The Truth About Soft Golf Balls, Compression and Distance
One of the most common questions golfers ask is:
Do softer golf balls go further?
The answer is both yes and no.
A softer golf ball can absolutely help some golfers hit the ball farther, while for others it may actually reduce distance.
The key factor is not simply how soft the golf ball feels. Instead, it depends on:
- Swing speed
- Compression rating
- Launch conditions
- Spin rates
- The type of shots you hit
This is why some golfers gain distance with a soft golf ball like the Callaway Supersoft, while others achieve better results with a firmer premium ball such as the Pro V1x or TaylorMade TP5x.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What makes a golf ball “soft”
- How compression affects distance
- Whether soft golf balls go farther
- Which swing speeds benefit most from softer balls
- The advantages and disadvantages of soft golf balls
- The best soft golf balls currently available
By the end, you’ll know whether a softer golf ball could help you gain more distance and improve your scores. And also make sure to check out our golf ball fitting guide to get even more information on how to pick the best ball for your golf game.
Quick Answer
Do Softer Golf Balls Go Further?
For golfers with slower and moderate swing speeds, yes.
A softer, lower-compression golf ball is easier to compress at impact, which can help generate:
✅ More ball speed
✅ Higher launch
✅ Greater carry distance
However:
Golfers with faster swing speeds often achieve more distance with firmer golf balls designed for higher compression.
The best golf ball is not necessarily the softest one.
The best golf ball is the one that matches your swing speed.
What Makes a Golf Ball Soft?
When golfers talk about a “soft” golf ball, they are usually referring to compression.
Compression measures how much a golf ball deforms during impact.
Compression Categories
| Compression Rating | Feel | Typical Player |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | Very Soft | Slow swing speeds |
| 50-70 | Soft | Moderate swing speeds |
| 70-90 | Medium | Average golfers |
| 90+ | Firm | Faster swing speeds |
Generally speaking:
- Lower compression = softer feel
- Higher compression = firmer feel
Examples of soft golf balls include:
- Callaway Supersoft
- Wilson Duo Soft
- Srixon Soft Feel
- Bridgestone e6
- TaylorMade Soft Response
How Compression Affects Distance
Compression is one of the most misunderstood aspects of golf ball fitting.
Many golfers assume that firmer golf balls always go farther.
That isn’t necessarily true.
Distance depends on how efficiently you compress the ball.
Slow Swing Speeds
Golfers with slower swing speeds often struggle to compress firm tour balls.
As a result:
- Ball speed decreases
- Launch may suffer
- Carry distance can be reduced
A softer golf ball allows these golfers to compress the core more effectively.
This can lead to:
✅ Higher ball speeds
✅ Better energy transfer
✅ More carry distance
Faster Swing Speeds
Golfers with faster swing speeds generate enough force to compress almost any golf ball.
For these players:
- Higher compression balls often produce optimal launch conditions
- Ball speed remains high
- Excessive compression is avoided
This is why many professional golfers use premium tour balls rather than extremely soft golf balls.
Do Softer Golf Balls Go Further for Every Golfer?
No.
Distance gains depend largely on swing speed.
Distance Potential by Swing Speed
| Driver Swing Speed | Softer Ball Benefit |
| Under 80 MPH | Significant |
| 80-90 MPH | High |
| 90-100 MPH | Moderate |
| 100-105 MPH | Small |
| 105+ MPH | Usually None |
The slower your swing speed, the more likely you are to benefit from a softer golf ball.
Soft Golf Balls vs Firm Golf Balls
Distance Comparison
| Feature | Soft Golf Ball | Firm Golf Ball |
| Feel | Softer | Firmer |
| Compression | Lower | Higher |
| Launch | Higher | Mid-Low |
| Driver Spin | Lower | Varies |
| Forgiveness | Higher | Moderate |
| Best Swing Speed | Under 95 MPH | 95+ MPH |
| Distance Potential | Higher for slower swingers | Higher for faster swingers |
Why Soft Golf Balls Often Feel Longer
Many golfers report hitting soft golf balls farther.
