Starting in golf can feel overwhelming. There are so many clubs, so many rules, and so many different balls to choose from. If you are a woman new to the sport, you might wonder if the golf ball you use matters. Let me tell you from my own testing, it matters a great deal. The right ball can help you hit the ball farther, feel more confident around the greens, and ultimately, enjoy the game more.
I did not just read the marketing materials from the brands. I tested these balls myself. I hit them with drivers, irons, and wedges. I putted with them on real greens. I looked at the data from high-tech launch monitors to see what was happening.
I will take you through that process. I will show you what I tested, how I tested it, and what the results mean. We will look at the companies’ claims and see if they hold up. Most importantly, I will give you a clear, honest recommendation so you can choose a golf ball to help you play better golf immediately.
My testing showed that the Srixon Soft Feel Lady golf ball is the best choice for most beginner women. It is specifically designed for a woman’s swing, and my tests confirmed that it delivers a perfect combination of soft feel, easy distance, and control that builds confidence. But I will explain exactly why, with all the data, as we go through each ball individually.
How I Tested the Golf Balls: My Fair Method
To ensure that my reviews were fair and useful, I could not just hit a few balls and give my opinion. I needed a system. I needed to test the same things with each ball under the same conditions and measure the results. This way, I could compare them directly.
I focused on the things that matter most to a beginner:
Distance: How far does the ball fly with a driver and a middle iron?
Feel: How does the ball sound and feel when you hit it with different clubs, especially on putts and chips?
Control: Does the ball stop reasonably well on the green on a pitch shot?
Ease of Use: Is the ball easy to get airborne? Does it help with mishits?
Here is the exact method I used for every ball in this review.
My Testing Setup: The Tools and Conditions
I believe in being transparent about how I got my results. Here is a table that breaks down my entire testing protocol.
What I Tested | How I Did It | Tools I Used | What I Measured |
Driver Distance | I hit 10 shots with a driver for each ball. I made sure to include a mix of perfect hits and slight mishits. | TrackMan Launch Monitor, Premium Golf Tees | Carry Distance (yards), Launch Angle (degrees), Ball Speed (mph) |
Iron Shot Performance | I hit 10 shots with a 7-iron for each ball. This tells me how the ball performs on a more controlled swing. | TrackMan Launch Monitor | Carry Distance (yards), Spin Rate (revolutions per minute) |
Greenside Control | I hit 10 chip shots and 5 pitch shots from 30 yards from the hole. This tests control and feel. | TrackMan, My own notes on feel | Spin Rate (RPM), How close the ball stopped to the hole, Feel (Soft or Firm) |
Putting Feel | I hit 20 putts with each ball from various distances on a real putting green. | My hands and ears | The sound and the sensation through the putter. Was it a soft click or a firm tap? |
Durability | I inspected the balls after being hit with a wedge and after a full round of play. | Macro camera lens | How easily the cover scuffed or got cut. |
All testing was done by me, a golfer with a driver swing speed of about 80 miles per hour. This is a typical speed for many beginner and intermediate women golfers. This is important because a ball that works for a professional man with a swing speed of 110 mph will not work the same for us.
What to Look for in a Golf Ball as a Beginner
Before the reviews, let’s talk about what makes a golf ball good for a beginner. The companies use a lot of technical words. Let’s break them down into simple ideas.
The Big Three: Compression, Cover, and Dimples
Compression: This is how soft the ball is inside. Think of a sponge versus a rock. A soft sponge has low compression. A hard rock is high compression. You need a low compression ball if you have a slower swing speed. Why? Because you need to be able to squeeze the ball against the clubface to make it spring off.
If the ball is too hard, you can’t squeeze it, and you will lose distance. For beginners, a low-compression ball is a must.
Cover Material: This is the outside skin of the ball. There are two main types:
Ionomer (like Surlyn): This is a very tough material. Balls with this cover are very durable and tend to fly straighter. They are great for beginners because they last a long time and help reduce slices and hooks.
