mid-teen-handicap, male golfer has a swing speed of 93.4mph with the driver and hits it 214 yards. If you don’t hit it as far as that, your swing would be in the slower half of golf’s swing speed spectrum, and you could be just the sort of golfer to benefit most from the ball models we showcase here.
While many club golfers lean towards the best golf balls, their slower swing speeds won’t reap maximum benefit from those models when it comes to distance. The superior short-game performance those balls also offer may still make that a price worth paying for some, but for others, getting as much distance as possible out of their swings will be a more pressing priority. Thankfully nearly all ball manufacturers make models designed to help them do just that.
If you’re aware that you’re not up there with the big hitters in terms of swing speed, whether that’s down to age (old or young), technique or perhaps injury, there are plenty of balls on the market that will help you squeeze a little more mileage out of what you do potentially have in the tank. And the good news is that, because these are typically not the tour-calibre models, you’ll be shelling out less for your ammo too. Read on to find out more about nine of the best golf balls for slow swing speeds. You might also find other models of interest in some of our other ball guides, such as the best distance golf balls or the best golf balls for beginners.
The Quick List
The Titleist 2024 Tour Soft offers really strong performance for a mid-priced golf ball. The soft feel will please those who prioritize this, particularly with the scoring clubs but, thanks to a new faster core, ball speeds also remained fairly high.
The Wilson Duo Soft 2023 offers very long distance for such a soft ball, and features a very high ball flight. This all comes in an affordable package.
With an excellent feel off the face of the putter and with superb control on the spin on the short game, slower swingers should definitely consider the TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 balls.
The 2023 Srixon Soft Feel balls have been upgraded to offer more ball speed than previous versions. These balls are ideal for anyone looking for a quality softer ball at a lower price.
Callaway Warbirds are a strong distance ball that can improve your yardages. For those who want some help getting more distance, these are a solid option, and the price point is also a highlight.
Low compression from these Inesis Soft 500 golf balls help create better energy transfer for slower swingers. These are also a great value option.
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Wilson's Velocity Tour Distance golf balls offer excellent value for new golfers, and come with great all-round distance. They are also very durable.
Looking for some additional distance in your game? Look no further than the OnCore 2022 ELIXR golf balls, which have a high and powerful ball flight, are incredibly durable, and offer excellent value.
Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds
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Top pick
The first ball to include in this guide on the best balls for slower swingers is the Tour Soft from Titleist. As you would expect from the name, they are very soft indeed but they still felt powerful off the face. Some soft feel balls can often struggle to maintain speed but this wasn't the case with this model, which means even those with slower swing speeds will be able to get good distance. We must note that, if you are a high spin player, you may be better off looking elsewhere, as these balls did have a tendency to fly a little higher because of the spin.
Speaking of spin, out on the course we did see good levels of spin with the wedges and around the greens. We found they had a decent amount of control which is crucial for when you want to get the ball close to the target, and we managed to get good spin on pitch shots and flighted wedges. This is thanks to the refined thin Fusablend cover which aids greenside spin. All of this, including their great durability, make them another great option that won't break the bank.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review
Best high flight
Perhaps one of the best golf balls for slower swinging players, the 2023 Wilson Duo Soft golf ball comes with a compression rating of 40 that makes it easily one of the softest balls on the market. This ball comes with an ionomer cover that has been designed to deliver maximum energy return making it one of the best golf balls for seniors players and those who struggle to get the ball into the air as it will fly fast off the clubface.
We found this was the case when we took it out on the course and it delivered high trajectories with every club in the bag. It delivered a soft feel on the club face but still felt springy too. This continued with the putter too. We were pleasantly surprised with this golf ball and considering its price tag, this is definitely one of the best value golf balls going. What's even better is that it comes in several different colors, including fluorescent, yellow and red.
- Read our full Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball Review
Best feel
The TaylorMade Soft Response is one of two Response models (Tour Response is the other) sitting beneath the brand's premium TP5 models. One of the best TaylorMade golf balls on the market, Soft Response has been designed with mid to slow swing speeds in mind, offering all-round performance with a softer feel. This is thanks to the soft ionomer cover which also offers solid durability. It also comes in at a great price that will suit beginners and high handicap golfers.
