Click here to find out how we conducted our 2025 golf balls test
He we test golf balls
We’re dedicated to making sure that we at Today’s Golfer are clear and transparent on how we test equipment, so you know you can trust the information that you read.
This is the largest and most detailed golf ball test we’ve ever conducted – and one of the most extensive in the industry. Working with Loughborough University’s Sports Technology Institute and supported by Ping, we’ve put 62 golf balls through a rigorous, robot-led testing process – delivering 2,232 shots of reliable, repeatable data to help you find the best ball for your game.
Using an R&D (Research & Development) swing robot, just as the brands do, is exceptionally costly, lengthy, and complicated, but it means we can give you clean, comparable results across all 62 balls and pinpoint how each model performs for different swing profiles.
We tested every ball at three distinct swing speeds (slow, mid, fast) to reflect the full spectrum of amateur golfers. We captured and analysed distances, spin rates, launch angles, peak heights, and descent angles in detail. Loughborough’s indoor lab gave us a fully controlled environment – critical when you’re hitting thousands of shots over multiple weeks. Indoor testing pairs perfectly with Foresight GCQuad, which captures all critical launch and spin data within the first 18 inches after impact.
Before conducting any equipment tests at Today’s Golfer, we ask ourselves ‘What question are we trying to answer?’, and work on the most appropriate methods to answer it.
Three key principles we consider are:
Validity – does the study measure what we say it’s measuring?
Accuracy – how close is the measurement to the true value?
Reliability – would we see consistent results if we repeated the test?
And in the case of quantifying the performance characteristics of 62 different golf balls, we believe that the combination of a robot-controlled swing with industry-leading launch monitor technology is the gold standard.
We updated the driver swing speeds to better mirror real-world averages while still representing the full range of golfers. We then aligned our 7-iron speed to the average driver speed, for consistency, before making a big change to our wedge shot, switching from a full PW in 2024 to a partial 56º shot in 2025 to replicate a 40-yard shot.
From 22 ball/club/flight variables recorded by GCQuad, we distilled six on-course-meaningful metrics:
Ball speed (mph)
Launch angle (°)
Backspin (rpm)
Carry distance (yds)
Height (yds)
Descent angle (°)
This year saw us undertake a compression test for the first time, helping us to understand how golf balls behave under applied compressive force, and more importantly, how close this score is to those published by manufacturers. Alongside the experts from Loughborough University and advice received from the R&A, we devised a bespoke compression test that measured the deformation of 18 balls of each model (1,116 trials) using Instron 3365 force equipment.
Cycles: Pre-conditioning at 200 lbf to address Mullins effect, then two 100 lbf cycles with 15-second gaps.
Reporting: We used the second cycle to determine the compression value.
Method: Balls were “gently squeezed” from 8–100 lbf, measuring deformation in tiny fractions of an inch; we then applied the standard deformation formula to obtain each ball’s compression rating.
Interpretation: More deformation = softer (lower number); less deformation = firmer (higher number).
We began with a shortlist of 80, analysed usage data and search trends, and reduced to 64. Two models were unavailable (one delayed launch, one withdrawn), leaving 62 balls for testing. Of the 62 balls, 45 are in their current generation and tested for the first time in 2025. Seventeen also appeared in our 2024 test; we retested them, so every result comes from identical conditions – data from different years should not be compared directly. To reflect the market, we included multiple 2-piece, 3-piece, 4-piece, and 5-piece balls. Three-piece models are split into Club Golfer and Tour-Level categories based on professional usage and our expert assessment of each model’s positioning.
Click here to have a look at the results of our 2025 golf ball robot test.
Our golf ball testing doesn’t begin and end with robot testing. We also test every golf ball on-course to provide you with our personal experiences. With the robot providing us with copious data points, with our on-course testing, we’re primarily focusing on what a robot can’t tell us – feel, feedback, response, durability, and overall experience. Of course, we are also looking at performance, but without the numbers.
Every golf ball we test on-course is tested in the same way. We start at the short game area and putting green before taking it out onto the golf course to put it to the ultimate test.
