What are the Best Cheap Golf Balls?

When you first take up golf it is easy to get suckered into buying the expensive, high-performance golf balls that the pros are using. Unless you are able to become a single digit handicapper in your first six months, don’t do it. There are many cheaper alternatives that won’t see you sulking every time you duff a $5.00 ball  into the water hazard or so far out of bounds you’d need an ATV just to get near your ball. We have put together a list of the five best cheap golf balls for your money (brand new for around $1/ball or less). You can thank us later.

The Best Cheap Golf Balls – 5 Recommendations

Wilson Titanium Ball (18 Ball Pack) – $26.95

Cost per ball: ~ $1.49/ball

wilson titanium ball best cheap golf ballsAt the price, these Wilson golf balls are great value for an 18 pack. The 2-piece construction with titanium core is designed maximizes energy transfer from club face to ball so you can get distance. The durable Surlyn cover will ensure they last round after round.

Despite its purpose, you may actually notice a slight drop in your shot distance, but if you can compensate by going up a club or two, this should not matter. You will also not be able to generate a lot of spin like professional balls.  But, if you are a beginner player that loses eight or so balls per round, these are a great budget buy.

Buy the Wilson Titanium Ball (18-pack) here!

Nitro Tour Distance Golf Balls (Pack of 12) – $16.99

Cost per ball:  $1.42/ball (depends on color)

nitro tour distance golf balls best cheap golf ballsThis 90-compression ball with 432-dimple design delivers good distance, superb control, and a stable trajectory. The 2-piece ball has a Tungsten/Titanium core with a Surlyn cover for extra durability. The large core allows for good distance with your driver and woods and excellent control with your irons.

If you are looking for some added control, these are the best cheap golf balls for you. You will get good distance, accuracy and the neon colors mean they are super easy to find if you hit a wayward shot.

 Buy the Nitro Tour Distance Golf Balls here!

TaylorMade Noodle+ Golf Balls (15 Pack) – $19.99

Cost per ball:  $1.33/ball

taylormade noodle golf ballsThe famous Noodle brand form TaylorMade offers a soft feel cover made from long-lasting Ionomer and the soft core generates superb ball speed. The patented dimple design ensures better trajectory. These balls give good feedback and it is easy to generate extra spin around the greens.

These balls are about $1.00/ball, but feel great at impact and will let you control your game far better than harder “built for distance” balls.  If you above absolute beginner level, consider splurging a little to get some Noodle balls.

Buy the TaylorMade Noodle+ Golf Balls here!

Wilson ZIP Double Dozen Golf Balls, Pack of 24 (White) – $19.97

Cost per ball:  $0.83/ball

wilson zip golf ballsThe Wilson ZIP has a patented zero compression core, a speed generating cover and feature the unique “302 PhD aerodynamics” dimple pattern.  The flat-bottomed and shallow dimples help the ball cut through the air better for a stable and powerful flight.

If you are looking for a superb golf ball that won’t make you cringe every time you lose one, the Wilson ZIP are the best cheap golf balls for you. The ball launches off the club face with incredible power and stays true to its flight path. The Ionomer cover is durable and gives the ball a fantastic soft and responsive feel. Controlling the ball spin with your irons has never been easier and they are a true pleasure to play around the greens. At just over $0.60/ball, it is exceptional value for money.

Buy the Wilson ZIP Double Dozen Golf Balls here!

Intech Beta Ti Golf Balls (36 Pack) $49.99

Cost per ball: $1.39/ball

intech beta ti cheap golf ballsAt $25.00 for a pack of 36, these promise value for money if you lose more than a few balls per round every time you play. They have a Surlyn cover with 432 dimples, nothing extraordinary, but they are durable and have great trajectory due to good aerodynamics. The large fluid metal core gives it extra power off the club face and you won’t be disappointed with the distance you get form these on your drive.

Buy the Intech Beta Ti Golf Balls here!

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If you are playing for money or perhaps a club tournament or two, you may want to consider the Wilson ZIPs from our list of best cheap golf balls. However, for just an average weekend round you can choose any on our list and keep pulling them out of your bag round after round with a smile on your face.

Work on your swing, grip, stance, short game, putting without worrying about losing $5 balls all the time. Honestly, when you are starting out or have a high handicap the type of ball you use will not make a huge difference. Pick a ball off our list of the best cheap golf balls and go play or try them all until you find one that you really like.

