You tear open a new sleeve of golf balls, tee one up on the first hole, and slice it out of bounds. When you play with the best cheap golf balls, the mood is less somber than if it were a Titleist Pro V1.
In this post, I take you through the best cheap golf balls for 2023 to save you money without hampering your performance. Most of these golf balls are 2-piece constructions with ionomer covers built to optimize your distance. However, there is something for every golfer on a budget.
If you appreciate cheap good golf balls, I suggest bookmarking our review on the best golf balls for the average golfer.
Top 3 Best Golf Balls
| Best Overall | Lowest Price | Longest | |
| Bridgestone e12 Contact | Callaway Warbird | TaylorMade Distance+ | |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Price Score | 89.1 | 98.5 | 95.1 |
| Spin | 94.2 | 78.1 | 79.1 |
| Distance | 92.1 | 91.8 | 91.2 |
| Flight | 94.7 | 93.2 | 92.8 |
| Rating | 4.5 Stars | 4.5 Stars | 4 Stars |
Why You Should Trust Us
Golfspan is independent and not pressured by manufacturers to recommend products. We were not paid for the reviews in this article. These golf balls were selected by our team, who have over 100 years of experience playing golf and thousands of hours reviewing products. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase something through our retail links.
The Best Cheap Golf Balls 2023
1. Bridgestone e12 Contact – Overall Best Cheap Golf Ball
Pros
- Increases friction at impact
- Boosts energy transfer on rapid ball speed
- Lowers backspin on long shots
- The mantle reduces side spin for straighter results
- It provides a better greenside control
Cons
- It is priced at the top end of the cheap golf balls market
- The thick cover reduces feedback
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 3-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Mid
I found the Bridgestone e12 Contact is the best overall cheap golf ball in 2023 thanks to its straight flight, explosive ball velocity, and low long-game spin. The 3-piece ionomer-covered golf ball comprises a Gradational Compression Core, a sidespin-reducing mantle, and a Contact Force Dimple pattern.
The Gradational Compression Core is the engine of the e12 and encourages increased energy transfer and reduced spin at impact. As a result, you generate explosive ball speed for a high, powerful launch.
Next, I appreciated the sidespin reduction induced by the mantle, which sits between the cover and the core. The spin reduction helped me achieve straighter ball flight for improved accuracy. In addition, the firm ionomer cover produced rampant speed and fewer revolutions per minute on long shots.
Finally, the Contact Force Dimple pattern raises friction by 38% for a pure strike, leading to a better feel in your short game.
Rating: 4.5
2. Callaway Warbird – Best Lowest Price Cheap Golf Balls
Pros
- Affordable for all golfers
- It generates a rampant ball pace
- The aerodynamics fight drag
- It prompts a high launch
- Produces greater distance
Cons
- Rock hard feel
- It provides limited greenside spin
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: High
Although all golf balls on this list are affordable, some carry lower price tags than others. The 2-piece Callaway Warbird distance ball is the top lowest price golf ball in 2023 for its high ball flight, rapid velocity, and optimal distance.
I alternated between the Warbird and Maxfli Noodle as a teenager and appreciated the consistency of this golf ball. Modern technology has only improved it, and its extra-large high-energy core compresses easier than before.
Despite its high rating, the enlarged design promotes exceptional energy transfer from the clubface to the ball, leading to an accelerated pace. I noticed this feature paired well with the drag-resistant Hex Aerodynamics, which elevated the launch for greater carry distance.
The only downside of the Warbird is the lack of spin and control on short-game and approach shots. Ultimately, it is ideal for a slower swing speed.
Rating: 4.5
3. TaylorMade Distance + – The Longest Best Inexpensive Golf Ball
Pros
- Exceptional distance
- It produces ample roll
- Minimizes long-game spin
- Boosts ball speed
- Limits drag
Cons
- Minimal greenside spin
- Not ideal for slow swing speeds
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Mid
As the name suggests, the TaylorMade Distance + earns the prize for the longest of the best bargain golf balls. In my experience, this 2-piece design is a pure distance ball built to optimize your long game length.