Regardless of our preferences when it comes to golf balls, we ensure every golf ball is tested fairly and objectively. Whether we’re testing a 2-piece or 4-piece golf ball, they are all viewed in the same manner. Our verdicts are based on what the golf ball is designed to do. For instance, if we’re testing a distance golf ball, we don’t expect outstanding short-game spin and control, so that’s factored in to our review. If a distance golf ball doesn’t stop on the greens, it will lose points, but it won’t score nothing because that’s not the main function of the golf ball.
On-course testing is hugely important because while the robot can provide you with all the data, it can’t tell you how a golf ball performs in a real-world situation. As TG’s resident golf ball expert, I test the majority of the golf balls at my home course, Cleveland Golf Club, a links golf course situated in the North East of England. Playing where I do, I am exposed to all weather conditions, so every golf ball is put to the ultimate test. Irrespective of the conditions or how we played, each golf ball is judged fairly on its performance – not ours.
Seed is one of the biggest Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) golf ball manufacturers, and we’ve tested every model on an R&D robot and on the golf course to help you find the best golf ball for your game
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Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) golf balls have grown hugely in popularity over recent years, and one of the driving forces behind that is Seed, who don’t only produce some of the best DTC golf balls but also some of the best golf balls in the game.
Seed offers five golf balls, and within their range, there’s a suitable option for every golfer. The difficulty for you could be figuring out which Seed golf ball is right for your game.
To help you in your search for the right golf ball, we carried out our biggest ever golf ball robot test – 62 models from 13 manufacturers – including all five models offered by Seed. As well as testing on the robot, every golf ball has been tested on-course to provide you with a personal verdict. Click the links below to see how we completed this year’s robot test and to find out exactly how we test golf equipment.
Best seed golf balls 2025: At a glance
Best Seed golf ball
Seed SD-02
Best three-piece Seed golf ball
Seed SD-01
Most consistent three-piece Seed golf ball
Seed SD-X1
Cheapest Seed golf ball
Seed SD-15
The majority of Seed’s golf balls can be considered to be among the best value golf balls. Being a DTC brand, Seed are able to offer their golf balls at a very competitive price, making them hugely appealing to all golfers.
Read on to find out which Seed golf balls challenge the best premium, best two-piece, and most consistent models.
Best Seed golf balls 2025
The best DTC golf ball
Best Seed golf ball
Robot test verdict
The Seed SD-02 is the best-performing DTC golf ball off the tee. The SD-02 is designed to compete with the likes of the Titleist Pro V1x and TaylorMade TP5x, and that’s exactly where it pitches based on the results from our test.
You can even argue it’s a better-performing golf ball. At 78mph, the SD-02 is the third-best golf ball from tee to green, and at 93mph and 114mph, it misses out by one, finishing just behind the Pro V1x at 114mph and with the same score as the Staff Model at 93mph.
The SD-02 is such a solid golf ball from tee to green. At all three driver speeds, and with the approach shot, there isn’t one area where it doesn’t perform well.
Seed says this is a low-launching and low-flying golf ball, but if anything, it is above the average for launch angle and peak height in this category of golf balls.
This is supposedly Seed’s highest-spinning golf ball around the green, but it’s not as high-spinning as the SD-01. The SD-02 is also not as high-spinning in approach play as other Seed golf balls, and it’s the lowest-spinning golf ball within this category (4,397rpm).
However, thanks to the steep descent angle, you can expect the SD-02 to hit and hold greens and come to a quick stop in the short game.
The Seed SD-02 is a solid golf ball from tee to green at varying swing speeds. It’s not as high-spinning as other golf balls in this category or other Seed golf balls, but considering this is said to challenge the Pro V1x and TP5x, it does do that, at a cheaper price.
On-course verdict
I genuinely believe that any golfer could play with this golf ball and make it work for them. The SD-02 does it all. It’s long off the tee, it spins on approach shots, and it rolls perfectly on the putting surface.
The ball flight is consistent above all else, so I feel like I can trust that this golf ball will behave off the tee and help me find the fairway. The other plus off the tee is that it’s long, which no golfer can complain about.
The SD-02 feels slightly softer than other X-model golf balls, which will please most golfers because typically X-models tend to be firmer-feeling. I’m a fan of a firmer golf ball, and the SD-02 still feels really good to me.
Throughout the bag, the response you get from the SD-02 is very strong. If you hit the ball well, you’ll know, and if you hit the ball badly (sadly), you’ll know.