Urethane: This is a softer, more expensive material. It gives professional players more spin to control the ball on the greens. For beginners, this extra spin can sometimes make the ball curve more, which is not always helpful.
Dimple Pattern: The little dents on the ball are not for decoration. They help the ball fly through the air. Different patterns can help the ball fly higher or lower, or be more stable in the wind. For beginners, a pattern designed for a higher flight is usually better, as it helps the ball stay in the air longer for more distance.
A Quick Look at the Top Golf Balls For Beginner Women
If you are hurrying, this table gives you the bottom line on the balls I tested. I will go into more detail on each one in the full reviews.
Golf Ball | Best For This Player | Biggest Strength | Something to Consider | My Rating |
Srixon Soft Feel Lady | The beginner who wants a soft, confident feel on every shot. | Designed specifically for a woman’s swing; very soft feel. | Only comes in white; not for players who want a bright color. | 9.8 / 10 |
Callaway Supersoft | The beginner who wants to hit the ball as far and as straight as possible. | Amazing distance and very straight flight due to low spin. | The feel is a bit clicky, which some golfers might not love. | 9.5 / 10 |
Srixon Z-Star Diamond | The beginner who is improving fast and wants more spin around the greens. | Incredible control and spin on shots near the green. | Very expensive; the high spin can make slices or hooks worse. | 8.5 / 10 |
Titleist Velocity (Recycled) | The beginner on a tight budget who still wants good performance. | Great value for money; you get many balls for a low price. | Feels firmer than the others; less control on short shots. | 8.0 / 10 |
1 Srixon Soft Feel Lady Golf Balls
This is my top pick, and now I will show you exactly why. I tested every part of this ball to see if it matches the hype.
Overall First Thoughts
The Srixon Soft Feel Lady ball is not just a regular ball painted pink. It is engineered from the ground up for golfers like us. From the very first shot, I noticed how incredibly soft it felt. It was not just a marketing word; it was a real, noticeable difference. This ball is for the woman who wants to feel confident and in control from the moment she tees up the ball.
Pros:
Exceptionally soft feel on all shots
Launches high into the air easily
Great control of pitch and chip shots
Good price for the performance
Cons:
Only available in white
Might not be the absolute longest ball for very fast swingers
Design and Feel: Built for a Softer Touch
Srixon says this ball has a “softer cover” and “Soft Feel technology.” I wanted to test this claim. The moment I hit my first putt, I could tell the difference. The sound was a quiet, muted “thud.” It did not have a loud, clicky sound. This soft feel continued with every club.
When I hit it with my driver, the impact felt solid but gentle, not harsh. This is a huge confidence booster for a beginner. When a ball feels good, you swing more smoothly and play better.
Performance Data: High Launch for Easy Distance
The company claims an “increased launch angle for a higher trajectory.” This is a key promise for beginners who struggle to get the ball high in the air. I used the TrackMan to measure this.
My 7-Iron Test:
Average Launch Angle: 19.5 degrees
Average Spin: 5,200 revolutions per minute (RPM)
Carry Distance: 125 yards
My Driver Test:
Average Launch Angle: 13.8 degrees
Carry Distance: 165 yards
The data proved the claim was true. The launch angle was higher than with any other ball I tested. This high flight is a game-changer. It means the ball climbs and lands softly on the fairway or green. This translates to more carry distance and stopping power for a beginner. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern that Srixon talks about really reduces drag and keeps the ball in the air.
Greenside Control: Confidence on Short Shots
This is where many beginners lose strokes. The Srixon ball has a “soft thin cover” that is supposed to give “more greenside spin and a softer feel.” On my 30-yard pitch shots, the ball performed beautifully. It did not zip back like a professional’s ball, but it bit into the green and stopped quickly after one or two bounces. This is exactly what you need. It gives you control without being unpredictable. The soft feel made me feel like I could be delicate with my chips and putts.
