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What is difference between regular and practice golf balls?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 07, 2026

Generally, range balls do not fly as far as regular golf balls. But the biggest difference isn't necessarily that range balls typically fly shorter distances, but that they vary so widely in distance performance.

Are golf practice balls worth it?

The best practice golf balls can help you improve so many skills and save your budget at the same time. They say “practice makes perfect”, so keep practicing, and the best results will be in your palm one day. However, there are so many models of practice golf balls on the market. Some are foam, and some are plastic.

Can I play golf with practice balls?

If the Committee hasn't required that you play a ball that is on the List of Conforming Golf Balls, then you may use a practice or X-Out golf ball. When using an X-Out ball in this circumstance, if there is strong evidence to suggest that the ball does not conform, it must not be used.

What are practice golf balls for?

Practice golf balls are handy when you don't have time to visit a driving range. They allow you to work on your swing in smaller areas, including your backyard and even indoors. Practice balls weigh less than regular golf balls and travel less distance when hit -- they are designed to go no farther than 40 yards.

Do practice balls go further?

What is the distance difference between range balls and regular golf balls? Range balls, as a general rule, will travel up to 10 yards less in distance when struck with wedges or short irons.

15 related questions found

What happens when you hit too many golf balls?

Hitting more than 30 full shots will most likely tire you out, and for me, it almost always impacts performance. You could hit more balls if you want, but keep the majority of it to short chip shots and putts. Getting these two things dialed in is what's going to help you shoot the best round.

Can you bring your own golf balls to a driving range?

Can You Bring Your Own Golf Balls to a Driving Range? As a general rule driving ranges prohibit golfers from using their own balls as a matter of both policy and practicality.

Is hitting plastic golf balls good practice?

Plastic Practice Golf Balls

Sometimes called Wiffle balls, these balls are safe and will give you a good indication of any problems with your swing. They're great practice golf balls that don't go far so can be used in very small spaces. This makes them among the best practice golf balls for backyard use.

Do better golf balls make a difference?

They can, but when we tested both types of balls at average-golfer swing speeds, the difference was almost negligible: six yards, usually less. The real advantage of urethane-cover balls is the extra spin, feel and control they offer on shots near the green.

What's the difference between practice Pro V1 and regular?

Pro V1 Practice golf balls are conforming products that differ only due to a cosmetic blemish such as paint, ink or registration of stamping. Pro V1 Practice golf balls do not have any construction or performance deficiencies.

How far do Callaway practice balls go?

The Callaway ball goes FOP! Yet performs just as the real ball would perform. A good solid swing produces a travel distance of 30 some yards.

Are TaylorMade practice balls good?

The TaylorMade 2019 TP5 Practice Bagged Golf Balls are a great ball for a great price. If you don't care that the balls say "practice" on them, these are less than 50% of the price of the regular TP5s. Ramon W. These balls are brand new and they play like brand new TP 5's.

How much do range balls affect distance?

Expect that range balls will fly 10-15% shorter than normal and if you're using a limited flight range ball, then expect 25-30% shorter distances to result.

Are TP5x practice balls the same?

TP5/TP5x Practice balls are USGA conforming products that differ only due to a cosmetic blemish such as paint, ink or registration of stamping. The golf balls all have “Practice” stamped on the side but do not have any construction or performance deficiencies.

How do you practice golf in your backyard?

How To Practice Golf In The Backyard (10 Ways)

  1. Chip Into A Net. One of the easiest ways to practice in your yard is to set up a golf net to chip into. ...
  2. Full Swing Golf Net. ...
  3. Golf Simulator Setup. ...
  4. Putting Mat On The Patio. ...
  5. Swinging With Video. ...
  6. Limited Flight Golf Balls. ...
  7. Weighted Golf Swings. ...
  8. Improve Tempo.

How much do you need to practice golf?

So how often should you practice golf in order to get better? Practicing four times per week at the range, chipping area and putting green will help you become a better golfer. Focus on specific drills, and practice with purpose.

Do golf balls matter for beginner?

If a beginner is still learning how to make the correct contact with the ball, as well as how to chip and leave it relatively close to the hole, the ball won't make a massive difference. 2-piece golf balls are ideal golf balls for a high-handicapper. Two-piece golf balls have harder shells and a sturdy core.

Do softer golf balls go further?

Although softer golf balls go further from the tee for lower swing speed players, the gap across the whole range of ball types is only around 5 yards, so it is more important to fit the ball to your irons and then fit your driver to your preferred ball to maximise distance.

Do cheap golf balls make a difference?

Certainly, players will see no difference between a cheap ball and an expensive ball. If you can't see or feel the difference, there is no reason to spend the extra money. Generally speaking, the better a golfer is, the more it makes sense to use a higher quality golf ball.

How far should you hit a 7 iron?

A standard amateur golfer can hit a 7 iron from 128 yards to 158 yards. The lower range will be for women and senior golfers. To hit the ball over 150 yards in total distance with a 7 iron club, an amateur golfer will have to have a good swing and be physically fit.

Is it OK to practice with foam golf balls?

Are foam golf balls good for practice? Absolutely, they are. If you want to hone your swing in the comfort of your own home or backyard, but are worried about the damage you might cause by using regular golf balls, then foam practice balls are the perfect solution.

Are Wiffle balls good for practice?

Baseball coaches use wiffle balls in training drills and you can use them to enhance your skills too. Wiffle balls are also the perfect way to introduce kids to baseball and the skills they need to practice. Practicing with wiffle balls improves hand-eye coordination, pitching skills, and bat swing.

Do range balls damage drivers?

So while you're highly unlikely to damage the face of your driver by hitting a ton of old range balls you are likely to damage your game.

Can you borrow golf clubs at a driving range?

Yes, most driving ranges will rent clubs to golfers. The clubs you can rent are sometimes dated and not in the best of shape, but they will at least give you the ability to practice and enjoy hitting some golf balls.

How long are most driving ranges?

Modern driving ranges use 15 to 17 acres, compared to 10 to 12 acres a decade ago. Increased distance suggests driving ranges should be longer than 300 yards. For divot recovery, tees should be 45 to 60 yards deep. If tees are at both ends, total range length should exceed 400 yards.