That became evident during our testing sessions and we thought the feel off the putter face was sublime and the performance with the wedges was excellent as well. But from a distance perspective, those players who swing a little slower will enjoy good performance here, whilst faster swinger may see a drop off in yardage. Overall whilst faster swingers may see a drop off in distance at the top end of the bag, slower swingers will still be able to benefit from the superb short game performance without seeing the same drop off.
- Read our full TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 Golf Ball Review
Best control
This is the latest generation of Srixon’s Soft Feel model and is perhaps one of the softest options on this list. The ball has undergone an upgrade to improve its speed and lift compared to its predecessor, the Srixon Soft Feel 2021 golf ball. It is designed to help slower-swinging golfers maximize distance without compromising on feel. The ball comes with the brand's softest FastLayer Core, that boasts an impressive compression rating of 60, and like most golf balls at this level, delivers an excellent feel. This construction allows it to snap back into shape faster, delivering more ball speed at impact.
Putting it to the test on the golf course, we found the 338 Speed Dimple Pattern also helped us generate piercing ball flights and cut the ball through the wind. We were also able to work the ball nicely and get some great yardages on the ball when struck firmly off the middle of the clubface. Around the greens the ball really excelled in terms of control, thanks to the 1.6mm ionomer casing. That helps to add to the soft feeling the Srixon boasts and so, if you like your golf balls to be a bit quieter when putting, this is a great option for you!
- Read our full Srixon Soft Feel 2023 Golf Ball Review
Best distance
Callaway has used the Warbird name for several decades now, and it has become synonymous with distance and speed in its ball range. The latest model uses a two-piece construction with an extra-large, high-energy core to promote distance with a high launch at different swing speeds.
All of that sounds ideal for the golfer seeking more yards and who struggles to get the ball in the air, but what was the performance actually like? Well in our testing we found there were extra yards to be had, especially on iron shots into the greens, but its firmish ionomer cover provides less check and control than some might want greenside. However, we feel this tradeoff is worth it because of the distance on offer. For more golf ball offerings from Callaway, check out our best Callaway golf balls guide.
- Read our full Callaway Warbird golf Ball Review
Best cheap model
This Inesis Soft 500 two-piece ball from Decathlon has a low compression, so those not blessed with the fastest of swings can optimise their distances. The low compression allows them to generate better energy transfer at impact, which then translates into those added yards.
Despite its name, it’s not the softest ball, but is eminently playable around the greens. Perhaps the biggest attraction, though, is its price – less per dozen than some lake balls! This makes it a good option for those who prefer to play with new balls but don’t have a limitless budget. It is available in six nice colors ranging from classic white, to bright pink.
Best 15-pack
This low-compression Wilson ball promises extreme distance through a hard ionomer cover material that optimizes trajectory for maximum yardage and roll. From our testing, we can vouch that this ball certainly delivers. The enhanced aerodynamic dimple pattern really does add to the power potential from the tee. These balls are very durable and although it is a low-compression ball overall, its mid-compression core introduces an element of greenside playability too.
Admittedly, chipping did take a little longer to get used to with this ball, as it came off the face hotter and didn't bite as much on shots where we'd usually hope to get more grab on the greens. The Velocity Distance is also up there as one of the best value golf balls on the market, thanks to the three extra golf balls you'll find in the box. While most other brands provide only 12, we were surprised to find 15 in the box. Overall, it is the perfect golf ball that can help recreational golfers reach higher distances off the tee.
- Read our full Wilson Tour Velocity Tour Distance Golf Ball Review
Best durability
Having made big strides in the golf ball market in recent years, OnCore are continuing to innovate and produce an excellent range of high-quality golf balls. And the Elixr is one of their best offerings yet. It is their Tour-standard golf ball and boasts impressive gains off the tee and exceptional ball flights. What sets it apart is the durability though because it really performed, and lasted, outstandingly well.
