Are you tired of purchasing entry-level golf balls only for them to scuff after a few holes? If that describes you, this guide to the 10 most expensive golf balls money can buy will solve that challenge.

In this post, I will identify the technology and performance of each ball and determine whether it warrants a premium price tag. Plus, I will advise what type of golfer best suits which ball based on swing speed and personal preferences.

The list below offers the most value to low handicap golfers, who can justify splurging top dollar on a box of balls. If you are a high or mid handicapper, I suggest looking at entry-level and mid-range balls that won’t break the bank.

Does Price Matter When it Comes to Golf Balls?

Yes, the price of a golf ball offers insight into the construction, durability, and performance of a golf ball. Premium golf balls that feature on this list are constructed with a urethane cover and offer low spin on long shots and superb control around the green. Furthermore, these balls tend to go longer before becoming scuffed or disfigured.

The 10 Most Expensive Golf Balls on The Planet

1. Dixon Golf Fire Balls

Pros

• Low spin on long shots
• Produces optimal distance
• Enhanced spin around the green
• Eco friendly

Cons

• Super expensive
• The recycled cover is not as durable as a standard cast urethane construction
• Not suitable for slow swinging players

Topping the list of the most expensive golf balls in 2022 is the Dixon Fire Golf Balls. They are listed on the company’s site at $74.99, but you can find them for less on Amazon.

These 3-piece Dixon golf balls feature a recyclable cast urethane cover that produces quality wedge spin and control and a soft feel. In addition, the Green Core delivers optimal ball speed for superior distance, and the Energy Intensifying mantle reduces long game spin.

Finally, a 318 tour precision dimple design reduces drag and keeps your ball in the air longer for optimal carry distance. As a result, you enjoy an eco-friendly golf ball that delivers distance off the tee and fairway and greenside spin. It is best created for those with a driver swing speed over 100-mph.

2. Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Balls

Pros

• Low long game spin
• Increased wedge spin
• Optimal carry distance
• Promotes straighter ball flight
• Ideal for moderate swing speeds

Cons

• Reduced workability
• Produces less wedge spin than the Chrome Soft X

The famed Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls fetch the same price as the TaylorMade and AVX dimples. The Chrome Soft is a premium golf ball with a low compression rating compared to the other options on this list.

The 75-compression golf ball aids moderate swing speeds to produce straighter flight and minimal driver and long iron spin for maximum distance. Thanks to the straighter ball flight, it marginally reduces the risk of a slice or hook.

A Graphene Infused SoftFast Inner Core encourages Tour-level ball speed and low spin in your long game. Conversely, a thin outer core boosts the durability and greenside spin of the ball. Plus, the urethane cover adapts to restrict spin on high-impact long shots while boosting it on wedge and short iron strikes.

Lastly, the ball reduces drag to optimize ball flight for superior carry distance and shot-stopping capabilities on approach.

Overall, the Callaway Chrome Soft Balls are ideal for those players looking for high forgiveness, straighter shots, and short game spin.

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3. Titleist Pro V1

Pros

• Lowers long game spin
• Superior spin around the green
• Promotes rapid ball speed
• Delivers optimal distance
• Soft feel

Cons

• Not recommended for slower swing speed

Possibly the most famous ball in golf, the ProV1 comes in at third on this year’s most expensive golf ball list. They are listed at $50 per dozen on Titleist’s website and are around the same price on Amazon, depending on when you purchase.

This legendary golf ball contains a soft cast urethane cover that generates superior drop and stop short game control. Contrarily, the 2.0 ZG Process Solid Core encourages rapid ball speed to promote additional yards.

An ionomer high flex casing layer partners with the Process Core to lower spin on low game shots for maximum distance. Conversely, it enhances spin around the green to dial your wedge game.

Furthermore, the 388-tetrahedral dimple pattern helps you achieve a powerful launch and optimal ball flight. Overall, the 100 compression ball is an all-around performer ideal for the faster swingers among us.

4. Titleist Pro V1X Golf Balls

Pros

• Reduced long game spin
• Increased spin around the green
• Produces maximum distance
• Consistent ball flight
• Durable

Cons

• Golfers with slow swing speeds may find it difficult to consistently launch this ball

The next expensive golf ball for 2022 is the high compression Titleist Pro V1X. It contains most of the same technology as the Pro V1 and fetches the same price. However, it features a different dimple layout, casing, and core.

348 tetrahedral dimples are placed around the ball to produce a consistent flight that maximizes carry distance. The 2.0 ZG Process Dual Core speeds up your ball for added yardage. In addition, the fast casing layer reduces spin on wood and long iron shots and increases it on low impact shots around the green.

