Best Golf Balls for Distance in 2025

Disclosure: We may receive a commission when you purchase products through our links at no additional cost to you. This helps support our content and allows us to provide you with the best information on products and services. All opinions expressed here are our own.

Every golfer, from beginners to professionals, strive to gain more distance off the tee—it’s the key to easier play, shorter approach shots and better scoring opportunities. Just as clubs are engineered for maximum distance, certain golf balls, known as distance balls, are designed to help you squeeze out extra yards on every swing.

Distance balls constitute a large segment of the golf ball market, with options ranging from affordable two-piece designs to premium golf balls with multilayer construction. While budget-friendly choices can offer the average golfer solid distance gains, premium golf balls balls use advanced materials and aerodynamics to fine-tune launch, spin and feel.

This article dives deep into distance golf balls—how they are engineered differently from other types and how they maximize distance. We’ll also explore who can benefit most from using a distance ball, how to pick the best one for your game and spotlight some of the best distance golf balls at various price points.

Distance golf balls are designed to maximize yardage, particularly off the tee. They achieve this through a combination of a firm, high-energy core and, most often, a durable ionomer (a highly resilient polymer) cover that helps reduce spin and increases ball speed. These balls also feature aerodynamic dimple patterns that enhance carry distance while maintaining stability in windy conditions. Though distance balls emphasize raw speed and reduced spin, they typically sacrifice some degree of greenside spin and soft feel in exchange for that extra yardage.

Premium distance balls feature a urethane cover in addition to the firm core. These models offer added greenside control and feel while still maximizing distance, making them an excellent choice for golfers who want both long game performance and a bit more finesse around the greens.

Distance golf balls maximize speed, spin efficiency, and aerodynamics to help golfers hit them farther. Understanding three factors - ball speed, compression, aerodynamics, core construction and cover materials - clarifies why they work so well off the tee:

* Ball Speed: A faster launch off the clubface means more distance. Distance balls use firmer cores to maximize energy transfer.
* Compression: A measure of how much the ball deforms at impact. Lower compression suits slower swings, while higher compression favors faster swing speeds. Most distance balls feature mid to higher compression for added speed.
* Aerodynamics: The size and shape of dimples and dimple patterns reduce drag and promote lift. Distance balls typically feature shallower, wider dimple designs that extend carry and maintain a strong, penetrating flight.
* Core: A firmer, high-energy core increases ball speed and reduces spin off the driver.
* Cover: Durable Surlyn or ionomer covers reduce spin and add durability, leading to longer rollouts. Some premium distance balls use urethane covers to introduce more greenside control.

The trade-off when considering which ball to use comes to more distance or less control. You decide. Though lower spin increases distance by promoting straighter, longer drives with more roll, it also reduces the ball’s ability to stop quickly on the greens. Golfers looking for better short-game spin might prefer a softer ball, but for maximum distance, this trade-off is worth it.

Distance golf balls are ideal for golfers with moderate to slower swing speeds who seek extra yards as well as players looking to hit straighter shots. They are a great option for mid- to high-handicappers who want more forgiveness off the tee. However, golfers who prioritize control, especially around the greens, may find the reduced spin challenging. It's also much harder to shape shots and get balls to stop quickly with a distance ball. Skilled players who value spin and precision often prefer tour balls like the Titleist Pro V1 or TaylorMade TP5 for their balance of distance, spin and feel.

Some distance balls come with a premium price tag, while others are more budget-friendly. The key difference lies in materials and construction. Premium distance golf balls like the Srixon Z-Star Diamond feature advanced core designs and responsive urethane covers. These improvements enhance speed, aerodynamics and greenside control. On the other hand, economical options like the Titleist Velocity or Pinnacle Rush prioritize durability and unlock maximum distance over finesse.

For many golfers, the real question is whether the extra cost of a premium ball is worth the performance boost. If you're seeking a ball that balances distance with improved feel and control on approach shots and around the greens, premium distance balls are more versatile and can offer an advantage. Most higher handicap players, however, don't reap the benefits of premium balls because their swing speed and playing style isn't an ideal match. If maximum distance off the tee is your primary goal, budget models can often perform just as well or even better than premium balls at a much lower price point.