The React Speed Core is the centerpiece, working to accelerate the ball pace and limit driver spin for greater length off the tee. Moderate swing speeds will appreciate the added speed and find it easy to strike this 77 compression-rated golf ball.
Next, I appreciated the drag-resistant work of the aerodynamic dimple pattern, which elevated the lift off the tee. The result was higher ball flight and improved carry distance. Furthermore, the lower spin rate propelled the ball to roll with intent, giving me extra yards on the ground.
Like the other distance balls, the lower spin proved detrimental around the greens and on approach. Superior golfers will rue these qualities, but it works for the average golfer, operating with less precision.
Rating: 4
4. Titleist Velocity – Most Durable Cheap Good Golf Balls
Pros
- Durable golf ball cover
- Generates rampant ball speed
- Restricts spin on long game strikes
- Provides a playable greenside feel
- Best suited to moderate swing speeds
Cons
- It is priced higher than its peers
- Lower spin on approach and wedge shots than I like.
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: NAZ + Ionomer
- Compression: Mid
The challenge with some budget golf balls is their durability, causing scuffs and imperfections after one knick of the sand. I feel the Titleist Velocity is a well-deserved winner of this category thanks to its durable LSX Core and NAZ+ cover.
This moderate compression golf ball suits average swing speeds seeking added ball zip and a high trajectory. The LSX Core enhanced energy transfer and sped up my ball pace for a considerable long game distance.
In addition, the NAZ+ ionomer cover escalates ball speed and lowers spin on long game strikes. Conversely, it offers greater friction and a playable feel around the greens.
Finally, I enjoyed the higher ball flight brought on by the ball’s 350 Octahedral dimple design. I noticed it fought drag on the up to reach a high apex and promote superb carry yards.
Rating: 4
5. Maxfli Straightfli – The Straightest Cheap Good Golf Balls
Pros
- It flies 20% straighter than previous Maxfli golf balls
- Promotes rampant speed on long shots
- Lowers driver spin
- Forgiving
- Affordable
Cons
- It provides limited friction on putts and wedge shots
- Eradicates workability
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Mid
As a high handicapper, you may find it tough to produce accurate shots, causing you to spend time in dodgy lies on the golf course. The Maxfli Straightfli offers one solution: its precise dimple pattern helps less talented players stay in play.
The standout feature of this two-layer golf ball is its Find The Fairway dimple pattern, which Maxfli suggests flies 20$ straighter than their previous models. In my experience, the dimple pattern limited the impact of a hook or slice for greater accuracy.
It is not the holy grail, but it does minimize the outcome of your mistakes. Besides its splendid dimple pattern, the Straightfli is equipped with a Next Generation Core, boosting energy at impact and restricting spin for longer golf shots.
Overall, this affordable, accurate golf ball works for high handicappers with moderate swing speeds in desperate need of straighter flight.
Rating: 4
6. Callaway Supersoft – Best Low-Priced Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speeds
Pros
- Produces ample compression at impact
- Launches high
- Prompts a soft landing on approach
- Available in 6 colors
- Generates rampant ball pace
Cons
- Not ideal for moderate or fast swing speeds
- Produces limited spin
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer Hybrid Paraloid
- Compression: Low
So far, our list has centered around moderate compression golf balls better suited to medium swing speeds. The low compression rated Supersoft is my pick for the best budget golf balls for slow swing speeds, thanks to its increased pace, low spin, high flight, and multiple color options.
The Supersoft features one of the lowest compression scores on the market. This means it helps slow swing speeds produce increased spring off the clubface for exceptional pace and an elevated launch. Plus, the Soft Compression Core lowers spin for greater distance and straighter flight.
Next, the classic Callaway Hex Aerodynamics are applied to the ionomer golf ball cover to restrict drag and elevate lift. This helped me deliver consistent carry distance and a soft landing on approach.
Finally, the Supersoft golf balls are offered in six colors ranging from green, red, and orange to pink, yellow, and white.
Find more easy striking balls in our review on the best low-compression golf balls for seniors.