A compression rating of 110 makes this ball best suited to fast swing speeds searching for extra distance.

5. TaylorMade TP5

Pros

• Produces superior spin around the green
• Enables shot workability
• Delivers additional yardage
• Provides accelerated ball speed
• Suits players with medium swing speeds

Cons

• Minimal difference from previous editions of the TP5
• Not as long as the TP5 X

Similar in price as the Titleist Pro V1 series is their arch-nemesis, the TaylorMade TP5 range.

A 5-piece golf ball construction contains some of the most advanced technology on the market. A large Reactiv Tri-Fast core encourages explosive ball speed to maximize flight time and carry distance. The Core is further aided by four-speed layers adding to the pace of the ball.

On top of its ball speed is a high flex material (HFM) which prompts rapid ball speed thanks to sublime rebound at impact.

Furthermore, a dual-spin cover restricts spin on long game shots and increases it around the green. Therefore you enjoy distance and spin to perform optimally from tee to green.

These workable TaylorMade golf balls produce a mid-level launch and optimal wedge spin. Plus, the 85-compression rating suits players with moderate swing speeds.

In conclusion, TP5 golf balls are ideal for medium pace swingers looking for a long, playable ball that spins superbly.

6. TaylorMade TP5X

Pros

• Encourages a higher launch
• Delivers supreme distance
• Minimizes long game spin
• Soft feel ball
• Ample wedge spin

Cons

• It does not produce as much wedge spin as the TP5
• The high launch may not suit faster swingers

The TaylorMade TP5X costs the same as the TP5 and carries the same technology. The difference between these golf balls is their playability, launch, feel, and spin.

This TaylorMade golf ball delivers piercing playability to help you optimize your distance and accuracy in your long game. Furthermore, the TP5 X produces a high launching shot to increase your carry distance and provide shot-stopping control on approach.

Besides the launch and distance of this ball, it generates less wedge spin than the TP5, resulting in reduced control around the green.

In summary, the TP5 is better suited to those most concerned with distance. However, it still produces ample spin and control to enjoy short game success.

7. Titleist AVX Golf Balls

Pros

• Restricts long game spin
• Produces optimal greenside spin
• Delivers shot stopping power on approach shots into the green.
• Promotes additional yardage in your long game
• Soft feel

Cons

• Produces less spin than a Pro V1
• Not suited to players with slow swing speeds

The third and final Titleist product to feature is their AVX golf balls. These balls fly along a low trajectory and produce minimal long game spin for increased distance. Conversely, AVX golf balls generate a high level of short game spin to improve your control and performance around the green.

A large core collaborates with a flexible casing layer to optimize your long game distance. The core prompts rapid ball speed, while the casing layer reduces long game spin. Titleist engineers also included a 348-catenary dimple structure for superior flight and carry distance.

Furthermore, the AVX golf balls are completed with a urethane elastomer cover. The soft, durable cover works to produce enhanced greenside spin and shot-stopping power on approach shots.

Ultimately, Titleist AVX 3-piece golf balls are suited to faster swinging players looking for maximum long iron distance without sacrificing feel or short game spin.

8. Wilson Staff Model Golf Balls

Pros

• Maximizes distance
• Low launch for optimal roll
• Workable
• High greenside spin
• Superior shot stopping qualities

Cons

• The low flight of this ball does not suit slow or moderate swinging golfers.

Bucking the trend of 3-piece premium constructions are the Wilson Staff Model balls.

Its 4-piece design features a urethane cover dotted with 362-dimples. The design offers additional aerodynamics and maximum carry distance.

The V-COR core composition produces intense energy, resulting in paramount velocity at impact. That means it ignites explosive ball speed for increased distance from your woods and long irons.

The low-flying Staff Model balls feature four spin variations for improved performance from tee to green. It enables workability and delivers increased distance in your long game and a stable flight and stopping power on approach.

Furthermore, it ups the level of spin in your short game, increasing your control and short game results.

In conclusion, these Tour-level golf balls are best suited to faster swingers looking for a low launch and increased roll.

9. XXIO Eleven Golf Balls

Pros

• Increased energy transfer at impact
• Rapid ball speed
• Reduced spin on wedge shots
• Restricted spin on wood and long iron shots
• Durable

Cons

• Not as long as other balls on this list

The XXIO Eleven golf ball adds to the company’s reputation for premium golf gear. The 3-piece design includes a FastLayer Core, Supersoft Urethane rebound cover, and Rigid Zone.