The 11 Best Golf Gifts for Golf Lovers

If you have a golfer in your life you need never be stuck for great gift ideas, no matter what the occasion. No more boring socks, ties or aftershave. The game of golf has advanced tremendously and so has the range of awesome gear, gadgets, and accessories that go with it. You can have your pick not just from novelty items, but also from some very nifty and useful technical gadgets. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best golf gifts for any golf lover (in no particular order).

The 11 Best Golf Gifts

1. Golf GPS Watch

A new golf GPS watch is the perfect gift for your golfing friend who also loves having the latest tech gadgets.  It combines the power of a golf GPS system, with the convenience and functionality of a watch.   Any golfer will love having, and showing off this handy gadget to their friends.

e.g. Garmin Approach S1 GPS Golf Watch 

garmin s1 golf gps watch best golf gifts 2014The Garmin Approach S1 is an older model, but still one of the best entry-level GPS watches.   It is preloaded with more than 14000 U.S. and Canada courses and more can be added. The watch is available in black or white, includes an odometer, alarm and sets the time and time zone automatically using the GPS functionality.

It’s packed full of features that will seriously impress and excite anyone unwrapping it. It provides yardages to the back, middle and front of the green, measures exact distances from anywhere on the course and tracks your distance using a pedometer when you are walking the course.

It’s completely waterproof, has large numerals so you can read it at a glance and comes with a rechargeable lithium ion battery. It’s ready to use right out of the box with no setup needed and no monthly subscriptions to use it.  If your friend doesn’t already have a golf GPS watch, then the Garmin S1 is a fantastic choice.

Buy the Garmin Approach S1 GPS Golf Watch here!

–> See our list of the Best Golf GPS Watches here!

2. Golf Rangefinder

Have a friend that’s a bit of a perfectionist? Always obsessing over the details?  Then a new golf rangefinder could be the best golf gift for him (or her).  It will them exact yardage to any target on the course, so they never have to complain about the yardage markers being off.

e.g. Bushnell Tour V3 Jolt Standard Edition Golf Laser Rangefinder

bushnell tour v3 rangefinder best golf gifts 2014The Bushnell Tour V3 is easily one of the best rangefinders on the market.  Used by the pros, this makes a very special gift for any golfer and tops the list of as one the best golf gifts.  All players with a rangefinder in their golf bag love them and never play without it. Those without one are eternally envious of those who do.

It can be operated single handed and all you need to do is point it, press the button, wait for the jolt to confirm the laser found the target and read the distance off the display.  Then it is all up to you to make the shot.

It features Pin Seeker Technology to find the exact distance to the flag without being interfered with by other objects in the background. It is completely legal for tournament play and for posting scores for handicap purposes.  It’s also ergonomically designed and has a sturdy and durable rubber casing that makes it very easy to grip. It comes in a handy carry case and a 3-volt battery and 2 year warranty is included.

Buy the Bushnell Tour V3 Golf Laser Rangefinder here!

–>  See our list of the other best golf rangefinders here!

3. Golf Swing Analyzer for Smartphones

Smartphones can do nearly anything these days.  If you know a golf lover who has a newer iPhone or Android device, then you should definitely consider getting them one of these cool swing analyzer devices.

e.g. Zepp Golf 3D Training System (iOS/Android)

zepp 3d golf swing analyzer best golf gifts 2014Every golfer wants to improve their swing and they are always looking for ways to do it simply and without spending thousands on lessons. The Zepp Golf 3D Training System allows you to practice your swing and get immediate feedback and analysis on a range of factors affecting your swing. It simply clips onto your glove, syncs with the app on your smartphone (iPhone and Android) and gives you instant feedback swing after swing.

You also have the ability to see your swing in 3D animated model, so you can analyze it from every angle. Or you can compare your swing to professional players and coaches. With the data provided you can implement corrections and tips on your next swing and start making progress immediately. Apart from having a coach right there with you, there is no better way for a golfer to improve their swing on the spot. This best golf gift item is a must for any avid golfer out there.

Buy the Zepp Golf 3D Training System here!

–> See the rest of the best golf swing analyzers here!

4. Putting Mat / Indoor Putting Green

Putting mats are the best golf gifts for winter!  Any golf lover would appreciate a great putting mat to keep their short game in shape during the off-season.

e.g. SKLZ Accelerator Pro Ball Return Putting Mat

skzl pro return putting matt golf giftsImproving their putting accuracy is on every golfer’s mind. A putting mat like this  one from SKLZ allows them to practice at home, at the office and during the long winter months when they can’t get out on the course.