Read our full Seed SD-02 golf ball review.
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros Amazing versatile golf ball that works for a wide range of golfersGood distance off the teeIncredible value for money Cons A lower ball flight compared to other X-model golf balls Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 272.8 | Driver 93mph – 209.7 | Driver 78mph – 162.4 | 7-iron – 158.7 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 163.8 | Driver 93mph – 134.2 | Driver 78mph – 113.4 | 7-iron – 109.5 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,688 | Driver 93mph – 2,718 | Driver 78mph – 2,484 | 7-iron – 4,397 | Pitch – 5,845 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 11 | Driver 93mph – 12.8 | Driver 78mph – 14 | 7-iron – 21.3 | Pitch – 30.9 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 37 | Driver 93mph – 32.5 | Driver 78mph – 27.8 | 7-iron – 45 | Pitch – 36.4 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 32.1 | Driver 93mph – 22.7 | Driver 78mph – 15.9 | 7-iron – 30 | Pitch – 7 Compression (psi) 104 High energy rubber coreUltra thin DuPont Surlyn mantleDuPont HPF inner coverSoft cast urethane cover336 dimples4-Piece constructionAvailable in white only
Seed’s challenger to the Titleist Pro V1
Best three-piece Seed golf ball
Robot test verdict
The SD-01 is Seed’s answer to the No.1 ball in golf. But, does it actually perform like the Titleist Pro V1? In short… No.
The SD-01 produces more spin than the Pro V1 when playing around greens. The SD-01 isn’t particularly high-spinning, but it is above the test average with 5,867rpm – nearly 200rpm more than the Pro V1.
When approaching greens, the SD-01 isn’t quite as high-spinning, but it lands with a steeper descent angle (45.1° vs. 44.9°), which means the first bounce isn’t as big. Also, the carry distance consistency is marginally better with the SD-01.
Off the tee, the SD-01 doesn’t perform as well as the Pro V1. It’s not as long or as fast as any of the three driver swing speeds. The SD-01 is half the price of the Pro V1. So, it might not be as impressive as the Pro V1, but its performance makes it worth considering at the price.
On-course verdict
The most important aspect I look for in a golf ball is its power to hit and hold a green, and the SD-01 is more than capable of doing this. Will it stop on a dime? Not for everyone, but I guarantee you that no matter who you are, if you put a good strike on this ball with any iron, it will land on a green and stop.
I’ve been very impressed with the durability of every Seed golf ball I’ve played with, including the SD-01. I played an entire round with an SD-01, and it didn’t even look like it had been used.
The SD-01 delivers a solid feel and response, which I really like. By this, I mean that when you hit the ball, you know you’ve hit it. You can clearly gauge whether you’ve made good or bad contact.
Read our full Seed SD-01 golf ball review.
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros Great valueSolid approach play performanceDurable cover Cons Not the strongest distance off the tee Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 268.6 | Driver 93mph – 207.9 | Driver 78mph – 160.7 | 7-iron – 157.6 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 162.6 | Driver 93mph – 133.5 | Driver 78mph – 112.9 | 7-iron – 109.3 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,842 | Driver 93mph – 2,676 | Driver 78mph – 2,466 | 7-iron – 4,523 | Pitch – 5,867 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 10.8 | Driver 93mph – 12.8 | Driver 78mph – 14 | 7-iron – 21.1 | Pitch – 30.7 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 37.4 | Driver 93mph – 32 | Driver 78mph – 27.5 | 7-iron – 45.1 | Pitch – 36.3 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 31.8 | Driver 93mph – 22.1 | Driver 78mph – 15.5 | 7-iron – 29.9 | Pitch – 7.1 Compression (psi) 90 SpeedSpeed coreUltra-thin urethane coverResponsive mantle layer336 dimples3-Piece constructionAvailable in white, yellow, and orangeAn alternative model is The Jack
Seed’s fastest and longest 3-piece golf ball
Most consistent three-piece Seed golf ball
Robot test verdict
The SD-X1 is very similar in its characteristics to the SD-01, the main difference being that this model is designed to produce a more penetrating trajectory. However, that’s not obvious from our test results.