Finding the right golf ball isn’t just about manufacturer claims—it’s about how a ball actually performs for your game. While companies use controlled testing to fine-tune speed, launch and spin, real-world results are what truly matter. Golfers should evaluate two key factors: on-course performance and swing speed compatibility.

On the course, pay attention to how the ball reacts off your driver and irons—does it provide the extra yardage you need? Also, consider approach shots and greenside play. Since most distance balls have lower spin, they won't stop as quickly on the green. If you rely on spin to hold approach shots, you might need a model that balances distance with some stopping power.

Swing speed plays a critical role in ball selection. Many golfers now use launch monitors, swing speed tracking devices or data from lessons to determine their numbers. Since distance balls are optimized for different swing speeds, knowing yours can narrow your choices. For example, golfers with slower swings often benefit from lower-compression balls, which maximize energy transfer for better launch and carry.

The best way to find the right distance ball? Test a few options, track your results, and choose the one that delivers the best mix of added yards and overall playability for your game.

A rare distance ball that also excels in feel and control, the Callaway Chrome Soft offers exceptional all-around performance. Whether you’re a mid-handicapper or a tour-level player, this ball delivers long, powerful drives without sacrificing greenside touch. Key features include a Hyper Elastic SoftFast Core that provides explosive speed and long carry while maintaining a soft feel; a Tour Aero Dimple Design that enhances flight stability and keeps shots penetrating through wind; and Low Driver Spin that helps players hit longer and straighter shots off the tee. If you want distance without losing finesse, the Callaway Chrome Soft is a standout choice that caters to golfers of all skill levels.

Shop Callaway Chrome Soft

Golfers rave about the ability of the Distance+ to add yards without sacrificing feel. With a compression rating of 77, it’s a favorite for players seeking powerful, high-flying shots. The REACT™ Speed Core is designed to maximize ball speed and reduce spin off the driver for extra distance, while the 342 Dimple Aerodynamics enhances lift and reduces drag, keeping the ball in the air longer. The Plus Alignment Aid allows players to start their tee shots and putts online. The TaylorMade Distance+ is an excellent pick for maximizing carry and distance.

Shop TaylorMade Distance+

The Srixon Z-Star Diamond is a premium distance ball built for players with faster swing speeds who want the longest golf ball that also delivers impressive greenside spin and control. Srixon developed this higher compression ball for Brooks Koepka and it is used by many pro players. Its FastLayer Core is soft in the center and firmer at the edges, so it maximizes energy transfer for explosive speed while maintaining a soft feel. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern reduces drag and enhances lift for a penetrating, stable flight, even in windy conditions. The High Compression is designed for swing speeds of at least 90 mph to deliver exceptional carry and roll. You don't need as much speed as Kopeka. The Srixon Z-Star Diamond can give added driver distance to the faster swinging average golfer too while still delivering more spin into greens.

Shop Srixon Z-Star Diamond

If you’re looking for pure speed and maximum yardage, the Titleist Velocity delivers. One of the most affordable balls in the Titleist lineup, it’s designed for explosive distance, high launch and low spin to keep shots flying long and straight. The High-Speed LSX Core generates fast initial velocity for serious power off the tee and on long iron shots. The NaZ+ Cover enhances ball speed while providing just enough feel for greenside play. The 350 Octahedral Dimple Pattern promotes aerodynamic stability and a high, consistent trajectory. The Low Long-Game Spin reduces side spin to keep shots straighter and longer. The Titleist Velocity may be the right ball for golfers who want big distance and a playable ball flight, all at a budget-friendly price.

Shop Titleist Velocity

Pinnacle knows how to make distance golf balls. The Pinnacle Rush is a durable, low-cost ball geared for the average golfer. While it's a firmer feeling ball that delivers less spin than the other balls on our list, mid-swing-speed golfers can count on a few extra yards off the tee. Its High-Energy Core generates fast ball speeds for longer shots with every club. The 332 Dimple Design optimized aerodynamics ensure a powerful, consistent flight with extra carry. The Durable Ionomer Cover provides low spin off the tee for maximum rollout while maintaining a solid feel. Sold in 15-ball packs at a lower price point than sleeves of the most expensive premium balls, the Pinnacle Rush delivers maximum distance with consistent flight and surprisingly good feel for a ball this wallet-friendly.

Shop Pinnacle Rush