As a mid handicapper, you likely see lots of information about face balanced putters, forgiving putters, adjustable putters, and more. All of that is great, but which one is made for your golf game?

I can tell you, after testing dozens of putters this year, there are some significant differences from one putter to the next.

We have gathered a group of putters that will help you become more consistent and confident on the greens. Take a look at the 8 best putters for mid handicappers in 2022.

What a Mid Handicapper Should Look for in a Putter

Mid handicappers make up a large portion of the golfing population, so there will be dozens of putters marketed towards the mid handicapper. However, the significant differences between each of these putters matter from a performance standpoint.

Here’s what every mid handicapper should understand before they invest in a new golf putter.

MOI (Forgiveness)

The acronym MOI stands for moment of inertia, and it is a fancy way of saying forgiveness. Forgiveness in a putter head will help you become more consistent.

Although you may not think missed hits in putting are as common as in other areas of the game, they most certainly are. When you watch your golf putting stroke in slow motion, it’s amazing to see how much each stroke varies.

Putters with higher MOI tend to have the center of gravity moved towards the face of the club. This helps to keep the ball down when contact is made and ensures the roll is more solid.

Seeing a golf ball roll end over end is typically a sign that it was a good stroke and it will end up near the hole. Don’t be afraid to use a putter with a high MOI; it won’t take away from feel or accuracy.

Blade vs. Mallet Putters

Mid handicappers can choose between blade or mallet putters. If one was better than the other, we would tell you. I tend to like blade putters better for the lower handicappers and mallet putters a bit more for high handicappers.

However, with mid handicappers, you have the best of both worlds.

If your putting stroke is a bit more of an arc style, consider the blade putter. If you are more of a straight-back straight-through golfer, the mallet putter head is a better choice.

Choose based on the stroke preferences. Many great putter manufacturers like Odyssey and Cobra will make both a mallet and blade version of their top putters. You won’t miss out on technology by choosing one over the other.

Alignment

Distance control is important in putting, but alignment is the other half of the battle. A putt with a perfect speed that is not lined up correctly is never going to make it in the hole.

Try to narrow down whether you struggle with distance control or alignment in your golf game. If it is alignment, look for a mallet style putter that has longer alignment lines.

These alignment lines make it easier to visualize the proper line to the hole and which way you need to adjust. Add a step to your pre-shot routine and get your ball on this line. Combining all these pieces should lead to a shot that goes into the hole!

Weight

Putter weight is a critical consideration. I personally prefer a bit of a heavier putter. The heavier feel in the putter head sometimes makes me feel less likely to use my hands and more likely to use my shoulders and arms in the stroke.

The weight of the putter can vary from one manufacturer to another. We also know that the actual weight and the feel are two different things in golf.

This is why looking at putters with adjustability may help. Being able to fine-tune the club head weight should make it easier to find a putter that is an exact fit for your game.

Keep in mind that by using a bit of lead tape, you can adjust the weight of your putter to fit the needs of your golf game.

Feel

Feel can be a personal preference that will change from one mid handicapper to the next. Some golfers like a softer feel in their putter, which comes off the clubface a bit slower. Others want a firm and fast feel.

One unfortunate thing about the world of golf putters is that when a putter has a higher price tag, chances are it has a better feel.

Multi material putters with impressive technology tend to have the best feel on the market. However, we can’t complain about the feel of any putter that made out a list of the best putters for mid handicappers; each has a unique and distinct feel that should appeal to mid handicappers.

Pricing

Putters range in price from around $50 to more than $500. Most mid handicappers look to stay in the $150 to $250 range.

We know that is much more than you may have had to spend a few years ago, but it’s important to remember how important a putter is and how often you use it. The pricing is well worth it for a club you will use (hopefully only once!) on every hole.

Longevity

Putters last a long time!

In fact, if you buy a great putter and take good care of it, there is nothing stopping you from keeping it in the bag for 15 years. How many golf clubs in your bag have relevant technology that will last for 15 years?

Not many.

Take your time choosing a putter and go with a brand name in which you have some confidence. This club can be with you for a long time, and getting comfortable and confident with a great putter is the fastest way to go from mid handicapper to low handicapper.

8 Best Putters for Mid Handicappers

Cobra King Vintage Nova (Best Overall)

Pros

• Impressive 304 stainless steel putter head
• Sik Aluminum Face Insert
• Adjustable weighting system
• Cobra Connect Technology
• Clean lines and coloring help it stand out from others on the market

Cons

• It will take a little while to dial in the weighting that works for your game

The Cobra King Vintage Nova is our favorite putter for mid handicappers. The time Cobra spent working on the technology that this putter provides is incredibly impressive. Truthfully, Cobra has done a great job in the driver, hybrid, and fairway space for quite some time, but this putter technology is a step outside of the norm.

With the Cobra King Vintage Nova, you will benefit from an adjustable weight system to help dial in stability and feel. Something that more and more putters are moving towards.

In addition, each of the putters features a Cobra Connect grip to help you track your putting stats. Mid handicappers who want lower scores can benefit from technology like this.

The descending loft technology on the face of the putter is what makes this club so accurate from the five and ten foot range. If you feel like making more ten-footers would help your score (trust us, it will!), this is an excellent putter to try.

Odyssey White Hot OG 2 Ball (Best Feel)

Pros

• Original White Hot formulation
• Silver PVD finish
• DFX rubber grip for a better feel
• Stroke lab shaft options available

Cons

• The putter head can feel a little bulky at first

The Odyssey White Hot OG 2 Ball offers the best feel for mid handicappers. When the first Odyssey putters came out, golfers couldn’t get enough of them. However, as technology has improved and changed, the original White Hot Formulation was lost.

Bringing it back was a smart decision on the part of Odyssey. The club has an excellent feel, an impressive silver PVD finish, fine milling on the face, and the tour-proven Stroke Lab shaft option.

