Tour vs distance golf balls: which should you buy?
Buyer guide · prices updated November 15, 2026
Golf balls fall into two broad groups. Tour balls have a soft urethane cover that grips the clubface for spin around the greens. Distance and soft balls use a tougher ionomer cover: less greenside spin, but cheaper and more durable.
Tour balls (around $35–$60 a dozen)
- More spin on chips, pitches and short irons, so the ball stops quicker on the green.
- Softer feel around the greens.
- Best for: lower handicaps and anyone who rarely loses a ball.
| Ball | Per dozen | Cheapest at |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Tour B XS Mindset9 US shops | $29.99 | Worldwide Golf Shops |
| Wilson Staff Model9 US shops | $29.99 | Worldwide Golf Shops |
| Callaway Chrome Tour Triple Track9 US shops | $33.75 | Academy Sports + Outdoors |
| Bridgestone Tour B RX9 US shops | $44.99 | Worldwide Golf Shops |
| Bridgestone Tour B X9 US shops | $44.99 | Worldwide Golf Shops |
| Bridgestone Tour B X Mindset9 US shops | $44.99 | Worldwide Golf Shops |
| Bridgestone Tour B XS9 US shops | $44.99 | Worldwide Golf Shops |
| TaylorMade TP59 US shops | $44.99 | Carl's Golfland |
Cheapest in-stock price per dozen, checked November 15, 2026, before sales tax and shipping.
Distance and soft balls (around $18–$35 a dozen)
- Lower spin off the tee, which can mean straighter drives for slicers.
- Tougher covers that scuff less.
- Best for: beginners, higher handicaps, and anyone who loses a few balls a round.
| Ball | Per dozen | Cheapest at |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone E6 Soft9 US shops | $20.00 | Golfballs.com |
| TaylorMade Distance+9 US shops | $20.00 | Golfballs.com |
| TaylorMade SpeedSoft9 US shops | $22.50 | TGW |
| Callaway Supersoft9 US shops | $24.99 | Golfballs.com |
| Titleist TruFeel9 US shops | $24.99 | TGW |
| Srixon Q-Star Ultispeed9 US shops | $29.99 | TGW |
| Titleist Velocity9 US shops | $29.99 | TGW |
| Titleist Tour Soft9 US shops | $31.99 | Golfio |
Cheapest in-stock price per dozen, checked November 15, 2026, before sales tax and shipping.
Quick answer
Losing more than a couple of balls a round? Play a good distance or soft ball and save the difference. Breaking 90 regularly and want more control around the greens? A tour ball – or a Mint used version of one – is worth trying.