With this gift the golfer in your life can quickly nip out to the garage to practice or get in a few practice shots between meetings. It’s a great quality item and will provide years of service.

Buy the SKLZ Accelerator Pro Ball Return Putting Mat here!

–>  See the other best putting mats here!

5. Golf Swing Trainer

Golfers are always trying to improve their game.  A good golf swing trainer tool can help them get the upperhand against their friends and the course.

e.g SKLZ Gold Flex Strength and Tempo Trainer

sklz swing trainerCore muscles are important for a golfer and directly affects their swing, accuracy and the distance they get. The Gold Flex allows you to not only warm up before a round, but will also give you a great core workout and help you improve your swing. It is very handy and fast to use at home for a quick workout and swing practice.

Buy the SKLZ Gold Flex Tempo Trainer here!

–> See the other best golf swing trainers here!

6. Golf Travel Bag

Know a golfer who likes to travel? Then, we’re sure they would appreciate a great golf travel bag, so they can safely take their clubs with them.

e.g. CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 Golf Bag Travel Cover 

caddydaddy travel golf bagBusiness trips, family holidays or golfing weekends will be a breeze with the CaddyDaddy. We cannot imagine that any golfer would not be ecstatic receiving this as a gift. It is always a struggle to cart your clubs through the airport and multiple transfer can be irksome with a sub-par golf travel bag.

The CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 is one of the top options out there, and won’t break the bank.  This best golf gift 2014 should top the list for the travelling golfer in your life.

 Buy the CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 Travel Golf Cover here!

–>  See other top golf travel bag options here

 7.  Novelty / Funny Golf Gifts

Even golfers have a sense of humor!

e.g. MySack Golf Ball Storage Sack

mysack golf ball storage sack best golf gifts 2014

Any man with a sense of humor will appreciate this graphically shaped golf ball holder.  The “MySack” appropriately holds exactly two golf balls, has a velcro close top, and can easily be attached to your golf bag.

This gift will guarantee some laughs, and is also quite useful!

Buy the MySack Golf Ball Storage Sack here!

–> Check out other funny golf gifts here

 8. New Golf Glove

Serious golfers will go through a few golf gloves each season, and are always in need of a replacement or backup glove.    It makes a great gift, and is also easy on your wallet ($10-$30).  Just make sure you know their size!

e.g. Nike Men’s Dura Feel VII Golf Glove Regular Left Hand 

nike mens dura feel golf glove golf giftThis glove from Nike looks great, fits well, uses excellent quality material and is extra durable.  There is also Lycra spandex material placed on the fingers and back of hand for maximum flexibility and breathability.  The Dura Feel VII is not the most high-end glove on the market, but for only around $10, you can’t find a much better deal.  It is available in white, or black.

Buy the Nike Dura Feel VII Golf Glove here!

–> See our list of the other best golf gloves here!

 9. Golf Books

Golf is a 99% mental game.  A great golf book will be an interesting read, and could help improve  your friend’s game as well!

e.g. BEN HOGAN’S FIVE LESSONS: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf 

ben hogans five lessons of golfWhether the golfer in your life is a seasoned player or a mere beginner, this timeless and completely illustrated guide will be used time and again. We guarantee it will never be too far out of reach and will get ample use over time.  Ben Hogan’s reveals his special techniques that will help any average golfer improve their scores.  Every golf lover should have this classic on their bookshelf!

Buy it now here!

 –> See more great golf books here!

10. Golf Practice Net

A golf net (coupled with a golf hitting mat)  is one of the best golf gifts for anyone stuck at home during the long winter months, or for someone who just doesn’t have time to go to the range consistently.  Golfers can never get enough practice!

e.g. The Net Return Pro Series Golf Net 

the net return pro series best golf practice netIf price is no issue, then the Net Return Pro Series Golf Net is easily the #1 golf net available todayt.  It is simple to assemble, can be used indoors or outdoors, and is made of the highest end material on the market.  The net 7′ 6″ high, 8′ wide and 3′ 6″ deep,  so make sure there is somewhere in the house to put it.  The only downside of this net, is that it costs $495.

Buy the Net Return Pro Series Golf Net here!

 –> For some cheaper options, see our list of the best golf nets here!