Even with this new insert and the great feel, our favorite feature of this putter is still the alignment. Visualizing the two golf balls going toward the hole is a great mental picture to have right before you take your putting stroke.

TaylorMade Spider Tour Black (Best For Consistency)

Pros

• High moment of inertia
• Heavy 304 stainless steel frame for better weighting
• Great for the straight back straight through strokes
• Vibration damping

Cons

• No adjustable weighting
• Not the newest Spider model

The TaylorMade Spider Tour Black is a tour proven golf putter that more mid handicappers should take advantage of. This is a high MOI golf putter with impressive roll and stability. You will find that the alignment on the putter head makes it really easy to get this one set up toward the hole.

With the Spider Tour Black, vibration damping PU foam is installed in the putter head. The putter head may be large and bulky looking, but it has some of the best feel in the game when you strike the ball.

In addition, the TaylorMade Spider Tour Black comes with the SuperStroke GTR 1.0 Grip. This is larger than the standard grip and designed to keep the hands out of the putting stroke.

If you are a golfer that misses one short, long, left, or right, and you never know which way it’s going, the TaylorMade Spider Tour Black is a good choice.

PXG HellCat Straight (Best Affordable Blade)

Pros

• Pyramid Face Pattern on the club face
• Alignment aid is easy to see
• Heavy putter head for faster greens

Cons

• Not as much forgiveness as others on the market

PXG is a brand that initially stated it would only make the most premium and expensive clubs in the game. Since then, they have released an entire value line that is a perfect fit for a mid handicapper that doesn’t want to spend too much.

The PXG HellCat Straight is an affordable blade putter with a 365 gram putter head. One of the things that helps this putter stand out is the impressive Pyramid Face Pattern technology. With this technology, expect the ball to roll off the clubface consistently; there is no skid or jump when contact is made.

Smooth is a great way to describe this PXG HellCat blade putter. If your short game lacks that smooth and consistent feel, this is a good affordable blade to try.

Wilson Harmonized M3 (Best Budget Putter)

Pros

• Easy to line up
• Nice midsize putter grip
• Face insert for a softer feel

Cons

• Feel is not the best on the market
• No options for adjustable weighting
• Won’t be the best looking for all putters for mid handicappers

Not every golfer has $400 to spend on a new putter; we get that!

The Wilson Harmonized M3 is one of the best cheap putters on the market. This club is easy to line up, has impressive alignment capability, and is a very accurate putter. I won’t tell you that the feel is as great as a Scotty Cameron or an Odyssey; however, for the price, it’s pretty good.

A face insert in the M3 is made of a soft polymer material that helps create a softer feel at impact. Many cheap putters can feel like you are hitting a rock, so this is a positive feature.

The bottom line here is that for golfers on a budget, the Wilson Harmonized M3 certainly won’t set your putting game back, and there is a good chance it can improve it.

Wilson Infinite Buckingham (Best Value)

Pros

• Really impressive value
• Ultra dark PVD finish
• Anti-glare finish
• Great distance control technology

Cons

• Inside five feet, the putter can feel like it pulls a bit left

The Wilson Infinite Buckingham is one of the putters I recommend the most for mid handicappers that are looking for great value. This is a step up from the Wilson Harmonized M3, as it has a really impressive feel and some great consistency.

In addition, it’s hard not to like the ultra-dark PVD finish and the top down look of the putter. This club has really great performance from the five to fifteen-foot range. Inside five feet, it can feel as though it pulls a little left, but it’s something you can easily adjust to.

The putter sits nice and flat on the surface and allows for a very light feel in the hands. This is a counterbalanced putter design to allow for a smooth and consistent stroke.

Cleveland Golf HB Soft Premier (Best Looking)

Pros

• Two different grip options to choose from
• Diamond CNC milling pattern
• Speed optimized technology
• Gray satin finish for less glare

Cons

• Some golfers find the putter face to be a bit too soft
• May have to hit it a bit harder on a really slow green

If someone tells you that looks don’t matter on a putter head, they are wrong. The look of the putter absolutely matters, and it can really help you if you need more confidence on the green.

Cleveland had some great success with the Huntington Beach putters, but the HB Soft helped to tone down the feel at impact just a bit, and this was a good thing.

The putter face has a diamond CNC milling pattern for increased friction. This increase in friction helps the ball roll smoother off the face of the club and eliminate any of those bumps or jumps that many mid handicappers end up with.

In addition, Cleveland is great about its pricing, and they start out with a fair price and then lower as the season goes on.

Odyssey Golf Eleven Putter Triple Track (Best Premium)

Pros

• Advanced forgiveness
• Impressive accuracy
• Increased stability over Oddsey Ten putters
• Less chance of heel and toe miss hits

Cons

• One of the higher-priced putters on the market

Some mid handicaps are on a mission to get their game to the next level. Sometimes, having the best equipment on the market will help that happen. The Odyssey Golf Eleven Putter Triple Track design is a premium mallet putter head with all the technology you could ask for.

This putter is built for the mid handicapper that wants help with alignment. It also has some of the best sound and feel. When you hit a putter like this compared to a cheap putter, the feel is where you will notice the most difference in performance.

The original White Hot Formulation is included in the putter head, and it is incredibly stable at impact. Players will be able to line the ball up and take a straight back and straight through putting stroke with complete confidence.

The sweet spot is large, and consistency and precision are impressive with this Odyssey in your hands.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.

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Identifying the correct golf equipment is a challenge when you are starting out.

Many beginners I speak to spend their time focusing on increasing their distance but neglect their short game. In this post, I rectify that and unveil the 10 best wedges for high handicappers.

You’ll find that the wedges on this list offer a combination of clean turf interaction, forgiveness, consistent spin, and a rapid landing. All these features are designed to help you attack the flag and increase your one putts per round.

(Before you start searching for your next set of short clubs, I suggest bookmarking our article on the only 2 wedges that a beginner should carry.)

