Best Distance Golf Balls 2024

If you want extra yards, check out our guide to the best distance golf balls on the market...

Best Distance Golf Balls
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

There are lots of things we all wish our golf balls would do. Fly straight, stop on the green and maybe not land in the rough... But there is one thing that we can all agree on that tops the list of priorities for a golf ball and that is more distance. Thankfully, from the best premium golf balls all the way down to the budget packs, there’s barely a product on the market nowadays where this isn’t a major consideration for the manufacturer. But while tour-caliber models are just as concerned about spin, control and feel, our focus here is on the sole quest for extra yards.

That does mean that there are sacrifices that you'll need to make elsewhere - although perhaps not as many as was once the case. More and more, manufacturers are finding ways to cram an element of feel and control into balls designed to deliver extra yards. Brands are also adding better alignment aids and more color options to the latest distance balls on the market too, so there are plenty of great options to choose from.

While they will inevitably feel firmer on and around the greens, it's important to remember that the best distance golf balls are often the cheapest as well. So, if you're new to the game or tend to lose more than your fair share, one of these could be perfect. Alternatively, we also have a guide to the best value golf balls on the market, meaning you won't have to shell out too much cash for a new batch of ammo.

Most distance balls usually feature a two-piece design comprising of merely a cover and a core, dissimilarly to the multi-layer constructions used in the best golf balls. It is this simple production method that makes them a great blend of all-out distance and affordability. So, if price and distance are more important than all-around performance, the models below are the ones you should be checking out. Also make sure you have a look at our other golf ball guides, such as the best golf balls for high handicappers or the best mid-price golf balls.

The Quick List

Best Distance Golf Balls 

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Top pick

srixon distance ball and packaging

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Our top pick

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Colors: One (White)
Core: FastLayer Core

Reasons to buy

+
Ideal for 80+mph swing speeds
+
High penetrating ball flight

Reasons to avoid

-
Durable cover is very hard

The Srixon Distance golf ball, one of the most popular balls in the distance category. As each generation of Srixon ball goes by, the brand implements updates here and there, with this latest model boasting a softer compression than its predecessor.

This is to help deliver optimum distance and a higher launch angle for a penetrating ball flight. While it may not deliver the same level of control as some premium golf balls, it did feel quite grippy and easy to control around the greens, which is ample for any high handicap player. The dimple count is down significantly (108 fewer), which Srixon says will reduce drag and increase lift for better performance in all wind conditions. 

During our testing sessions, we did see a good increase in distance and penetration of the air in windy conditions so these claims seem to stack up. High handicap players will also enjoy the durable cover which is engineered for greater cut-proof durability, meaning the Srixon Distance is one of the best value golf balls around

Best color choice

Titleist Velocity 2023 Golf Balls showing off their excellent casing and their cool yellow and white packaging

(Image credit: Future)
A high launching model with lots of colors

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Colors: Four (White; Green; Orange; Pink)
Core: High Speed LSX Core

Reasons to buy

+
Latest cover design brings added feel
+
Color options to suit all tastes
+
High launch

Reasons to avoid

-
Feels especially firm off the putter

The Titleist Velocity continues the brand's claim to be the longest golf ball in the Titleist range. Available in four great looking colors, it comes with a two piece High Velocity LSX Core that makes the ball a little firmer helping to generate more speed on shots around the course.

Additionally, the brand introduced a new octahedral pattern on the NaZ+ ionomer cover which comes with 350 dimples for a high flight with a little more consistency. It is a pretty low spinning golf ball, and we found that you certainly need this additional height on your shots. The low spin was welcomed though as it does help keep the ball on line, driving straight towards your target. 

Our testing revealed that the ball did fly higher with the driver and carried 5 yards further when compared to the previous generation. The spin was very low which was great for distance but again, there is a tradeoff in terms of feel because there is less spin on approaches and less control on chips around the green. To take a full in-depth look at the rest of the Titleist range, have a read of our best Titleist golf balls guide.

