Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Ball Review: A Competitive Entry?

As golf enthusiasts know, the market for golf balls is saturated with reputable brands like Titleist and TaylorMade. However, Amazon has made a splash with its Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Ball. It’s an intriguing proposition for weekend golfers and newcomers alike, but how does it truly perform? With a price of approximately $15 for a dozen, this ball potentially reshapes the landscape of affordable golf equipment.

First Impressions: Packaging and Aesthetic

To begin, the packaging is quite unique; instead of the traditional dozen box, you receive four loose sleeves of three balls, all packaged in a standard cardboard box. This eco-conscious packaging approach does have its pros and cons—it’s good for the environment, but the loose sleeves can create some inconvenience when organizing your golf bag. Additionally, the ball itself feels somewhat cheap; the outer cover lacks a premium touch. For many players, the aesthetics of a golf ball can influence performance perception.

Feel and Performance with Short Game Shots

Once I hit the course for my testing, I quickly grasped that the "Core Soft" name accurately describes the ball’s characteristics, especially on short game shots. The control and feel around the greens were noticeably different from my usual Pro V1x. I found the ball to "jump" off the clubface, making distance control a challenge. For example, during a 50-yard pitch, my usual spin would be around 7000 rpm, but the Amazon Basics Core Soft Ball was only managing about 5000 rpm. This significant drop in spin rate led to more unpredictable outcomes.

Distance Concerns with Iron Play

Continuing with my testing, my irons generally felt good at contact, yet I frequently found myself coming up short on distance—often five yards or more compared to my typical performance. Using a launch monitor further confirmed my suspicions: there was an evident lack of ‘pop’ that many golfers seek. While some users looking for a softer ball may appreciate this, players looking for distance and optimal performance may want to look elsewhere.

Tee Shots: A Mixed Bag of Results

When it came to tee shots, the distance output from the Amazon Basics Core Soft was underwhelming. My longest carry during testing was about 169 yards with a 7-iron, drastically shorter than the average of 175 yards I’d typically achieve. The excessive backspin impacted distance significantly, which many players would find frustrating. However, for golfers with slower swing speeds, the drop in distance may not be as pronounced.

Performance in Different Conditions

Interestingly, the ball exhibited strange behavior when hitting from different surfaces, particularly the rough. Rather than providing the expected spin, the Core Soft often resulted in flyers—balls that flew farther than anticipated due to reduced grip. This unpredictability is one disadvantage that most golfers aim to avoid. My findings were confirmed again on approach shots, where the ball often flew long of the green.

Recommendation: Who Should Use This Ball?

While I understand that this ball may fly under the radar in terms of brand prestige, it does have its place in the market. For those just starting out or who prioritize a less expensive option they don’t mind losing, these golf balls can be appealing. At just $1.33 per ball, it’s a low-cost alternative that can still help newer players hone their skills without worrying too much about losing a premium ball.

Are Soft Feel Golf Balls Worth It?

Ultimately, the Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Ball is designed for golfers who prioritize a soft feel above all. Yet there’s a trade-off when it comes to aspects like distance and consistency. For those seriously playing the game and striving for better performance, returning to established brands may be the more logical decision.

The Case for Value Golf Balls

When comparing the Core Soft to other best value golf balls and cheap golf balls, it becomes clear that Amazon’s offering faces tough competition. Although it may have some appeal for beginner players, the significant drawbacks experienced in distance and spin likely outweigh the benefits for experienced golfers.

Conclusion: A Soft Entry with Limitations

To sum up, while Amazon’s foray into the golf ball market is a noteworthy venture, this particular model feels like an initial step rather than a strong contender. The Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Ball may serve a niche market but lacks the overall performance that seasoned players will find satisfactory. It remains a value choice for beginners but is less likely to appeal to serious golfers seeking a reliable and high-performance product on the course.

Therefore, if you’re a player serious about improving your game, you would be better served investing in more established products that deliver consistent performance from tee to green.

Final Thoughts: Shop Smart

As with any gear, the best choice depends on your personal preferences, skill level, and budget. While the Amazon Basics Core Soft Golf Ball offers an intriguing option within the entry-level segment, consider your own game and where improvements can be made. That careful consideration will ensure each round becomes not just playable but enjoyable.

In closing, while Amazon’s foray into the golf market is commendable, the Core Soft golf balls serve specific demographics. For seasoned players seeking performance, it may not be your best pick.