New Costco Golf Balls

[BrianL99]

For the last 5-6 years, Kirkland golf balls have been atrocious. Consistency was non-existent and they weren't worth playing.

There's apparently a new model over the last few months, and rumor has it, Costco has changed its manufacturer.

They're ridiculously inexpensive and My Golf Spy's recent testing was off the charts.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/labs/is-kirkland-back-we-tested-kirkland-performance-vs-titleist-pro-v1-golf-balls/)

With Villagers' passion for saving money & a new Costco coming to town, I thought I'd spread the word.

BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.

[MrChip72]

"atrocious" is a pretty crazy take. They're a very decent ball for the price. They're no worse than 10% in performance behind the most expensive balls on the market and are below half the price.

[retiredguy123]

For the last 5-6 years, Kirkland golf balls have been atrocious. Consistency was non-existent and they weren't worth playing.

There's apparently a new model over the last few months, and rumor has it, Costco has changed its manufacturer.

They're ridiculously inexpensive and My Golf Spy's recent testing was off the charts.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/labs/is-kirkland-back-we-tested-kirkland-performance-vs-titleist-pro-v1-golf-balls/)

With Villagers' passion for saving money & a new Costco coming to town, I thought I'd spread the word.

BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.
Well, that explains it. No wonder I don't play like Scottie Scheffler.

[BrianL99]

"atrocious" is a pretty crazy take. They're a very decent ball for the price. They're no worse than 10% in performance behind the most expensive balls on the market and are below half the price.


3rd lowest scoring ball in the history of MyGolfSpy testing, coming in at 45, on a scale of 1-100.


Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/stay-away-from-this-golf-ball/)

[Caymus]

Are they still made in Asia?

I used to live near the Spalding (became Top Flite, then Callaway) factory in Massachusetts. At one time they operated a factory store, and I could buy balls (usually stamped with corporate logos) cheap.

[Snakster66]

For the last 5-6 years, Kirkland golf balls have been atrocious. Consistency was non-existent and they weren't worth playing.

There's apparently a new model over the last few months, and rumor has it, Costco has changed its manufacturer.

They're ridiculously inexpensive and My Golf Spy's recent testing was off the charts.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/labs/is-kirkland-back-we-tested-kirkland-performance-vs-titleist-pro-v1-golf-balls/)

With Villagers' passion for saving money & a new Costco coming to town, I thought I'd spread the word.

BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.

Very interesting. The full ball test later this year will be very intriguing (yes, I'm a nerd for their biennial ball test). It would seem a more apples to apples comparison would be with ProV1X; but this is pretty impressive for a ball that is at least a quarter of the cost. They seem to have gotten back on track. The Legato balls on Amazon I have found to be very good and high value, but even those pale in comparison (cost-wise) to Kirkland. I'm going to have to give this new version a try. Apparently the key is to make sure it has a hollow arrow on it.

[MrFlorida]

The balls are bad ??? I thought it was me...

[BrianL99]

Are they still made in Asia?

I used to live near the Spalding (became Top Flite, then Callaway) factory in Massachusetts. At one time they operated a factory store, and I could buy balls (usually stamped with corporate logos) cheap.

Titleist is the only golf company that makes all its balls. Mostly in Fall River, MA. Callaway makes most of their premium balls in Chicopee, MA. TaylorMade makes some balls in the USA, some in Asia.

Supposedly, Costco is now having their balls made by Foremost, who's the premier 3rd party golf ball manufacturer. They're a Taiwan company that makes balls for Taylormade, Vice, OnCore, Wilson, Maxfli & others. Foremost also has a plant in South Carolina.

[Snakster66]

The balls are bad ??? I thought it was me...

In your case, it is. :laugh:

[dewilson58]

Kirkland, Callaway Warbird, Noodle, DUO, etc., will deliver the same performance for 99.9992% of all Villages as compared to ProV's, Chromes, TP5. But at about 1/2 the price.

Come on old wise Villagers, why are you paying for expense balls??

:shrug:

[BrianL99]

Very interesting. The full ball test later this year will be very intriguing (yes, I'm a nerd for their biennial ball test). It would seem a more apples to apples comparison would be with ProV1X; but this is pretty impressive for a ball that is at least a quarter of the cost. They seem to have gotten back on track. The Legato balls on Amazon I have found to be very good and high value, but even those pale in comparison (cost-wise) to Kirkland. I'm going to have to give this new version a try. Apparently the key is to make sure it has a hollow arrow on it.

I wouldn't trust ordering them online and hoping to get the "hollow arrow" ... I'd want to see them in person.