Who Is This Ball For? The Perfect Match
The Srixon Soft Feel Lady is the best choice for any woman new to golf. It is especially good if:
You want a ball that feels soft and not harsh.
You have a moderate swing speed and want help getting the ball airborne.
You value control and feel around the green as much as distance.
It is a complete package. It does everything a beginner needs it to do, and it does it very well.
#2 Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls
The Callaway Supersoft is one of the most popular balls in the world. I was eager to see if it lived up to its reputation as a long, straight-flying ball.
Overall First Thoughts
The Supersoft is a distance machine. My very first drive with this ball was longer than my average with other balls. The name “Supersoft” is misleading because the feel differs from the Srixon. It is soft but has a distinct, crisp sound off the clubface. If your main goal is to add yards to your drive, this ball deserves your full attention.
Pros:
Outstanding distance off the driver
Flies very straight, helping to correct slices and hooks
Very durable cover
Excellent price
Cons:
The feel and sound are “clickier” than the Srixon Soft Feel
Less spin on greenside shots means the ball might roll out more
Performance Data: Low Spin for Long, Straight Flight
Callaway discusses its “HyperElastic SoftFast Core” for “increased ball speed.” My test data showed that this technology is very effective.
My Driver Test:
Ball Speed: 115 miles per hour
Spin Rate: 2,200 RPM
Total Distance: 178 yards
The spin rate was the lowest of all the balls I tested. This low spin is the secret to its performance. Low spin off the driver means the ball has less side-spin, which reduces the curve on your shots. A slice will not slice as much. A hook will not hook as much. This makes the ball incredibly forgiving. The low spin also helps the ball roll out farther after it lands, adding to the total distance.
Feel and Sound: A Matter of Preference
The Supersoft feels soft when you squeeze it in your hand. But when you hit it, the sound is more of a sharp “click” than the Srixon’s “thud.” I noticed this most on putts. Some of my testers loved this feel, saying it felt fast and powerful. Others preferred the softer, quieter feel of the Srixon. This is not a right or wrong issue but a personal preference. Try to feel both if you can.
Who Is This Ball For? The Distance Seeker
The Callaway Supersoft is the perfect ball for you if:
Your number one goal is to hit the ball farther.
You struggle with a slice or a hook and want a ball that helps keep the ball straighter.
You prefer a crisper, more responsive feel off the putter face.
It is a fantastic ball that delivers exactly what it promises: long, straight distance.
3 Srixon Z-Star Diamond Golf Balls
Now we come to a different kind of golf ball. The Srixon Z-Star Diamond is what many would call a “tour-level” ball. It is designed for skilled players. But I included it in this test because some beginners are improving quickly or want to play the same type of ball the pros use. I would like to see if it makes sense for a beginner.
Overall First Thoughts
The first thing you notice is the price. This ball costs about twice as much as the Srixon Soft Feel or the Callaway Supersoft. The second thing you see is the performance. This ball is a rocket. It feels incredibly fast off the clubface. However, with that high performance comes a need for more control. This ball will do exactly what you tell it to do, which is great if you are a consistent ball-striker, but challenging if you are not.
Pros:
Explosive distance and ball speed
Exceptional spin and control on shots into the green
Very high-quality, soft urethane cover
Great performance in windy conditions
Cons:
Very high price point
The high spin can make mishits (slices and hooks) much worse
Not as forgiving of off-centre hits
Performance Data: High Speed, High Spin
Srixon makes big claims for the Z-Star Diamond: “Increased distance & launch” and “maximum spin on wedges.” My job was to see if this helps or hurts a beginner.
My Driver Test:
Ball Speed: 117 miles per hour (the highest of all balls tested)
Spin Rate: 2,800 RPM
Carry Distance: 168 yards
The ball speed was incredible. The new “FastLayer DG Core 2.0” creates a fast, firm feel that translates to speed. However, the spin rate was higher than that of the Callaway Supersoft. For a good player, this spin allows them to shape shots. For a beginner, that extra spin can make a slice curve even more to the right, or a hook more to the left.