Rating: 4
7. Srixon Soft Feel – Highest Launching Cheapest Golf Balls
Pros
- Launches high
- Reduces spin
- Boosts ball velocity
- Produces consistent carry distance
- Available in two colors
Cons
- Minimal short-game spin
- Not the most durable golf ball
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Mid
High handicappers will welcome the drag-resistant qualities of the Srixon Soft Feel, which ensures a frequent high launch. Added to its impressive launch capabilities, the Soft Feel provides ample compression at impact for an increased pace.
The 338 Speed Dimple layout is my favorite feature, as this component fights drag for increased launch and a high ball flight. While it lacks on the spin front, I noticed the increased trajectory prompted an aggressive descent for a soft landing.
Srixon engineers concocted the Softest FastLayer Core, which helps the ball snap back off the clubface for optimal compression. This armed me with a combination of rampant velocity and low spin.
Overall, the Soft Feel offers an affordable, 2-piece design that accelerates pace, lower spin, and sends your golf ball high.
Rating: 4
8. Vice Drive – Most Roll For Budget Golf Balls
Pros
- Delivers the farthest roll among the cheapest golf balls
- Durable cover
- Produces exceptional ball speed
- Restricts spin
- Features a Drive alignment aid for an accurate putting setup
Cons
- Minimal greenside spin
- Not the softest golf ball
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: DuPont Surlyn
- Compression: High
Countless manufacturers focus on the carry distance element of their golf balls. On the other hand, the optimal roll is advantageous in windy conditions or on dry golf courses. The Vice Drive possesses the best roll potential of cheap good golf balls to increase your carry distance post-landing.
The 392 Symmetrical Dimple Design generates the superior roll, which ensures maximum buoyancy for a stable trajectory and descent angle. As a result, the ball maintains momentum to keep rolling once it lands for an increased total distance.
Next, I appreciated the durable and cut-resistant core that withstood high-impact loads and visits to the cart path and the bunker. Plus, it boosted energy transfer at impact to escalate ball zip and reduce spin.
Finally, the DuPont Surlyn cover did well to restrict spin and resist scuffs from rough surfaces. In my experience, it makes a suitable ball for high handicappers with moderate swing speeds seeking superior long-game yards.
Rating: 4
9. TaylorMade Noodle – Best Affordable Golf Balls For High Handicappers
Pros
- It encourages straighter ball flight
- Suits slow swing speed
- Produces optimal compression at impact
- Generates rampant ball speed
- Lowers spin
Cons
- No greenside spin
- They do not suit moderate or high swing speeds
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: w-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Low
Earlier, I mentioned that I played a TaylorMade Noodle as a teenager. Although I don’t use them anymore, I still appreciate their work. I find the low compression rating of these golf balls with aerodynamic dimples makes them ideal for high handicappers.
The Impact Propulsion Core powers the Noodle and promotes maximum compression at contact for enhanced ball velocity. In addition, I noticed the core paired with the durable ionomer cover to restrict spin for a high launch and consistent carry distance.
My shots with a Noodle traveled relatively straight, and the impact of mishits was mitigated to reduce catastrophic curves and lost golf balls. In my experience, the 342 Aerodynamic patterns sliced through the air for uninterrupted flight and superior carry distance.
Ultimately, TaylorMade Noodle golf balls offer high handicappers with slow swing speeds and a low compression design to maximize distance and accuracy.
Rating: 3.5
10. Pinnacle Soft – Lowest Spinning Good Golf Balls For Cheap
Pros
- Low spin for optimal long-game distance
- Produces impressive ball speed
- Generates maximum compression at impact
- Delivers optimal distance
- Resists drag
Cons
- Offers limited control around the green
- Durability is questionable
Specifications
- Type: Distance
- Construction: 2-piece
- Cover Material: Ionomer
- Compression: Low
Low spin is essential to produce a consistent, long golf shot. My lowest spinning best low-cost golf balls are the Pinnacle Soft thanks to its backspin resisting ionomer cover. Besides its spin limitations, it produces rampant ball zip and drag-resistant flight for consistent carry distance.
