Date Published: 30/10/2025
Choosing the right golf ball can make a real difference to how you play but are women’s golf balls actually different from men’s?
It’s a common question, and while packaging and colours might suggest a big divide, the real differences come down to compression, feel, and design rather than gender.
At iGolf, we’re all about helping you understand your game and make choices that suit your swing, not just the label on the box.
The biggest technical difference lies in compression.
Golf balls for women are generally designed with a lower compression rating (around 40–60) compared to men’s balls, which often range from 70–100.
A lower compression ball needs less swing speed to compress and launch properly, making it easier for golfers with slower swing speeds, often under 90mph, to achieve distance and control.
But this isn’t just a male/female split. Many golfers, regardless of gender, benefit from lower compression balls – especially beginners, seniors, or those looking for a softer feel off the clubface.
If you’re looking to improve your tempo and ball-striking, take a look at our Golf Swing Tips for Women.
Women’s golf balls are often designed with a softer cover, giving a gentler feel on impact. This softer construction can also generate more spin around the greens, adding extra control on chips and putts.
However, many premium men’s balls now focus on the same qualities, a softer feel and higher spin, so the line between “men’s” and “women’s” balls has blurred significantly.
Ultimately, if you like a ball that feels soft off the face and stops quickly on the greens, look at low compression or softer-cover options, not just those marketed for women.
Women’s golf balls tend to prioritise distance and forgiveness, helping players launch the ball higher and get it airborne more easily.
This can be particularly helpful in the UK’s often softer, wetter fairways where roll-out is limited.
Men’s models vary more widely, some are built purely for maximum distance, while others prioritise workability and spin for players who shape shots intentionally.
Historically, women’s golf balls have been sold in brighter colours such as pink, purple, or pastel shades. These choices are largely about marketing and visibility, not performance.
In fact, many golfers, male and female alike, now prefer high-visibility colours like yellow or orange, especially in autumn and winter when white balls are harder to spot.
So if you like the look of a pink ball, or find yellow easier to track, go for it. Visibility and confidence matter far more than what’s on the box.
In short – yes and no.
There are real differences in compression, feel, and flight characteristics, but they’re not exclusive to one gender.
The key is choosing a golf ball that matches your swing speed, playing style, and preferences.
When it comes to finding your ideal golf ball:
At iGolf, we help golfers understand their performance through real data.
Track your driver accuracy, greens in regulations, and see how different golf balls affect your stats with MyStats in the MyEG app – included as part of your iGolf subscription.