Should You Use A Larger Golf Ball?

Is there an advantage to using a larger golf ball? Should you be using one? We answer both here.

Is there an advantage to using a larger golf ball? Should you be using one? We answer both here.

Should You Use A Larger Golf Ball?

It seems over the years that club-heads have grown bigger and bigger as players search for forgiveness and a larger sweet spot, but balls seem to have remained the same size.

Of course the main reason for that are the Rules of Golf which limit how big they can be, but with Callaway launching its 3% larger Supersoft Magna ball, we wanted to take a look at whether you should be thinking about using a larger ball. Are there advantages to it? What disadvantages come about form gaming a larger ball?

WATCH: Callaway Supersoft Magna Review

In terms of distance on shots with the driver, we found there was a considerable drop-off when compared with a regular sized ball. This is as expected because there is more air-resistance. However, with the irons the larger ball went further because there was considerably less spin created.

Additionally, the larger ball strayed off-line less and it was a lot harder to shape the ball too.

If you are a player searching for as much distance as possible off the tee, then look elsewhere. However if you are a player that is struggling to hit fairways and struggle to keep the ball in play, then a larger ball could be for you. Higher handicappers in particular may find this very useful in their games.

Alternatively if you like to shape the ball, we recommend using another ball because a larger ball will significantly hinder your ability to move it left and right.

Finally, we have all hard those days when we look down on the ball and it looks absolutely tiny and we question how on earth am I going to make good contact with the club. Well, a bigger ball can help inspire confidence here because there is simply more ball down there to hit. It is a simplistic point, but it is true.

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Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor.

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This takes the form of buying guides, reviews, supporting gear content as well as creating deal content.

This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.


Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Cobra LTDxLS (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3/Cuater The Ringer
(For off the course he goes for Nike Jordan 1 Low G shoes as well)