TaylorMade Distance+ Golf Balls

A budget two-piece ball that punches above its price tag off the tee, delivering genuine distance for moderate swing speeds.

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The Big Picture

TaylorMade's Distance+ sits at the entry point of the company's golf ball lineup, a two-piece construction designed with one clear mandate: maximize yardage without emptying your wallet. At roughly $19 per dozen, it targets amateur golfers, beginners, and higher-handicappers who want to see the ball fly farther without paying premium-ball prices. The technology centers on TaylorMade's React Speed Core and a 342 aerodynamic dimple pattern, both engineered to reduce drag and promote a longer, more penetrating ball flight. With a compression rating of 77, the Distance+ is built to perform at moderate to slower swing speeds, offering easier compression and more efficient energy transfer for players who don't generate tour-level club head speed.

The ball slots well below TaylorMade's three-piece Tour Response and the five-piece TP5 and TP5x models. It competes directly with the likes of the Callaway Supersoft and Srixon Soft Feel in the value distance category. The question is whether it delivers enough performance to justify choosing it over the random lake balls rattling around your bag.

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At Address

The Distance+ has a clean, traditional white appearance with TaylorMade's Plus Alignment Aid printed directly on the cover. The alignment feature is a bold arrow graphic that genuinely helps when lining up putts. I found it simple and effective for establishing my intended putting line and getting instant visual feedback on the roll. It is also available in yellow for golfers who prefer high visibility. Nothing about the ball screams "budget" when you look at it sitting on the green.

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Sound & Feel

This is where the Distance+ reveals its two-piece DNA. Off the driver face, the ball has a soft-enough feel for the price point. Two out of my testing sessions left me impressed by how reasonably soft it was at impact, particularly on full swings with mid-irons and wedges. However, it is unmistakably a distance ball once you move to the short game. Off the putter face, the feel turns noticeably firm with a fairly hard, clicky sound. The lack of a urethane cover is evident here. If you are someone who prizes soft, muted feedback on delicate greenside shots and putts, the Distance+ is going to feel a step behind premium options. That said, the firmness provides a certain crispness that some golfers actually prefer for putting feedback.

TaylorMade Distance+ cross-section showing two-piece core and cover

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Performance

Ball Speed & Distance

This is where the Distance+ earns its name. Off the tee, driver ball speeds during my testing consistently hovered around 159 to 160 mph, producing spin rates averaging just 2,100 rpm. That low-spin profile, combined with the aerodynamic dimple pattern, translated to carry distances of about 276 yards and total rollout approaching 298 yards. For a ball that costs less than $20 per dozen, those are standout numbers.

TaylorMade Distance+ ball showing logo, number, and alignment line

The React Speed Core is doing the heavy lifting here, generating high initial ball velocity even at moderate swing speeds. In independent testing at around 78 mph swing speed, the ball recorded ball speeds of 113.2 mph, which puts it in competitive territory against balls costing twice as much.

With a 7-iron, ball speeds registered between 117 and 119 mph with spin rates around 6,000 rpm. Carry distances sat around 163 yards, which is solid for a two-piece construction. There were no issues getting the ball airborne and advancing it to the green from reasonable approach distances.

Launch & Spin

The Distance+ promotes a mid launch with a low spin profile off the tee and with longer clubs. That combination creates a penetrating ball flight that holds its line well, even in moderate wind. The 342 dimple pattern appears to do a good job of reducing drag and maintaining velocity through the air.

The low-spin characteristic is a double-edged sword. Off the tee and with irons, it means straighter shots and less ballooning. But around the greens, wedge spin dropped to approximately 4,400 rpm. You are not going to get that "drop and stop" finesse shot that a urethane-covered ball delivers. Approach shots will release and roll out more than you might want, so course management becomes important. Land the ball short of your target and let it feed toward the pin rather than expecting it to check up.

Dispersion & Shot Shape

One of the underrated strengths of the Distance+ is its forgiveness. By minimizing sidespin, the ball promotes a straighter flight path. For golfers who battle a slice or hook, this characteristic alone can be worth the trade-off in greenside control. During my rounds, I noticed tighter dispersion patterns off the tee compared to some mid-range three-piece balls I have played. The ball does not fight you when you are trying to keep it in the fairway.

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