Best for feel

Bridgestone e9 golf Ball resting on the fairway with it s packaging

(Image credit: Future)
A fantastic distance option with short-game attributes too

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Colors: One (White)
Core: Extreme gradational core

Reasons to buy

+
Solid distance
+
Consistent flight
+
Responsive feel

Reasons to avoid

-
We were expecting a bigger distance gain

Long drive champions need to play with a ball that will help them get good yardages and this offering from Bridgestone is perhaps one of greatest for gains off the tee on the market right now. It is a two-piece offering that has been crafted in partnership with the World Long Drive Association with a goal of delivering 'maximum power on every shot'. The aerodynamics on this golf ball are something that any manufacturer should admire, with the e9 coming with a 330-dimple cover, that delivers seamless flights that soar through the air. 

The ball comes with a 'gradational core' that is harder on the outside and softer in the center. Bridgestone say this is to provide faster ball speeds and there's no doubt that in our testing, we found the distance and consistency of distance genuinely impressive. While it may not match up to some of the best soft-feel golf balls it also offers an excellent feel through contact and felt softer than we were expecting. In our opinion, this is a fantastic all-round golf ball that offers excellent spin and playability in approach to the greens. If you're looking for more yardages without sacrificing spin and feel around the greens, then this is a fantastic option to consider.

Best for slow swing speed

Callaway Warbird Golf Ball teed up on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
Best for speed off the face

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Colors: Two (White; Yellow)
Core: High-energy Core

Reasons to buy

+
Highly compressible core unlocks greater distance potential at any swing speed
+
HEX aerodynamics in the cover reduce drag for added hang time and distance

Reasons to avoid

-
May launch too high for those who struggle to keep their flight down

Callaway has used the Warbird name for several decades now, and has become synonymous with distance and speed in its ball range. These are some of the best golf balls for high handicappers looking to get the ball up in the air and further down the fairways. 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. 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. With the driver, we found it felt very hot off the face and delivered a strong ball flight with tons of roll. We also loved how durable this ball was, with the ball taking a beating in our sessions without blemishing too severely. For more offerings from Callaway, check out our best Callaway golf balls guide.

Best for alignment

TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball and its blue packaging resting on a wall on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
Best for alignment thanks to the alignment tool

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Colors: Two (White; Yellow)
Core: REACT Speed Core

Reasons to buy

+
REACT Speed Core and aerodynamic cover design boost ball speeds
+
New ‘plus’ alignment helps you line up and aim better on the greens
+
Very durable

Reasons to avoid

-
As with any distance ball, feel and control are not its primary attributes

The TaylorMade Distance+ ball is about speed and distance, with its REACT Speed Core and aerodynamic 342-dimple pattern promoting low-drag, high-velocity performance. This is a very well-priced ball, which comes in at a small fraction that you might pay for some of the best golf balls on the market. The soft ionomer cover not only provides a decent greenside feel but also boosts the ball’s scuff-resistant properties for greater durability. That means you'll feel comfortable putting all your energy through this golf ball to smash your shots long distances. 

The Distance+ is touted as a mid-launch ball with its flight looking great off the tee. If you did want to keep the ball down, this was possible too as it offers a lot of creativity. During testing, we felt the ball operated well around the greens but it doesn't offer quite as much spin as other balls on the market. It does come off the face nicely but if you're looking for lots of grab then perhaps it may not be right for you. That being said, the sound is nice off the face and it felt excellent when struck with our putter. The final part of the package is a new cross-shaped ‘plus’ alignment stamp to help you line up and aim properly with the putter. We loved this design feature and it really differentiated it form the competition.

Best value

Pinnacle Rush golf ball and packet pictured

(Image credit: Future)
A ball you can get in a convenient 15-pack

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Colors: One (White)
Core: Low compression core

Reasons to buy

+
Great distance
+
Nice feel off the face
+
15-ball packs add to the value

Reasons to avoid

-
Greenside spin is almost non-existent
-
May be better options for cheaper

The Pinnacle name has long been associated with some of the best value golf balls on the market and the brand's latest edition, the Rush, is no exception thanks to the availability of a 15-ball pack at reasonable prices. Its high-energy core drives the performance of this golf ball, which generates faster ball speeds with every club. When testing, we found that this ball delivered high-quality distance straight away with both our drivers and our iron shots into the greens. It ball offers a nice high flight and doesn't feel clicky or loud as you might expect an out-and-out distance ball to feel. 

