I initially picked up a sleeve of TaylorMade Distance Plus balls at my local golf shop. I'll admit I was buying them as backups for those days when I'm spraying balls into the woods. At $20 for a dozen, I figured they'd be fine for practice rounds or when playing with my brother-in-law, who treats golf balls like they're biodegradable. But after actually gaming these for a month straight (yes, even in my club championship qualifier), I realized I'd been seriously underestimating what TaylorMade packed into this budget-friendly offering.
The packaging is classic TaylorMade, clean, professional, and featuring that distinctive alignment aid that caught my eye immediately. It's a simple cross design, but it's bold enough to actually see from standing height. Opening the sleeve, the balls have that bright white finish that screams "new ball confidence," and the ionomer cover feels surprisingly soft to the touch. Not Tour-level soft, mind you, but definitely softer than most distance balls I've tested over the years.
Looking for explosive distance off the tee? TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls are engineered for pure speed and reliable control, giving every golfer the edge they need to dominate the fairway.
Let me cut right to the chase, these balls are long. Really long. I'm talking about legitimate distance gains that had me second-guessing my rangefinder on several occasions. The REACT Speed Core technology isn't just marketing fluff; it's producing ball speeds off my driver that rival what I get from Pro V1x balls that cost three times as much. During my testing rounds at both my home course and a couple of away tracks, I consistently saw 5-7 yards more carry distance compared to my usual Bridgestone e12 Contact balls.
The 342-dimple pattern deserves special mention here. I'm no aerodynamics engineer, but I can tell you what I observed: these balls cut through the wind better than any budget ball has a right to. Playing on a particularly blustery day last week (sustained 20 mph winds), the Distance Plus held its line remarkably well. The low-to-mid flight keeps the ball from ballooning, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to squeeze out every yard possible. The aerodynamic design creates reduced drag that helps maintain distance even in challenging conditions. The new extended flight dimple pattern introduced in the 2025 version promises even better aerodynamic performance compared to previous models.
What really shocked me was the consistency. Over five rounds, tracking my drives with my Arccos sensors, my average distance with the Distance Plus was 267 yards, which is only 3 yards shorter than my average with Tour-level balls. The dispersion was slightly wider (about 8% more offline on average), but for a ball at this price point, that's a trade-off I can live with. The two-layer construction with its 77 compression rating hits a sweet spot for my 95 mph swing speed, providing that explosive feel off the tee without feeling like I'm hitting a rock.
I've tested dozens of golf balls with alignment aids over the years, from simple lines to complex patterns, and most of them end up being more distracting than helpful. The Distance Plus cross design is different. It's bold enough to see clearly but simple enough not to overthink. After using these balls for a month, I've noticed a genuine improvement in my putting alignment, particularly on those tricky 6-10 footers where setup is everything.
The cross pattern works on multiple levels. To begin with, it gives you a clear perpendicular reference for squaring your putter face, something I've always struggled with on breaking putts. Second, the horizontal line helps with visualizing the roll of the ball, which has actually improved my distance control. I know it sounds like I'm overselling a simple visual aid, but I dropped my putts per round from 33 to 31 during my testing period. Correlation doesn't equal causation, sure, but the confidence enhancement alone is worth mentioning.
Here's what surprised me most: the alignment aid is similarly useful for chipping. When you're setting up for those delicate chips around the green, having that visual reference helps guarantee you're not inadvertently opening or closing the face. I found myself using it to check my setup on every chip shot, and my proximity to the hole from 30 yards and in improved noticeably. It's one of those features that seems minor until you actually use it consistently.
Now we need to talk about the elephant in the room, greenside spin. If you're expecting Tour-level performance around the greens, you're going to be disappointed. The ionomer cover simply can't generate the same grab-and-stop action you get from urethane-covered balls. On firm greens, especially those running above 11 on the stimpmeter, you'll need to adjust your strategy considerably.
During my testing, I found the Distance Plus generated about 30% less spin on full wedge shots compared to my usual premium balls. On a standard 80-yard sand wedge shot, where I'd normally expect the ball to take two hops and stop, the Distance Plus would release an extra 5-8 feet. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker – it just means you need to adjust your landing spots and potentially play more bump-and-run shots when conditions allow.
The mid-to-high wedge spin claim is accurate for standard conditions, but it's all relative. Yes, you'll get more spin than with a typical distance ball like the Titleist Velocity, but don't expect to be firing darts at tucked pins. On the positive side, the softer ionomer cover does provide a decent feel on chips and pitches. It's not the buttery sensation of a urethane ball, but it's far from the clicky feeling of older distance balls. For golfers who prioritize distance over short-game wizardry (and let's be honest, that's most weekend warriors), this trade-off makes perfect sense.
The 77 compression rating puts the Distance Plus in interesting territory. It's firm enough to provide that solid feel better players want, but soft enough that slower swing speed players can still compress it effectively. Off the driver and long irons, the feel is crisp and responsive, not quite the muted sensation of a Tour ball, but far from harsh. Impact feels powerful without being jarring, even on those occasional thin shots we all hit.
