Amazon just dropped a $1.20 golf ball (and just $1 if you get the 24-pack) made by SM Global, a major private-label manufacturer.
Can it survive 18 holes at your local muni, or is this another budget gimmick?
The Amazon Basics Core Soft is a low-compression, two-piece ball with 338 dimples and a simple alignment line.
The Fast Take
Good fit: newer golfers, higher handicaps, winter golf, scramble days, or anyone who loses a few balls a round.
Not ideal: players who score with wedge spin and tight pins (see Key Specs below).
What Amazon Is Really Selling
Value and simplicity
Basics is built to be cheap, durable, and “good enough.” Expect straight flight and a soft feel.
Don’t expect a tour-style check on chips and half-wedges (see Key Specs).
Key Specs (no fluff)
Low compression
Easier to launch for slower to moderate swing speeds. Can help you keep carry numbers up.
Ionomer cover
Tough and low-cost. Gives up some greenside spin versus urethane.
Two-piece build
Simple, consistent, budget-friendly construction.
Alignment stamp
Helpful on the green, basic design.
10-Minute Self-Fit (do this once)
Driver ×5: Are flights straighter with decent carry?
8-iron ×5: Easy launch without ballooning?
30-yard pitch ×5: Watch first bounce and roll. Too much release = less control near the hole.
5 putts: Does the line help? Is the pace predictable?
If you’re “yes” on #1–2 and can live with the rollout in #3, this ball works fine on most muni greens.
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Should You Buy It—Or Step Up?
Choose Amazon Basics Core Soft if you:
Want the lowest stress per lost ball.
Are learning and want a soft-feeling, straight ball on a budget.
Need a winter ball until greens firm up.
(~$14.49/dozen; ~ $24 for two dozen.)
Step up to value urethane if you:
Save strokes with wedge spin and up-and-downs.
Play firm greens where rollout hurts you.
Already flight wedges and expect some check.
One-Round A/B Test (no guesswork)
Front nine: Amazon Core Soft
Back nine: your current gamer
Track fairways hit, chip/pitch rollout, lost balls.
If you save 2+ balls and scores hold, the value is real. If you’re losing strokes around the green, move up to value urethane.
The Budget Ladder
Starting Point — ~$1.20/ball
Amazon Basics Core Soft (ionomer): ultra-budget, low stress for lost-ball golf.
Value Upgrade — “More Spin, Still Smart”
Kirkland Signature (urethane): real greenside bite for the money; cover can scuff faster.
Popular Middle — “Soft Feel, Easy Launch”
Callaway Supersoft (ionomer): friendly feel and flight; often ~2× the Amazon price.
Premium Value Urethane — “Control Without Pro V1 Pricing”
Maxfli Tour / Vice Pro (urethane): better short-game control and flight windows.
Use this ladder to match your needs (price vs. spin), not brand hype.
Why This Matters
Price pressure
A true $1–$1.20 ball pushes rivals to sharpen entry-level offers. You win.
Clearer on-ramps
New golfers can start cheap, learn fundamentals, then graduate to urethane when short-game skill grows.
Smarter stocking
Course shops and leagues get an easy “practice/casual” option that keeps players playing.
Better habits
With a cheap ball, you’re more likely to run proper tests (like the A/B above) and make decisions on data, not marketing.
Our Recommendation
If you’re choosing courses based on how many balls you might lose, or you’re still building fundamentals, this ball removes stress from your wallet.
But if your handicap depends on stopping a 50-yard wedge within six feet, invest in urethane.
Quick FAQ
Legal? Yes—marketed as conforming.
Does it spin? Off wedges and chips, less than urethane (by design).
UK/EU? US-first; UK buyers can import with a shipping fee at launch. Check Amazon UK/DE for local availability.
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