This 2-piece Pinnacle golf ball carries a super low compression rating, a dream for slow swing speeds. I find it easy for slower-swinging golfers to generate consistent ball speed and low spin for an optimal lift.
The final puzzle piece is the 332 Icosahedral dimples scattered around the ionomer cover. In my experience, the dimple design resisted drag, improved lift, and kept the ball flying uninterrupted.
Overall, the Pinnacle Soft is an easy-launching golf ball that gives slow swing speeds the distance boost they desire.
Find more of the best low-spin golf balls in our dedicated guide for 2023.
Rating: 3
What To Consider When Purchasing Good Cheap Golf Balls
Layers
Cheap golf balls typically include two layers, but you can find designs with a third, like the Bridgestone e12 Contact. Two-piece golf balls deliver minimal greenside spin because the core promotes rapid ball speed and low spin, along with a firm ionomer cover.
Conversely, a 3-piece golf ball consists of a core, mantle, and cover. In this instance, the mantle further reduces spin for improved distance and accuracy. Remember that the added layer comes at a higher price when compared to the standard 2-piece design.
Compression Score
The compression score of a golf ball is the next factor to consider, as it impacts your ball speed and spin capabilities. The lower the rating is, the more a ball compresses against the clubface at impact for an increased pace.
Low-compression golf balls carry a rating from 30 to 60, and mid-compression golf balls stop short of 90. Anything beyond 90 is a high compression score, and the balls are generally better for fast swing speeds. With that logic, you notice that low-compression golf balls best favor slow swing speeds.
Ball Flight
As you inspect different cheap golf balls, you notice they are generally geared towards producing high flight for optimal carry distance. While this is a common theme, you must consider the shape that best suits you.
If you struggle with accuracy, think about a golf ball with straighter flight, like the Maxfli Straightfli, with its “Find The Fairway” dimple pattern. Alternatively, you could consider the Titleist Velocity for a more workable ball flight.
Read More: Best Golf Balls For Women
FAQ
What Are The Best Low-Cost Golf Balls?
The overall best low-cost golf balls are the Bridgestone e12 Contact, thanks to its straight flight, explosive ball speed, and consistent spin. In addition, the TaylorMade Distance+ is the longest of the cheapest golf balls.
Do Cheap Golf Balls Make A Difference?
Yes, cheap golf balls make a difference, as most are designed for distance purposes. The best low-cost golf balls are typically 2-piece constructions with an ionomer cover that restricts spin for maximum distance.
While the spin reduction aids your long game, it leads to reduced greenside control, making it difficult to stop your ball rapidly. Conversely, expensive golf balls carry three or more layers that deliver low spin off the tee and high spin around the green.
How Much Should I Spend On A Golf Ball?
The average golfer should spend no more than $2.50 on a golf ball, or it is a senseless purchase. At this price per unit, a box costs you $30, and that is as high as you should go.
However, if you are a low handicapper searching for precision, you could opt to spend more on premium urethane constructions.
Are Refurbished Golf Balls Okay?
Refurbished golf balls are okay for weekend warriors who lose countless balls every round and are unphased by imperfections. However, serious golfers should avoid refurbished balls as they do not possess the performance capabilities they once did.
What Is The Best Cheap Golf Ball?
The overall best cheap golf ball is the Bridgestone e12 Contact for its direct ball flight, consistent spin rate, and accelerated ball speed.
Conclusion
There is your answer on how to reduce golf ball expenses during this time of rising costs. You have ten quality golf balls to choose from that deliver a high launch, accelerated ball speed, low spin, and consistent flight.
In my experience, the Overall best cheap golf balls in 2023 are the Bridgestone e12 Contact for overall performance. This 3-piece construction prompts increased friction for a better feel on short shots and rapid ball speed off the tee. Plus, its Gradational Compression core restricts spin on long shots.
If you are on a tighter budget, the long-traveling and entry-level Callaway Warbird golf balls are worth testing. Finally, the longest cheap good golf balls this year are the TaylorMade Distance +.
If price is no issue for your wallet, you can choose from a heap of the best golf balls waiting for you to learn about.
Matt is a seasoned golf equipment writer and sports fanatic. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for over 28 years.