If I didn't have 10 dozen Maxflis sitting in my garage, I'd go out searching for some hollow arrows. GolfGalaxy had current Maxfli Tours available last week, for $110/4 Dozen, with custom imprints.

[jimhoward]

Kirkland, Callaway Warbird, Noodle, DUO, etc., will deliver the same performance for 99.9992% of all Villages as compared to ProV's, Chromes, TP5. But at about 1/2 the price.

Come on old wise Villagers, why are you paying for expense balls??

:shrug:

Because money is not that important and good balls give me confidence and confidence matters.

To the extent that the ball is a factor at all (other than psychologically), using a consistent ball type is more important than which ball.

[tophcfa]

Kirkland, Callaway Warbird, Noodle, DUO, etc., will deliver the same performance for 99.9992% of all Villages as compared to ProV's, Chromes, TP5. But at about 1/2 the price.

Come on old wise Villagers, why are you paying for expense balls??

:shrug:

Lost Golf Balls . Com. I get a small bucket of 8 dozen barely used Titelist Velocities, in pristine condition, for about $125, or less than $1.33 per ball. The balls are as good as new and a bucket easily last me a couple years. I’ll never pay $50+ for a dozen new balls that won’t play any better.

[tophcfa]

I used to live near the Spalding (became Top Flite, then Callaway) factory in Massachusetts. At one time they operated a factory store, and I could buy balls (usually stamped with corporate logos) cheap.

Played Chicopee CC three weeks ago, just down the road from that factory.

[Caymus]

Played Chicopee CC three weeks ago, just down the road from that factory.

Played Westover a few times. I remember the C5A's from the air force base flying directly overhead at what seem like 1 mile per hour.

[Snakster66]

I wouldn't trust ordering them online and hoping to get the "hollow arrow" ... I'd want to see them in person.

100% agree. I'd only by at costco brick and mortar to make sure I don't get stuck with old stock. Plus they charge more online than in store.

I can wait until ours opens. Like you, I have a bit of a stockpile currently.

[BrianL99]

Lost Golf Balls . Com. I get a small bucket of 8 dozen barely used Titelist Velocities, in pristine condition, for about $125, or less than $1.33 per ball. The balls are as good as new and a bucket easily last me a couple years. I’ll never pay $50+ for a dozen new balls that won’t play any better.

Read this report, you'll never buy a "reclaimed golf ball" again.

[BrianL99]

Because money is not that important and good balls give me confidence and confidence matters.

To the extent that the ball is a factor at all (other than psychologically), using a consistent ball type is more important than which ball.

I'm not sure why anyone doesn't understand that.

I did a test once. Played 10 rounds with ProV1's, averaged about 80.3.

Played 10 rounds with balls I found in the woods, averaged about 79.

Consistency is what matters. PGA Tour players could shoot similar scores, playing Wal-Mart Specials.

[tophcfa]

Played Westover a few times. I remember the C5A's from the air force base flying directly overhead at what seem like 1 mile per hour.

Westover is a nice course that I used to play frequently, but it’s long and not friendly for seniors that don’t hit as long as days past. Westover is on the north side of the Air Force base, Chicopee is on the south side. The 15th fairway at Chicopee parallels the runway where the C5’s take off and land. Those planes are huge.

[retiredguy123]

Kirkland, Callaway Warbird, Noodle, DUO, etc., will deliver the same performance for 99.9992% of all Villages as compared to ProV's, Chromes, TP5. But at about 1/2 the price.

Come on old wise Villagers, why are you paying for expense balls??

:shrug:
150,000 x 0.000008 = 1.2

Wow. So, if every Villager was a golfer, only one golfer would perform better using a ProV, Chrome, or TP5.

Who is it?

[tophcfa]

150,000 x 0.000008 = 1.2

Wow. So, if every Villager was a golfer, only one golfer would perform better using a ProV, Chrome, or TP5.

Who is it?

Patric Reed, when he’s visiting his grandparents.

[retiredguy123]

Patric Reed, when he’s visiting his grandparents.
I don't think he counts as a Villager.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Played Westover a few times. I remember the C5A's from the air force base flying directly overhead at what seem like 1 mile per hour.

Playing Pease AFB course in a couple of weeks. I wave to the pilots as I can see the whites of their eyes and read their name badges, but they are looking ahead at the runway and not down

[BrianL99]

Playing Pease AFB course in a couple of weeks. I wave to the pilots as I can see the whites of their eyes and read their name badges, but they are looking ahead at the runway and not down

That's the easiest runway in the Northeast. It's so wide, I could almost land perpendicular to the runway direction. It's the best "practice runway" in New England. I once did 4 "touch & goes" and still had plenty of runway left.

