Last Updated on February 29, 2024
Golf, a game where precision is paramount, hinges on choosing the right equipment—especially the golf ball. As a seasoned golfer with over a decade of experience, I understand the nuances that differentiate a good putt from a great one. This article, backed by rigorous testing and analysis, is designed to guide you in selecting the ideal golf ball for putting. With my expertise, you’ll gain insights into how the right ball can enhance control and feel, elevating your game on the greens.
Our Top Choices
I’ve researched and compiled a list of the top golf balls specifically designed to enhance your putting game. Check out my recommendations below to find the perfect golf ball for you.
Chrome Soft 22
If you’re seeking a putting advantage, the Callaway Chrome Soft 22 Golf Balls are a game-changer with premium feel and exceptional control.
Pros
- Superb greenside control for precise short game
- Remarkable feel and forgiveness helps to boost confidence
- Consistent ball flight and speed for a dependable putting experience
Cons
- Higher price point than some budget-friendly options
- Not optimal for players looking for maximum distance with irons
- Some golfers might prefer a firmer feel for more feedback on contact
Nothing compares to the sensation of confidence as you prepare to putt. My time on the green with the Chrome Soft 22 was a testament to the exceptional control and soft touch it offers. The ball rolls true, helping me judge the pace more consistently, an aspect vital to sinking those clutch putts.
When navigating the contours of various greens, these balls demonstrated impressive performance. They responded well to different strokes, providing consistent feedback that allowed me to adjust my force and approach with every shot.
At the end of the day, it’s about how your equipment complements your play. With Chrome Soft 22, I found my short game showed tangible improvement, primarily due to the ball’s impressive greenside spin and soft landings, which are indispensable in a high-stakes round.
PuttOUT Devil Ball Face Angle Trainer
The PuttOUT Devil Ball Face Angle Trainer is a valuable tool for golfers looking to improve their putting through better face angle control.
Pros
- Enhances putting skills with instant feedback
- Three difficulty levels suitable for all abilities
- Comes with additional accessories and online training videos
Cons
- Can be challenging and frustrating at first
- May not feel like an actual golf ball when putting
- Requires a more forceful putt
I recently tried the PuttOUT Devil Ball Face Angle Trainer to work on perfecting my putting skills. The three difficulty levels – Pro, Intermediate, and Beginner – allowed me to try different levels of challenge while practicing my face angle. The instant feedback provided by the flat-edged impact zone of the Devil Ball was really helpful in identifying deviations in my stroke that I wouldn’t necessarily notice with a regular golf ball.
One thing I noticed while using the Devil Ball is that it felt different from an actual golf ball in terms of weight and speed. It required me to exert more force when putting, which took some getting used to. The increased difficulty, especially at the Pro level, made my putting sessions more engaging, but also somewhat frustrating at first – a feeling other users might experience as well.
In the package, two Devil Balls were included along with an alignment marker, travel pouch, and access to free online training videos. These additional items and resources further improved my putting practice experience.
In conclusion, the PuttOUT Devil Ball Face Angle Trainer is an excellent tool for golfers looking to work on their putting skills through better face angle control. While it may be frustrating at first and feel different from a regular golf ball, the Devil Ball provides valuable feedback and offers a variety of difficulty levels to help golfers of all skill levels improve their putting.
Callaway Odyssey Weighted Putting Practice Golf Balls
The Callaway Odyssey Weighted Putting Practice Golf Balls provide valuable feedback to improve your putting skills.
Pros
- Increases stroke acceleration
- Enhances speed and contact
- Immediate off-center strike feedback
Cons
- Too heavy for casual practice
- Potentially unbalanced
- Not suitable for long or medium putts
I recently tried the Callaway Odyssey Weighted Putting Practice Golf Balls, and my experience was quite constructive. The balls are designed to weigh 5 times more than a regular golf ball, which is precisely what helped me in improving my stroke acceleration. The added weight compelled me to focus on solid contact, resulting in better speed and contact with each putt.
The immediate feedback feature of these balls is something I truly appreciated. Whenever my putter struck the ball off-center, I could feel it right away, allowing me to adjust and correct my swing to achieve a more consistent putting stroke. This kind of direct feedback is valuable for refining your swing technique and quickly making necessary adjustments.
