When it comes to the golf ball, there are a variety of models that do a variety of things. Whether you are a new player to the game who is looking for models that will just go forward, an improver who is wanting one of the best mid price golf balls for their bag, or perhaps a single figure handicapper who wants one of the best golf balls to add to their arsenal, there are different golf balls for everybody.
Given how broad the selection of golf balls is to choose from these days, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your game. Players want a blend of distance, feel, control and softness for the ultimate performing golf ball, with softness being one of the most important factors.
Softness is so important that a lot of manufacturers directly reference it when naming their golf balls - most of which we have included in this list. Premium golf balls provide nice levels of softness, but not all players will want to pay the premium prices for such products. That's likely why you're here - to find the best soft feeling ball on the market for the right price.
On chips and putts, it is primarily the cover material that will dictate how soft a ball feels but, on fuller shots, other elements of the ball’s design – the core and any mid-layers – come into the equation. Due to the low-compression core, these golf balls will feel softer off the face on full shots from all clubs which will help those with slower swing speeds hit it a little further in the air compared to firmer options.
So, if you like a soft feel on chips and putts, or could do with a few extra yards, courtesy of a low-compression core, we have tested lots of different 'soft-feel' models and collated our top picks below. Also, have a read of our other golf ball guides as well to truly inform your next purchase, such as the best value golf balls or the best distance golf balls.
The Quick List
A strong-performing golf ball given the price point, Titleist's Tour Soft will suit players with a moderate swing speed to help gain a few extra yards off the tee.
One of the best value golf balls on the market, the SuperSoft from Callaway is ideal for senior players who don't want to break the bank paying for premium golf balls.
With a low compression and a reasonably responsive cover, the Soft Feel is an ideal ball for those who like a quality softer ball at a competitive price.
Wilson's Duo Soft 2023 golf balls perform well throughout the bag, but will certainly appeal to players who like a high ball flight and are looking for a soft feel.
The SpeedSoft present a very unique printed pattern on the golf ball which may not be to everyone's liking, but you can't argue with the performance on offer.
Another option from Callaway in addition to the SuperSofts, the Hex Soft is a well-rounded golf ball presented a very fair price
Best Soft Feel Golf Balls
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Top pick
Starting with our top pick, we have gone for the Tour Soft ball from Titleist. As the name claims, these are incredibly soft golf balls but still felt powerful off the tee and, although they won't rank as one of the best distance golf balls on the market, they blend spin and distance well.
Several upgrades have been made from the previous Tour Soft ball, which include the reformed Fusablend cover which helps deliver consistent spin from greenside pitch and chip shots. A new thick T-line adjustment tool on the side of each ball is another welcome addition that can help players of all abilities on the greens.
We were impressed by the levels of control on offer during our testing, control we noticed most when we had wedge in hand. Good durability is another big plus, which can sometimes be lacking in less-premium golf balls. The Tour Soft is therefore a really solid options for golfers who don't want to break the bank on golf balls.
- Read our full Titleist 2024 Tour Soft Golf Ball Review
Best color choice
Callaway’s low-compression Supersoft ball, aimed at those with average swing speeds seeking a soft feel, underwent several improvements in the latest version, with the primary difference being a new hybrid cover that features, what Callaway has christened, a Paraloid Impact Modifier.
In testing, the distance and durability stood out to us, especially when we noticed there was no sacrifice to feel or short-game control. Callaway's unique HEX Aerodynamics cover plays a big part in this, reducing drag and increasing lift to help players achieve better launch angles off the tee which results in extra distance.
The Soft Compression Core inside the ball makes for a more efficient energy transfer at impact resulting in higher ball speed and launch whilst keeping spin levels on the lower side of things. This, again, will increase distance whilst also protection levels of control players will feel around the greens. Six colorways are available with the SuperSoft, perfect for players who want a bit of flair when it comes to the ball they use.
- Read our full Callaway Supersoft Ball Review
Best overall feel
In 2023, we saw the Srixon Soft Feel golf ball head into its 13th generation, with the model still one of the best Srixon golf balls anywhere on the market. In the latest edition, we still see the two-piece construction but, thanks to a FastLayer core with a soft centre that gradually gets firmer as you move towards the cover, it is now able to snap back into shape more quickly.
The Soft Feel is perfect for those with slower swing speeds of 90mph or less due to the soft core, enabling golfers to get more consistent spin levels and distance numbers than they would get with a firmer option.
The side stamp isn't as big as the 'T' design on the side of the Titleist Tour Soft but is still a great addition to help line up your putts on the golf course. 338 dimples will work overtime to deliver consistent roll on the greens and trustworthy flight off the tee with reduced drag to help get airborne as quickly as possible.
In testing the feel was exceptional, especially when you combine that with the lower price this ball comes at.
- Read our full Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball 2023 Review
Best high flight
With its compression rating of 40, it is hard to disagree with Wilson when they claim this offering to be the 'world's softest golf ball'. Akin to many on this list, the Wilson Duo Soft is an ionomer-covered golf ball that has been designed to allow for maximum energy return, meaning this ball flies further and launches higher with much less effort.
In testing, we found this was the case as it produced a towering trajectory with every club in the bag. This higher ball flight will certainly help the slower swinging players who are looking to get the ball in the air easier, as well as those looking for a bit more speed and distance from their golf equipment.