The FastLayer Core ensures optimal energy transfer at impact to generate accelerated ball speed, while the Rigid Zone increases stability and flexibility. As a result, you enjoy limited spin on long shots and high spin around the green.

Its urethane cover rebounds off the grooves of your wedges and short irons to deliver superior control in your short game.

According to XXIO, their Eleven Golf Ball range is best designed for moderate swing speeds. Therefore, it goes long and spins superbly, giving the average golfer all-around performance from tee to green.

10. Bridgestone Tour B X

Pros

• Low long game spin
• Controlled trajectory
• Optimal distance
• Heightened short game spin
• Rapid ball speed

Cons

• Not suitable for moderate to slow swing speeds

Besides the Dixon’s golf balls and the Pro V1 and Pro V1X, all the other options retail at $49.99 per dozen. The Bridgestone Tour B X is listed on their website at $47.99 (although you can get it for cheaper on Amazon), which sneaks into the top 10.

The Tour B range features four options, including the Tour B X. They are the B XS, B RX, B RXS. Each option is designed to deliver distance, spin, or both, for fast and moderate swing speeds. Every ball is constructed with the same technology, but they are manipulated to suit the needs of different players.

A Reactiv Urethane Cover modified the action of the ball depending on the size of the impact. On long, powerful shots, the cover lowers spin for increased distance. Conversely, on wedge and short iron strikes, it absorbs the impact, prompting heightened spin for supreme control.

Furthermore, the Gradational Compression Core restricts driver spin and promotes accelerated ball speed for optimal distance. Plus, the Dual Dimple and Seamless Cover Technology routinely deliver accuracy, a stable trajectory, and additional yards.

Overall, the Bridgestone suggests that the Tour B X is best constructed for golfers with rapid swing speeds, looking for a controlled trajectory, distance, and spin. However, if you wish to play the same ball as Tiger Woods, you need to look at the Tour B XS.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Talk about expensive sports and golf is bound to come up. A set of golf clubs, lessons, membership, and green fees are exorbitant for the average person. That is why many individuals unfortunately steer clear of the game. In this post, I detail why golf is so expensive.

Now, as crazy as it seems, golf seems like a plebs game compared to polo, showjumping, sailing, and wingsuiting. Jokes aside, I am well aware that the cost of golf is high for many to justify splurging on.

The Costs Associated with Playing Golf

Clubs

Average cost: $370 – $3500

In a recent post, I covered the topic, how much is a good set of golf clubs? The results highlighted the wide range of prices depending on your skill level. New golfers can expect to drop $370 to $580 on a set of golf clubs or consider a pre-owned package.

Mid-handicappers should budget $1300 to $2000 for a new set of clubs. Alternatively, second-hand setups start at $680.

Finally, low handicap golfers may drop as much as $3500 on a complete set. Conversely, a second-hand package can total $2700.

If you look after your golf clubs, they can last decades. For example, my TaylorMade r540 irons and R5 woods are still operating 16 years after I took them out of the box. Plus, I have a Spalding putter I received in 1995, and it remains in fine knick.

The point is that you do not need to purchase golf clubs frequently. However, as your game improves, you may desire to switch up your equipment more regularly than a high handicapper.

Remember that you may need to replace the shaft and grip on some clubs multiple times in their life span. Grips set you back $6 to $15 per unit, while a shaft ranges from $30 to $150.

Balls

Average cost: $16 – $50 (Per dozen)

Per unit, golf balls offer the lowest of your equipment costs. But, the expenses can quickly rise if you are irresponsible. If you lose 6 to 10 balls every round of golf, you should stick to the bargain bin. Losing that many premium urethane-covered balls will cause your golf expenses to soar unnecessarily.

Golf balls range in price from approximately $16 to $50 for a box of 12. Affordable golf balls generally contain ionomer covers which are excellent for lowering spin and boosting distance.

Conversely, expensive golf balls are fitted with urethane covers that deliver exceptional greenside spin and control. Plus, they feature a core that lowers spin and increases ball speed on long game shots. Superior golfers prefer the all-around performance of premium dimples.

If you are conservative with your golf balls and rarely lose one, a box will last you three to four rounds. I donate 1 or 2 to the Golfing Gods every round, which means a dozen should carry me through 6-rounds. However, I need to employ a new ball every 6 to 9 holes because of scuffing.

However, there are ways to enjoy the game without breaking the bank. Our post on the 13 best cheap golf balls in 2022 is a suitable place to start.

