The best new golf balls for 2019 focus on distance, soft feel, and improved greenside control, with options for weekend golfers and serious players alike. This guide highlights five top choices, explaining who each is best for and why it stands out. Whether you chase more speed off the tee, straighter flight, or visibility in low light, there’s a fit here for you. A quick comparison table follows to help you decide at a glance.
Summary of selected products:
- Callaway Supersoft 2026 Golf Balls — best for players seeking a soft feel with strong distance and precise roll feedback on putts.
- Titleist Velocity Golf Balls — best for maximum distance and high launch on full swings.
- Titleist AVX Golf Balls — best for a low-spin, soft-feeling ball with excellent greenside control.
- DURARANGE Glow in the Dark LED Golf Balls — best for night rounds and visibility, with bright LED design.
- Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls — best for players chasing a combination of long distance, improved flight control, and spin management.
Callaway Golf Supersoft 2026 Golf Balls
Best for golfers who want a softer feel with noticeable roll feedback on the green. Supersoft’s HyperElastic SoftFast Core is engineered to boost driver and iron speed while preserving greenside softness. The Hybrid Cover blends distance with a forgiving feel and durability, making it a well-rounded option for players prioritizing comfort and control around the greens.
Why this is selected: The 360 Alignment feature helps with alignment on the green, aiding accuracy on short putts. Consider this choice if you favor a very soft feel and consistent distance without sacrificing durability. Caution: players seeking very high spin for approach shots may find some limit in mid-to-long iron work compared with higher-spin models.
Titleist Velocity Golf Balls
Best for players seeking maximum distance off the tee with fast swing speeds. Velocity features a high-speed LSX core designed to deliver fast ball speed and longer distance on full swings, plus a 350 octahedral dimple design that promotes a higher launch and stable flight. It’s a straightforward option for golfers prioritizing straight distance and forgiveness on long shots.
Why this is selected: Great for players who want a simple, distance-focused ball with predictable performance. Caution: Velocity is optimized for distance; players seeking a very soft feel or highly spinny short game performance may prefer another model.
Titleist AVX Golf Balls
Best for players who want a low-spinning, soft-feeling ball with excellent greenside control. AVX combines a high-gradient, high-speed core for soft feel and longer distance with a thin, high-flex casing layer that reduces spin on long shots. This ball is aimed at players who prioritize soft feel and precision around the greens over pure distance off the tee.
Why this is selected: The AVX’s lower spin on the long game can help control dispersion for mid-to-low handicaps seeking tighter shot grouping. Caution: It may feel firmer to players used to ultra-soft models, and it’s less forgiving on mishits in comparison to some high-launch designs.
DURARANGE Glow in the Dark LED Golf Balls (6 Pack)
Best for night-time rounds and backyard practice, these glow-in-the-dark balls feature three LEDs for bright visibility. The 10-minute auto-reset timer helps you locate your ball after each strike, keeping the game moving during evening sessions. The premium Sarin cover and resin core aim to deliver better elasticity and soft feel for night play.
Why this is selected: Ideal for players who frequently play after dusk or in poorly lit areas. Caution: LED visibility may vary with ambient light, and performance in daylight is not the primary design focus.
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
Best for players who want a balance of distance and feel with improved flight control. Pro V1 is described as delivering a softer feel, less spin, and a flatter trajectory compared with Pro V1x. The newer faster high-gradient core supports more speed, while the casing layer helps reduce long-game spin for more control on iron and wedge shots.
Why this is selected: A well-rounded choice for players seeking consistent performance across distance and approach shots. Caution: The Pro V1’s performance emphasis is on a controlled flight and soft feel, which may be less suited for players who prioritize extremely high spin for short game versatility.
Buying Guide
What matters most: distance, feel, or control?
Distance-focused players should prioritize balls with high ball speed cores and low spin off the tee. Those who value soft feel may prefer models with soft cores and softer covers. Greenside control enthusiasts should look for lower spin in long games paired with soft touch around the green.
How does spin affect your game?
Lower spin can produce straighter flights and longer carry, especially for players with fast swing speeds. Higher-spin balls can help with stopping power on approach shots for mid-to-high handicappers who rely on spin to shape shots.
What about visibility and night play?
For night rounds, glow-in-the-dark options offer better ball visibility and reduced loss risk, thanks to bright LEDs and designed glow duration. Consider battery life and reset features when choosing night-play balls.
How many layers and cover type matter?
Three-piece models often balance distance and feel, while multi-layer designs can optimize spin and control. The cover material (e.g., urethane vs. surlyn) influences feel, durability, and greenside control.
Choosing for skill level
Beginners typically benefit from softer, more forgiving balls with straighter flight, while advanced players may prefer models that maximize distance or provide specific spin characteristics for shot shaping.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: Which ball is best for maximum distance? A: Models with high-speed cores and low spin, like Velocity, are designed to maximize distance for many swing speeds.
- Q: Which ball feels the softest? A: Callaway Supersoft and some AVX configurations emphasize very soft feel, especially on the shorter shots around the green.
- Q: Are LED golf balls suitable for all conditions? A: They excel in low light and night play but may not offer the same performance consistency as standard balls in daylight.
- Q: Should I switch balls for greenside control or tee distance? A: If greenside control is a priority, consider AVX or Pro V1 variants; for distance, Velocity or Supersoft may be preferable.
- Q: Do multi-layer balls outperform two-piece balls? A: Multi-layer designs can offer a balance of distance, spin, and feel, but the best choice depends on your swing and skill level.