Although often mistakenly referred to as an “old man’s game”, golf definitely caters to a much wider audience than older men and women. However, if you’ve been playing for a while and your swings are not as swift nor as strong as they were during your prime, you might opt to play an easier course, get a new set of golf clubs, or just take this decline in performance as part of the natural cycle. But, you can also use one of the best golf balls for seniors to help with your game. These are the golf balls that are designed to give you the best use of your playing style.
While you do have to take several different factors into consideration when choosing your golf ball, it all comes down to the feel. But with so many options in the market, you’d probably rather not try out every single one to know which feels right for you. To help trim down your choices, here is a list of the Top 7 Golf balls for seniors.
Our top pick this year is the Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls. You may also want to check here the best golf balls for beginners.
Quick Summary: Top 7 - Golf Balls For Seniors
Best Overall:: Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls
"The Super Soft is awesome on shots to the green…. These balls have a great feel off the club face, and are awesome for short irons, pitching and chipping"
Best Low Spin Ball:: Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Balls
"The first time I hit this ball I could not believe the distance."
Best Value:: Wilson Staff Fifty Elite Golf Balls
"The Wilson Staff 50 Elite does what any non-great golfer wants it to do: it flies far if you don't have a super-fast swing speed, and it has low spin which tends to make it go straight."
Best Construction:: Bridgestone E6 Soft Golf Balls
"Great ball for my slower speed and I still get great distance. Better feel, flight and all and better for me than the 330's. Getting older is still fun with this ball."
Best Design:: Callaway Warbird Golf Balls
"These are the best. .. only these deliver... I was hitting every club 10 yds longer.
Best Distance:: Precept 2017 Laddie Extreme Golf Balls
"Each Precept has the ability to go in the hole and score a birdie or better each time."
Best Contorl:: Wilson Smart Core Golf Ball
"These are fantastic. Soft enough to give me back the control I want and cheap enough to not increase the cost of a round of golf every time."
1. Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls
Best Overall
A great golf ball for seniors is one with a soft feel and low compression rating. This golf ball from Callaway features an aerodynamic dimple design that optimizes airflow, lessening the impact of drag on the ball’s lift. This low spin ball is able to fly quite a long distance even with a slower swing. These features put this ball in our top spot.
Quick Summary
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This is probably one of the softest golf balls on the market. The compression rating of this ball is extremely low as most golf balls have a compression between 70 and 110. However, this design optimizes ball speed. With the HEX Aerodynamic Dimples, airflow is also well adjusted to limit drag and improve the ball’s lift. This means that despite being a low spin golf ball, it can still traverse longer distances while staying on a straighter path.
It’s a great pick for seniors because the ball does not require a hard-hitting swing to get the ball flying at high trajectories and long distances. Aside from the white color option, you can also get it in yellow which can be easier to spot on the course.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"The Super Soft is awesome on shots to the green…. These balls have a great feel off the club face, and are awesome for short irons, pitching and chipping."
2. Titleist DT TruSoft Golf Balls
Best Low Spin Ball
Featuring Titleist TruSoft core and cover, this ball offers a low spin that is great on the green. The ball is made of fine materials that are well built and durable. The TruSoft Golf ball was specifically designed and built for seniors and high handicap players.
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The TruSoft golf balls are the softest option in the Titleist line. Although it doesn’t have as soft of a feel when compared with other options in this list, it gives off a firm and a nice feel when you putt it. Titleist used great materials to coat the exterior of the ball because it feels very durable.
Inside the TruSoft golf ball is the TruTouch core which gives the ball its low compression. The cover is also known as the TruFlex Cover which carries the design that gives the ball its low spin. The low compression and low spin features make this a forgiving ball, allowing for straight, long-distance shots.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"The first time I hit this ball I could not believe the distance."
Quick Summary
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This is a great golf ball at an affordable price. Using the Wilson Staff 50 Elite makes you feel like one of the pros even when you are lacking a strong and fast swing. These balls feel lighter on the swing which is probably because of the ball’s design. The core gives you an edge whether you are on the green or on the fairway by giving enough weight to carry the ball over a long distance but minimizing spin so you can putt it straight into the hole. The cover also gives off a soft feel while effectively reducing drag and sidespin.
If you haven’t already noticed, the 50 in the name refers to the compression rating of the ball, which was specially made for players with swing speeds not going over 90mph. Overall, the product is made to improve a golfer’s performance.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"The Wilson Staff 50 Elite does what any non-great golfer wants it to do: it flies far if you don't have a super-fast swing speed, and it has low spin which tends to make it go straight. It also has a softer than average feel, and it's great for chipping and putting."