There are several reasons for this:
Higher Launch
Soft golf balls often launch slightly higher.
For slower swingers, this can improve carry distance.
Reduced Driver Spin
Many soft golf balls are designed with low-spin characteristics.
Lower spin can help:
- Reduce slices
- Increase rollout
- Improve total distance
Improved Energy Transfer
Lower compression balls can help slower swingers transfer energy more efficiently at impact.
Advantages of Soft Golf Balls
More Distance for Slower Swing Speeds
This is the biggest advantage.
Golfers who struggle to generate clubhead speed often gain distance from softer designs.
Softer Feel
Many golfers prefer:
- Softer putting feel
- Better touch around the greens
- Less harsh impact sensation
Increased Forgiveness
Soft golf balls often produce:
- Less side spin
- Straighter shots
- Better consistency
Better for Cold Weather
Cold temperatures make golf balls play firmer.
Soft golf balls often perform better in colder conditions.
Read more:
How Weather Affects Golf Ball Performance
Potential Drawbacks of Soft Golf Balls
Soft golf balls aren’t perfect.
Reduced Performance for Fast Swing Speeds
Golfers swinging above 100 MPH may not maximise distance from very low-compression balls.
Less Greenside Spin
Many soft distance balls prioritise:
- Distance
- Forgiveness
Rather than:
- Maximum spin
- Shot shaping
Less Workability
Low-spin designs can make it harder for skilled golfers to shape shots intentionally.
Best Soft Golf Balls for Distance
Callaway Supersoft
Best for:
- Beginners
- Seniors
- High handicappers
Strengths
- Ultra-soft feel
- Excellent forgiveness
- Strong distance at slower swing speeds
Srixon Soft Feel
Best for:
- Moderate swing speeds
- Recreational golfers
Strengths
- Excellent value
- Slightly more spin control
- Consistent distance
Bridgestone e6
Best for:
- Golfers fighting slices
Strengths
- Straight ball flight
- Soft feel
- Excellent forgiveness
Wilson Duo Soft
Best for:
- Very slow swing speeds
Strengths
- Extremely low compression
- Softest feel available
- Easy launch
TaylorMade Soft Response
Best for:
- Mid-handicap golfers
Strengths
- Soft feel
- Good distance
- Balanced performance
Best Golf Ball by Swing Speed
| Swing Speed | Recommended Ball Type |
| Under 80 MPH | Very Low Compression |
| 80-90 MPH | Low Compression |
| 90-100 MPH | Mid Compression |
| 100+ MPH | Premium Tour Balls |
How to Know if You Need a Softer Golf Ball
You may benefit from a softer golf ball if:
✅ Driver swing speed is below 95 MPH
✅ You struggle to launch the ball
✅ You prioritise forgiveness
✅ You prefer a softer feel
✅ You often play in cold weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Soft Golf Balls Go Farther Off the Driver?
For slower swing speeds, often yes.
For faster swing speeds, not necessarily.
Do Professional Golfers Use Soft Golf Balls?
Most professionals use premium tour balls with medium-to-high compression ratings.
However, many tour balls still feel relatively soft due to advanced construction.
Does Lower Compression Mean More Distance?
Not always.
Lower compression helps when matched correctly to swing speed.
Are Soft Golf Balls Better for Seniors?
In many cases, yes.
Seniors often benefit from:
- Easier compression
- More launch
- Improved carry distance
Final Verdict
So, do softer golf balls go further?
The Answer:
Yes—for golfers with slower and moderate swing speeds.
A softer golf ball can help generate:
✅ More ball speed
✅ Better launch
✅ Greater carry distance
✅ Improved forgiveness
However:
Golfers with faster swing speeds often achieve maximum distance from firmer, higher-compression golf balls.
The goal isn’t to find the softest golf ball.
The goal is to find the golf ball that matches your swing speed and launch characteristics.
For many recreational golfers, a softer golf ball can be one of the easiest ways to gain distance and improve consistency.
Still unsure which golf ball is right for you?
Visit The Right Golf Ball homepage and use the selector tool to get a personalised recommendation based on your swing speed and playing style.