Top 7 golf balls for links golf in 2025: best options for wind, spin and control

Archie Starkey 06 Jul 2025

Elite links golf is well and truly upon us with the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship two of the highlights on the golfing calendar.

But for many of us, links golf takes place all year round, and the nature of the beast means the natural elements on some of our favourite links courses will often create havoc.

Consistent winds, firm, open-faced putting surfaces and fast turf are all key components of a links golf course that make it a challenge we so relish and with most different courses, preparation is key.

Choosing the correct golf ball that suits your game and mitigates the natural elements faced on a links golf course is vital.

Golf365 have ranked seven golf balls that could help lower your scores on the links…

1. Titleist Pro V1

Specifications: Has 388 dimples, mid-flight, soft feel
Price: £52 per dozen
Pros: A penetrating ball flight and excellent spin control in windy links conditions
Cons: Premium price tag

Final verdict: The Titleist Pro V1 is a proven performer for all skill levels in links conditions, thanks to its piercing flight and top-tier spin control, making it an option that won’t miss a beat.

Golf365 rating – *****

2. Srixon Z-Star XV

Specifications: Four layers, FastLayer core, firm feel
Price: £35.99 per dozen
Pros: Very long carry and good resistance against the wind
Cons: Its firmer feel may not suit everyone’s short game

Final verdict: The second five-star option for links golf is the Srixon Z-Star XV, which provides long and stable tee to green performance in heavy winds with an affordable price tag. Great value for money if you ask me.

Golf365 rating – *****

3. Titleist Pro V1x

Specifications: Spherical 328 dimple design, high flight, firmer feel
Price: £52 per dozen
Pros: High launch and more spin offer a harder stop
Cons: Some may feel the ball spins too much off the tee

Final verdict: If you’re a golfer who needs that extra height and bite on challenging links greens, then this ball could well be the option for you. However, its high spin characteristics can be affected by the wind.

Golf365 rating – ****

4. Callaway Chrome Tour Triple Diamond

Specifications: Four-piece build, penetrating flight, high-speed core
Price: £55 per dozen
Pros: Low spin off driver and offers precise control into links greens
Cons: Requires pure striking and is more suited to low-handicappers

Final verdict: This ball will offer you a tour-like feel with excellent stability in tough winds and low spin, but it comes at a price…

Golf365 rating – ****

5. Bridgestone Tour B X

Specifications: Three layers, urethane cover, low spin
Price: £39.99 per dozen
Pros: Wind-resistant flight that suits fast clubhead speed
Cons: Feels firm on chips and putts

Final verdict: It’s a great performer that will help you in links conditions off the tee, especially if you’re a big swinger. But the firm feel of the ball may be detrimental to short game performance around the greens.

Golf365 rating – ***

6. TaylorMade Tour Response

Specifications: Three layers, urethane cover, high launch, soft feel
Price: £37.99 per dozen
Pros: Excellent price for a urethane ball and stable flight
Cons: Not as much wedge spin as more premium alternatives

Final verdict: For the low price, TaylorMade’s option offers resistance to the wind and ample stability on longer strokes, but it will lack the spin and feel of more premium options. A great option for mid to high handicappers.

Golf365 rating – ***

7. Mizuno Pro S

Specifications: Three layers, 332 dimples, urethane cover
Price: £39.99 per dozen
Pros: Low flight and spin, ideal for windy links golf
Cons: More difficult to find than alternative golf balls

Final verdict: The issue with this golf ball is it’s tougher to source a box in-store, though very doable online. Its soft feel and low spin suit links putting surfaces well, another solid performer in the wind.

Golf365 rating – ***