4. Bridgestone E6 Soft Golf Balls
Best Construction
Multi-layered golf balls give a better feel on course because of the weight and feel the different materials give the ball. Overall, the E6 golf balls are low spin balls that give long distance and accurate shots.
Quick Summary
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The Bridgestone E6 Soft Ball features a 3-piece construction with a soft core, mid-layer mantle, and an exterior Surlyn cover which provides the soft feel. This design gives the ball a low spin performance, which may seem lacking for some players, but gives others a great advantage by leading the ball on a straighter flight path. Despite the lower spin, the ball is still able to travel a great distance.
When you play, accuracy is key. The E6 Soft Ball provides some help on this note as its lower spin helps you achieve more accurate shots whether you’re swinging on the tee or putting on the green. This is a great option for high-handicap players and seniors. This ball has a relatively low compression rating when you compare it to other 3-piece golf balls in the market. The price is also really good for a multi-layered ball.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"Great ball for my slower speed and I still get great distance. Better feel, flight and all and better for me than the 330's. Getting older is still fun with this ball."
5. Callaway Warbird Golf Balls
Best Design
The low compression, along with the Aerodynamic dimple design that is a signature of the Callaway brand, put this ball in our top list. Performance-wise, the ball can cover a large distance despite slower swings. The design is extremely efficient in limiting drag; thus, giving the ball a high trajectory.
Quick Summary
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The 2 main features of the Warbird Golf Balls are the signature HEX Aerodynamic dimples of the Callaway brand and the soft and large core that compresses to build up stored energy for release as you drive it forward with your swing.
The overall design gives us a ball that can cover a great distance at high speeds, even with swing speeds below 90mph. The HEX dimples give it a good lift and effectively reduces drag, promoting a good ball flight trajectory. The thin cover does little to affect the compressibility of the ball and gives it a good soft feel.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"These are the best. .. only these deliver... I was hitting every club 10 yds longer."
6. Precept 2017 Laddie Extreme Golf Balls
Best Distance
These Extreme golf balls were made to achieve long distances even with slower swings. These balls from Precept are light yet sturdy, making these great for heavy use on the golf course.
Quick Summary
This set of golf balls offer a long-distance, soft feel, and great control at a really affordable price. When played on the tee or fairway, a good swing, despite being a slow one, can still send the ball flying at a high trajectory and over a long distance at a good speed. When on the green, control is also great because of the low spin of the ball. That makes it easier to get the ball on a straight path.
The quality of the materials gives the ball a soft but durable feel. Although it is not as aesthetically pleasing as others in the market, performance-wise, the ball offers a great deal at an affordable low cost.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"Each Precept has the ability to go in the hole and score a birdie or better each time."
7. Wilson Smart Core Golf Ball
Best Control
These low spin golf balls offer really good accuracy and control on your shots. The balls are also available at a good price, offering great value. The smart core design is durably integrated into the ionomer cover.
Quick Summary
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The company patented what they call their Smart Core technology for their golf balls. It’s supposed to be a reactive new core that should maximize a golfer’s swing by maximizing spin on short shots, giving you better control, while minimizing it on long shots, helping you maintain better accuracy. When playing the ball, it gives off a firm feel and does provide a good level of control.
A major upside to this brand is the really affordable cost. The low price does forewarn players that these shouldn’t be compared to high-end, expensive golf balls. However, they are able to stand well and offer great value.
WHAT WE LIKED
what we didn't like
What Other Golfers had to say:
"These are fantastic. Soft enough to give me back the control I want and cheap enough to not increase the cost of a round of golf every time."
Anyone can play golf; kids, teens, young adults, and the elderly. While the sport is undeniably open for all, a greater number of seniors take part in it. You don't see too many 60-year-olds playing basketball, soccer, or other physical sports. The relaxing nature of golf, along with the social and physical benefits it provides, is probably the reason behind this.
Some senior players may have started early on while others have just started to play. That is the beauty of the game. It requires just the right amount of physical activity to keep your body healthy but relies more on the mental prowess and focus that is often better developed in the elderly. But the physical aspect of golf is critical to the game, it is a sport.
What does a senior really need from their golf ball?
Things to consider before buying a golf ball
Aren’t all golf balls the same?
