Controversy swirls around the best illegal golf balls within the golfing community, with their use in competitions deemed outright cheating. However, what about employing them during leisurely rounds, either solo or with friends? Given the inherent difficulty of golf, the allure of utilizing non-conforming golf balls to gain an edge in distance and accuracy is understandable.
As a self-professed golf ball enthusiast, I’ve tested each ball on this roster, ensuring my insights are authentic. Manufacturers often tout extravagant claims regarding the best illegal golf balls, many of which prove unsubstantiated. Allow me to assist you in navigating these choices, ensuring you receive optimal value for your investment.
Best Illegal Golf Balls
Polara Self-Correcting 2-Piece
Polara Self-Correcting 2-Piece
Looking to straighten your shots? Try Polara’s Self-Correcting 2-Piece Golf Balls.
Illegal but effective, they promise straighter, longer drives with greenside control.
Align the seam, hit straight, and watch your game improve instantly.
Pros
They fly arrows straight on every full shot.
The durable two-piece construction ensures longevity.
They mimic the appearance and feel of conforming golf balls.
They’re way more enjoyable than legal alternatives.
Cons
They come with a price tag, but hey, you may never lose one!
Let’s talk about these illegal golf balls—they’re the real deal. I grabbed a dozen to experiment with some non-conforming clubs, and let me tell you, I was astounded. No matter how I swung, they went arrow straight, outdistancing my regular golf balls by at least 10-15 yards. This is your go-to golf ball if you battle with hooks and slices off the tee.
The trick with these illegal golf balls lies in aligning the seam with your target. While this guarantees a perfect ball flight every time, it’s a no-go in tournament play. Polara claims to reduce unwanted shot shapes by a whopping 75%, precisely what I observed in the course.
With a dual-core 2-piece construction akin to Srixon Soft Feel, these balls impressed me with their greenside spin and control. They feel firm off the putter, but not unpleasantly so.
MG Golf Balls
MG Golf Balls
Elevate your golf game with MG Golf Balls.
Designed for seniors and beginners, these balls defy standards, offering up to 20 extra yards.
Experience the difference today.
Pros
Tailored for seasoned players
Wallet-friendly pricing
High-visibility neon design
Cons
Swift swingers might find them dropping from the sky
The MG Golf Balls are a game-changer for those in the seasoned golfer’s club. Crafted with precision, these balls are tailored to provide that extra oomph, especially for seniors witnessing the inevitable slowing of swing speed with time. But don’t let the “illegal” tag deter you; these balls are designed to be your trusted ally on the greens.
Their rebellious streak sets them apart – they defy the USGA standards with their initial rebound velocity off the club face. It’s a wild card in MG’s lineup, but if distance is your game, this could be your golden ticket. Just ensure you’re picking the right ball from MG’s collection.
Clocking in under the 250-yard mark? You’re in for a treat. Per the chatter on the box, these balls promise up to 20 yards of extra distance. And let’s be honest, that’s a welcomed boost for most of us. Take it from Fred: with his decent 90mph driver swing speed, he saw these balls take off like a rocket. Sure, not a total of 20 yards extra, but a solid 10, with a touch of that “hot off the face” sensation.
When finesse is the game’s name, they hold their own, albeit not entirely ripping like the Pro V1. But let’s remember their true calling – distance. So, if your game is about sending it far and wide without breaking the bank, these neon wonders are your ticket to golfing glory.
Kaede Fly Distance
Kaede Fly Distance
Unleash your potential with Kaede Fly Distance Golf Balls.
Featuring a unique dimple pattern, these balls offer unparalleled distance off the tee.
Tested on Thailand’s soft fairways, they deliver a lower trajectory for greater control. Elevate your game today.
Pros
Unique design and vibrant colors
Reduced drag for increased distance
Lower ball flight trajectory
Cons
Limited short-game control
Durability concerns
Premium pricing
Kaede Fly Distance Golf Balls stand out with their peculiar appearance and promising performance in golf ball innovation. These unconventional gems boast a unique dimple pattern designed to slash drag by a staggering 19%, purportedly resulting in significant boosts in carry distance.
