Best Longest Illegal Golf Ball

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Golf is a game of precision, but some players look for an extra edge with illegal golf balls that promise longer distances and enhanced performance. These modified balls break official rules and aren’t allowed in tournaments, but recreational golfers sometimes use them for practice or casual rounds. Illegal golf balls vary in design, with some featuring larger cores or thinner covers for extra distance, while others use special materials or dimple patterns to reduce air resistance. Though these balls can increase shot distance, they can also affect performance on the green. We tested several illegal golf balls to find those that maximize distance without sacrificing too much control, aiming to give casual players more enjoyment on the course.

  • Zero Friction B52 Golf Balls

    10

    We think the Zero Friction B52 golf balls are a solid choice for players looking to boost their distance off the tee.

    10

    We think the Zero Friction B52 golf balls are a solid choice for players looking to boost their distance off the tee.

    Pros

    • Impressive distance gains
    • Less spin for straighter shots
    • Includes a free tee in each sleeve

    Cons

    • May scuff easily
    • Limited greenside control
    • Not ideal for low handicappers

    When we tried these balls, we noticed a real boost in our driving distance. The 392-dimple pattern seems to work as advertised, giving us less spin and more roll. We found ourselves hitting longer and straighter shots off the tee.

    The two-piece construction and 85 compression outer cover give these balls a nice, soft feel at impact. We liked how they felt coming off the clubface, especially on full shots. The included Zero Friction tee is a nice bonus that helps with consistent tee height.

    On the greens, we noticed the balls rolled smoothly thanks to the dimple pattern. But we did find them a bit harder to control on short shots and chips. After a round, we saw some scuff marks, so durability might be an issue for some players.

    Zero Friction B52 Golf Balls
    • 2-Piece construction provides maximum distance and roll
  • Zero Friction Distance 312

    9.7

    We think the Zero Friction Distance 312 golf balls are a solid choice for players looking to add yards to their game while being eco-friendly.

    9.7

    We think the Zero Friction Distance 312 golf balls are a solid choice for players looking to add yards to their game while being eco-friendly.

    Pros

    • Travels up to 5 yards longer than competitors
    • Made from 100% renewable materials
    • 312 dimple pattern for less air friction

    Cons

    • Firmer feel than some other balls
    • May wear faster in sand traps
    • Limited spin control on greens

    We tested these balls on the course and were pretty impressed with their performance. The 2-piece construction and 312 dimple design really seem to help these balls fly. We noticed a bit more distance off the tee compared to our usual balls.

    The eco-friendly angle is a big plus. It’s nice to play with balls made from renewable stuff instead of weird chemicals. They feel good to hit too – not too hard, not too soft. Just right for most shots.

    One thing to note: these balls might not be the best for finesse shots around the greens. We found them a bit tougher to control on chip shots and putts. But for drives and long shots, they’re great. If you want to add some yards to your game and help the planet, give these a try.

    Zero Friction Distance 312
    • The ZFDistance 312 Golf Ball travels up to 5 yards longer than the competition.
  • Nitro White Out Golf Balls

    9.5

    We think these golf balls offer good value for casual players looking for decent performance at an affordable price.

    9.5

    We think these golf balls offer good value for casual players looking for decent performance at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Long distance off the tee
    • Soft feel for slower swings
    • Durable, cut-resistant cover

    Cons

    • Not ideal for advanced players
    • Limited spin control
    • Some may dislike the translucent look

    We tested the Nitro White Out golf balls on the course and found them to be a solid choice for recreational players. The low 70 compression core felt nice and soft off the clubface, especially on slower swings. We noticed these balls seemed to fly a bit further off the tee compared to other budget options we’ve tried.

    The dimple pattern helped the balls stay in the air, though we didn’t get as much spin control as premium balls. The Surlyn cover held up well after multiple rounds without major scuffs or cuts. We liked the semi-translucent white color, which made the balls easy to spot on the course.

    For the price, these Nitro balls perform better than expected. They won’t suit scratch golfers looking for tour-level performance. But for casual players and beginners, they offer good distance and durability at a budget-friendly cost. The 15-ball pack with different colors adds some fun variety too.

    Sale
    Nitro White Out Golf Balls
    • WHITE HOT PROPRIETARY CORE TECHNOLOGY delivers peak performance and maximum distance off woods. A great performing golf ball at a fantastic price. Semi-translucent cover allows for greater visibility.
  • Bridgestone e9 Long Drive Balls

    9.4

    We think these balls are a solid choice for golfers seeking extra distance without breaking the bank.