Pease's longest runway, is about 1500' longer than Logan's longest. It was (& maybe still is) a "backup runway" to land the Space Shuttle.

It was also the last place I ever saw a 50¢ Coke machine (in their Pilot's lounge) & that was as recently as 5-6 years ago.

[kkingston57]

Kirkland, Callaway Warbird, Noodle, DUO, etc., will deliver the same performance for 99.9992% of all Villages as compared to ProV's, Chromes, TP5. But at about 1/2 the price.

Come on old wise Villagers, why are you paying for expense balls??

:shrug:

So that I can find them and use them. Bet most of the above described new balls are not bought, They are Christmas gifts

[Bassdeer]

Read this report, you'll never buy a "reclaimed golf ball" again.

Yea I tried their balls; it was like hitting a brick. Threw 3 dozen in the trash. I use Kirkland and work fine for me. I shoot in the low 70's (gets any colder than that I don't go out)

[MrChip72]

Kirkland, Callaway Warbird, Noodle, DUO, etc., will deliver the same performance for 99.9992% of all Villages as compared to ProV's, Chromes, TP5. But at about 1/2 the price.

Come on old wise Villagers, why are you paying for expense balls??

:shrug:

I get what you're trying to say but I can honestly say that out of of couple of sleeves of ProV's that I've ever owned (gifts), those were the ball that I used for all of my top 10 drives in my life. Those balls definitely go farther at least with a driver.

[tophcfa]

Yea I tried their balls; it was like hitting a brick. Threw 3 dozen in the trash. I use Kirkland and work fine for me. I shoot in the low 70's (gets any colder than that I don't go out)

I’ve had nothing but positive experiences buying pristine quality used golf balls from lost golf balls.com. They are a Texas based operation, so in theory the balls they sell have never been frozen (which most definitely has a negative impact on performance). Unless I have a bad experience with their products, I’ll keep using them and enjoy the incredible cost savings.

[jsa]

For the last 5-6 years, Kirkland golf balls have been atrocious. Consistency was non-existent and they weren't worth playing.

There's apparently a new model over the last few months, and rumor has it, Costco has changed its manufacturer.

They're ridiculously inexpensive and My Golf Spy's recent testing was off the charts.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/labs/is-kirkland-back-we-tested-kirkland-performance-vs-titleist-pro-v1-golf-balls/)

With Villagers' passion for saving money & a new Costco coming to town, I thought I'd spread the word.

BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.


From my best friend who happens to be a Costco GM:
"Heard the 3.5 version was really good and that the 3.0 version sucked (we marked all down)."


I looked this AM and the 3.0 version is still listed on costco.com

Based on the players I have seen in TV you can keep playing your Noodles. :icon_twisted:

[Rwirish]

They are terrible.

Why play such a cheap ball?

[BlueStarAirlines]

I’ve had nothing but positive experiences buying pristine quality used golf balls from lost golf balls.com.

I've had the same experience with lost golf balls. com .

I do want to encourage everyone else to continue to use the more expensive balls. I found 2 Pro V1s yesterday at Evans Prairie. Much appreciated!

[Rocksnap]

Played Westover a few times. I remember the C5A's from the air force base flying directly overhead at what seem like 1 mile per hour.
That would have been me. For a number of years.

[Teemotay]

I wouldn't trust ordering them online and hoping to get the "hollow arrow" ... I'd want to see them in person.

If I didn't have 10 dozen Maxflis sitting in my garage, I'd go out searching for some hollow arrows. GolfGalaxy had current Maxfli Tours available last week, for $110/4 Dozen, with custom imprints.

I hope your garage is air-conditioned. Golf balls do have a shelf life and should not be kept in high heat areas like your garage in summertime. Keep them indoors or even in the refrigerator and they will last a lot longer with more consistency.

[Teemotay]

[QUOTE=BrianL99;2437858]For the last 5-6 years, Kirkland golf balls have been atrocious. Consistency was non-existent and they weren't worth playing.

There's apparently a new model over the last few months, and rumor has it, Costco has changed its manufacturer.

They're ridiculously inexpensive and My Golf Spy's recent testing was off the charts.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/labs/is-kirkland-back-we-tested-kirkland-performance-vs-titleist-pro-v1-golf-balls/)

With Villagers' passion for saving money & a new Costco coming to town, I thought I'd spread the word.

BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.

I’ve tried the Kirkland balls and did not play well with them at all. I recently tried the Sam’s Club ball and found it to be a pretty darn good ball for the price and for my game.

