Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers: Which Ball Should You Play?
If you're a mid handicapper, choosing the right golf ball can make a noticeable difference to your game. But with so many different golf balls available, from £10-a-dozen budget options to £50+ premium models, how do you know which one is right for you?
The good news is that you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune.
For most mid handicappers, a good golf ball should provide a combination of distance, feel, consistency and control around the greens, while still offering good value for money.
At The Golf Ball Guys, we sell second hand golf balls from all the major brands, meaning you can play premium golf balls for considerably less than buying them new.
What Should a Mid Handicapper Look for in a Golf Ball?
Mid handicappers are often at an interesting stage of their golf game.
You've probably developed a reasonably consistent swing, but you may still lose a few balls during a round. You may also be starting to notice differences in how different golf balls feel and perform around the greens.
For many mid handicappers, it's worth looking beyond basic distance balls and considering a golf ball that offers better greenside control and feel.
However, that doesn't mean you need to spend £50 on every dozen.
Buying second hand gives you access to premium golf balls at much lower prices.
Our Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
1. Titleist Pro V1 – Best Premium Choice
The Titleist Pro V1 is one of the safest choices for a mid handicapper looking for a premium golf ball.
It offers an excellent combination of distance, feel, control and greenside performance and is one of the most popular premium golf balls available.
The big downside is the price when buying new.
That's where second hand Pro V1s become particularly attractive.
At The Golf Ball Guys, you can currently choose from:
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Grade A Pro V1 – £22.50 per dozen
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2022/2023 Mint Pro V1 – £28 per dozen
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Mint Pro V1 – £30 per dozen
So you can play a premium Pro V1 without paying the full price of a new dozen.
Best for: Mid handicappers wanting premium performance.
2. Titleist Tour Soft – Best Value Titleist
If you're looking for a softer-feeling golf ball without the price of a Pro V1, Titleist Tour Soft is an excellent option.
At just £16 per dozen from The Golf Ball Guys, it's a fantastic-value choice for a mid handicapper.
It's particularly appealing if you want a recognised Titleist golf ball but don't feel you need a premium tour-level model.
Best for: Mid handicappers looking for feel and value.
3. TaylorMade TP5 – Best TaylorMade Option
The TaylorMade TP5 is another premium option worth considering.
It's designed for golfers looking for a combination of distance, feel and greenside performance and is particularly appealing if you prefer the characteristics of a TaylorMade golf ball.
Buying a second hand TP5 can make it considerably more affordable than buying a new dozen, making it a good option for mid handicappers who want to try a premium ball without paying full retail price.
Best for: Mid handicappers wanting a premium TaylorMade golf ball.
4. Callaway Chrome Soft – Best for Soft Feel
The Callaway Chrome Soft is another popular choice for mid handicappers, particularly golfers who prefer a softer feel.
It offers the combination of a premium golf ball with a softer feel and is a good option for golfers who want more performance around the greens without moving to a particularly firm-feeling ball.
Buying second hand makes the Chrome Soft much more affordable, especially if you're still losing a few balls during a round.
Best for: Mid handicappers who prioritise soft feel.
5. Srixon Q-Star – Best Budget Option
If you're looking for something more affordable, the Srixon Q-Star is an excellent choice.
Our second hand Q-Star golf balls are available from around £14 per dozen, making them a great-value option for regular golfers.
You don't necessarily need a premium tour ball to play good golf, and the Q-Star can provide an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
Best for: Mid handicappers who want to keep costs down.
6. Srixon Z-Star – Best Premium Value
If you want a premium golf ball but don't want to spend premium prices, the Srixon Z-Star is worth considering.
The Z-Star is designed for golfers who want performance and control, making it a particularly interesting option for improving mid handicappers.
Our second hand Z-Star golf balls are available from around £16.60 per dozen, giving you access to a premium Srixon golf ball at a much lower price than buying new.
Best for: Mid handicappers looking for premium performance at a lower price.
Should Mid Handicappers Play a Pro V1?
Absolutely.
There's no handicap requirement for playing a Pro V1. If you like the feel and performance of a premium golf ball, there's no reason you can't play one as a mid handicapper.
The main question is whether you're happy paying the price.
For a golfer who loses several balls every round, buying new Pro V1s can become expensive. A second hand Pro V1 gives you the opportunity to enjoy the same premium model while reducing your cost per ball significantly.
Do Mid Handicappers Need Premium Golf Balls?
Not necessarily.
This is where personal preference and budget come into play.
If you regularly hit good iron shots and want more predictable performance around the greens, a premium urethane golf ball may be worth considering.
But if you're still losing several balls every round, spending £50+ on a dozen may not be the best use of your money.
A £14 Q-Star or £16 Tour Soft can provide excellent value, while a second hand Pro V1, TP5 or Chrome Soft gives you a more premium option without the new-ball price.
What Is the Best Golf Ball for a Mid Handicapper?
There's no single golf ball that's perfect for every mid handicapper.
Our recommendations are:
Best premium: Titleist Pro V1
Best value Titleist: Titleist Tour Soft
Best TaylorMade: TP5
Best soft-feeling option: Callaway Chrome Soft
Best budget option: Srixon Q-Star
Best premium value: Srixon Z-Star
The most important thing is finding a ball that suits your swing, feels good around the greens and fits your budget.
And because you can buy all of these brands second hand, you don't necessarily have to choose between performance and price.
Browse our golf balls for mid handicappers at The Golf Ball Guys and find the right ball for your game.