The SD-X1 is the longest and fastest three-piece golf ball offered by Seed. If you want a softer feeling golf ball than the four-piece SD-02 and prioritise off-the-tee performance, the SD-X1 is the Seed model to choose.
At all three driver swing speeds, the SD-X1 is faster and longer than the SD-01, with its best result achieved at 78mph, being the second-longest (161.1yds) and second-fastest (113.1mph).
The SD-X1 is a lower-spinning golf ball than the SD-01 when approaching and playing around greens, which could very well lend itself to the more penetrating nature, although it does launch slightly higher.
I would bear the SD-X1 in mind if you prioritise distance off the tee and a softer feel. If not, I’d recommend going for the SD-01 if you want more spin and control and soft feel, or the SD-02 if you want a firmer feel and more all-around performance.
On-course verdict
For the right golfer, they could easily love this golf ball, but for me, I wasn’t able to unlock the true potential of the SD-X1, and I don’t feel as though there will be many golfers who’d get on better with this model than they would with either the SD-01 or SD-02.
A low ball flight isn’t massively desirable for most golfers. You might find it strange, considering I play links golf, that I don’t want a ball with a penetrating ball flight, but it’s just not something I look for in a golf ball.
Because of the low flight, I don’t enjoy the way this ball travels off the tee – but you might think otherwise if you give it a go.
I can’t criticise the feel and response of the SD-X1 in the slightest. I’m a huge fan of how Seed golf balls feel off the club face due to their responsiveness.
Throughout the bag, you get a pleasant feeling, whether you prefer soft or firm-feeling golf balls.
Read our full Seed SD-X1 golf ball review.
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros More durable than the previous modelImpressive grab on approach shotsVery responsive feedback Cons Harder to generate spin off the tee than other Seed golf balls because it launches lower Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 270.5 | Driver 93mph – 208 | Driver 78mph – 161.1 | 7-iron – 157.6 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 163.3 | Driver 93mph – 133.7 | Driver 78mph – 113.1 | 7-iron – 109 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,773 | Driver 93mph – 2,733 | Driver 78mph – 2,523 | 7-iron – 4,418 | Pitch – 5,782 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 10.8 | Driver 93mph – 12.7 | Driver 78mph – 13.9 | 7-iron – 21.2 | Pitch – 30.8 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 37 | Driver 93mph – 32.3 | Driver 78mph – 27.6 | 7-iron – 44.8 | Pitch – 36.3 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 31.6 | Driver 93mph – 22.3 | Driver 78mph – 15.6 | 7-iron – 29.7 | Pitch – 7 Compression (psi) 101 High compression high energy rubber coreHigh-flex HPF mantleThinner cast urethane cover318 dimples3-Piece constructionAvailable in white onlyAn alternative model is The Jack
Seed’s cheapest golf ball
Cheapest Seed golf ball
Robot test verdict
The Seed SD-15’s biggest positive is definitely its price. This is a very average golf ball compared to the other 61 in the test, but within the two-piece category, it performs well.
This golf ball isn’t taking home any awards, but it does perform admirably in approach play and short game performance. Approach play performance is where the SD-15 achieved its highest ranking of fifth in this category. Short game performance is also strong, up against two-piece models, with the SD-15 finishing sixth overall.
Off the tee, it’s sadly a different story. The SD-15 is towards the bottom of the rankings. However, it is better off the tee than the three-piece SD-05.
Despite being the cheapest Seed golf ball, the SD-15 definitely isn’t the worst – that goes to the SD-05. For the price, the SD-15 is well worth your consideration, especially if performance off the tee isn’t what your golf game is lacking.
On-course verdict
My favourite aspect of the Seed SD-15 is its feel. This isn’t a soft golf ball, and that might not appeal to everyone, but it definitely does to me. The slightly firmer-than-soft feel means the SD-15 provides strong feedback.
From tee to green, the SD-15 doesn’t blow me away with its performance, but it’s respectable enough not to make me completely dismiss it.
I’m not interested in distance, which I think makes the SD-15 more appealing to me because its strongest area on the course is around the green.