Here’s a link from Golf magazine about the ball. There are some YouTube videos from golfers who have tested it and reviewed it.


Sam’s Club is selling its own golf ball. Here’s what we know (https://golf.com/gear/golf-balls/sams-club-golf-ball/?srsltid=AfmBOoqZgjXGE15eIQsKrnY_h4mbaf6v8R1bgL2ak zRSxcyjeQ-TSeoK)

[SHIBUMI]

I am a better golfer because of the ball I play! Obviously a psychological problem.

Titleist has more quality control on its golf balls than any other. A titleist x-out is better than most. Inner and outer of the ball just fine. Maybe a little paint issue. But far and above all others in quality control. It's why they are the best. Pick a flavor.....:angel:



For the last 5-6 years, Kirkland golf balls have been atrocious. Consistency was non-existent and they weren't worth playing.

There's apparently a new model over the last few months, and rumor has it, Costco has changed its manufacturer.

They're ridiculously inexpensive and My Golf Spy's recent testing was off the charts.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/labs/is-kirkland-back-we-tested-kirkland-performance-vs-titleist-pro-v1-golf-balls/)

With Villagers' passion for saving money & a new Costco coming to town, I thought I'd spread the word.

BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.

[dewilson58]

Based on the players I have seen in TV you can keep playing your Noodles. :icon_twisted:

:BigApplause:

[dewilson58]

....................BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.................



May want to double check qualified research:

"High compression golf balls don't necessarily help all golfers. In general, golfers with faster swing speeds benefit from high compression balls, while slower swing speed golfers are better served by lower compression balls. Higher compression balls offer increased distance, control, and spin for those with faster swings. Conversely, lower compression balls allow slower swing speed golfers to maximize distance and also offer a softer feel and better control on short shots."

[sowilts]

Playing Pease AFB course in a couple of weeks. I wave to the pilots as I can see the whites of their eyes and read their name badges, but they are looking ahead at the runway and not down
Watched take off and landings while station at Keesler AFB. Next to the Golf Course. And Saturday Mornings when the reserves broke the sound barrier over the Gulf.

[UpNorth]

Besides Noodles, a disproportionate number of golf balls I find in The Villages are either Nitro or Wilson. Looks like Wall Mart sells a lot of golf balls down here.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Read this report, you'll never buy a "reclaimed golf ball" again.

Sarasota sells “experienced” balls for $9.95/dzn that people buy a lot of everyday.

[BrianL99]

May want to double check qualified research:

"High compression golf balls don't necessarily help all golfers. In general, golfers with faster swing speeds benefit from high compression balls, while slower swing speed golfers are better served by lower compression balls. Higher compression balls offer increased distance, control, and spin for those with faster swings. Conversely, lower compression balls allow slower swing speed golfers to maximize distance and also offer a softer feel and better control on short shots."


Actual robotic test (as opposed to marketing slogans) show that most everyone will benefit by using a harder golf ball. There are some exceptions, relating to how much spin a specific swing, applies to a specific golf ball. Spin rate, angle of attack, swing speed, launch angle, descent angle all effect distance. 10th grade physics proves the concept that more "power" is supplied when compression is reduced (less energy is lost from compression).

When we were kids and had "super balls" to bounce on the pavement. Those babies were hard as a rock & rebounded way better than "tennis balls". Harder = more rebound ... usually. Rocks don't rebound so well.

The "compression" thing primarily applies to "spin", which has an effect on trajectory & curvature ... which is why everyone is different when it comes to hitting a golf ball.

Everyone is different and there's no "magic formula", but "soft" for slow swings is often untrue.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/golf-ball-dos-and-donts/)

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/its-time-to-put-these-golf-ball-myths-to-bed-for-good/)

[BrianL99]

I hope your garage is air-conditioned. Golf balls do have a shelf life and should not be kept in high heat areas like your garage in summertime. Keep them indoors or even in the refrigerator and they will last a lot longer with more consistency.

The new "solid golf balls" don't have any identifiable "shelf life". Titleist says at least 7 years at room temperature.

Balls perform differently at different temperatures, whether they're new or old ... that's always been the case.

If there's ever been a documented example of solid core golf balls exceeding their shelf life, to the extent performance has degraded, I'd love to see it.

Besides, having 8-10 dozen golf balls around is probably about 3 months supply for someone who plays a lot golf ... trust me, they're not "going bad" in 2 months, even if you add in the year they sat in storage at the golf shop.

[tophcfa]

Besides, have 8-10 dozen golf balls around is probably about 3 months supply for someone who plays a lot golf ... trust me, they're not "going bad" in 2 months, even if you add in the year they sat in storage at the golf shop.