What to Look For in a Good Wedge When You’re a High Handicap Player

Types of Wedges

Prior to looking at wedge features, you must decide which clubs to add to your bag. Most beginner players opt for a pitching and sand wedge, but this can open you up to distance gaps between the two clubs.

I suggest carrying a minimum of three wedges, specifically your pitching, gap, and sand wedge, starting out. At this point, the weaker lofted lob wedge may prove impossible to control, so you should learn how to master the easier lofts instead.

Lofts

Once you have chosen your ideal wedges, you must consider the lofts and how they impact your game. For example, if your pitching wedge is 43 degrees, you want to employ a 50-degree gap wedge to plug any potential holes.

With a 50-degree gap wedge in hand, I recommend a 54 or 56-degree sand wedge. These wedges provide sufficient loft to help you escape bunkers and execute flop, pitch, and chip shots. However, they are not excessively weak where it borders on a lob wedge.

If you decide to play a lob wedge, I do not recommend swinging anything weaker than 60 degrees. I love a lob wedge, but the excess loft can cause you to balloon shots and relinquish greenside control.

Forgiveness

As high handicappers, forgiveness is vital for consistency around the greens. I suggest looking for a cavity back wedge, which possesses perimeter weighting for a higher moment of inertia (MOI), and an expanded sweet spot. This helps you produce straighter shots and limits spin drop-off.

Clean Turf Interaction

The final feature to look out for is a sole grind that delivers clean turf interaction. You want your wedges to glide over the grass to make clean contact with your golf ball. This way, you generate the optimal launch, spin, and control on each shot.

10 Best Wedges for High Handicappers

1. Callaway Mack Daddy CB – Overall Best Wedge For High Handicappers

Pros

• Exceptional forgiveness
• Moderately affordable
• Minimizes spin drop off
• Produces maximum spin
• Generates crisp turf interaction

Cons

• Only 2 available sole grinds
• Restricts workability

The Callaway Mack Daddy CB earns the prize for the overall best wedge for high-handicapper golfers. I found that it delivered superior forgiveness compared to the JAWS Mack Daddy 5 at a more affordable price point.

Besides its affordability, I noticed the Mack Daddy CB produced tremendous spin on all shots, from the pitching to the lob wedge. You’ll find that this is the work of the Groove-In-Groove technology, which minimizes spin drop-off for consistent revolutions per minute.

Furthermore, I felt Callaway could have offered a broader range of sole grinds. Sometimes, fewer options are better for high-handicap golfers. You’ll notice that a full grind is your only pick for Mack Daddy CB pitching and gap wedge. Conversely, a W-grind is fitted to the sand and lob wedge.

The sole grinds on these wedges are built to suit a diverse range of turf conditions and swings. Finally, I enjoyed the increased forgiveness provided by this wedge, thanks to its expanded sweet spot and high moment of inertia (MOI). This combination helps reduce spin drop-off and keeps your clubface square at contact for straighter shots.

2. Wilson Harmonized Black – Best Budget

Pros

• Excellent forgiveness
• Incredibly affordable
• Glare resistant finish
• Versatile sole grind delivers clean turf interaction
• Makes it easy for golfers to open the clubface and get under the ball

Cons

• It offers limited feedback and a firmer feel
• The oversize design may not appeal to some golfers

Who said you will struggle to find affordable options on a shoestring budget. The Wilson Harmonized black wedge range offers a rock-bottom price tag, elevated forgiveness, and glare resistance. All-in-all, you can pick up a set of wedges for less than the cost of individual clubs from their competitors.

Wilson engineers opted to simplify the setup for a beginner by applying a single, versatile sole grind to their gap, lob, and sand wedge constructions. I found it enabled me to open my clubface freely, get underneath my golf ball to clear a sand trap or water hazard, and land my ball softly on the green.

In addition, I enjoyed the black finish on this affordable wedge, which helped to shed glare from my line of sight during the address. You’ll find this reduces distractions and allows you to set up and play your shot without interference.

Furthermore, you’ll find that the oversize design of the Wilson Harmonized Black wedge boosts the stability and MOI of the clubface. Therefore, it helps high-handicap golfers keep the clubface square at impact to produce straighter ball flight.

3. Cleveland CBX 2 Wedge – Most Forgiving

Pros

• Exceptional forgiveness
• Promotes straight shots
• Combats misses to the right
• Eradicates vibrations on off-center strikes
• Generates consistent spin

Cons

• The oversized profile is an eye sore
• It offers limited workability

A high MOI wedge is ideal for beginner golfers seeking straighter flight and forgiveness in your short game. I found that the Cleveland CBX 2 cavity back wedge resisted twisting during my swing and remained stable at impact for superior forgiveness and accuracy.

The engineers employed an oversized cavity back wedge that allowed them to position weight around the clubface perimeter. You’ll see that the precise weight distribution increases the MOI of the clubface and expands the sweet spot. As a result, you produce direct flight and prevent spin drop-off.

Further bolstering the forgiveness of this wedge is the presence of Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology. I saw that it prompted a toe bias profile to fight sidespin that causes you to push or slice your shot. Therefore, you enjoy a straight flight and improved accuracy on all strikes.

Game improvement wedges reduce feedback and provide a firmer feel, unideal for short-game strokes. However, Cleveland combatted this challenge by employing a Gelback pad between the cavity and the clubface to eradicate vibrations and soften each touch.

Finally, I enjoyed the performance of the 4th Generation Rotex Face Tech, which created impressive spin levels on all strikes. The brand’s sharpest tour zip grooves grip into your golf ball cover and impart rampant revolutions per minute for a drop and stop landing.

4. Cobra Snake Bite Wedge – Highest Spinning

Pros

• Exceptional spin
• Delivers increased friction
• Produces optimal launch, depending on the degrees of loft
• Cobra Connect grips gather insight into each shot
• Glare resistant

Cons

• The oversize profile will not appeal to everyone
• The wider grips may not suit golfers with smaller hands.