What caught me off guard was how well the REACT Core technology translates to iron play. On well-struck 7-iron shots, the ball compresses nicely and provides immediate feedback about strike quality. Miss the sweet spot, and you'll know it, but not in a painful way. The sound off the clubface is a solid "click" rather than the "thud" of premium balls, but it's not unpleasant. After a few holes, you adjust to it, and it becomes part of the experience.
Around the greens, the feel story gets more complicated. The ionomer cover provides a firmer sensation than urethane, particularly noticeable on delicate chips and putts. However, TaylorMade has done something clever with the cover formulation; it's noticeably softer than typical ionomer covers. On the putting green, the Distance Plus provides decent feedback without feeling like you're putting a Top-Flite from 1995. It's not going to win any awards for feel, but for a $20/dozen ball, it exceeds expectations.
At roughly $1.67 per ball, the Distance Plus represents outstanding value for specific types of golfers. Over my testing period, I lost exactly three balls (two water hazards, one mysteriously vanished in the rough), and I didn't feel that gut-punch sensation you get when you lose a $4 Pro V1. This psychological benefit shouldn't be underestimated. I found myself playing more aggressively off the tee, taking on carries I might lay up on with premium balls.
The durability has been impressive, too. After 18 holes, a Distance Plus shows minimal scuffing, and the alignment aid remains clearly visible. I've played some balls for 36 holes without any notable degradation in performance. Compare that to some budget balls that look like they've been through a blender after nine holes, and the value proposition becomes even stronger. The ionomer cover might not spin like urethane, but it sure holds up better to cart path bounces and tree strikes.
For beginners and high handicappers, this ball makes absolute sense. You get legitimate distance performance, a helpful alignment aid, and durability that means you might actually finish a round with the same ball you started with. This forgiving design specifically helps recreational players achieve better results without requiring perfect swing mechanics. For mid-handicappers who lose more than a ball per round, it's also a smart choice. Even as a 7-handicap, I've found myself keeping a sleeve in my bag for those days when my driver isn't cooperating, or when I'm playing a course with lots of hazards.
Looking for explosive distance off the tee? TaylorMade Distance+ golf balls are engineered for pure speed and reliable control, giving every golfer the edge they need to dominate the fairway.
You can buy TaylorMade Distance Plus golf balls locally at GA. Target offers same-day pickup and drive-up options. Dick's and Golf Galaxy provide in-store pickup for online orders. Check your local pro shop too - they'll often carry TaylorMade products. Prices range from $19.99 to $27.99 for 12-packs. Call ahead or check store websites to verify current inventory at your nearest location.
Yes, you can use TaylorMade Distance Plus golf balls in tournaments. They're fully conforming to USGA and R&A rules and appear on the official USGA List of Conforming Golf Balls. The two-piece construction, 77 compression rating, Ionomer cover, and 342-dimple pattern all meet tournament equipment specifications. You'll find they're legal for competitive play at any level, whether you're playing in local club championships or qualifying events.
You'll get a one-year warranty from your original purchase date that covers defects in materials and workmanship during normal use. You can't transfer this warranty to someone else. If you find a manufacturing defect, you'll need your receipt and must submit photos through TaylorMade's online form or return the balls to an authorized dealer. They'll either replace the defective balls with comparable ones or refund your purchase price minus depreciation.
You'll find Distance Plus balls are designed for recreational golfers seeking maximum distance and durability at a budget-friendly price, while Pro V1s target low-handicap players who prioritize spin control and feel. Distance Plus balls feature a harder construction that delivers straighter shots and more roll, but you'll sacrifice the soft feel and greenside spin that Pro V1s provide. They're different tools for different games and budgets.
Yes, you can get these golf balls customized with custom printing. You'll typically need to order at least 12 dozen balls, though some vendors offer smaller quantities like single dozens or sleeves. You can add your company logo, text, names, or images using UV printing technology that creates durable, lively imprints up to 7/8" in diameter. Production takes about 20 business days, and you'll receive email proofs before printing begins.
The TaylorMade Distance Plus has earned a permanent spot in my golf bag, though maybe not as my primary ball. For competitive rounds on courses I know well, I'll still reach for my premium balls. But for practice rounds, casual games with friends, or courses with lots of trouble, the Distance Plus is my go-to. It delivers 95% of the distance performance at 33% of the cost, and that math works for me.
This ball is perfect for golfers with swing speeds between 85-100 mph who prioritize distance and value over short-game spin. If you're losing more than a ball per round, you'd be crazy not to give these a try. The combination of legitimate distance gains, helpful alignment features, and wallet-friendly pricing makes the Distance Plus one of the best value propositions in golf balls today. Just don't expect Tour-level greenside performance, and you won't be disappointed.
