Cold-weather golf? It’s a game for the die-hards. I used to be one of them, braving near-freezing temperatures under the Johannesburg sun. Bundled up in layers with the right shoes, but what about your golf ball

Choosing the best golf balls for cold weather is crucial in those icy conditions. Opting for the right one can be the difference between a painful mis-hit and gaining those extra yards on the course.

Best Golf Balls For Cold Weather

Callaway Supersoft 

Callaway Supersoft 

Callaway Supersoft 

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Are you looking for high performance without breaking the bank?

The Callaway Supersoft delivers! It’s an exceptional ball offering incredible value.

Perfect for those seeking top-notch performance without the premium price tag.

Pros

Ideal for players with average swing speeds

New hybrid cover enhances distance and durability while maintaining feel

Engineered for straighter shots

Cons

Not suitable for players with faster swing speeds

  • Compression: Very low, offering a soft feel
  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Pink, Red

The Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball is designed for players seeking a soft feel and enhanced distance. Featuring a low compression core and a new hybrid cover with Callaway’s Paraloid Impact Modifier, it promises increased distance and durability without compromising feel or short game control. The soft compression core boosts ball speed and launch while keeping the spin low.

Our testing confirmed the Supersoft’s performance, with excellent receptiveness on approach shots and a convenient black ‘Supersoft’ stamping for alignment on the green. Available in six vibrant colors, including yellow, matte orange, green, pink, and red, it stands out on the course and excels in colder climates.

Titleist Tour Speed 2022 

Titleist Tour Speed 2022 

Titleist Tour Speed 2022 

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Are you looking for exceptional performance without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Titleist Tour Speed 2022!

This ball delivers outstanding distance, especially in the long game, making it a top choice for golfers seeking consistent performance at a great value.

Pros

Excellent all-round performance

Competitive price point

Similar feel to tour-quality balls

Outstanding distance with drivers and irons

Cons

Less spin compared to tour-quality models

  • Construction: Three-piece
  • Colors: White, Yellow

The updated Titleist Tour Speed 2022 Golf Ball enhances its impressive performance, especially in the long game, which delivers extra distance. Priced at $10 to $15 less per dozen than premium models like the Pro V1, it maintains similar performance levels and feel.

Featuring a high flex casing layer and a reformulated core for increased speed and lower spin on long shots, our testing revealed a notable 2mph increase in ball speed compared to its predecessor. With a higher launch and a strong ball flight, it balances softness and responsiveness upon impact, setting it apart from other similarly priced urethane balls.

Overall, the Titleist Tour Speed offers high performance and is suitable for year-round use. It is one of the best value options for golfers seeking improved performance without the premium price tag.

Srixon UltiSoft 2022 

Srixon UltiSoft 2022 

Srixon UltiSoft 2022 

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Looking for a soft feel without sacrificing performance? The Srixon UltiSoft 2022 has you covered!

With consistent ball flights across the bag, this ball offers both feel and distance, making it an excellent value for golfers seeking quality performance at an affordable price.

Pros

Excellent soft feel, particularly noticeable on and around the greens

Consistently strong ball flights

Good durability

Cons

Faster swingers may need help with distance

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White

The Srixon UltiSoft 2022 Golf Ball offers a softer feel and impressive ball flights across all clubs, making it a fantastic value proposition. Upgrades from its previous iteration include enhanced performance from tee to green, primarily due to its FastLayer core. This core technology creates a softer center, resulting in a remarkably low compression of just 42, making it ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds.

In our testing, we experienced commendable performance both on the course and with a launch monitor on the range. The UltiSoft delivered satisfying launch angles and respectable distance, particularly with long irons. However, it may not be suitable for faster swingers, as it needs the spin of premium golf balls, which can affect its performance on the greens. Nonetheless, its soft feel at impact throughout the bag is a standout feature that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Bridgestone e12 Contact 

Bridgestone e12 Contact 

Bridgestone e12 Contact 

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Are you looking for more extended ball flight and straighter shots? Look no further than Bridgestone’s e12 Contact ball.

Its unique dimple design enhances energy transfer upon impact, keeping the ball on the clubface longer for improved performance on the course.

