Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds 2025

Most club golfers aren't blessed with tour pro swing speeds, hence the need for our guide to the best golf balls for slow swing speeds

Best golf balls for slow swing speeds
(Image credit: Future)

Not all golf balls are created equal. There are balls designed to spin more, to launch higher and to carry further. As with the clubs in your bag, it makes sense to put a ball in play that matches your swing as well as your aspirations. Most golfers irrespective of handicap are chasing distance, but how do we know what ball to choose in this pursuit? A good place to start is by looking at the speed numbers your swing generates.

Years of Trackman data shows us that the average’ mid-handicap, male golfer has a swing speed of 93.4mph with the driver, which equates to 214 yards off the tee. If you fall below this number, it's probably best you play with a ball designed for extra distance.

While it’s natural to reach for a box of the best golf balls, if you’re a slower swinger it's unlikely they’re the best match for you. Of course it’s easy to be swayed by marketing and wanting to play the same ball as your favorite pro but these balls are tailor made for young, fit athletes who can swing out of their shoes and thus may not be best suited to the playing characteristics of your swing.

Instead, try selecting a ball that’s designed for slower swing speeds. Fortunately all the leading manufacturers make a ball that’s aimed at producing more speed off the face at impact. By putting one of these in play, you’ll not only likely see distance gains, you’ll also probably save some money, too; typically tour-quality balls come with a price tag to match!

Here’s a closer look at some of the best golf balls for slow swing speeds. You might also want to check out our guides to best distance golf balls and the best golf balls for beginners.

The Quick List

Best Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds

Top pick

Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review

(Image credit: Future)
Superb ball flights and distances

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Thin 4CE grafted cover
Compression: Soft
Colors: 3 (white, yellow, green)

Reasons to buy

+
Bright white finish
+
Useful alignment aid sidestamp
+
Generous greenside spin

Reasons to avoid

-
Small drop in carry distance compared to a premium ball

You might not think to equate soft feel golf balls with slower swing speeds. However, the lower compression can really add some speed off the face for those that don’t generate much clubhead speed - and all without losing feel. Titleist’s Tour Soft is one such ball, delivering both decent distance and spin.

Thanks to the new Fusablend cover added to the 2024 Tour Soft, players can achieve much better short game feel and control, especially around the greens with chip and pitch shots. We found this particularly valuable during our testing and enjoyed the soft feel it produced. This extra spin will mean a sacrifice off the tee in terms of distance for those who generate a lot of spin, but given this is a guide dedicated to those players who don't tend to create too much club head speed, we therefore imagine you don't create too much spin either which means this shouldn't be a determining factor on whether or not to opt for this golf ball. All told, the Tour Soft is a great all-rounder, blending distance, spin and durability in an affordable package.

Best value

Wilson Duo Soft Golf Ball

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Construction : Two-Piece
Cover: Surlyn
Compression: 37
Color: 5 (White, Green, Red, Pink, Yellow)

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive distance for a soft ball
+
Lovely soft feel
+
Affordable price point

Reasons to avoid

-
Likely won’t perform well for faster swing speeds

Combining value for money with solid, consistent on-course performance, the Duo Soft golf ball from Wilson takes the label for the 'best value' option in this guide.

This ball is perfect for those with slower swings speeds thanks to the lower compression. This helps players who don't swing out of their shoes achieve easier, higher launch and greater distance as a result, whereas faster swinging players would be more suited to a harder golf ball with a higher compression. Lower compression also makes it easier to compress the ball with iron or wedge in hand, again helping with distance.

Wilson have also given the Duo Soft a small makeover, removing the colorful logo and replacing it with a simplistic black and white look that gives off a premium feel. Like the best Wilson golf balls, this is one of the best value golf balls on the market and well worth a try for those with slower swing speeds.

Best feel

TaylorMade Speedsoft Ink Golf Ball

(Image credit: Future)
Plenty of performance especially in terms of feel

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Ionomer
Compression: Less than 50
Colors: 4 (Pink, Blue, Green, Red)

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely soft feel
+
Great value for money
+
Solid all-round performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Graphics may be off-putting for some
-
Not the longest ball in the TaylorMade range for most

The Speedsoft Ink is a unique low compression golf ball that caters to the slow speed swinger who likes a bit of flair with their golf ball.