Tested on the lush fairways of Thailand, renowned for their softness, they delivered a lower trajectory, a potential game-changer depending on your swing style.
However, durability proved to be a drawback, with the distinctive dimples prone to scuffing, particularly in bunker play. While they may not top the charts in every aspect, their distinctiveness and potential for added distance make them a compelling choice for those seeking innovation on the course.
Bandit Maximum Distance
Bandit Maximum Distance
Elevate your game with Bandit Maximum Distance Golf Balls.
These budget-friendly balls offer exceptional length and flight correction, perfect for straight drives on any fairway.
Upgrade your game today!
Pros
Exceptional length off the tee
Flight correction and added distance
Budget-friendly option
Cons
The sound may be reminiscent of a pebble
Claiming to be the world’s longest (illegal) golf balls, Bandit Maximum Distance Golf Balls deliver on their promise of exceptional length off the tee. While unable to verify this bold assertion, one thing is sure: they’re impressively long.
Offering a winning combination of flight correction and added distance, they’re a budget-friendly alternative to pricier options like Polara. Prepare to leave your playing partners in awe as you bomb perfectly straight drives down even the narrowest fairways. These balls are a steal with decent performance, durability, and affordability.
Frequently Ask Question
What are the best illegal golf balls?
In the quest for the most effective illegal golf ball, focus on one that offers consistent accuracy and impressive distance.
After extensive testing, the Polara Ultimate Straight emerges as the clear frontrunner in providing unparalleled assistance to your game. It rightfully earns its place on my list of best illegal golf balls.
What is an Illegal Golf Ball?
An illegal golf ball fails to meet the stringent standards established by governing bodies like the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient (R&A).
By USGA regulations, these balls must adhere to specific criteria regarding weight, size, spherical symmetry, velocity, and overall distance. The weight of a golf ball must be at most 1.620 ounces, while its diameter must be at least 1.680 inches.
Moreover, the ball must maintain a spherically symmetric shape and cannot exceed a maximum velocity of 173.5 mph, as outlined by Golf Channel.
What Makes Golf Balls Illegal?
It concerns several vital factors, although this distinction is irrelevant to many recreational players.
Here’s what sets illegal balls apart:
- Dimple count: Illegal balls often boast an abundance of dimples compared to standard ones. For instance, while Pro V1 balls sport 352 dimples, the Polara balls flaunt a whopping 386.
- Spin: Illegal balls exhibit significantly lower spin, resulting in straighter, lower-flying shots.
- Size: Some illegal balls may deviate from the standard diameter of 1.68 inches, potentially reducing drag and increasing distance.
- Weight: Illegal balls may tip the scales slightly heavier than their legal counterparts, aiding in distance and forgiveness.
- Core size: Illegal balls often feature a larger core, generating more incredible ball speed. For example, while Pro V1 balls boast a 1.53-inch core, the Polara core measures 1.535 inches.
While these distinctions may seem minor, they can significantly impact the course’s performance.
Do Illegal Golf Balls Outdistance Regular Ones?
While these balls may fall short in distance, their impact is manageable. Typically, they travel 10-15 yards less than standard ones, but staying in the fairway outweighs this drawback.
Reduced distance stems from shell construction and simple design, primarily due to a lower launch trajectory. A higher loft driver (preferably 10.5 degrees or higher) is recommended to optimize performance.
Consistent ball striking is critical for maximizing distance. Despite their limitations, these balls offer a strategic advantage, especially for those tired of errant shots into the trees during casual rounds.
Are Volvik Golf Balls Legal?
Yes, Volvik golf balls are generally permissible for tournament play, with one notable exception: the Magma 3-piece model, which boasts a diameter smaller than the standard 1.680 inches.
Conclusion
For those who view golf as a source of enjoyment and aren’t heavily invested in official tournaments, opting for an illegal golf ball poses no harm. Teed up from the selection of the best illegal golf balls on this list, you’ll likely become the envy of your playing group.
Moreover, it could enhance your game, fostering trust in your swing and eliminating the urge to over-manipulate your shots.
