Fundamental differences exist between golfers, and this affects the kind of gear they should use based on their specific attributes. One of those is swing speed. A golfer with a slower swing speed may struggle to achieve the same distance and control as a golfer with a faster swing speed. Finding the best golf ball for a slow swing speed can be difficult, but we’re here to help!

As we age, our swing speed tends to slow down as a result of our muscles becoming less powerful, limited mobility, and accumulation of injury. (Image credit: Adobe Stock)

What Is Swing Speed?

The speed of a golf swing is one of the most significant parts of a player’s game. It refers to the speed at which a golfer swings the club when making a shot. In theory, the higher the swing speed, the farther the ball will travel. However, several other factors play a role, such as clubface alignment, swing path, angle of impact, and hitting the sweet spot on your club.

Average Swing Speeds

Research from Trackman gives us some initial insight into the swing speeds of the average male golfer, which can be seen in the graphic below:
Swing speeds of average male golfers. 75% are between 86 and 105 mph. (Source: Trackman Golf)

Less research is available on female golfers and senior golfers of both genders, however, it is generally accepted that the average scores of these categories are lower than the ones charted above. This is due to a lower amount of muscle mass and strength in both female and senior golfers. We could expect their averages to hover around 70-75 mph.

There is also a direct correlation between swing speed and handicaps, again provided by Trackman:

The higher the handicap, the lower the club speed. (Source: Trackman Golf)

Elite golfers on tour are swinging somewhere around the 110-115 mph mark, and that’s the best of the best. People who have honed the extremely complex movement of swinging a club, to the point where they can apply maximum power to their drives and still maintain accuracy. So, where does that leave the rest of us average players? And what can we do to elevate our game?

A good place to start is the type of ball you choose to play with.

Golf Ball Selection for Slower Swing Speeds

Your flexibility, mobility, and rotational power are all contributors to the speed at which you swing your club, but the type of equipment you’re using is important too. Lightweight shafts, for example, can allow you to swing faster with less power, and bigger clubheads with larger sweet spots can also be more merciful. Additionally, the type of ball you use will make a difference.

The following attributes are ones to watch out for when selecting a ball that will best suit your unique performance on the course as a golfer with a slower swing speed:

Soft feel

Softer golf balls will compress more easily, resulting in more distance and better control. Because the rebound off your club will be larger, it requires less force to hit a longer shot. This is especially good for shots around the green, where your finesse and touch off the club really start coming into play.

High ball flight

Higher spin rates and more shallow dimple patterns produce a golf ball that will launch higher and stay in the air longer. This can help golfers with slower swing speeds achieve greater distances by relying on the qualities of the ball, as opposed to the power they can produce with their swing.

Forgiveness

Lower spin rates, on the other hand, can make a golf ball that is more forgiving, reducing the effect of mishits, and possibly resulting in more consistent shots for golfers with slower swing speeds. You can see how this can start to get very technical depending upon which attribute might be most beneficial to your specific game.

Good greenside spin

A ball that spins well around the greens will help golfers with slower swing speeds get the ball closer to the hole on approach shots. You will often see this promoted in top quality tour balls, as it is a feature highly sought after in the professional game. The construction of a golf ball and its cover material are highly dependent factors in good greenside spin.

(Image credit: Adobe Stock)

Best Golf Ball for Slow Swing Speeds

Based on our research, the following are the top three golf balls recommended for novice players, senior golfers, or individuals with higher/mid-range handicaps and/or slower swing speeds:

Srixon Soft Feel (For Beginners)

This ball is recommended for high handicappers because it is an entry-level 2-piece ball that offers maximum distance, straight flight, and forgiveness, which are key factors for beginners.

Vice Drive (For High-Handicappers)

Similar to the Srixon Soft Feel, the Vice Drive is a 2-piece ball that offers high flight, long distance, and forgiveness, making it an ideal choice for high handicappers.

Titleist Tour Soft (For Mid-Handicappers)

This ball is a tour-value 3-piece ball that offers a softer feel, higher greenside spin, and improved distance, making it a good choice for mid-handicappers who are starting to improve their game.

Improve Your Swing Speed with Dynamic Golfers

Want to know what else can improve your swing speed and lower your handicap out on the course? A stronger, more mobile, more flexible body! Not only will you hit the ball further, you’ll be less likely to get injured, and be able to enjoy the game you love pain-free! Try Dynamic Golfers tailored, easy-to-follow programming for 7-days risk free by clicking here!

Written by Eric Lister – Certified Personal Trainer & Corrective Exercise Specialist