Wedges are the clubs that give us the right to attack the flag and try to stick it close for a one-putt. However, to execute an effective attack, you need a combination of controlled flight and exceptional spin. The Cobra Snake Bite wedge grabs the title for the highest spinning wedge thanks to an increased dispersion rate.

I felt that the Snakebite Groove Technology performed consistently, enabling me to repeat full swings and stick my ball close to the target. You’ll notice that its tighter groove tolerance generates advanced spin, causing my ball to stop rapidly on approach.

Cobra wasn’t done with spin support and decided to employ Progressive full-face grooves to deliver the optimal launch, spin, and control with each wedge. In addition, you’ll find three sole grind constructions for the different types of wedges in the set.

For example, the wide low sole design best suits soft turf or bunker shots and performs for golfers with a neutral to a steep angle of attack. Conversely, a versatile and classic grind is found on most wedges on the set.

Lastly, you’ll notice that this edition of the Snake Bite series carries a black finish, which works wonders for glare resistance at the address. Plus, the wedges are fitted with Cobra Connect grips, which gather insight into each shot for you to analyze later.

5. Cleveland RTX ZipCore Black Satin – Most Accurate

Pros

• Forgiving
• Promotes straight ball flight for improved accuracy
• Glare-resistant black satin finish
• Spin consistency
• 3 sole grinds to choose from

Cons

• Its oversize profile may deter some players
• The high MOI restricts workability

The second and final Cleveland on the list of best golf wedges for high handicappers is the RTX ZipCore. Thanks to advanced MOI, I found that this wedge delivered the straightest ball flight for improved accuracy.

Cleveland engineers shifted the CG position and placed weight around the perimeter of the face to boost MOI. I noticed this helped me maintain a square clubface through impact and produced higher flight. You’ll find that this suits beginner players struggling to consistently get their ball airborne around the green.

Furthermore, the Ultizip grooves produced an exceptional spin rate propelling my ball to bite hard into the turf and stop immediately. This gave me more freedom to attack the pin, knowing that if I missed my target, the ball would sit quickly.

I learned that Cleveland positioned the grooves closer to improve the friction on each shot. You’ll see that means your golf ball sticks onto the clubface for longer, creating an impressive spin on full shots and chips.

Moreover, the RTX Zipcore is produced with 3 sole grind offerings to cater to every type of shot, attack angle, and turf conditions. Players looking for minimal bounce should consider the low sole, while neutral players best suit the midsole. Finally, golfers with steep attack angles may find comfort in the complete sole construction.

6. MacGregor MacTec X Series – Best Wedges Set For Beginners

Pros

• Super affordable
• It includes 3 wedges in the set
• Classic profile
• Softish feel
• Ample spin

Cons

• Less forgiving than other wedges
• The logo and print on the back of the club are off-putting at address.

MacGregor is a brand often forgotten in the sea of behemoth equipment manufacturers, but they deserve more recognition. I played a MacGregor 5-wood for most of my teenage years, and I have nothing but love for their work. Recently, I have focused on their affordable, consistent MacTec X Chrome wedge set.

You’ll notice that this is a set of three wedges for less than the price of one wedge from a premium brand. It eradicates the headache of selecting your short clubs and issues you with a gap wedge, sand wedge, and 60-degree golf club. As a result, you have everything you need in one acquisition.

Despite their budget price tag, the MacGregor MacTec X set offers a classic head shape and is constructed with stainless steel. You’ll find it works to provide a moderately delicate touch on all shots for enhanced feedback in your short game.

In addition, I felt that the enlarged full-face grooves were deep, narrow, and sharp to produce an impeccable spin rate. The only downside I found is that it offered less forgiveness than other best golf wedges I have tested.

7. Tour Edge Hot Launch E522 – Best Turf Interaction

Pros

• Maximum forgiveness
• Clean turf interaction
• Launches high
• Causes your golf ball to land softly
• Promotes straight flight

Cons

• The oversized profile is unattractive
• The high ball flight may cause some golfers to balloon their shots and minimize control.

Clean turf interaction is essential to help your wedge glide over the fairway or rough grass to make solid contact with your golf ball. I found that the Super Wide Houdini sole on the Tour Edge Hot Launch E522 performed the best in this aspect. This is why it is the best high-handicapper wedge for crisp turf interaction.

Tour Edge suggests that the Super Wide Houdini sole reduces turf friction by 35%, though I cannot provide an exact figure. I definitely felt a difference during each swing. At no point did I feel like the clubhead would dig into the turf and cause a mishit.

Next, the deep undercut cavity back design came into play at launch, sending my ball high and helping it land softly. Usually, I loathe increased trajectory in my short game. But the lower center-of-gravity (CG) ensures consistency for slower swingers struggling to launch their shots.

You’ll see that the E522 rocks an extra large face, equipped with an enlarged sweet spot and higher MOI. Together, these features promote straighter shots and prevent spin drop-offs for superior consistency.

The final piece of the puzzle lies with the Full-Face Maximized grooves that generate adequate spin across the clubface. As a result, you propel your golf ball to fly high and stop quickly on all shots.

8. Ping Glide 4.0 – Best Friction

Pros

• Soft feel
• Escalated friction
• Clean turf interaction
• Maximum spin rate
• 4 sole grinds to choose

Cons

• Premium price point
• Less forgiveness than other beginners wedges

Ping knows how to manufacture game-improvement golf clubs to simplify the lives of the average golfer. I find that the Glide 4.0 wedge caters to a broad range of players, including mid and high-handicappers searching for a soft feel, compact shape, and maximum friction.

Of all the wedges tested this year, I felt the ball stayed on the Glide 4.0 clubface for the longest at contact. This increased spin on my golf ball and boosted my dispersion, distance control, and spin on short game shots.