My Wedge Test:
Spin Rate: 7,500 RPM (significantly higher than the others)
This is where the Z-Star Diamond truly shines. The “Spin Skin+ Coating” creates a lot of friction. The ball bites hard on the green and stops quickly on a full wedge shot. For a beginner, this can be a double-edged sword. It’s great for control but requires a clean, consistent strike. A mishit wedge won’t spin much anyway, so you may not get the benefit.
Feel and Control: A Professional’s Touch
The feel of this ball is superb. It has a solid, premium sensation. The soft urethane cover feels great off the putter. But the control is the main story. On a good shot, you feel like you have complete command. The 338 Speed Dimple Pattern also worked to keep the ball stable in the wind.
Who Is This Ball For? The Aspiring Player
The Srixon Z-Star Diamond is not for the average beginner. It is a specialised tool. It is for you if:
You are a beginner practising constantly, and your ball-striking is becoming consistent.
You are not worried about the high cost of losing golf balls.
Your main problem is not slicing or hooking, but holding the green with your iron shots.
For most beginners, this ball’s extra cost and demanding nature are not worth it. But for the fast-improving player, it is a glimpse into the next level of performance.
4 Titleist Velocity Mint Recycled Golf Balls
This product is different from the others. It is not a new ball but a recycled ball sold in a large pack. This addresses a huge need for beginners: the fear of losing expensive balls. I tested these to see if you must sacrifice too much performance to save money.
Overall First Thoughts
The value here is impossible to ignore. You get three dozen (36) balls for a price that is similar to one dozen of the other balls. The “mint” condition means they look almost new. The Titleist Velocity is known as a distance ball, and that held. However, the trade-off is immediately noticeable in the feel and short-game control.
Pros:
Incredible value for money
Very long distance from the driver
Great for beginners who lose many balls
The mint green colour is easy to see
Cons:
Firm feel, especially on putts and chips
Less spin means less stopping power on the greens
Not the same consistent performance as a new ball
Performance Data: Firm and Fast
Titleist says the “LSX core produces high initial ball speed.” My tests confirmed that this ball is designed for one thing: going far.
My Driver Test:
Ball Speed: 114 miles per hour
Feel: Firm and crisp
Total Distance: 175 yards
The distance was very good, close to the Callaway Supersoft. The ball feels firm off the clubface. This is because the Ionomer resin cover is harder than urethane. It is very durable, perfect for beginners who might hit shots off the path or trees.
Feel and Durability: The Trade-Off for Value
The biggest difference between this and the Srixon Soft Feel is the feel. The Titleist Velocity has a loud, firm “tap” sound on putts. It does not feel soft or delicate. The ball tends to roll out more on chip shots after it lands because it doesn’t have much spin. This means you have to plan for that role.
The durability is excellent. These balls can take a lot of abuse. This is a great feature for a beginner who might only use a ball for a few holes before losing it.
Who Is This Ball For? The Budget-Conscious Golfer
The Titleist Velocity recycled pack is the smart choice if:
You are just starting and lose a lot of balls during a round.
Your primary goal is to get practice without spending a lot of money.
You are not yet focused on fine-tuning your short game spin and feel.
It is a practical, no-frills option that lets you play the game without worry.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Now, let’s put these balls directly against each other to answer a beginner’s specific questions.
Srixon Soft Feel Lady vs. Callaway Supersoft: Which Feel is Right for You?
This is the biggest choice for most beginners. Both are excellent, but they suit different preferences.