Like the Wilson Duo Soft, we found that this combination resulted in a high ball flight with bags of spin. This is a really good option for those who struggle to lift the ball into the air, meaning a lower ball flight which makes it harder to attack those pins tucked away into tight corners of the green.

The higher launch and spin is delivered with a springy feel that’s common in softer balls aimed at slower swing speeds. If you’re after pure distance there are balls that will give you more yards off the tee, but as a solid all-rounder for slow swingers who want a higher ball flight, then it’s a great match.

The ink splatter design isn't for everyone, but we appreciate it when brands try something different with golf ball design as it opens the game up for a wider audience to play. However, if you're not a fan of the ink look then don't fear, you can get the Speedsoft in regular white or yellow too.

Best control

Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls 2023 resting on the green

(Image credit: Future)
Excellent control around the greens

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Ionomer
Compression: 60
Colors: 4 (White, Red, Orange and Green)

Reasons to buy

+
Soft feel at impact
+
Good control around the greens

Reasons to avoid

-
Soft feel might not give enough audible feedback on putts

Just because you have a slower swing speed and don't want to lose distance off the tee doesn't mean you should have to sacrifice touch and control around the greens - step forward the Srixon Soft Feel, one of the best Srixon golf balls.

Again it uses a lower compression rating to help deliver more speed at impact for slower swingers. During our testing we were impressed with the distance gained on well-struck shots. It did generate a little too much spin for us, but if your swing speed with the driver is around 90mph, then this won’t be an issue. Instead, you should be rewarded with a nice, high ball flight, plenty of spin and decent carry numbers.

During testing we loved the soft feel when chipping and putting, it's a valuable feedback that made us feel like we had more control of the ball than other options in this guide mainly thanks to the ionomer casing. If you prefer a firmer, more 'clicky' feel off the clubface during your short game and putting then we'd advise to look at other options.

Best distance

the Callaway Warbird Golf Ball on the putting green

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
A reliable and trusted golf ball that is great for beginners

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Ionomer
Compression: 90
Colors: 2 (white, yellow)

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive distance
+
Degree of greenside feel
+
Excellent value for money

Reasons to avoid

-
Won't offer quite enough spin around the greens

While Callaway golf balls come in a variety of specifications, the Warbird is its tried-and-tested distance model. It's a model that has been around for decades and for good reason, providing players who need a distance boost those valuable extra yards for an affordable price.

During our testing, we found it to be few extra yards longer compared to the previous model. With the driver it feels hot off the face, but we found the distance gains most noticeable with our irons and wedges - around five or six yards in fact. This does come at a slight cost with regards to control around the greens, but if distance is your priority it’s likely a trade-off you’ll be happy to make. And for the average, slower swinging player that the Warbird is aimed at, it’s probably responsive enough.

Best 15-pack

Wilson Velocity Distance Golf Ball and its firey orange packaging resting on the golf course

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Great all-round distance in an excellent larger pack

Specifications

Construction: Two-piece
Cover: Ionomer
Compression: 70
Colors: 1 (white)

Reasons to buy

+
It really delivers eye popping distance.
+
Very affordable 15 in a pack so you do get bang for your bucks
+
Great distance and hugely beneficial if extra yardage is what you're after

Reasons to avoid

-
This feels very firm around the greens especially off the putter face
-
Only available in white

The Velocity Distance would have taken our 'best value' tag if not for its brother the Duo Soft, so we've slotted it into it's own category here instead thanks to their 15-ball offering. This means less trips to the shops when you run out and even more value, but how does one of the best value golf balls fare for slower swing speeds?

We found that it delivers plenty of distance off the tee for slower swingers, thanks in part to the combination of the low compression construction and the aerodynamic dimple pattern - for us the ball had a nice, penetrating flight that translated to a few extra yards. This distance is repeated with the irons, but does also mean a little less spin than we were used to. As result we airmailed a few greens before adjusting for the added distance and rollout.

The trade off, maybe unsurprisingly, is with short game. If you like a little check spin on your chips or a soft feel with the putter you likely won't reach the level you want with the Velocity. Instead, it's quite a firm and robust feel that is suited more to the long game than short game.

How we test golf balls

When it comes to testing golf balls, we apply the same comprehensive approach we take with all our reviews.

With golf balls, this means we’ve put them through their paces both on the range and on the golf course. Typically this means using one of the best launch monitors that allows us to generate plenty of data. By looking at the numbers - ball speed, spin rate, carry, distance, etc. - we can better judge the ball’s performance against the manufacturer's claims. We can also compare it more easily to its competitors.