Most golf balls retain the same exterior structure. A standard sized golf ball should be at least 1.68 inches in diameter and, although not a requirement, have a multitude of dimples all around it. The dimples create an aerodynamic design for the ball by reducing drag. They add a layer of turbulence around the ball by
serving as little pockets that the air goes into, pulling it closer to the ball, even as the ball slices through it. Basically, when you compare a smooth golf ball and one with dimples, the dimpled one is sure to go farther given that the swings are exactly the same. It’s not just the dimples that create a difference in play, there are other factors that can affect how a golf ball flies through the air after your swing.
Layer Construction
Have you ever wondered what is inside a golf ball?
Depending on the specific type of golf ball, it can just be 1 solid mass or be a ball with up to 5 different layers. Balls made from a single solid material, usually Surlyn, are called 1-Piece golf balls, while those with 2 layers are called 2-Piece golf balls; 3 layers are called 3-Piece Golf balls, and so on, followed by the 4-Piece and
5-Piece balls
The numbers can also serve as a guide to the player level. Most beginners learn to play by hitting inexpensive 1-piece balls. I know I started to practice by hitting almost a hundred of these balls or at least trying to hit them. A lot of novices and recreational players use either a 2 or 3-piece ball. While 3 or 4-pieces are often used by more experienced golfers. The 5-piece ball was recently added just a decade ago in 2009 and is characterized as a tour-level performance ball. The increasing layers give the balls different properties to improve performance.
Material
The materials used in each of the layers will also affect how your ball flies through the air. Generally, an inner solid rubberized layer, a middle enhanced rubber or liquid layer, and an outer plastic cover are the major types of material inside these golf balls. The 4-piece layer possesses an additional inner cover lining the core, while the 2-piece ball retains just the solid rubber core and plastic cover. Manufacturers have found variety in the specific types of materials they put into these layers.
Spin
There are 3 ways to divide golf balls by their spin: Low spin, Mid spin, and High spin golf balls. The advantage when using low spin golf balls is that it’s decreased side spin allows the ball to fly on a straighter path. However, decreased spin also reduces ball lift which also lowers the ball’s trajectory. You should expect it to travel a lesser distance. High spin golf balls have the exact opposite pros and cons. Their increased spin creates a longer flight, covering more distance. However, you’ll also be more prone to swinging hook shots. Both types of balls play on individual player’s strengths but there is also an existing middle ground. Most manufacturers market a mid spin golf ball. Depending on the design and brand, these balls vary.
Ball Compression
When talking about hard or soft balls, this can relate to how a ball is compressed when impacted with the clubhead. Compression is measured between 0-200. The higher the number, the less compression that takes place; a ball rated at 200 does not compress while one that is rated 0 compresses up to a fifth of an inch.
Low compression balls are softer and tend to “bounce” from the clubhead with the aid of stored potential energy that is released after it decompresses. High compression balls, however, are harder. These hard balls are easier to control and can give an advantage to experienced players with a strong swing and good aim.
Cost
This section doesn’t directly affect the ball’s performance but you will find some correlation between price and performance level; especially with higher quality golf balls made from a better range of materials and new technologies. Those definitely cost more than low-end options.
Visibility
Golf balls are small items. And it’s no surprise that as you get older, your eyesight tends to decline as well. Having a high visibility ball makes the game easier by shortening the searching process for you as a player. I personally don’t enjoy scouring the fields for a ball I can barely see. Brands offer different colored golf balls, usually starting with a traditional white option, and maybe offering a more visible yellow or orange ball. Whatever color is easier to spot for you, it’s good to get a set where you have your pick.
The final choice is dependent on the golfer’s playing style, feel, and preference. The golf balls reviewed offer similar features; mainly a low spin, high compression, and long-distance ball that will maximize your swing. Unlike younger players, hard and fast swings aren’t as easy for senior players. That’s why having a ball that will complement your swing will give you a much better game.
We've also listed the best golf balls for high handicappers and the best golf balls for the average golfer, we thought you might also interested to check them out, and see for yourself what's best for you.
Our Top Pick:
A great golf ball for seniors is one with a soft feel and low compression rating. This golf ball from Callaway features an aerodynamic dimple design that optimizes airflow, lessening the impact of drag on the ball’s lift. This low spin ball is able to fly quite a long distance even with a slower swing. These features put this ball in our top spot.
No products found.
References:
1. Ionomers, retrieved from ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/ionomers
2. Uploaded by John McPhee, retrieved from ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Material-properties-of-golf-ball-layers_tbl1_225666873