Furthermore, I embraced the responsive and soft feel afforded by the 8620 carbon steel material and Elastomer CTP insert. Together they muted the feeling of each strike and enhanced face contact for superior friction.

You’ll see that the Glide 4.0 carries an attractive, compact profile which is a pleasure to look over at address. Plus, it encourages workability should you wish to add some shape to your shot.

Lastly, the Glide 4.0 wedges are fitted with face-blasted milled grooves, which are highly durable and improve the texture of the impact zone. This escalates friction and helps your golf ball stick to the clubface grooves at contact to produce an impressive spin.

9. Powerbilt X-Grind Series – Best For Weekend Warriors

Pros

• Exceptionally affordable
• It includes a gap, sand, and lob wedge in the set
• Unique, versatile sole grind
• Soft feel for an entry-level wedge
• They produce a high flight and soft landing

Cons

• The durability may prove an issue in the long run
• It does not produce a high spin rate.

The Powerbilt X-Grind series provides weekend warriors with 3 types of wedges in a single set, which covers every area of your short game. Powerbilt offers you a gap, sand, and lob wedge for less than $100. Besides their entry-level price tag, these wedges provide versatile playability, a soft feel, and a soft landing.

The X-grind sole is built for playability for any position on the golf course. I found that it performed best in moderate turf conditions and generated minimal interaction.

You’ll see these wedges carry an oversized profile enabling the engineers to widen the sweet spot and increase the MOI. As a result, the wedges limit spin drop-off for greater consistency and promote straight high shots.

Finally, I felt that the Powerbilt X-Grind wedges offered a soft feel for entry-level golf clubs. This is thanks to the 431 stainless steel materials employed by the engineers.

10. Autopilot C3i – Best For Yips

Pros

• It helps golfers with yips strike the ball cleanly
• Promotes a high flight
• Generates a soft landing
• Glare resistant
• Clean turf interaction

Cons

• The weak lofts can create distance gaps at the lower end of your bag.
• It eliminates workability

Autopilot clubs are usually not my first choice, but I have to go back on my word with the C3i wedge. A buddy of mine has suffered from the yips for years and always struggles to get the ball out of the bunker or execute a flop shot.

He decided to give the C3i wedge a go. He found that it could get his ball airborne consistently without altering his setup or opening the clubface. A significant change from past experiences. Since then, he has sworn by this no-friction glide, extra wide sole wedge.

Granted, it does not spin at the rate of other wedges, but the high flight prompts a soft, quick landing. In addition, the black, red, and white finish reduce glare at address for a comfortable setup.

My only concern with the C3i wedges is their excessively weak lofts, which may leave a hole between your gap and pitching wedge. For example, the gap wedge is a weak 55-degree, while a sand wedge is set at 59 degrees. Finally, the lob wedge carries an insanely delicate 65 degrees.

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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Did you know that not all golf balls are created equal? 

Certain types of golf balls are more suited to highly skilled players like those on the PGA Tour. There are also golf balls that are made with the high handicapper in mind.

There are tons of golf balls out there, but if you shoot a high handicap, which ones are best for you? We break down what type of ball is best for high handicappers and which brands to try. 

What Kind of Golf Ball is Best Suited for High Handicappers?

Is your golf handicap on the high side? If so, this means that you routinely shoot rounds that are 20 strokes or more over par. 

Having a high handicap is nothing to be ashamed of, especially since the average handicap is 14.4. Heck, many golfers don’t even know what their handicap is.

Many high handicappers mistakenly use premium golf balls like the Titleist Pro V1 or the Bridgestone B XS. Choosing these types of golf balls can hurt your score and your wallet. 

If you’re a high handicapper, here are a few key features to look for in a golf ball.

1. Find a Golf Ball that is Cost-Effective

If you’re a golfer with a high handicap, you’re going to lose lots of golf balls. Most high handicappers struggle with directional issues like massive slices or duck hooks. This leads to lots of shots being hit into the water and trees.

This is why it’s so crucial to find a golf ball that is cost-effective if you’re a high handicapper. Slicing a ball into the lake is always painful, but it’s even more devastating when you’re paying $5 per golf ball. That ends up hurting both your ego and your bank account!

There are many golf balls on the market today in the $0.50 to $2 range. Find something in this price range that fits your game and is kinder to your wallet. This will give you the extra money needed to spend on golf lessons with a seasoned instructor if you want to see a rapid improvement in your game.  

2. Pick a Golf Ball with a High Amount of Forgiveness

If you’re a high handicapper, find a golf ball that provides a high level of forgiveness. Pay special attention to the compression rating. The ideal compression rating for a high handicapper is in the 35 to 60 range.

This will reduce the severity of your errant tee shots and give you a better chance of keeping the ball in play. Leave the higher compression ratings to the folks with faster swing speeds.

3. Look for a Golf Ball that is Super Soft

Most high handicappers have slower swing speeds and will benefit greatly from a golf ball with an ultra-soft feel. Soft golf balls will travel the maximum distance while also reducing the dreaded sidespin that causes inaccurate shots on the course. 

This is a huge advantage for high handicappers because they’ll get to play more shots from the fairway instead of the tall rough.

Super soft golf balls also perform better both on and around the greens. This is another nice benefit that may help high handicappers shoot lower scores. The fastest way to improve your golf handicap is to improve your short game.  

8 Best Golf Balls for People with a High Handicap

1. Titleist Velocity Golf Balls

Titleist is the most popular brand of golf ball on the PGA Tour and with good reason. These folks know how to make high-quality golf balls! Titleist has been in the golf ball manufacturing business since the 1930s so they’ve stood the test of time.

These beauties are a great deal at only $2.33 each. While that’s a little outside our recommended price range of $0.50 to $2, it’s still half of what the Titleist Pro V1 costs.