Pros

Dimple design encourages straighter flight and less sidespin

Contact Force dimples transfer more energy at impact

Gradational soft core promotes better spin around the greens

Cons

Straighter ball flight doesn’t help golfers shape shots

Less workability than similarly priced balls

  • Construction: Three-piece
  • Colors: White, Yellow, Green, Red

The latest Bridgestone e12 Contact ball features a unique Contact Force dimple design, boasting a raised area within each dimple, promoting 38% more contact at impact than traditional dimples. This innovation enhances ball speed and distance, which is particularly beneficial in colder weather conditions. Moreover, the modified dimples contribute to improved grip and spin around the greens, adding versatility to your short game.

Available in white, matte green, matte red, and matte yellow, the e12 Contact offers a blend of performance and affordability. While it may not match the top-tier performance of Bridgestone’s Tour B balls, it delivers commendable overall performance at a favorable cost.

TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 

TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 

TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 

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The TaylorMade Soft Response 2022 Golf Ball offers exceptional performance, perfect for mid or slower swingers.

With outstanding short-game feel and spin control, this ball delivers top-notch results, all at an affordable price of less than £30 per dozen.

Pros

Performs exceptionally well in the wind with a stable ball flight

It carries a long way thanks to shallower U-shaped dimples

Cons

Not quite as much spin control as the Tour Response

  • Construction: Three-piece
  • Colors: White, Yellow, Red

The Soft Response is TaylorMade’s entry-level model compared to their premium TP5 ball in the golf ball lineup. Positioned alongside the softer Tour Response, the Soft Response offers impressive performance at an attractive budget-friendly price, often available below its RRP. Its solid performance makes it an excellent choice, especially during winter.

Featuring a durable Ionomer Cover, the Soft Response withstands wear and tear better than some other balls without compromising its soft feel. This silky feel translates well when putting green and extends to wedge shots, even in adverse weather conditions.

Golfers with swing speeds exceeding 90mph may experience some loss of distance with this ball. However, the Soft Response delivers reliable performance for those swinging around the 90mph mark, particularly in the long game.

Wilson Staff Duo Optixball

Wilson Staff Duo Optixball

Wilson Staff Duo Optixball

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It is ideal for moderate swing speeds and offers excellent distance and a soft feel around greens.

Matte finish may affect visibility, but its durability and performance make it a top choice for value-conscious golfers.

Pros

Low compression makes it ideal for more moderate swing speeds

Decent feel around the greens for an inexpensive ball

Cons

Matte finish and color in the yellow model make it hard to see the dimples in certain lights

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Color: Matte Yellow, Red, Green, Orange

The latest version of the Wilson Staff DUO Optix aims to enhance distance, accuracy, and feel around the greens, partly achieved through its smaller Polybutadiene core.

Upon testing, this ball impressively competes across various aspects. It offers a softer feel than many balls in its price range, particularly noticeable when maneuvering around the greens.

Mizuno RB566 

Mizuno RB566 

Mizuno RB566 

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The Mizuno RB566 lives up to its promise, providing ample assistance to golfers seeking higher ball flight and increased carry distance in their long game.

Pros

Extra hang time keeps the ball in the air longer for added carry

A perfect option at mid to low-swing speeds

Cons

Although the cover is highly durable, it’s not one of the softest

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White, Yellow, Orange

The Mizuno RB566 stands out as a low-compression gem, engineered to deliver exceptional distance with extended ball flights. Its prominent high-energy core, the 566-dimple cover, and soft compression design contribute to its high-performance profile. The core promotes a straighter and more stable ball flight, while the dimple pattern delays the descent rate, resulting in added carry.

During our testing, the RB566 showcased a notable improvement in ball flight, offering a higher trajectory with reduced curvature and instilling confidence in the golfer’s swing. Its soft feel around the greens added to its appeal, accompanied by a satisfying ‘click’ upon impact. Furthermore, it demonstrated excellent grip and spin on both mid-range pitch shots and fuller wedge shots.

In summary, the RB566 presents a compelling option at a competitive price, boasting remarkable durability that ensures long-lasting performance and fewer replacements.