Of course, how a ball performs during a round is vital. Our review team will analyze a number of attributes, from how easy the ball is to shape to how well it stops on the green, as well as other factors, including durability. With the information gathered, we offer an honest and unbiased review that aims only to better inform you.

How to choose golf balls

Given the overwhelming choice, buying golf balls today is no easy task.

But rather than simply opt for the same ball you’ve seen advertised on television while watching the latest PGA Tour or DP World Tour event, think instead about your own game.

The vast majority of us aren’t blessed with the clubhead speed of Cameron Champ, the towering ball flight of Rory McIlroy or the deft touch around the greens of Shane Lowry. So why choose a ball that’s designed for these elite players but may actually limit your strengths and highlight your weaknesses?

But how do you know what's the right golf ball for you? Knowing your swing speed is a great place to start. You can then begin to dig deeper into your game to find a ball that will best suit your game. Here are the key considerations:

1. Distance

If a launch monitor is telling you that your swing speed with the driver is 90mph or under, then you need a golf ball that’s designed for slower swing speeds. Similarly, if you struggle to hit it over 200 yards off the tee, even if you've flushed it., the same applies. These lower compression models are a great match for slower swingers, often giving them the distance gains they need while still delivering plenty of feel.

2. Launch

If your clubhead speed is on the side slower it can be more difficult to get the ball into the air sufficiently. Again balls designed for slower swing speeds will typically launch higher, which helps with those forced carries or if you need to try to hit a green, or find a pin, that demands a higher ball flight.

3. Control

While distance is usually the primary goal for slower swingers of the club, you are unlikely to want to sacrifice too much control in the pursuit of those extra yards.

Feel is somewhat subjective; some players prefer the firmer feel and sound of high or mid-compression balls, while others enjoy balls that are softer off the clubface. The best advice is to try a number of balls designed for slow swing speeds. Think about how they feel on those scoring shots to and around the green as well as off the putter face. Compare the amount of spin you can generate and how easy it is to control the ball.

4. Colors

Golf balls come in a variety of colors. A brighter ball might suit your eye, as well as being easier to see through the air, and when it finds the rough. You might even be tempted to try one of the best glow in the dark golf balls.

However, even if you always play a traditional white golf ball, it might be worth experimenting with different alignment marks.

5. Budget

Last, but not least, is how much you can afford to spend. Golf balls range significantly in price. Unsurprisingly, the balls played by the touring pros are pretty expensive. But fortunately for slower swingers it’s often he case that balls designed to maximize distance are more affordable.

Why not take a look at our guides to the best Titleist golf balls, best Callaway golf balls and best Wilson golf balls to find the right model at the right price?

FAQs

What golf ball should I use with slow swing speed?

Most brands make golf balls for slower swinging players these days and we have found the common design features include - low compression, simple two or three-piece construction, aerodynamic dimple design, and often the best golf balls for slow swing speeds often have soft in the model name! As far as specific models go, the Titleist Tour Soft, TaylorMade Soft Response and Srixon Soft Feel are three of the best.

What does a soft feeling golf ball do?

Soft feeling golf balls are designed with a low-compression core that can improve ball flights, help you hit each shot straighter and get more distance. Akin to firmer feel balls, they have much less spin and allow players to control the direction of the ball a little easier.

What does a slow swing speed mean?

Slow swing speeds relate to how fast you swing the club and how much power you are able to put on the ball at impact. If you have a slower swing speed you're likely to not be able to strike the golf ball as far as some one with a faster swing speed.

Sam De'Ath
Staff Writer

Sam has worked in the golf industry for 12 years, offering advice on equipment to all levels of golfers.  Sam heads up any content around fairway woods, hybrids, wedges and golf balls but also writes about other equipment from time to time. Sam graduated from Webber International University in 2017 with a BSc Marketing Management degree while playing collegiate golf. His experience of playing professionally on both the EuroPro Tour and Clutch Pro Tour, alongside his golf retail history, means Sam has extensive knowledge of golf equipment and what works for different types of golfer.

Sam’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD, 9°

Fairway Wood: Titleist TRS2, 13°

Driving Iron: Titleist U505 17°

Irons: Ping Blueprint T 4-PW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54°, 60°

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: Titleist Pro V1 

With contributions from