The new Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Balls are officially the cheapest on the market, undercutting Costco’s beloved Kirkland Signature. But are they any good?
The Kirkland Signature golf ball has become a bit of a legend among bargain hunters – a ball that performs far better than its price tag suggests. It’s been the go-to choice for golfers who want solid distance and feel without spending $50 on a dozen Titleist Pro V1s.
Now, Amazon wants a piece of that action.
The retail giant has quietly launched its first-ever golf ball: the Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Balls, and they might just be the cheapest conforming golf balls on the market.
The cheapest golf ball on the market
A Kirkland killer?
At just $14.49 for a dozen or $24.16 for 24 balls, Amazon’s Core Soft Golf Balls cost less than anything else on the market. Even Costco’s hugely popular Kirkland Signature – widely seen as the benchmark for value – can’t match that price.
Like most products in the Amazon Basics range, these balls are designed to deliver solid, no-frills performance for the money. Amazon says the Core Soft is aimed at players of all skill levels, but it’s clear they’re targeting the same value-conscious golfers who are more concerned about price than maximum performance.
They’re even made by the same company as the Kirkland Signature – SM Global – so they have a solid pedigree.
The key difference is that Kirkland balls have a urethane cover, which generally gives more spin and better feel around the greens, while the Amazon golf ball has an ionomer cover, typical of entry-level or mid-range balls.
What Amazon’s new golf ball promises
Despite the low cost, Amazon is talking up some the performance:
Optimized Performance: A low-compression core designed for distance and a straight flight path with a soft feel at impact.
Enhanced Control: Advanced core and cover tech for improved short-game spin and putting accuracy.
Alignment Aid: A side-stamp line to help golfers line up putts.
High Visibility: Durable yellow cover for easy ball tracking.
Versatility: USGA-conforming and suitable for golfers of all abilities.
They’re even manufactured by SM Global, the same company behind Costco’s Kirkland Signature – so the pedigree is promising.
But there’s a catch
The big difference comes down to cover material. Kirkland’s premium feel comes from its urethane cover, which gives better greenside spin and softer feel. Amazon’s Core Soft uses an ionomer cover, a cheaper, harder material more common in entry-level balls.
That means you’ll likely get decent distance and durability from the Core Soft, but not the same touch and spin around the greens that Kirkland players love.
Early reviews are mixed
While thousands of golfers have been converted to high-performance low-cost golf balls like the Kirkland Signature and Legato LTX 3085, only a few have given the Amazon Basics golf balls a try, and they haven’t all been blown away
Positive:
“I’m a 15-20 handicap and these are perfect for someone looking for entry-level soft balls that aren’t terrible. They play just as good as other big name brands, so I’d recommend them if you’re not a scratch golfer or specific on what ball you need to be playing.”
“Name brand golf balls can get to be pretty expensive. For the money, these Amazon basics golf balls really can’t be beat. I’ve hit them around a few times, and I can’t tell any difference in how these preformed vs my name brand golf balls. They preform just as well as my name brand golf balls. They come in 4 different packs of golf balls, so you can break them up and give them as gifts if you like as well. For the price, I am very happy with these golf balls and highly recommend them.”
Negative:
“Save your money and get Kirkland’s or Member’s Mark. These hit like a rock off the tee with driver, woods, or irons. Even if you hit it flush, it feels awful and the ball’s trajectory is dead. They play okay at best for chipping and putting. Again, don’t let the low price fool you – these are bad.”
It’s early days, but it seems the Amazon golf ball won’t convert everyone – particularly those who prefer softer-feeling urethane balls.
Watch this space
With golf ball prices creeping ever higher, Amazon has just planted its flag in the value market. The Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Balls are now the cheapest conforming golf balls you can buy, and while they don’t offer appear to match the premium feel of Kirkland’s urethane cover, they’ll tempt plenty of golfers who’d rather save a few quid (or dollars) than lose another $5 ball in the rough.
They might not be game-changers, but for the price? They’re tough to ignore.
We’ll be testing and reviewing the Amazon Basics golf ball soon.