When I first started playing golf as a high handicapper, the Velocity was what I played with because of its reduced sidespin and maximum level of forgiveness. I noticed that when I switched to the Velocity, my (heavy) slice wasn’t nearly as severe. That led to a much more enjoyable time on the golf course during my first couple of years of learning the game.

High handicappers will love the higher ball flights they’ll be able to achieve with the Titleist Velocity. That will allow for more precise wedge shots that hopefully end up near the flagstick.

Price: $27.95 per dozen

Link to buy on Amazon

2. TaylorMade Project (s) Golf Balls

Amazon recently dropped the price on these wonderful TaylorMade balls so order them soon if you want to try them. They are now only $1.66 per ball, which is one heck of a deal for such a premium brand. You simply cannot beat getting a three-piece golf ball for this low of a price.

If you’re a high handicapper that wants maximum distance off the tee with low sidespin, the TaylorMade Project (s) could be a perfect choice. This golf ball has a two-layer core that reduces driver spin while increasing ball speed. 

This leads to longer, straighter drives, which is something all high handicappers dream about. This ball also features a urethane cover, which gives it a nice feel when you strike it on the sweet spot of your club.

The compression rating of the Project (s) is 60 so it is well within our guidelines for high handicappers. The soft ionomer cover gives it a great feel for when it’s time to break out the putter.

Price: $19.97 per dozen

Link to buy on Amazon

3. Callaway SuperSoft Golf Balls

The SuperSoft is one of the best-selling golf balls on Amazon!

Though these balls are only $2.08 each, it still feels like you are hitting a premium golf ball. That’s because Callaway has spent tons of time and money in research and development to improve this ball’s performance on the course.

These golf balls are one of the best choices for high handicappers because of Callaway’s HEX Aerodynamics technology. This allows these balls to not only launch higher than other brands but also carry farther. 

High handicappers will also love the extra greenside control that this ball provides.

Price: $24.99 per dozen

Link to buy on Amazon

4. Callaway 2021 ERC Triple Track Golf Balls

Might as well stick with the Callaway theme as the ERC Soft golf balls come up at #4 on our list for high handicappers. 

These are a bit pricier than the SuperSoft but still a fabulous choice when you consider the extra features. The triple track three lines make it easier than ever to line up putts on the green!

Of all the soft golf balls that Callaway makes, the ERC provides the most distance. The core of the ball works in tandem with the High Speed Mantle to boost your ball speed at impact. This ball also has a high level of durability which means it won’t get scuffed easily and will hold up well in extreme weather conditions.

Price: $34.97 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

5. Wilson Staff Duo Golf Balls

Wilson has been making high-quality golf balls since the 1950s so they are always a trustworthy option. 

For high handicappers, The Wilson Staff Duo will provide extra distance off the tee and an extremely soft feel on the greens. How does Wilson provide maximum distance at a low price?

The secret lies in the core of the ball and its VelocitiCOR technology. This special technology allows the Duo to be the longest two-piece golf ball in the game today. Most golfers brag about how consistent the Duo performs, no matter what the conditions are on the course.

Price: $28.10 per dozen

Link to buy on Amazon

6. Bridgestone E12 Golf Balls

We had to put Bridgestone on this list for high handicappers. The E12 flies off the clubface because of the contact force dimples that provide 38% surface contact at impact. This leads to longer, straighter shots with every club in your bag.

The E12 is one of our favorites on this list for improving the short game of high handicappers. This ball rolls incredibly well on the green and has the perfect feel to it when hitting chip and pitch shots. 

The E12 also features a sidespin reducing mantle and core that helps reduce slicing and hooking.

Price: $29.97 per dozen

Link to Buy on Amazon

7. Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls

Srixon has been making top-of-the-line golf balls for more than two decades! Several PGA Tour pros like Hideki Matsuyama, J.B. Holmes, and Russell Knox hit Srixon balls every week on the pro circuit.

Made with Fastlayer Technology, the core of this golf ball gives you plenty of distance off the tee and a soft feel around the greens. Srixon designed these balls with a 338 Speed Dimple Pattern to further increase distance. 

Lots of golfers love the high amount of greenside spin they get with the Srixon Soft Feels. This comes in handy on all chips, pitches, and putts. There is also a nice black line that makes it easier to line up your putts on the green.

Price: $21.99 per dozen

Link to buy on Amazon

8. Nitro Ultimate Distance Golf Balls (15 Pack)

Calling all value hunters who want the cheapest golf ball they can find! The Nitro is an excellent choice for high handicappers because it provides plenty of distance without hurting your wallet.

Nitro designed these balls specifically with the beginner golfer or high handicapper in mind. I played Nitros for several years when first starting and what I loved most was their insanely high durability. Seriously, these golf balls hold up through almost anything.

Nitros are made with a two-piece titanium core that helps the ball explode off of the clubface. Another nice thing about the Nitros is that they won’t spin nearly as much as other golf balls. This is ideal for high handicappers because less spin equals more accuracy.

These are available in Orange, Pink, Yellow, and White. They are also approved by the USGA, so they are legal for tournament play.

Price: $10.81 per case of 15

Link to Buy on Amazon

Golf Ball FAQs

Does it really matter what golf ball you use if you have a high handicap?

YES, the type of ball a high handicap golfer chooses can have a huge impact on their score. Most high handicappers have a slower swing speed so they need a softer golf ball to get the most bang for their buck as far as distance is concerned.

If a high handicapper chooses a harder golf ball (one with a high compression rating), their shots won’t travel as far. Also, high compression golf balls are made to increase spin, which can be problematic for high handicappers that struggle with direction. Most of the time, a harder golf ball will magnify a high handicapper’s weaknesses.

On the other hand, a softer golf ball will help to limit a high handicapper’s problems. Softer golf balls provide a large amount of forgiveness that all high handicappers need.

Do hard or soft golf balls go farther?