However, there were a couple of downsides that I noticed while using these weighted putting balls. For one, they are indeed quite heavy, making them unsuitable for casual practice or long and medium putts. They are best suited for specific training focused on acceleration and contact. Some users have mentioned that these balls can be unbalanced, so that could be a potential issue for some individuals.
In summary, the Callaway Odyssey Weighted Putting Practice Golf Balls are beneficial for those looking to enhance their putting game in terms of speed, contact, and force. While they may not be the most versatile option for casual practice, the pros outweigh the cons for those dedicated to improving their putting technique.
TaylorMade Tour Response
I just took the TaylorMade Tour Response balls for a spin on the greens, and they certainly live up to their promise of tour-grade performance for putting.
Pros
- Exceptional control and responsiveness around the greens
- Strong visual alignment aid with the unique stripe design
- Soft feel enhances feedback on putting strokes
Cons
- The stripe may be visually distracting for some golfers
- Could be difficult to locate in dense rough due to coloration
- Premium price point may not suit all budgets
I was immediately struck by the soft urethane cover that delivered a wonderful feel upon impact, almost as if the ball was hugging the putter face. There’s a confidence that comes with this type of feedback, especially when you’re trying to make those tricky short putts.
The standout feature has to be the Stripe design. At address, it’s much more than a visual cue – aligning putts felt intuitive and seemed to boost my accuracy. It’s not just about aesthetics; there’s a real functional benefit here.
However, not everyone may appreciate the bold styling. At one point, I found myself in thick rough and the vivid coloring did little to stand out against the lush green, posing a minor inconvenience. And while the performance is top-notch, the cost might not align with every golfer’s budget, especially those who frequently lose balls to water hazards or the woods.
Despite these minor gripes, the TaylorMade Tour Response impressed me with its combination of soft feel, spin control, and visual alignment technology. It might just be the game-improvement tool you’re looking for to shave strokes off your putting game.
Thorza Colored Golf Balls
These Thorza Colored Golf Balls are ideal for kids and beginners looking to improve their putting skills.
Pros
- Official regulation training size
- Bright, easy-to-identify colors
- Durable design
Cons
- May not feel like a standard golf ball
- Not suitable for professional practice
- Colors may fade over time
I recently tried out the Thorza Colored Golf Balls for putting practice, and I was quite impressed with their performance. The official size and appearance make them an excellent training tool, and they are lighter in weight, which helps improve putting and mini-golf skills.
The bright colors of these golf balls make them easy to track and identify, adding a fun element to practice sessions. The pack includes 24 balls in red, pink, black, yellow, light blue, and purple, catering to an entire family or group of friends.
Despite their lighter weight, these golf balls are durable and long-lasting. I didn’t have to worry about them cracking or breaking during practice. They are made of sturdy materials, ensuring years of reliable use.
However, the lighter weight means that they may not feel like a standard golf ball when practicing. They may not be suitable for professional golfers looking to fine-tune their game. Additionally, the colors may fade over time, especially with regular use.
In conclusion, the Thorza Colored Golf Balls are perfect for kids, beginners, and those looking to improve their putting and mini-golf skills. While not ideal for professional practice, they offer a fun and engaging way to learn the game and work on short-game techniques.
Wilson Staff F.L.I. Golf Balls
I recommend these golf balls for their overall value, blending decent performance with affordability suitable for casual play.
Pros
- Striking balance between quality and cost
- Robust build prolongs ball life
- Notably good at maintaining direction on the greens
Cons
- Softer feel may not appeal to all golfers
- Prone to scuffing from wedge shots
- May lack the nuanced control of premium balls
After spending time on the green with the Wilson Staff F.L.I. Golf Balls, I’ve observed their trustworthy performance in putting. The balanced weight aids in maintaining a straight path towards the pin. On the budget-friendly side, they offer a durability that challenges higher-priced competitors. Out on the course, they shine with consistent roll and predictable bounce.
What stands out most is the resilience of their ionomer cover. It ensures the ball retains its usability over numerous rounds, an aspect which any economical golfer would appreciate. Unlike some softer balls that quickly show wear, these keep up appearances and function after repeated play.
Of course, when compared to premium models, there’s a discernible difference. Purists may miss the tactile feedback which provides nuanced control over putting speed and spin. While durability is a strength, I’ve noticed that they can scuff when coming into contact with wedges, potentially affecting putting performance over time.