TaylorMade Distance + 

TaylorMade Distance + 

TaylorMade Distance + 

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The TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Ball provides exceptional value as a two-piece ball, offering many benefits typically associated with higher-priced multi-layered balls at a fraction of the cost.

Pros

Highly durable scuff- and shear-resistant cover

New ‘plus’ alignment markings help you aim better on the greens and off the tee.

Cons

This is primarily a distance ball, so feel and control are not its strongest suits.

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White, Yellow

TaylorMade’s Distance+ golf ball stands out as one of the premier choices for maximizing distance on the market. Its primary focus on speed and distance is achieved through the innovative REACT Speed Core and the aerodynamic 342-dimple pattern, ensuring low drag and high Velocity during flight.

If you aim to enhance your distance game, this ball ranks among the top low-spin options. Despite its emphasis on distance, the soft Ionomer core offers a reasonable feel around the greens while maintaining exceptional durability. This durability translates to longer-lasting balls, reducing the need for frequent replacements due to damage. Additionally, the cross-shaped alignment markings provide valuable assistance for putting, making it a valuable asset on the course.

Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball

Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball

Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball

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The Pinnacle Rush Golf Ball provides excellent value, delivering impressive distance in the long game, a satisfying feel upon impact, and reliable durability.

Pros

Great distance

Nice feel off the face

15-ball packs add to the value

Cons

Greenside spin is almost non-existent.

There may be better options for cheaper alternatives.

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White

Pinnacle has long been synonymous with good value and long-distance golf balls, and the Rush edition continues this tradition. Its high-energy core drives its exceptional performance, enabling it to achieve faster ball speeds across the entire bag.

During testing, the Rush demonstrated impressive distance from the outset, delivering exceptional performance with driver and iron shots. Unlike some long-distance balls, its high ball flight adds to its appeal, accompanied by a pleasingly muted sound upon impact.

Featuring an Icosahedral dimple pattern comprising 332 dimples, the Rush maintains a consistent and powerful ball flight. Coupled with its durable Ionomer cover, it offers a blend of power and feel around the greens, albeit less soft than some alternatives. However, this is expected, given its primary focus on distance. If your priority is pure distance without compromise, then the Rush delivers on that promise.

Titleist Velocity 2022 

Titleist Velocity 2022 

Titleist Velocity 2022 

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The Titleist Velocity 2022 Golf Ball stands out as the longest option in the Titleist lineup, boasting a firmer feel.

However, this enhanced distance has a trade-off, as it offers less spin and control on the greens.

Pros

Excellent for distance

Nice firm feel

Good value for money

Cons

Low spin design reduces control around the green

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White, Green, Orange, Pink

Titleist’s Velocity ball has long been known for its impressive distance off the tee, and the latest iteration lives up to this reputation. The core has been engineered to be firmer, enhancing shot speed. Additionally, the NaZ+ Ionomer cover has undergone refinement, featuring an improved formula for an enhanced feel. The cover boasts a new Octahedral design with 350 dimples, promoting a higher ball flight and increased consistency.

These enhancements result in a golf ball capable of boosting your distance regardless of weather conditions. Compared to its predecessor, the new Velocity model exhibits a higher launch with the driver and delivers an additional 5 yards in carry distance. Similar outcomes were observed with a 7 iron. While the low spin contributes to increased distance, it does impact the ball’s feel around the greens. Available in four vibrant colors, all of which offer good visibility, the Velocity is an excellent choice for winter play.

Srixon Distance 

Srixon Distance 

Srixon Distance 

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The Srixon Distance Ball is designed to provide remarkable distance off the tee.

While it may offer a different level of precision on the greens than premium balls, it’s an excellent choice to gain extra yards off the tee.

Pros

Ideal for 80+mph swing speeds

High-penetrating ball flight

Cons

The durable cover is tough

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White

The Distance ball is popular among Srixon’s premium golf ball offerings. Even with this latest version, Srixon continues to refine and enhance the ball to maximize its performance.

The newer model features a softer compression than its predecessors, resulting in improved distance and a higher launch angle, leading to a more penetrating ball flight. Srixon has also reduced the dimple count significantly by 108 dimples, aiming to minimize drag and increase lift, making it more suitable for windy conditions.