This answer is a complex one because it all depends on the golfer’s swing speed. As a general rule, harder golf balls will go farther for golfers with faster swing speeds. However, soft golf balls are the better option for golfers with slow to medium swing speeds.

A common misconception that most high handicappers have is that they’ll lose a ton of distance by switching to a soft golf ball. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Oftentimes, the distance difference between hard and soft golf balls is minimal (within 5 yards or so).

Choose a golf ball that suits your swing speed and skill level. That’s the best way to ensure you’ll get the maximum distance and precise accuracy on your shots.

How to Select the Right Golf Ball for You

Finding the perfect golf ball can be an overwhelming process because of the plethora of options that are out there. Here are some of the factors to consider before deciding on what golf ball is right for you and your game.

1. Swing Speed

Golfers with a fast swing speed will benefit from a golf ball with a higher compression rating. This will allow them to take advantage of their fast swing speed and give them extra yardage. Golfers with medium to slow swing speeds will play better with golf balls with a lower compression rating.

2. Feel

Feel is incredibly important when choosing a golf ball. This is especially true on the greens. You need to feel comfortable with how your golf ball reacts with your putter. 

Most golfers prefer a ball with a soft feel because it makes chipping and putting a little bit easier. Harder golf balls tend to react violently off the putter and can end up sliding way past the hole.

3. Forgiveness

This factor is especially important to high handicappers but can be a big factor for highly skilled golfers as well. How often do you mishit a shot? If it happens quite often, you want a golf ball with a large amount of forgiveness.

4. Ball Flight

How high do you like your shots to fly? Golfers who are long off the tee may not want a super high ball flight because it may cost them some distance. These folks may opt for a golf ball with a medium ball flight.

On the other hand, golfers who are rock stars with their short irons and wedges may prefer the highest ball flight possible. This helps them have more control over their approach shots so that they can fire right at the pin!

5. Durability

High handicappers are often hitting from tough lies on the golf course. This means that they need a golf ball that has a high level of durability. Golf balls that are durable not only last longer but are less likely to scuff.

6. Price

Let’s face it, we all have different budgets and financial situations. Make sure that you choose a golf ball that you can easily afford. There’s no reason for a broke college kid who is just starting to learn the game to pay big money for golf balls.

Remember, if you are a high handicapper, you are going to lose a lot of golf balls. Replacing a $1 ball is a whole lot easier than replacing a $5 ball.

On the other hand, if you are a highly skilled golfer with a handicap in the single digits, you’ll benefit greatly from the premium golf balls. Even though they cost more, you’ll be able to get the kind of spin you want when trying to shape shots (hit cuts and draws).

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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If you’re a golfer, have you noticed that it’s hard to find the right golf ball? There are so many options on the market today that the entire process can quickly become overwhelming. If you happen to be a mid-level handicapper, what golf ball is best for your game?

We break down what type of ball is best for mid handicap golfers and which brands to try. Our goal is to help you find the perfect golf ball so that you can be on your way to shooting lower scores.

If you just need a quick recommendation, here are our top choices:

What Kind of Golf Ball is Best Suited for Mid Handicappers?

1. Opt for a Low to Medium Compression Rating

Since most mid handicappers have a slow to medium swing speed, they are better off finding a golf ball that is a little on the soft side. Mid handicappers don’t necessarily need a super low compression rating (50 or so) like women, seniors, or high handicappers.

In most cases, a golf ball with a compression rating in the 60 to 80 range will work just fine for mid handicappers. A ball that has a higher compression rating than 80 will probably create too much side spin for the mid handicapper. This will make it tougher to avoid those annoyingly inaccurate tee shots with the driver.

2. Find a Golf Ball in the Cheap to Moderate Range

A nice thing about being a mid handicapper is that you won’t need a premium golf ball that costs an arm and a leg. High-end golf balls like the Titleist Pro V1 could be worse for the mid handicapper because of their high spin rate.

As a mid handicapper, expect to pay about $1 to $3 per golf ball. This is about half the price of premium golf balls. That nice chunk of savings can be put toward your greens fees instead of overpaying for golf balls.

8 Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers

1. Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls

While other brands like Bridgestone, Callaway, and TaylorMade make great golf balls, Titleist is still the king!

Mid-level handicappers can enjoy all the usual Titleist benefits like maximum ball speed, an ultra-soft feel at impact, and a consistent ball flight. The nice thing about the TruFeels is that they only cost $1.91 each.

Mid-handicappers usually struggle with their short game, so they will appreciate the exceptional greenside control that the TruFeel provides. For the price, this golf ball is one of the best for short game shots like pitches, chips, and putts.

Why does the TruFeel provide extra distance? It’s because of the new TruTouch Core that reacts well when struck by the clubface. The TruFit Aerodynamics helps create a springboard type of action that helps the golf ball carry a bit further than other brands.

How is this ball so soft both at impact and on the greens? The proprietary TruFlex cover helps reduce vibration while at the same time providing more control. The urethane cover gives this golf ball a large amount of durability.

2. Callaway 2021 Supersoft Golf Balls

Callaway takes home the second-place spot on our list for best golf balls for mid handicappers.

The Supersoft has been around for quite some time, and Callaway has spent tons of time and money on research and development to keep improving this golf ball. Many veteran golfers have been using the Supersoft for years and wouldn’t dream of switching from it.

DOW Chemical assisted Callaway in the development of this golf ball’s hybrid cover, which is one of the keys to its extremely fast ball speed. The High Speed Soft Compression Core also promotes an immensely high ball flight. Hex Aerodynamics also adds to the higher launch and ball flight.

If it’s greenside control you’re after, the Supersoft is a great fit for that as well. This golf ball has a high spin rate while putting, which is another benefit for mid handicappers. The thick, black line on the side of the ball acts as a nice putting alignment aid.

3. TaylorMade Project (s) Golf Balls

These golf balls from TaylorMade provide a lot of nice features for mid handicappers.