Feel-wise, it was extremely soft on the face, but still felt springy when struck off the middle. We were very surprised with this golf ball and, considering its price tag, this is definitely one of the best value golf balls going.
- Read our full Wilson Duo Soft 2023 Golf Ball Review
Most unique
The TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink is a low compression golf ball engineered to produce speed off the face for slower swinging players while feeling extremely soft.
This ball will no doubt be a popular choice for golfers given the feel and performance we found during our testing process, with the SpeedSoft best suited to mid-handicappers or those with slower clubhead speeds. This option could help said players find a few extra yards with the longer clubs in their golf bags.
This ball is also perfect for the player who wants to stand out from the crowd a bit, with four different vibrant colorways on offer. Splashes of colorful paint are dashed across the golf ball for a unique look - one we really liked. It doesn't look tacky or cheesy but rather looks inviting to play with. They also help you find your golf ball is lush rough for the wayward drives. The range is also available in classic white or yellow colors for those who aren't as keen of the paint splashes.
Labelled as a mid-launching golf ball, in our testing this ball produced more spin and climbed a little higher than we were expecting, so golfers who struggle for height will benefit, and golfers who already produce height will see their ball flight climb even further. We found that the higher launch and spin actually allowed us to be more aggressive on the course and attack pins we may not otherwise have gone at.
- Read our full TaylorMade SpeedSoft Ink 2024 Golf Ball Review
Best durability
First and foremost, the Callaway Hex Soft delivers a lot of performance for a relatively modest price and, as such, it offers excellent value for money. This is one of Callaway’s distance balls, but one that's billed as also offering great feel.
Callaway credit their low compression core for such feel which they calim gives the ball better sped through the air, resulting in distance gains, whilst the trionomer cover is the main factor behind the increased feel over short game shots. We were keen to test this during our review process and were blown away by the results - we enjoyed both the control and durability on offer. Soft golf balls can often struggle in these areas, which made the Hex Soft all the more impressive.
Along with long game performance, it performs admirably around the green where, off the putter face, it feels soft and easy to control. We think that, if you are looking for a ball that provides distance and a soft feel at an excellent price, then the Hex Soft should be on your list.
- Read our full Callaway Hex Soft Golf Ball Review
How we test golf balls
The quality of Golf Monthly's reviews and buyers guides is built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team that has a sterling reputation in the industry, known for delivering the key points you want to know in a concise, easy-to-digest manner.
We pride ourselves with our reviews because we've done them for a very long time, thus meaning our testing procedure has been fine tuned across over a decade of golf reviews.
Add to this our impartiality and our passion for the game - it means our reviews serve you, the reader, and the golf community as a whole. No manufacturer gets preferential treatment, nor can a brand 'buy' a good review - we simply call it how we see it based on our vast experience reviewing golf equipment over the decades.
Our reviews are done for golfers, by golfers, meaning we know what to look for when reviewing different pieces of golf gear. The goal of our reviews is to help our loyal readers find the best possible equipment to suit their golf games and help get those handicaps down.
Our specific golf ball testing is built upon the procedure of testing indoors so we can get controlled data inside, and then see how the golf ball performs outside and on the golf course. That way we can get a more complete picture and get greater feedback to pass on to you.
How to choose new golf balls
Soft or firm? - Softer feel golf balls tend to give players more control around the green, whilst harder-shelled golf balls are best for those looking extra distance off the tee or those who enjoy playing lots of rounds of golf in colder winter conditions. Alternatively, premium golf balls look to tick both of these boxes, but you'll pay a lot more for these options. If you're unwilling to do this, choose between those two broad options what you think is best for your game.
Cover material - Urethane-covered balls offer the best spin control and feel but do cost more. Experiment to see if you notice enough of a difference to justify the extra cost, or whether the best mid-price golf balls might be an option.
Long game or short game? - Which aspect of the game is most important to you? Do you want to get as much distance as possible out of your golf ball or would you prefer a model that allows your short game to flourish thanks to improved feel?
Well we have created guides for both. If you value the former then check out our guide on the best distance golf balls. Or, if you put a real premium on feel, which is probably the case given you have read this guide, then a soft feel model is a ball to go for.
Price - No buying guide would be complete without at least mentioning the price factor. Thankfully most brands make models at different price points so you can rest assured there will be a top-performing model for you, however much you want to spend. Additionally, most of the soft feel models we included in this guide have different price points but none come at that super premium end of the price spectrum.
For more buying advice on golf balls, check out our guides on the best golf balls for slow swing speeds, best balls for beginners, or best balls for seniors.
FAQs
What is a soft golf ball compression rating?
The golf ball compression rating describes how hard or soft the ball is. In general, brands rate golf ball compression between 30 and 120. The softest is 30, whilst the hardest is 120.
What is a soft ball good for?
A softer golf ball is good for getting more feel off the clubface especially when it comes to hitting shots around the green, and when on it as well. In the past using a soft ball would've meant compromising on distance but this is not really the case anymore because of technology.
Balls with low-compression soft cores will feel softer off the face on full shots, with the added rebound properties of those soft cores also potentially helping those with low to average swing speeds hit it a little bit further compared to firmer-compression balls.
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