11. New Golf Driver

Probably the #1 thing on most golfers’ list is a brand new driver.

e.g. TaylorMade Men’s JetSpeed Golf Driver 

taylormade jetspeed golf driverIf you’ve heard some hints around the house that someone needs a new driver for his bag, you cannot go wrong with the TaylorMade JetSpeed. This club will generate faster swing speed and increase distance and confidence. Users report it’s a vast improvement over TaylorMade’s previous driver, the RBZ. No wonder GolfDigest gave it the gold in its 2014 hotlist roundup.  In this category it is definitely the best golf gift of 2014. You’ll be proudly credited when asked where he got that amazing new driver from. And his friends will be asking.

Buy the TaylorMade JetSpeed Golf Driver here! 

–> See more top drivers here

Whatever item peaks your interest on our best golf gifts list, the golfer in your life is sure to love it. Make your choice today!

What is the Best Golf Glove?

The golf glove is an often overlooked piece of equipment.  Most casual players just wear a glove to prevent calluses from forming on their hands.  They do not realize that a good golf glove can actually help improve their game!

The best golf glove should fit your hand so well that you barely even notice it while playing.  You should not need to adjust the strap every hole.  The palm and fingers should be grippy, so you can take confident swings, and never worry about having your club slip.  The top of the glove should be breathable, so your hand can stay cool and sweat-free for the entire round.  Lastly, a good glove should be durable, and not get worn out after a few rounds.

With these features in mind, lets take a look at the best golf gloves available on the market:

5 Best Golf Glove Recommendations:

Bionic StableGrip Golf Glove

bionic stablegrip best golf glove

Bionic has made a name for themselves over the last few years by simply creating the best golf gloves on the market.  Bionic’s gloves were designed by a leading orthopedic hand specialist, who based the design of each glove on the anatomy of the hand and the science of ergonomics.

The StableGrip Golf Glove is a perfect example of Bionic’s product.  It features specially placed anatomical relief pads on the palm to give you a lighter, relaxed grip for increased control and swing speed.  “Motion zones” placed over the knuckles and web zones between the fingers help give your hand natural movement, while also keeping your hand cool and dry.

The glove is also made of a top-grade cabretta leather, which lasts 2-3 times longer than a traditional leather golf glove.

Maybe the only downside of this glove is that it should be cleaned every so often to maintain the leather’s elasticity and durability. You can just throw it in the washing machine (gentle cycle, using mild detergent and cold water) then air dry.

Because of its premium design and material, the Bionic StableGrip is slightly higher priced than your average glove at $20 – $25.

Buy the Bionic here

Nike Men’s Dura Feel VII Golf Glove

nike dura feel vii golf gloveIf you’re a fan of the Nike brand, then the Dura Feel VII Golf Glove could be the one for you.  Like most Nike products, the Dura Feel looks a bit more stylish than your average golf glove.  It is made of a quality, synthetic material with a leather patch on the palm and thumb to provide additional grip and durability.  There is also strategically placed Lycra spandex on the fingers and back of hand for maximum flexibility and breathability.  The Nike Dura Feel VII is definitely of lower quality than the Bionic StableGrip, but it is also only half the price.  So, if you are looking for something stylish, decent quality, and value priced, then this may be the best golf glove for you.

This glove can fit a bit tight at first, so make sure you buy the right size.

Buy the Nike Dura Feel VII here

Puma Monoline Performance Golf Glove

puma monoline performance gloveRicky Fowler fan? Then you’ll love the uniquely styled Puma Monoline Performance Golf Glove.  The palm and fingers are made of genuine cabaretta leather, while lycra is used on the top of the hand and sides to increase breathability and flexibility.  It also features an ultra quiet hook and loop closure system, instead of the traditional noisy velcro.  Like all Puma golf products, it is also available in a variety of unique colors.

Overall, the Monoline fits extremely well, and looks great.   Pick yours up before its too late!

Buy the Puma Monoline here

Hirzl Trust Control Textured Palm Kangaroo Leather Golf Glove

hirzl trust control kangaroo leather golf glove

Looking for something a bit different? Then the Hirzl Trust Control Glove could be for you.  The palm is made with genuine kangaroo leather (yes, kangaroo), which provides noticeably more grip compared to regular gloves.  In fact, the grip was tested to give you 3-times more grip in dry weather conditions, and 5-times more grip in wet weather conditions.  The palm is also 100% sweat resistant, and will stay grippy no matter what!  This should give you some added confidence while you play, and will hopefully help lower your scores.  The Hirzl Trust Control costs a bit more than your average glove ($30), but can easily be considered as one of the best golf glove choices on the market.