Our tester reported a noticeable increase in overall distance and enhanced ball penetration in windy conditions. Additionally, players with higher handicaps who prefer a more durable ball will appreciate the enhanced durability of this model, reducing the need for frequent ball changes due to cuts and scrapes.

Wilson Velocity Distance 

Wilson Velocity Distance 

Wilson Velocity Distance 

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Wilson excels in producing distance balls, and the Tour Velocity is no exception, delivering impressive yardage with every swing.

Pros

Excellent value for those starting out

A dimple pattern enhances power

Great distance all-round

Very durable

Cons

The cover may feel too hard on putts

  • Construction: Two-piece
  • Colors: White

As we near the end of our list, our second-to-last recommendation is the Wilson Velocity Distance Ball.

This low compression ball from Wilson promises significant distance gains, achieved through its hard Ionomer cover, which optimizes trajectory for maximum yardage and rollout. Our testing confirms that this ball lives up to its promises. Enhanced aerodynamics from the dimple design contribute to its power potential off the tee. Notably, it’s highly durable, resisting scuffing even from encounters with cart paths or trees. Despite its low compression, the mid-compression core offers some playability around the greens.

Offering exceptional value, this ball often comes in packs of 15 instead of 12. Overall, it’s ideal for less experienced golfers looking to achieve greater distance off the tee.

Snell Get Sum 

Snell Get Sum 

Snell Get Sum 

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The Get Sum is excellent for those seeking maximum distance, consistency, and trajectory off the tee without breaking the bank.

Pros

A fantastic golf ball for distance

Excellent value

Very easy to flight

Cons

Doesn’t offer the best control around the greens

  • Construction: 2-piece
  • Colors: Yellow

If you need help with distance and consistency off the tee, the Snell Get Sum golf ball could be your solution. Renowned for its high performance at an affordable price, this ball is designed to elevate your game without breaking the bank.

Featuring a soft Surlyn cover material, the Get Sum is engineered to help you achieve more excellent lift and distance with every swing. Compared to other options on the market, its low spin numbers contribute to straighter, longer shots, prioritizing distance over precise control.

The Snell Get Sum is a reliable choice if you’re seeking to maximize distance in your long game. Explore our selection of the best distance golf balls to enhance your performance off the tee.

How We Test

At Golf Testers, our expert team rigorously tests golf balls across various conditions and settings year-round. Led by Max Kuch, we provide comprehensive evaluations to help you make informed choices. 

Using launch monitors, we gather detailed data on ball performance, including colored options, ensuring you have all the information you need for an optimal golfing experience.

Tips for Cold Weather Golf Ball Play

Beyond selecting the appropriate cold-weather golf ball, there are additional insights to optimize your performance in low temperatures:

  1. Keep your golf balls warm: Utilize hand warmers or store balls in a pocket close to your body to maintain their warmth, as cold balls can impact their performance.
  2. Dress for warmth: Layer up appropriately to keep your body warm throughout the game. Cold muscles can affect your swing, so staying warm is crucial.
  3. Adjust your swing: Cold weather can alter your swing dynamics, necessitating adjustments. Opt for a softer swing and prioritize accuracy over maximum distance.
  4. Stay hydrated: Maintaining hydration is essential for peak performance despite the cold. Regularly drink water to keep yourself at your best.
  5. Play with forgiving clubs: Stiff golf shafts may be less forgiving in colder temperatures. Consider using clubs with more flex to compensate for the chilly conditions.

You can elevate your game even in the coldest conditions by pairing these strategies with the right cold-weather golf ball. Remember, maintaining enjoyment and honing your skills on the course is paramount!

Frequently Ask Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right golf ball for cold weather conditions is crucial for maintaining performance on the course.

From enhanced durability to optimized compression and spin rates, the best golf balls for cold weather ensure consistent performance even in adverse conditions. By considering factors such as compression, cover material, and aerodynamics, golfers can find the perfect ball to suit their game and maximize their performance during chilly rounds.

Whether it’s increased distance, improved control, or enhanced feel, choosing the right cold-weather golf ball can make all the difference in maintaining enjoyment and success on the course throughout the winter months.

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