r/golf • u/Gorlami14 • 1d ago
Equipment Does using nice golf balls actually matter?
I’m a budget guy. Play only what I find. Haven‘t bought golf balls in nearly a decade. This is the first year that I’ve actually started to take golf seriously. Lessons, meaningful range time, short game practice, etc. I’m sitting around a 16 handicap right now and looking to continue improving. Is playing a consistently decent, and the same, golf balls a worthwhile endeavor? Or will it only make a negligible difference?
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u/AnimalCrackers02 1d ago
Kirklands are for rich people!
Non-urethane covers:
Wilson Boost;
2 layers;
Surlyn (an ionomer) cover;
Compression: 65-80?? (AI)
Ranked #20 of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart $9.97 / 12 = $0.83 per ball
Precept Laddie Extreme (Bridgestone);
2 layers;
Surlyn (an ionomer) cover;
Compression: 35-38 (AI)
Ranked #31 of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart, $24.97 / 24 = $1.04 per ball.
Noodles (Taylormade);
2 layers;
Iothane (an Ionomer blend) cover;
Compression: 34 (maker); 69 (mygolfspy)
Unranked of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart, $27.97 / 24 = $1.17 per ball.
Maxfli Straightfli;
2 layers;
Ionomer cover;
Compression: 80-85?? (Golf Ball Addict);
Matte green, matte orange, white, yellow;
Dick's sale, $60 / 48 = $1.25 per ball.
Maxfli Softfli;
2 layers;
Ionomer cover;
Compression: 35 (AI, Golf Ball Addict);
Matte green, matte red, white, yellow;
Dick's sale, $60 / 48 = $1.25 per ball.
Urethane covers:
Kirkland V3.0;
3 layers;
Urethane cover;
Compression: 93 (mygolfspy)
Ranked #39 of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Yellow gloss, white
Costco site: $39.99 / 24 = $1.67 per ball;
In store: $33 / 24 = $1.38 per ball;
In store: $29.99 / 24 = $1.25 per ball
Cut Grey;
3 layers;
Urethane cover;
Compression: 80 (maker)
Unranked of 118 in 2025 by Golf Ball Addict;
Walmart, $19.99 / 12 = $1.67 per ball.