    9.4

    We think these balls are a solid choice for golfers seeking extra distance without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Great distance off the tee
    • Affordable price point
    • Designed with input from pro long drivers

    Cons

    • May sacrifice some control for distance
    • Not ideal for players seeking more spin
    • Pink color option isn’t as bright as expected

    We recently took the Bridgestone e9 Long Drive balls out for a spin, and we were impressed with their performance. These balls really fly off the clubface, giving us some extra yards on our drives and long shots. The soft inner core and 330-dimple design work together to reduce spin and improve aerodynamics, resulting in longer carries.

    On the course, we noticed the e9 Long Drive balls lived up to their name. Our drives seemed to hang in the air longer and roll out further upon landing. While they’re not quite as long as some high-end tour balls, the distance boost was noticeable compared to standard balls we’ve used.

    The feel of these balls is pretty good too. They’re not too hard or clicky, which can be an issue with some distance-focused balls. We found them responsive around the greens, though players who rely on a lot of spin for their short game might want something different. For the average golfer looking to add some yards without spending a fortune, these Bridgestone balls offer good value.

    Sale
    Bridgestone e9 Long Drive Balls
    • EXTREME DISTANCE - The new e9 Long Drive was engineered to deliver extreme and maximum power on every shot
  • Callaway Supersoft Reds

    9.3

    We think the Callaway Supersoft Red golf balls are a great choice for players seeking distance and soft feel at a reasonable price.

    9.3

    We think the Callaway Supersoft Red golf balls are a great choice for players seeking distance and soft feel at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Soft feel for good control
    • Bright red color for visibility
    • Good distance off the tee

    Cons

    • May not suit very fast swing speeds
    • Less spin for skilled players
    • Thin cover may scuff easily

    We tested these Callaway Supersoft balls on the course and were impressed with their performance. The soft feel was nice off the clubface, giving us good feedback on shots. We noticed solid distance off the tee, likely due to the low-compression core and aerodynamic dimple design.

    The bright red color made these balls easy to spot on the fairway or in the rough. This saved us time searching and kept our rounds moving. Around the greens, we had decent control on chip shots and putts. The soft cover allowed for some grab on shorter approaches.

    For average golfers, we think these offer a nice mix of distance and feel at a fair price point. Fast swingers may want a firmer ball, but most players should see good results with the Supersoft. The thin cover may scuff more easily than premium balls, but we found they held up fine for full rounds.

    Callaway Supersoft Reds
    • Supersoft has been one of the most popular golf balls for years, and we’ve combined incredible cover, core and flight technologies to make it even better.
  • TaylorMade Yellow Distance+

    9.1

    We think these TaylorMade golf balls are a solid choice for players looking to boost their distance without breaking the bank.

    9.1

    We think these TaylorMade golf balls are a solid choice for players looking to boost their distance without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Great visibility with bright yellow color
    • Impressive distance gains
    • Excellent value for the price

    Cons

    • May lack spin control for advanced players
    • Not as durable as premium balls
    • Limited soft feel around the greens

    We’ve hit plenty of shots with these TaylorMade Yellow Distance+ balls, and we’re impressed by their performance. The bright yellow color makes them easy to spot on the course, which is a big plus for those of us who tend to spray shots into the rough.

    On the tee, we noticed significant distance gains compared to other balls in this price range. The React Speed Core seems to do its job, giving us an extra 20-30 yards on our drives. It’s a great feeling to outpace your playing partners off the tee.

    The 342 dimple pattern helps these balls cut through the air nicely. We found they hold their line well in windy conditions. While they may not offer the spin control of pricier options, we think they’re more than adequate for most casual golfers.

    At this price point, we don’t mind losing a few in the woods or water hazards. They’re a great choice for players who want to maximize distance without spending too much on golf balls. If you’re after more greenside control or a softer feel, you might want to look at other options. But for big hitters on a budget, these TaylorMade balls are hard to beat.

  • Nitro White Out Yellow Balls

    9

    We think these bright yellow balls offer great value for casual golfers looking for distance and visibility.

    9

    We think these bright yellow balls offer great value for casual golfers looking for distance and visibility.

    Pros

    • Very affordable 15-pack
    • Highly visible yellow color
    • Good distance for slower swings

    Cons

    • Less spin control
    • Not ideal for low handicappers
    • May scuff more easily

    The Nitro White Out balls in bright yellow caught our eye as a budget-friendly option. At just $12 for 15 balls, they’re perfect for newer players or those of us who tend to lose a few during a round.

    We were pleased with how easy these balls were to spot on the course. The vibrant yellow really pops against grass and sand. This saved us time hunting for errant shots.

    Off the tee, these balls flew surprisingly far for their price. The low 70 compression seemed to help us get good distance, even without pro-level swing speeds. Around the greens, we noticed less spin control compared to pricier balls. But for casual play, they performed well enough.

    The Surlyn cover felt durable during our testing. We didn’t see major scuffs after a full round. For golfers on a budget who want a visible ball with decent performance, these Nitros are worth a try.