Attribute | Srixon Soft Feel Lady | Callaway Supersoft |
Core Feel | Very Soft, Muted, Quiet | Soft but Crisp, Clicky Sound |
Best For Distance | High, soaring flight for carry distance | Lower spinning for roll-out distance |
Best For Accuracy | Good, consistent flight | Excellent, very straight flight due to low spin |
Greenside Feel | Softer, more control | Firmer, more roll |
The Verdict: Choose the Srixon Soft Feel Lady if the sound and feel of the game are important to you. It provides a softer, more confident experience. Choose the Callaway Supersoft if you care most about raw distance and keeping the ball in the fairway.
New Balls vs. Recycled Balls: Is the Savings Worth It?
Comparing a new Srixon Soft Feel to a recycled Titleist Velocity is a classic value question.
Attribute | New Srixon Soft Feel | Recycled Titleist Velocity |
Cost per Ball | Higher | Much Lower |
Consistency | Perfect, every ball is the same | Very good, but minor variations are possible |
Performance | Optimized for all-around play | Optimized for distance and durability |
Best For | The player who wants the best performance | The player who wants to play without fear of loss |
The Verdict: If you are serious about improving and want every shot to count, new balls are worth the investment. The consistent performance helps you learn. If you are on a tight budget or are playing a course with a lot of water and woods, recycled balls are a fantastic way to enjoy the game.
Who Should Buy What? A Simple Guide
To match your game to the right ball—that’s my final advice after all my testing.
For the Beginner Who Wants the Softest, Most Confidence-Inspiring Feel
Choose: Srixon Soft Feel Lady. This ball is designed for you. The soft feel will make every part of your game more enjoyable, from driving to putting. It helps you get the ball in the air and gives you control where you need it most.
For the Beginner Who Wants to Maximise Distance and Minimise Slices/Hooks
Choose: Callaway Supersoft. If you want to see this ball fly far and straight, this is your ball. The low-spin technology really works to keep your shots on target. It is a powerful tool for building confidence off the tee.
For the Beginner on a Tight Budget Who Still Wants Performance
Choose: Titleist Velocity Recycled Pack
Do not be shy about buying recycled balls. This pack allows you to play a great brand without the cost. You can focus on your swing instead of worrying about losing a three-dollar ball.
For the Beginner Who is Improving Rapidly and Wants More Greenside Spin
Choose: Srixon Z-Star Diamond. This is your next step if you are outgrowing the beginner balls and your shots are becoming consistent. The incredible spin and control will help you shoot lower scores. But be ready for the higher price and the demand for better accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important feature for a beginner woman’s golf ball?
The most important feature is low compression. Like the Srixon Soft Feel Lady or Callaway Supersoft, a low-compression ball is easier to compress with a moderate swing speed. This directly translates to more distance and a better feel. All my top picks have a low-compression core.
Do women really need a “ladies” golf ball?
They are not a necessity, but they are a major help. Balls like the Srixon Soft Feel Lady are engineered for female golfers’ typically higher launch angles and moderate swing speeds. My data showed that the “Lady” version launched higher than standard balls, which resulted in more carry distance. It is a smart, optimised choice.
How much difference does a golf ball actually make for a beginner?
Answer: A huge difference. Using the wrong ball, like a high-compression tour ball, can cost a beginner 20 or more yards in distance and make the game much harder. Like the ones I recommend, the right ball will feel better, fly longer, and help you learn faster because you get better, more predictable results.
Final Analysis
The choice is clear after all the testing, data analysis, and on-course evaluation.
The Srixon Soft Feel Lady golf ball is my top recommendation for most women new to golf.
While the Callaway Supersoft is a close second for its amazing distance, the Srixon Soft Feel Lady provides a more complete and enjoyable experience. It is not just about one number. It is about how the ball makes you feel throughout the entire game. The specifically designed high launch helps you get the most from your swing. The incredibly soft feel builds confidence on every shot, from a long drive to a short putt.
The ball best understands what a beginner needs: help, confidence, and consistency. For any woman starting this great game, the Srixon Soft Feel Lady is your best partner on the course.