Piper Golf Premium Balls
If you’re aiming to improve your game with a ball that balances distance and accuracy, the Piper Golf Premium is worth considering.
Pros
- Remarkable straight-line performance minimizes hooks and slices
- Alignment guide enhances putting precision
- Durable construction withstands regular use
Cons
- May sacrifice a bit of distance compared to some other brands
- Not the softest feel for finesse shots around the green
- Price point might be steep for some budgets
I recently took the Piper Golf Premium balls to the course, and they impressed me with their consistent flight pattern. It’s incredible how a small change like switching balls can affect the number of fairways hit. With the bright blue alignment guide, lining up putts felt more intuitive, enhancing my confidence on the green.
Durability-wise, these balls held up beautifully throughout the round. Even after a few encounters with the cart path and trees, the Surlyn cover resisted scuffs and cuts, ensuring these balls stayed in my rotation longer than some others have.
However, if you rely heavily on a soft feel for your short game, you might find these a tad firm. And while I noticed a slight drop in distance when pitted against my usual tour-level balls, the trade-off for improved accuracy was well worth it. On the financial side, while these balls are an investment, their performance justifies the price tag, especially for mid-handicappers like me looking to refine their game.
Legato LTX 3085
If you’re aiming to break 90, the Legato LTX 3085 is a solid choice with a soft feel that aids control.
Pros
- Increased putting accuracy due to Bold Track Technology.
- Soft urethane cover gives a great feel around the greens.
- Resilient in play, showing less wear over multiple rounds.
Cons
- May not match up to Pro V1 in terms of consistency.
- Some players find the feel during putting a bit lacking.
- Limited brand recognition may deter some golfers.
My putting has recently seen a noticeable improvement, and I credit the Legato LTX 3085 for its role in that. The Bold Track Technology really seemed to help with lining up my putts, leading to more confidence on the green.
Despite having a soft cover, I was impressed with how durable these golf balls were. I’ve played a few rounds with a single ball, and it stood up very well – minimal scuffs and scratches.
On the downside, there were a couple of instances where the feel off the putter face wasn’t as responsive as I would have liked. And while I found the overall performance commendable, they didn’t quite reach the bar set by some of the more established premium balls, like the Pro V1, especially when it came to shot-to-shot consistency.
For those making strides in their game and looking for reliable golf balls without breaking the bank, the Legato LTX 3085 could be your ally on the course. However, if impeccable feel and predictability on every shot top your list, you may need to look at higher-end options.
Srixon Q-Star Tour
I recently took the Srixon Q-Star Tour golf balls for a spin on the greens and they offer exceptional play for aspiring golfers.
Pros
- Superior control with urethane cover enhances greenside spin.
- The new alignment aid significantly improves putting accuracy.
- FastLayer Core delivers a pleasing balance of distance and a soft feel.
Cons
- Higher cost per ball compared to entry-level options.
- Advanced players may prefer a ball with a firmer feel.
- The softness might impact feedback on putting for some players.
Teeing off with the Srixon Q-Star Tour, the first thing I noticed was the satisfying launch. The ball felt incredibly responsive off the clubface, no doubt a merit of the FastLayer Core. It’s no exaggeration when I say it combined distance with a wonderfully soft touch, something that’s not easy to find in the myriad of balls I’ve tried.
Approaching the greens, the Spin Skin with SeRM made itself known. My wedges and irons bit into the turf with precision. The urethane cover engaged the grooves of my clubs, granting the ball a controlled, high-spinning halt on the greens. This has often been the deal-breaker for me when choosing a ball, and the Q-Star Tour stood up to the challenge admirably.
As for putting, it was almost as if the ball understood where I wanted it to go. Maybe it was the new alignment aid or just the incredible feel of the ball as it rolled; either way, my putts were consistently on target. Despite this, there was a slight adjustment period needed to get used to the soft feel, as it’s different from the firmer tour-level balls I’ve previously favored.
In summary, the Srixon Q-Star Tour provides a tour-level experience for those who value soft feel and superior spin around the greens. While it might come at a higher price tag and with a softer feel than some would like, it’s certainly made an impression on my game.
Pelz Golf DP4016 O-Ball (3 Pack)
The Pelz Golf O-Ball is worth trying, as it offers valuable feedback on your putting stroke while helping you read greens better.