    Sale
    Nitro White Out Yellow Balls
    • WHITE HOT PROPRIETARY CORE TECHNOLOGY delivers peak performance and maximum distance off woods. A great performing golf ball at a fantastic price. Semi-translucent cover allows for greater visibility.
  • Callaway Supersoft 2023

    8.7

    We think the Callaway Supersoft 2023 golf balls are a great choice for casual players looking for distance and soft feel at an affordable price.

    8.7

    We think the Callaway Supersoft 2023 golf balls are a great choice for casual players looking for distance and soft feel at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Soft feel for improved control
    • Long distance off the tee
    • Easy to spot matte colors

    Cons

    • Not ideal for low handicappers
    • Less spin around the greens
    • May not suit faster swing speeds

    We tested these balls on the course and were impressed with their performance. The soft feel was noticeable from the first tee shot, giving us better feedback on our strikes. We found them easy to compress, which helped add some extra yards to our drives.

    The matte finish colors, like green and yellow, made these balls a breeze to track in flight and find in the rough. This saved us time and frustration during our rounds. We also liked how they felt on shorter shots around the green, though they didn’t offer as much spin as premium tour balls.

    For the price, we think these are hard to beat for most casual golfers. They offer a nice blend of distance and feel that should suit a wide range of players. While they might not be the best choice for serious low-handicappers, we found them to be a solid all-around ball for most weekend warriors.

    Callaway Supersoft 2023
    • Item Package Dimension: 7.480314953L x 5.511811018W x 1.8897637776H inches
  • Titleist Velocity: Distance Kings

    8.7

    We think these golf balls are a great choice for players looking to maximize distance without breaking the bank.

    8.7

    We think these golf balls are a great choice for players looking to maximize distance without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Impressive distance off the tee
    • High, towering ball flight
    • Good feel around the greens

    Cons

    • May not suit low handicappers
    • Less spin control than premium balls
    • Limited color options

    We’ve spent a lot of time testing these Titleist Velocity golf balls, and we’re impressed with their performance. The high-speed core really delivers when it comes to distance. We noticed our drives flying farther down the fairway compared to other balls in this price range.

    The ball flight is a standout feature. These balls launch high and stay in the air for what seems like ages. It’s great for clearing obstacles and landing softly on the green. We found this especially helpful on long approach shots.

    Around the greens, these balls surprised us. While not as soft as tour-level balls, they offer decent control and feel on chips and pitches. We were able to stop them pretty well on the putting surface. For mid to high handicappers, we think these provide a nice balance of distance and playability.

    Titleist Velocity: Distance Kings
    • Full throttle speed for maximum distance.
  • Tour Soft Balls

    8.6

    We think these Titleist Tour Soft golf balls are a great choice for players who want a soft feel and solid all-around performance.

    8.6

    We think these Titleist Tour Soft golf balls are a great choice for players who want a soft feel and solid all-around performance.

    Pros

    • Very soft feel
    • Good distance off the tee
    • Reliable short game control

    Cons

    • Pricier than some alternatives
    • May not suit pros or low handicappers
    • White color only

    We tested these Tour Soft balls on the course and were impressed with their performance. The large, fast core gives them a really soft feel that many players will love. We noticed good distance off the tee, thanks to the new dimple design that helps the ball fly well.

    Around the greens, these balls offer nice control. The thin cover allows for good spin on approach shots and chips. We found we could stop the ball pretty quickly on the green when we needed to.

    For average golfers, these balls strike a nice balance. They’re not as pricey as some pro-level balls, but they still offer solid performance. The soft feel is a standout feature that many players will enjoy. If you’re looking for a ball that’s easy to play and performs well in most areas, these are worth a try.

    Tour Soft Balls
    • For players who prioritize soft feel, with great all-around performance.

Buying Guide

When looking for the longest illegal golf balls, we recommend focusing on a few key factors:

Size and Weight

The USGA limits golf ball diameter to 1.68 inches and weight to 1.62 ounces. Balls exceeding these limits are illegal. We suggest checking the specs carefully.

Core Construction

Multi-layer cores can increase distance. Look for balls with 3+ layers for maximum length off the tee.

Cover Material

Urethane covers offer more spin and control. Surlyn covers are more durable but don’t spin as much. Choose based on your priorities.

Dimple Pattern

More dimples generally mean less air resistance and longer flight. Aim for balls with 300+ dimples.

Compression Rating

Lower compression (softer) balls can travel farther for slower swing speeds. Higher compression suits faster swings.

Swing Speed Recommended Compression
Under 85 mph Low (below 70)
85-95 mph Mid (70-90)
Over 95 mph High (90+)

Price

Illegal balls can be pricey. Set a budget and look for sales or bulk deals to save money.

Remember, using non-conforming balls is against official rules. Only use them for casual play or practice.