An icosahedral dimple design, comprising 332 dimples in a durable ionomer cover, promises a consistent, powerful ball flight with more than a hint of feel. It is quite firm on the clubface and won't dazzle on approach shots or around the greens, but that isn't this ball's MO. You know what to expect and it produces exactly that - in spades.

How we test golf balls

Here at Golf Monthly, our highly experienced team of testers play a lot of golf in different conditions throughout the year. While our Digital Editor Neil Tappin heads up golf ball reviews on our site, most of the Golf Monthly team have been working in the golf industry for more years than they care to remember, so have a wealth of experience to offer. Through our rigorous testing procedures, our collective goal is to test every golf ball model on the market as soon as it becomes available to us, putting in the hours in all weathers out on the golf course, the practice ground, the short-game area, the practice bunker and the putting green. 

We want to get an idea of how each ball performs in all areas of the game so we can tell you what its strengths and weaknesses are, allowing you to make an informed choice about your next golf ball purchase. Whenever possible, we will also seek to acquire launch monitor data for a more detailed analysis of each ball model's performance. Specifically, when it comes to high-distance golf balls, we put each ball through its paces on the range and out on the course. We try and assess the difference between these golf balls compared to other types golf balls on the market, with a view to ensuring that these balls can provide great value and have as many performance-enhancing features as possible. 

How to choose golf balls

Perhaps the most technical piece of equipment you'll find in your bag is the golf ball. Brands are innovating all the time to see how they can make their golf balls carry further, spin more and help the modern-day golfer shoot lower cards. That means there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing your next box of golf balls and that can sometimes be quite overwhelming. To help you purchase the best golf ball for your game, we've set out a few points below that you should bear in mind when you head down to your local golf shop.

1. Soft or firm?

The best premium golf balls come in alternative versions that spin slightly less for players who prefer a firmer feel or more control off the tee. We recommend you try both kinds of feel from various distances to find your preferred feel. 

2. Cover material

Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment with each to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.

3. Long game or short game? 

Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Are you looking for maximum distance or something that allows your short game to shine around the greens? If you put a real premium on feel, perhaps our best soft feel golf balls guide might be a good next step.

4. Color/visuals

Are you very much a classic white ball player, or someone open to playing something a little different as the golf ball world evolves? There's more choice than ever in this regard and if you're planning on outdriving the course, there's a strong chance that you will want your golf ball to have a bit of color on it, to help you see where it falls on the course. Check out our best yellow golf balls guide for some flashier options. 

5. Price

No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning price. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points and you can rest assured there is decent performance on offer across the price spectrum. You'll find many of those on our best value golf balls guide. It is also worth considering that personalized balls cost a little more money. 

For more advice on buying golf balls, we have a ton of information on our website that will help you make the right choice for you. Why not check out our specific guides to the best TaylorMade golf balls, best Titleist golf balls and best Callaway golf balls.

FAQs

What is the best golf ball for distance?

The best golf ball for distance will be the design specifically designed o fly the furthest. We traditionally see this golf ball offer a firm feel and simple design in terms of being a two, or three-piece construction. It will also have some kind of aerodynamic dimple design to help the golf ball stay in the air longer, and spin less as well. 

How far do Tour professionals strike the golf ball with their driver?

Depending on who it is, Tour pros can strike the golf ball an average of 295 yards with their driver. But some can hit the ball even further, with Rory McIlroy and Cameron Champ leading the way on the PGA Tour this season with long drives of 321 yards each!

Do distance golf balls go further?

Yes distance golf balls fly further because they have been designed as such with two or three-piece constructions, firm feel, low spin and aerodynamic dimple designs. Premium golf balls like the Titleist Pro V1, have been designed to offer feel and control, as well as a degree of distance so will not fly as far as a Srixon Distance golf ball because the latter has been created purely for distance. 

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Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. 

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 is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for.


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. 

He also oversees all Tour player content as well so if you need to know what clubs Tiger or Rory has in play, Sam is the person to ask. 

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 handicap of five. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Titleist TS3 (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Callaway Paradym (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 Infinity NEXT%/Cuater The Ringer