The Dual Distance Core provides not only plenty of yardage off the tee but an amazingly soft feel on the greens. Lots of PGA Tour players use TaylorMade golf balls so that further adds to their credibility.

The core is made up of two layers and that’s what helps reduce sidespin, especially with the driver and fairway woods. This is vitally important for mid handicappers since too much sidespin leads to slices and hooks.

The compression rating of the Project (s) is 60, which makes it an ideal choice for mid handicappers with slower swing speeds. The Aerodynamic Ionomer cover provides lots of greenside spin and plenty of control. The 342 LDP dimple design reduces drag, which leads to a higher ball flight.

4. Srixon Soft Feel Golf Balls

Srixon has started to make a name for itself in the golf ball manufacturing industry. The Soft Feel is an excellent choice for mid handicappers since it provides lots of distance and a softer feel on short game shots.

How is this golf ball so long off the tee? The main reason is the FastLayer Core and 338 Speed Dimple Pattern which reduces drag and increases lift. Many golfers claim that this ball still performs remarkably well in windy conditions, which is impressive.

This golf ball has a nice thin cover that reacts beautifully both on and around the green. The Soft Feel is available in white and yellow colors.

5. Pinnacle Golf Rush and Soft Golf Ball

Pinnacle isn’t a big-time name in the golf world, but they’ve been around since 1973.

The Pinnacle Rush is one of the most underrated golf balls on the market. We love the fact that this pack comes with 15 golf balls instead of the standard 12 like most other packs.

The Rush provides plenty of distance off the tee box thanks to the proprietary high energy core. Pinnacle’s goal is to help every golfer hit every one of their clubs further. Mid handicappers will also appreciate the low spin rate of this golf ball, especially with the driver!

The 332 dimples and ionomer cover provides a consistent ball flight. This golf ball is highly durable and doesn’t scuff easily on the golf course. The ball is available in white or pink.

6. Trust 3-Piece Tour Golf Balls

Here’s a newer brand that is worth trying if you’re a mid handicapper. These golf balls are specifically designed for golfers with a swing speed of 95 miles per hour or slower. This makes them a fantastic choice for most mid handicappers.

The urethane cover holds up incredibly well, even if you happen to hit one off the cart path! These are the Bison Soft golf balls, which have a low to mid compression rating. If you’re a mid handicapper who swings faster than 95 miles per hour, consider buying the Bison V or Bison X instead.

The price of this golf ball is a bit pricier than some of the others on our list, but that’s because this one is made up of three pieces instead of the standard two. The three-piece construction leads to an even better feel on the greens. We highly recommend giving the Trust brand a shot.

7. Cut Grey 3-Piece Urethane Golf Balls

Cut is becoming increasingly more popular at country clubs across the nation.

The Cut Grey features a Tour quality urethane cover, which leads to a fantastic feel at impact. This golf ball has a compression rating of 80, which means it’s a good choice for mid handicappers with more medium swing speeds.

The 314 dimple pattern makes this golf ball perform well, even in less than ideal conditions. This ball gives golfers more control on the greens, more distance off the tee, and a responsive feel that is incredible. Golfers also rave about the high trajectory that this golf ball provides for them on approach shots.

Cut’s key motto is that these are the “Best Damn Golf Balls Under $20”. Judging by all the positive reviews, that definitely could be the case. I’ve played with the Cut Greys a few times and was thoroughly impressed by their performance on the course.

8. Volvik T2  Long Distance Golf Balls

Here’s a golf ball that’s worth trying if you’re a mid handicapper.

Volvik specifically designed these golf balls for average golfers, as evidenced by the low sidespin rate. This goes a long way toward increasing accuracy for mid handicappers.

The power dual-core of this ball provides a soft feel and a high amount of ball speed. Another cool feature of this pack of balls is that it’s multi-colored. You’ll receive one pack of red, yellow, orange, and green. Many golfers love Volvik’s matte colors because they are easier to find on the course.

The ionomer cover adds to this ball’s durability and also helps prevent the curves of hooks and slices. This cover also leads to more control for short game shots, which mid handicappers will find helpful.

How to Select the Right Golf Ball for You

Still not sure how to decide which golf ball is right for you and your game? Here’s a brief checklist of features for you to consider before purchasing.

1. Compression Rating

We talked about compression rating earlier but felt it was worth reiterating here. The key when buying golf balls is to find a ball that matches your swing speed. Why is that important?

If you have a slow swing speed and choose a ball that is too hard, you’ll have trouble creating the necessary rebound effect that happens on impact. That leads to reduced distance, which is a huge disadvantage for mid handicappers.

On the other hand, if you have a medium swing speed and choose a ball that is too soft, you’ll be wasting energy and sacrificing distance. It’s usually a good idea to get your swing speed measured by a professional. That makes it much easier to choose the right golf ball.

2. Price Range

Never overpay for golf balls. There are so many viable options on the market, no matter what level of handicapper you are. If you’re a high or mid handicapper, you should be looking for golf balls in the $3 and under range.

The only folks that need premium golf balls are the rare golfers that regularly shoot in the 70s. These low handicappers will benefit from the workability and high spin rates of premium golf balls.

3. Forgiveness

This feature is especially important for most amateur golfers. Most amateurs have several shots per round where they mishit the ball. If they’re using a golf ball with a high forgiveness level, those mishits won’t hurt their scorecard as much.

Most golf balls with a high amount of forgiveness naturally have a low amount of sidespin. Again, this is another crucial factor for golfers who struggle to hit the ball straight.

4. Short Game Spin

This is always an important factor to consider. When putting, how much do you want your golf ball to spin? Most golfers want the highest spin rate possible since they feel it gives them a bit more control.

The amount of greenside spin that is needed can be greatly affected by the type of courses you play and the time of year it is. Practice putting with some golf balls with different short game spin rates to determine what you’re most comfortable with.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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