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros Strong feedback due to firmer feelGood greenside spin and controlAdmirable approach play performance Cons Not the longest golf ball Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 263.5 | Driver 93mph – 204 | Driver 78mph – 158.9 | 7-iron – 157.6 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 159.6 | Driver 93mph – 131.7 | Driver 78mph – 112 | 7-iron – 108.3 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,612 | Driver 93mph – 2,482 | Driver 78mph – 2,233 | 7-iron – 4,170 | Pitch – 5,667 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 11 | Driver 93mph – 13 | Driver 78mph – 14.4 | 7-iron – 21.7 | Pitch – 31.4 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 35.4 | Driver 93mph – 30.8 | Driver 78mph – 26.8 | 7-iron – 44.6 | Pitch – 37.1 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 29.5 | Driver 93mph – 21.1 | Driver 78mph – 15.2 | 7-iron – 29.6 | Pitch – 7.3 Compression (psi) 64 Thinner Surlyn coverLow compression core332 dimples2-Piece constructionAvailable in white, yellow, green, and redAlternative models include The Jack and SYNCR
Seed’s shortest and most disappointing golf ball
Most surprising Seed golf ball
Robot test verdict
The Seed SD-05 is a three-piece urethane golf ball that’s described as feeling super soft. On paper, this sounds like a hugely appealing golf ball. However, the SD-05 is arguably the most disappointing golf ball of the entire test.
I’m saying that because I’ve played with this golf ball, and it doesn’t strike me as being as poor as it performed. There is no area where the SD-05 broke into the top half.
The SD-05 performed joint-best in approach play performance, where it finished 38th overall – eighth against golf balls in the three-piece club golfer category. Its best finish within the three-piece club golfer model category was sixth for short game performance – 40th overall.
Off-the-tee performance is incredibly uninspiring. The SD-05 is the lowest-performing golf ball at all three driver swing speeds.
It’s a struggle to find any positives of the SD-05 – based on our robot testing.
On-course verdict
I didn’t think the SD-05 was at all poor on the golf course. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was impressive, but I had no major issues playing this ball.
There isn’t one area where the SD-05 stood out on the course for its performance, but there’s also nowhere that it stood out for its poor performance. It’s a very average golf ball.
The feel is definitely softer than I like, but for a lot of golfers, this will probably be preferable over a firmer-feeling model. The cover was highly durable for a urethane model, which provides some value.
It’s difficult to recommend this model based on our robot test and even my on-course testing. Mainly because it’s the same price as the other three-piece and four-piece Seed golf balls.
Pros & Cons Specs Features
Pros Better performance on-course than in our robot testDurable coverSoft-feeling Cons Not as good value as other Seed golf ballsVery average on-course performance Carry distance (yds) Driver 114mph – 263.6 | Driver 93mph – 203.1 | Driver 78mph – 157.9 | 7-iron – 154.2 Ball speed (mph) Driver 114mph – 160.4 | Driver 93mph – 131.7 | Driver 78mph – 111.7 | 7-iron – 107.8 Backspin (rpm) Driver 114mph – 2,875 | Driver 93mph – 2,832 | Driver 78mph – 2,587 | 7-iron – 4,619 | Pitch – 5,618 Launch angle (°) Driver 114mph – 10.7 | Driver 93mph – 12.5 | Driver 78mph – 13.9 | 7-iron – 20.9 | Pitch – 30.7 Descent angle (°) Driver 114mph – 37 | Driver 93mph – 32.1 | Driver 78mph – 27.5 | 7-iron – 44.6 | Pitch – 36.3 Peak height (yds) Driver 114mph – 30.8 | Driver 93mph – 21.6 | Driver 78mph – 15.2 | 7-iron – 28.8 | Pitch – 6.9 Compression (psi) 83 Faster coreLower compressionSoft cast urethane332 dimples3-Piece constructionAvailable in white and yellow Best Seed golf balls 2025: Robot test dataGolf ballSeed SD-02Seed SD-01Seed SD-X1Seed SD-15Seed SD-05Compression104901016483114mph Driver Ball Speed (mph)163.8162.6163.3159.6160.4114mph Driver Launch Angle (°)11.010.810.81110.7114mph Driver Backspin (rpm)26882842277326122875114mph Driver Carry Distance (yds)272.8268.6270.5263.5263.6114mph Driver Height (yds)32.131.831.629.530.8114mph Driver Descent Angle (°)37.037.437.035.437.093mph Driver Ball Speed (mph)134.2133.5133.7131.7131.793mph Driver Launch Angle (°)12.812.812.71312.593mph Driver Backspin (rpm)2718267627332482283293mph Driver Carry Distance (yds)209.7207.9208.0204203.193mph Driver Height (yds)22.722.122.321.121.693mph Driver Descent Angle (°)32.532.032.330.832.178mph Driver Ball Speed (mph)113.4112.9113.1112111.778mph Driver Launch Angle (°)14.014.013.914.413.978mph Driver Backspin (rpm)2484246625232233258778mph Driver Carry Distance (yds)162.4160.7161.1158.9157.978mph Driver Height (yds)15.915.515.615.215.278mph Driver Descent Angle (°)27.827.527.626.827.57-Iron Ball Speed (mph)109.5109.3109.0108.3107.87-Iron Launch Angle (°)21.321.121.221.720.97-Iron Backspin (rpm)439745234418417046197-Iron Carry Distance (yds)158.7157.6157.6157.6154.27-Iron Height (yds)30.029.929.729.628.87-Iron Descent Angle (°)45.045.144.844.644.640-Yard Pitch Ball Speed (mph)46.647.046.646.946.440-Yard Pitch Launch Angle (°)30.930.730.831.430.740-Yard Pitch Backspin (rpm)5845586757825667561840-Yard Pitch Carry Distance (yds)40.340.940.341.139.940-Yard Pitch Height (yds)7.07.17.07.36.940-Yard Pitch Descent Angle (°)36.436.336.337.136.3Best Seed golf balls 2025: Buying guide
Seed produces a strong range of golf balls to accommodate the needs and wants of every golfer. The difficulty you’ll have is deciding which of their golf balls you should choose. To help you pick, I’ve put together a few considerations you should make to help you select the correct Seed golf ball for your game.
Ability
Regardless of your ability, the Seed model you’re going to benefit most from playing with is the SD-02. The SD-02 is one of the best four-piece golf balls, and one of the best value golf balls. The SD-15 is a cheap golf ball to consider if you’re working to a budget.
Better and more seasoned golfers arguably should be playing with the best balls they can afford to be playing with because it will 100 per cent improve your game from tee to green. The flip side to that is, if you’re new to the game or play infrequently with your buddies, work colleagues, or whoever, then you might not have the game to warrant playing with premium golf balls for whatever reason. At that point, playing with cheap golf balls is perfectly understandable.
That being said, switching to one of the best value golf balls could help you play better golf and find more enjoyment – even if you do just play for fun – and most Seed golf balls are brilliant value for money.
Budget
Tied closely with ability is budget. Thankfully, the best Seed golf balls are very reasonably priced, and in most cases, they are cheaper than their competitors.
Players who are new to the game or don’t get out often are more likely to budget when it comes to purchasing golf balls. Whereas more frequent and skilled golfers are less likely to budget and opt for more expensive golf balls. That’s not to say every golfer meeting one of those credentials behaves this way.
While I’ve probably been alive less number of years than some of you have played golf, I’ve had the pleasure of working in the golf industry for the entirety of my working life. During that time, I’ve seen golfers of all abilities splashing the cash on the latest golf clubs in the hope of improving their game and being thrifty when it comes to spending on golf balls – I’ve been a culprit of this myself in my early golfing days!
You probably can afford to save some cash if you’re shopping in the Seed market, but with any brand, it’s not likely to be the case.
If there’s ever a piece of golf equipment you shouldn’t be frugal with, it’s golf balls!
Feel
The vast majority of golfers look for soft-feeling golf balls, which doesn’t rule out any Seed model. They don’t have a single firm golf ball in their line-up. Many golfers enjoy soft-feeling golf balls because they deliver a sweet sensation off of every club in the bag – except if you skull one.
I enjoy playing with firmer golf balls because I feel as though they provide more feedback and a stronger response. However, feel is completely personal, and like I say, it’s tough to find a super-firm golf ball because most are made to be soft to please the needs of more golfers.
Performance
Every Seed golf ball comes fitted with specific technology to perform in a particular manner – this is often outlined on the box. For instance, it might inform you that a certain model is designed to travel high and far off the tee with low spin but grab and spin on the greens. Another golf ball might say it produces low flight off the tee and mid-spin in the short game.