In the last two weeks I’ve played every Championship course north of 44 (with the exception of Havana, which is being renovated) as well as shallow creek. I put 6 Titelist Velocities in the cart before starting and still have 4 of them remaining. 8 dozen balls would easily last me a couple years.

[BrianL99]

Besides, having 8-10 dozen golf balls around is probably about 3 months supply for someone who plays a lot golf..

I put 6 Titelist Velocities in the cart before starting and still have 4 of them remaining. 8 dozen balls would easily last me a couple years.


Apparently, I have more balls than most people.

[SHIBUMI]

Years ago I attended a golf consumer discussion group put on by Wilson Sporting Goods. One of the questions was, list 10 things that would cause you to buy a golf ball.

The next season those 10 things found their way on the outside of their golf ball boxes. Longer, straighter, spin more on short shots, pure distance, etc etc its marketing

You have convinced a populace that misses the ball more than pure's the ball that its about the ball. You can take all the research and flush it. Golf is truly about marketing and making golfers believe the tale you tell.

If you ask a tour pro how many good shots he hit in a round, he would probably say 10. (pure)
As I always profess, it ain't the arrow..........:22yikes:

I am a better golfer because of the ball I play! Obviously a psychological problem.

Titleist has more quality control on its golf balls than any other. A titleist x-out is better than most. Inner and outer of the ball just fine. Maybe a little paint issue. But far and above all others in quality control. It's why they are the best. Pick a flavor.....:angel:

[Teemotay]

The new "solid golf balls" don't have any identifiable "shelf life". Titleist says at least 7 years at room temperature.

Balls perform differently at different temperatures, whether they're new or old ... that's always been the case.

If there's ever been a documented example of solid core golf balls exceeding their shelf life, to the extent performance has degraded, I'd love to see it.

Besides, having 8-10 dozen golf balls around is probably about 3 months supply for someone who plays a lot golf ... trust me, they're not "going bad" in 2 months, even if you add in the year they sat in storage at the golf shop.

You may be right about the shelf life. It was just something that I read in a golf article so I keep all of mine in the house. Same for my clubs. I read that it’s not good for the grips to be in a garage that’s not cooled.

As for the number of golf balls one keeps on hand, I have about 6 dozen in my inventory. Vice Pro is a favorite of mine but I do like the Members Mark balls that Sam’s Club offers. Two dozen for $28 and I’ve noticed no difference between them and the Vice Pro.

[Snakster66]

Here's an interesting article for the 'ball doesn't matter' crowd.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/stop-lying-to-yourself-about-golf-balls/)

[dewilson58]

Here's an interesting article for the 'ball doesn't matter' crowd.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/stop-lying-to-yourself-about-golf-balls/)

Might see a small distance difference, but is it worth twice the price.

[BrianL99]

Here's an interesting article for the 'ball doesn't matter' crowd.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/stop-lying-to-yourself-about-golf-balls/)

You always need to consider the source and the actual content.

First off, the article says "you can tell the difference" in golf balls. No where in the article does it say that a different golf ball is likely to change your score. Yes, most anyone can tell the difference ... that doesn't necessarily mean a particular ball is going to improve your score.

Secondly, Tony Covey (the author) is a mid-handicap golfer, who's only broken 90 once this year ... he shot 89. What he knows about golf could fill a thimble.

[TMHwestford]

For the last 5-6 years, Kirkland golf balls have been atrocious. Consistency was non-existent and they weren't worth playing.

There's apparently a new model over the last few months, and rumor has it, Costco has changed its manufacturer.

They're ridiculously inexpensive and My Golf Spy's recent testing was off the charts.

Just a moment... (https://mygolfspy.com/labs/is-kirkland-back-we-tested-kirkland-performance-vs-titleist-pro-v1-golf-balls/)

With Villagers' passion for saving money & a new Costco coming to town, I thought I'd spread the word.

BTW, these balls are "hard". Higher compression than a Pro V1. They will feel hard when you hit them. That said, in almost every case, a "harder" ball will go further. Don't buy into the "seniors need soft golf balls" BS.
I've played the Kirkland balls for three generations of the ball including the latest, I'm on my first dozen of the new ball and find it similar to the last generation, I found the ball prior to that had very high spin with my irons and was terrible in the wind. I'll play a Pro v or TP from time to time and I do like them better but I just can't justify the cost, I don't think they help my score that much if at all. I play blue tees and probably swing my driver around 92-95 mph and according to my Garmin watch I only hit about 50% of the fairways and a better ball doesn't seem to help with this. I'll stick with the Kirklands.