How Much Do Golf Balls Cost? A Guide To Affordable Options
The average cost of golf balls can vary greatly, between $1 and $5 USD per golf ball. Factors such as brand, construction, quality, and features can affect the price of golf balls. How, when and where you buy golf balls also plays a big part in how much golf balls cost – buying on big sale can save you significantly.
Understanding Golf Ball Prices
A number of factors contribute to the price of golf balls, combinations of each factor creates a wide range of prices. The main factors when it comes to golf ball price are:
- Types of golf ball
- Golf ball brands
- Buying Golf Balls on a Budget (Sales, buying in bulk, used and refurbished)
Brand reputation and logo can impact the price of golf balls, with premium brands like Titleist and TaylorMade often being more expensive. The quality of materials and construction can also drive up the cost of golf balls. Performance characteristics like spin control and distance technology can add to the price of golf balls too.
Types of Golf Balls
Cheaper golf balls are designed for beginners and high handicappers, expensive balls are designed for low handicappers. Firstly, you should match a ball to your ability and playing style.
Premium Golf Balls
$40-$60 USD per dozen
Premium golf balls are designed to deliver exceptional performance and offer unique features that set them apart from other golf balls. These golf balls are 3, 4 or even 5 piece constructions with a cast urethane cover. A premium ball requires more R&D, testing and higher quality materials than cheaper balls. Examples of premium golf balls include the Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Chrome Tour and TaylorMade TP5 which all retail for $55 USD per dozen. These high-end golf balls are crafted with attention to detail and are ultimately designed for Tour professionals and elite golfers.
Related article: Best Premium Golf Balls
Mid-Range Golf Balls
$15-$40 USD per dozen
Mid-range golf balls offer a balance of performance and affordability, making them a popular choice for many golfers. These golf balls are typically 2 piece constructions (large core and thin cover) with hard wearing and durable ionomer covers. This construction is cheaper for manufacturers to produce than premium balls with more layers. Mid-range golf balls are suitable for golfers who want a quality ball without breaking the bank.
Related article: Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
Cheaper Balls
$10-$20 USD per dozen
Cheaper golf balls are ideal for beginners or casual golfers who don’t need advanced features and are on a tight budget. These golf balls may not offer the same level of performance as premium or mid-range balls, but they can still provide a good game. Cheaper balls are usually the same 2 piece construction as most mid-range balls. However, they do not perform as well and are produced by brands that position themselves as cheaper options, this include Pinnacle and Optima.
Related article: Best Cheap Golf Balls
Golf Ball Brands
Brand plays a major role in the price of golf balls. Well established brands demand a higher price, and this is usually justified by performance, durability and consistency. All major golf ball manufacturers produce a range of golf balls for different types of players and skill levels. The price point for each brand is relative to the type of golf ball.
Titleist Golf Balls
Titleist is probably the best known brand in the golfing world, offering a range of golf balls that cater to different skill levels and budgets. Golf balls from Titleist are renowned for their exceptional performance, durability, and feel. The Titleist Pro V1 is the most popular choice among Tour professional golfers and serious enthusiasts, it retails for $55 USD per dozen. Whereas Titleist’s entry level golf ball, the ‘Trufeel’ retails for $25 USD per dozen.
TaylorMade Golf Balls
Another prominent brand in the golfing industry is TaylorMade, offering a range of golf balls that combine performance and style. TaylorMade golf balls are designed to deliver exceptional distance, accuracy, and spin control. The TaylorMade TP5 is a luxury golf ball that combines performance and aesthetics, it retails for $55 USD per dozen. TaylorMade also produce the ‘Tour Response’ for mid handicappers – $43 USD per dozen and the ‘SpeedSoft’ for high handicappers – $25 USD per dozen.
Vice Golf Balls
Vice are relatively new to the golf ball market and produce high quality golf balls despite not being a well known brand even within golfing circles. You can buy direct from the manufacturer which reduces the price slightly. Vice Golf have a range of options for average to elite golfers, ranging from $20-$40 USD per dozen.
Buying Golf Balls on a Budget
Where to Buy Affordable Golf Balls
Online retailers like Amazon offer a wide range of golf balls at competitive prices. Discount stores, second-hand shops and your local Pro Shop may also carry affordable golf balls. Consider buying last season’s model or a previous version of a golf ball to save money.
Tips for Buying Golf Balls at a Lower Price
Look for sales and discounts on golf balls, especially during off-peak seasons. Take advantage of other broader sales such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday which can provide some great discounts on golf balls. Consider buying in bulk or purchasing a value pack to save money.
Considering Used or Refurbished Golf Balls
Used or refurbished golf balls can offer significant savings for golfers on a budget. These golf balls are often inspected and certified by the manufacturer or a third-party vendor. Used or refurbished golf balls can still provide a good game, but may not last as long as new balls.
Finding golf balls on the course can save you money too, of course you’ve got no control over the brand, type and condition of the balls you’ll find. Most of the time you’ll only find balls suitable for the driving range, but you might get lucky.
Conclusion
Golf ball cost comes down to three main factors:
- Type of golf ball
- Golf ball brand
- Sales, buying in bulk, used and refurbished
A combination of a premium golf ball construction from a premium brand will result in a higher price. On the flip side, a cheaper 2 piece golf ball from a less premium brand will result in a lower price.
Other factors such as durability and how often you lose golf balls play a big part in how much golf balls cost in the long run. Some golfers lose balls more often than others, depending on the courses they play, how determined they are to find their ball, and how often they’re in the rough.
Finding the right balance for you is key, if you are a low handicapper and want a high performance ball to match your game you should consider a Kirkland Signature or Vice Pro golf ball. If you are a beginner, but price is no concern for you, you still should match a ball to your playing ability – expensive balls are generally not suited to beginners.
Related article: What Golf Ball Should I Use?