Pros
- Immediate feedback on putting stroke quality
- Assists with improving green reading
- Suitable for all skill levels
Cons
- Inferior quality compared to some other golf balls
- Discoloration in some products
- May not be suitable for advanced players
During my practice sessions, I’ve found that the Pelz Golf O-Balls give me excellent feedback on my putting strokes. Every putt with an O-ball alerts me to any imperfections in my stroke, allowing me to make necessary adjustments. I can clearly see a “wobble” on off-line strokes and a “no-wobble” pure roll on accurate strokes.
In addition to stroke feedback, the O-balls have helped me work on my green reading skills. When I achieve a pure “no-wobble” roll, I can see how well or poorly I read the break. As I continued to practice with these balls, I observed improvements in both my putting stroke and green reading abilities.
One downside I noted was the quality of the golf balls themselves. A few of them had discolorations, which made them look less than new. However, this issue is minor and doesn’t affect the functionality of the product. While the O-ball is a fantastic training aid for beginners and intermediate players, advanced golfers might prefer practicing with premium-quality golf balls.
Overall, I believe the Pelz Golf O-Balls offer valuable insights into my putting practice, and I would recommend them to golfers looking to improve their putting stroke and green reading skills.
Buying Guide
In choosing the best golf ball for putting, there are several important factors to consider. In this buying guide, I’ll discuss a few key features that can help you find the perfect golf ball to enhance your putting game.
Material
The material of the golf ball plays a significant role in its performance on the greens. Urethane and surlyn are popular choices for golf ball covers because they offer a good mix of durability and feel. Urethane provides a softer feel and better spin control, while surlyn is more durable and offers higher resistance to cuts and scratches. I recommend testing golf balls with both cover materials to see which one gives you the optimal feel for putting.
Compression
Finding a golf ball with suitable compression is essential to achieving accurate and consistent putts. Lower-compression balls typically have a softer feel and are easier to control, while higher-compression balls provide more distance and can be less forgiving. It’s important to find a ball with a compression that matches your swing speed and skill level. If you’re unsure, start with a medium-compression golf ball and adjust accordingly based on your performance.
Dimple pattern
The dimple pattern on a golf ball can have a significant impact on its performance, particularly when it comes to putting. In general, more dimples result in better lift and air resistance, which can help to increase the overall stability of the ball on the greens. Some common dimple patterns are circular, hexagonal, or double-dimple designs. It’s crucial to choose a golf ball with a dimple pattern that offers good balance and trajectory for your putting style.
Price
Lastly, when selecting a golf ball for putting, it’s essential to consider the price. Premium golf balls can be quite expensive, but they often provide better performance on the greens. However, it’s also possible to find affordable golf balls that perform well, especially if you’re just starting or are on a tight budget. Don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive golf balls – instead, focus on finding a golf ball that offers the best performance for your putting needs at a price you’re comfortable with.
By considering the factors I’ve discussed – material, compression, dimple pattern, and price – you’ll be well on your way to selecting the best golf ball for your putting game. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top putting golf balls in 2024?
In 2024, the top putting golf balls are those that offer a great combination of feel and control around the greens, making them ideal choices for golfers looking to improve their putting.
Which golf balls offer the best spin on the green?
Golf balls that offer the best spin on the green include options that have a urethane cover, providing more grip and control on the putting surface.
What is the ideal golf ball for beginners focused on putting?
For beginners focused on putting, I recommend softer golf balls. These balls have a lower compression, offering more feel and control on the greens, which can help improve putting confidence and ability.
Which Titleist golf balls excel in putting?
Among Titleist golf balls, the Pro V1 and the AVX excel in putting. Both offer a soft feel on the greens, allowing for better control and touch on putts. The Pro V1 provides slightly more spin while the AVX offers a lower trajectory, helping players achieve the desired roll on the green.
What are the best golf balls for high handicappers?
For high handicappers, the best golf balls are those that offer forgiveness and distance without sacrificing feel on the greens. These golf balls help high handicappers perform better on the putting surface, resulting in a lower overall score.
How does a 4-piece golf ball perform for putting?
A 4-piece golf ball typically performs well for putting. These balls have multiple layers designed for varying shot characteristics. The inner layers aid in distance and control, while the outer layers, usually made with a urethane cover, provide a soft feel and spin control on the greens. This combination of characteristics enhances performance on the putting surface.