Buy the Hirzl Trust Control here

TaylorMade Tour Preferred Golf Glove

taylormade tp best golf glove

Want what the pros wear?  The TaylorMade TP Golf Glove was  created for Taylormade/Adidas sponsored PGA tour players like Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, and Sergio Garcia.  It is made of an extremely comfortable, AAA quality cabretta leather.  The glove has a stretch fit closure so you can get a custom fit.  The wristband is made of moisture wicking material, so sweat doesn’t get to your fingers.

The TaylorMade TP Golf glove is very reasonably priced at around $15 .  If you want an extremely comfortable glove, that is durable, and used by many PGA tour players, then this is the best golf glove for you!

Buy the TaylorMade Tour Preferred here

What’s the Best Golf Cart Bag?

Do you find yourself always renting a golf cart or using a push cart?  If you’re like me (out of shape & slightly lazy), then carrying your own bag for 18-holes is simply out of the question.  You should consider trading your old carry-style bag for a golf cart bag.

Cart bags are not meant to be carried, but are designed to fit perfectly with either your push cart, or on the back of a golf cart.  They are generally bigger, have more club slots, as well as an increased amount of side/front pockets. You will easily be able to carry the maximum number of clubs, as well as things you wouldn’t normally want to carry on your back (umbrella, drinks, extra clothes, etc.).  Here are our recommendations for the best golf cart bag on the market today.

Best Golf Cart Bag – 5 Recommendations:

TaylorMade SLDR Cart Bag

taylormade sldr best golf cart bagThe TaylorMade SLDR Cart bag is large, strong (crush resistant), and looks fantastic.  It is part of Taylor Made‘s premium SLDR line of products (SLDR driver, SLDR hybrids, irons).  It comes with 14 seperate club slots (full length dividers),  and nine outside pockets — including a velour lined pocket for valuables, and a cooler pocket specifically for drinks/food.  There are handles on every side, making it easy to pick up your bag from any angle.   Extra features include an umbrella sleeve, towel clip, pen sleeve, and rain hood.  If you are looking for the latest, sexiest cart bag on the market, then the SLDR is it.

OGIO Chamber Cart Bag

ogio chamber cat bag with silencerOGIO has made a name for themselves over the past few years by making fantastic, high quality golf bags. The main feature of the Chamber Cart Bag is OGIO’s trademarked club slot designs with “Silencer Technology”.   These unique slot designs will prevent your clubs from annoyingly clanging against each other, which will also help protect them from damage / scratches.  Another cool part of the OGIO bag is the zipperless ball pocket which allows for quick and easy removal of golf balls.  There are a total of nine zippered-pockets for nearly everything else, including a crush resistant armored pocket (for your sandwich?), insulated cooler pocket for drinks, and a water-resistant/fleece-lined pocket for valuables and electronics.  The OGIO Chamber is the mother of all cart bags, and is priced that way.  It will cost you a healthy $200.

RJ Sports DS-590 Golf Cart Bag

rj sports golf cart bagDon’t want to spend $200 on a golf bag?  Then the EX-350 offering from RJ Sports might be for you.  It is easily the cheapest option on this list, coming in at only $86 (on Amazon).  There are a total of 14 clubs slots, as well as two external tubes which can be used for easy access to your putter or wedge. There are only 6 external pockets though, which does not provide an excessive amount of carrying space compared to the other bags on this list.   The DS-590 is also not the most stylish bag on the market, but it does come in 5 different colorways.  If you are looking for a solid, budget-friendly golf cart bag, then you should give this one a shot.

Sun Mountain C-130 Golf Cart Bag

sun mountain golf c-130 best golf cart bagThe C-130 Cart Bag has made it to Golf Digest’s Hot List  for five straight years. It is the best selling cart bag from Sun Mountain, and for good reason.   The C-130 was specifically designed for use on a driving cart — the nine outside pockets are all front facing for easy access when strapped onto the cart, and the top is reverse oriented for quick and easy removal of clubs.  There are a total of 14 club slots, each with full length dividers, as well as a separate compartment for your putter.  Other features include two velour lined pockets for valuables, lift handles on the top, tee holder, pen holder, and rainhood (included).  The C-130 is also one of the best looking bags out there, and comes in nine fantastic colorways.  It is a bit on the higher end of the price scale, but is the best golf cart bag to use with a riding cart.  The C-130 is not really designed for use with push carts, so it may not be the best choice if you like to walk most of the time.  Check it out here.