On testing, we thoroughly enjoyed playing with this three-piece golf ball. It boasts a urethane cover that delivers a Tour-quality feel and performance from tee to green. It is a little firmer than previous models and has a new dimple pattern that is designed to deliver a higher ball flight. It was impressively long with the driver and when hitting full approach shots. The ball has a strong flight and travels pretty straight for the most part. Around the greens, the Elixr performed very well too and generated pretty adequate amount of stopping power too. Overall, we were very impressed with this high launching golf ball, which offered great distance off the tee.
- Read our full OnCore Elixr Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
Our testing procedure for golf balls, as well as all other golf gear, revolves around several key commitments. First, if we say we have reviewed a product, then we would have done so fairly and comprehensively. In terms of golf balls that means we have used it out on the golf course and on launch monitors where applicable. Additionally we will always endeavor to use the latest and best equipment to assess performance. Another crucial point we want to make is no manufacturer can pay for a good review because the entire Golf Monthly team tell it how they see it.
In terms of specifics for golf balls, we use several members of the Golf Monthly team, who play at a variety of levels, to put golf balls to the test out on the golf course. The entire team are regular golfers and therefore balls are tested indoors and outside, and then over a number of rounds because that is how you can test for things like distance, feel, durability, spin and so on. We then seek to be as honest and insightful as possible in reviews and guides to help you be more informed
How to choose golf balls
We think the first thing to consider when buying golf balls is you having a think about your game.
First you ultimately need to pick a golf ball designed to help you. This means having a clear indication of what level you are and what are your strengths and weaknesses. It is totally pointless using a golf ball that will dampen and limit your strengths, whilst also accentuating your weaknesses. In terms of swing speeds, you need to hit golf balls on a launch monitor or with a coach so you can have an idea of how fast you swing the golf club. This will then give you an idea on how to narrow your search on finding the best golf ball to work for you.
1. Distance
As players swing slower, distance can be a big issue. A golf ball can help here though because a golf ball with a lower compression can allow players to still compress it a decent amount and maintain more of their former distance. Additionally we have found the best distance golf balls tend to have simple two or three-piece constructions as well.
2. Launch
Another thing we have seen is slower swingers may struggle to launch the golf ball which can make it difficult when faced with a forced carry over a penalty area, or hitting into a green which is guarded by bunkers for example. Thankfully there are golf balls out there, many of them above, which have been designed to launch higher which gets the ball in the air.
3. Control
Of course there is some focus on distance with slower swinging players but good models should also give a degree of feel and control as well. The best way of finding the best model for you in this regard is to try different balls out and hit different shots with them to see which you like the most.
4. Colors
Golf balls these days come in lots of different colors and have varying alignment aids on as well so have a think about what kind of golf ball you want here. Why not take a look at our guide to the best glow in the dark golf balls if you're after something that will stand out on the course.
5. Budget
The final point to mention would be about budget. If you want the cheapest dozen possible with a degree of performance then a couple of models will suit you above, whereas if you want to spend a little more then we have got you covered there too.
If you're in the market for a new pack of golf balls, why not take a look at our guides to the best Titleist golf balls, best Callaway golf balls and best Wilson golf balls.
FAQs
What golf ball should I use with slow swing speed?
Most brands make golf balls for slower swinging players these days and we have found the common design features include - low compression, simple two or three-piece construction, aerodynamic dimple design, and often the best golf balls for slow swing speeds often have soft in the model name! As far as specific models go, the Titleist Tour Soft, TaylorMade Soft Response and Srixon Soft Feel are three of the best.
What does a soft feeling golf ball do?
Soft feeling golf balls are designed with a low-compression core that can improve ball flights, help you hit each shot straighter and get more distance. Akin to firmer feel balls, they have much less spin and allow players to control the direction of the ball a little easier.
What does a slow swing speed mean?
Slow swing speeds relate to how fast you swing the club and how much power you are able to put on the ball at impact. If you have a slower swing speed you're likely to not be able to strike the golf ball as far as some one with a faster swing speed.
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