Golf Tees

Average cost: $7 – $13 (Per 100)

Tees form part of the essential accessories required to play the game. Tees are a minor expense, and you only need to purchase them once in a blue moon. For example, a pack of 100 wooden tees lasts me 5 to 7 months. Since I play twice a week, that is fantastic value for money.

Gloves

Average cost: $13 – $35 (Per glove)

Golf gloves help us improve our traction to better control the club. This enables us to optimize power on the downswing for maximum clubhead speed. In addition, gloves reduce the risk of blisters and injuries on your palm.

Gloves are not the most expensive gear, but their lifespan is limited. They tend to wear and tear rapidly, requiring a new one every few months if you play frequently.

Leather gloves offer a superior feel and are moisture resistant. However, leather does not provide the level of breathability found in synthetic gloves. Generally speaking, Cabretta leather gloves fetch a higher price per unit than synthetic designs.

Driving Range

Average cost: $6 – $10 (Per Bucket of 100 Balls)

Constant practice is essential to improving your golf scores and lowering your handicap. I recommend fitting in one range session per week at least. This costs you between $6 to $10 for a bucket of 100 balls.

Clothing/Apparel

Average cost: $130 – $420 (Including a golf shirt, golf pants, golf shoes, and rain gear)

The cost of your gear can quickly add up if you opt for premium golf attire. However, you must budget for a golf shirt, pants, shoes, and rain gear. On the affordable side, you can get away with paying $130 to $150 for your golf equipment. Conversely, an expensive look can set you back as much as $420.

Golf Lessons

Average cost: $75 – $90 (1 hour lesson)

I highly urge every golfer to seek the assistance of a professional sooner rather than later. If you are just starting out, book a few coaching sessions, and learn how to play the game correctly. Conversely, seasoned golfers who have never had a lesson should have one to identify specific weaknesses in your swing.

In my experience, the average cost of a 1-hour lesson ranges from $75 to $90 with a certified PGA professional.

I recommend starting with 5 lessons. After that, you can either add on more or go at it alone. 5-lessons are sufficient for you to cover the basics of your swing mechanics, posture, and alignment.

Playing a Round of 9 Holes

Average cost: $21 

According to Golf Magazine and National Golf Foundation (NGF), the average course fees for 9 holes in the United States is $21. Naturally, you can expect to fork out substantially more when playing at private courses.

A semi-private club generally asks for lower fees than private country clubs, as they welcome guests and members. Public golf courses such as your local muni are the best place to keep green fees down.

Playing a Round of 18 Holes

Average cost: $38

Furthermore, the NGF found that the average fee for 18 holes in 2021 reached $38. Now, these are prices that you can expect to pay at municipal courses.

In addition, these rates cover your green fees and nothing else. You will need $20 to $50 to rent a golf cart for 18-holes.

Semi-private and private Country Clubs can ask for as much as $200 to $300. In the case of Pebble Beach and Shadow Creek, those fees enter the realm of $550 to $1000 per round.

Membership Initiation Fee (optional)

Average cost: $1000 – $100,000+

Membership initiation fees vary depending on the golf course. Semi-private courses may ask for less than $1,000, whereas private courses request more than $100,000. This payment only gets you in the door and does not include your annual membership or green fees.

Combining the initiation fee with membership, green fees, and annual tariffs is where golf becomes unnecessarily expensive for the average person.

The good news is that nothing is forcing you to become a golf club member. Unless you are after a handicap. In that case, being a registered member makes life easier.

Why Rich People Typically Play Golf

Build Relationships

A common reason why people play golf is to build relationships, especially from a business perspective. The old adage suggests that golf is good for business. Beating an opponent on the links requires patience, astute decision-making, and a killer instinct. These qualities demand respect and are an ideal way to win over new business and friends.

Keeping Up Appearances

The Country Club I grew up at had many of these characters. They could not swing a golf club to save their lives and grew to hate the game. However, they needed to be seen at the club on weekends, to highlight their importance and status. These are individuals who play golf just for the image.

Generation Z and millennials would refer to their mindset as the fear of missing out. They feel that not playing golf reduces their credit among their peers.

Peace and Quiet

A golf course offers individuals a place to escape from chaotic, everyday life. You are forced to focus on your swing and aim for more than 4 hours, helping you take your mind off work.

Furthermore, the privacy of a club allows wealthy people to be in a relaxed environment without being bothered by others. There are acres of space with nobody else except fellow golfers, with whom you enjoy a common interest.

Finally, the peace and quiet offered on a golf course is a drawcard. It allows rich golfers to spend enjoyable time out of the office, listening to the sounds of nature.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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