To save you from working out which model you think is right for you. We have the answer. We’ve carried out a mammoth robot test to help you see how well a ball stacks up to the claims made by the manufacturer.
Spin
Ideally, every golf ball would produce low-spin off the tee and high-spin in your approach game. However, not all golf balls are designed that way. The majority of golf balls are designed to produce low driver spin and generate distance off the tee, but not all golf balls are manufactured to generate high spin from irons and wedges.
Price generally correlates with short-game spin. Budget golf balls will generate less short-game spin than expensive golf balls, but there might not be much difference in your long-game spin. During a ball fitting at Titleist, I discovered that a Titleist Pro V1x and Titleist Velocity performed very similarly with my driver, but with a 7-iron, the spin dropped slightly with the Velocity, and then with a 60° wedge, the spin fell massively with the Velocity.
Spin in the golf ball comes from the combination of layers within the golf ball reacting with one another, hence why more expensive golf balls spin more in approach play because they consist of more layers and the technology is more refined. Cheaper golf balls tend to consist of two layers: the cover and core. Therefore, they don’t have the number of layers required to produce astronomical spin when attacking pins.
Another factor that helps to enhance spin is the cover material. Golf balls with a urethane cover tend to spin more (but not always) because it’s a more flexible material compared to ionomer or surlyn, which doesn’t create as much friction with the clubface as urethane does. Once again, it’s more expensive golf balls that feature urethane covers to generate higher spin on approach shots.
Spin is massively important because it can either make you hit and hold a green or hit and fly over the green. The best golf balls for spin are by far premium golf balls, closely followed by golf balls for mid-handicappers, because they feature much of the technology found in Tour-standard golf balls. If you feel as though you need high levels of spin when attacking greens, have a look at the best high-spin golf balls. Alternatively, if you feel as though spin is hurting your game, check out the best low-spin golf balls.
Distance
I would honestly say that distance is the last factor to consider when purchasing golf balls. The best way to figure out which golf balls are best for you is by working your way back from the green to the tee box. The best way of doing this is with a launch monitor to see your numbers, but if you don’t have access to one, you can do it with your eye very easily.
Start by hitting wedge shots into the green and see which balls are performing best with spin, then work your way back to 7-iron distance and look for the same numbers with slightly more of an eye on carry distance. You should have whittled it down to one or two golf balls, hit them off the tee, and look at which performs the best.
If you do it this way, I guarantee a premium golf ball will always come out on top if you’re testing one. However, if you’re doing this with cheaper golf balls, you’ll still see differences between the golf balls, and you will find one that performs well for you, or you might have the luxury of deciding between a handful.
By testing golf balls this way, you’ll end up with the ball that performs best in the short game, which is where you score. Distance is important, but there are other ways of improving distance without sacrificing spin in a golf ball.
Colour
The most common golf ball colour is white; however, there are plenty of other colours and designs to choose from. More vibrant colours, such as yellow, orange, or green, are all easy to pick up, and they help some people with visibility – hence why they make for the best winter golf balls.
Other ways of adding colour to the golf ball can be by design, whether it be a splash of colour seen on Vice golf balls or an alignment design which also helps with visibility, such as TaylorMade’s Pix golf balls or Callaway’s Triple Track golf balls.
If you’ve only ever played with white golf balls, it might be worth trying a more colourful golf ball, especially if you’re always the one asking your playing partners, “Where did that one go?”.
Alignment
More and more golf balls are being released with enhanced alignment, and even standard golf balls have a more prominent alignment stamp now than they’ve ever had. The majority of brands now offer golf balls with enhanced alignment aids. The enhanced alignment aids can be extremely useful for putting and even lining up shots on the tee. Another plus of alignment golf balls is the alignment serves as a tool for finding your golf ball either in the air or among the trees.
Best Seed golf balls 2025: FAQs
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About the author
He spent seven years working for American Golf as part of the sales and fitting team alongside his studies and is a specialist in putters, golf balls, and apparel.
James took up golf as a teenager and, thanks largely to his length and consistency off the tee, he plays off a handicap of 4.7 at Cleveland Golf Club.
You can contact James via email for loads more golf equipment insight.
Ross Tugwood Senior Digital Writer. Middle-aged Statto.
