Kirkland may not be the first name to spring to mind when you think of golf equipment, but don’t let that fool you. Kirkland has been steadily gaining recognition and respect in the golf world. Especially when it comes to Kirkland golf balls. Let’s take a closer look at the features of the Kirkland Signature Performance+ Golf Ball. We’ll analyze its performance, compare it to similar golf balls, and discuss whose game it best suits. [Note: this post contains affiliate links.]
Kirkland Golf Balls Overview
The brand first entered the golf scene back in 2016 with the launch of its Kirkland Signature Four-Piece Urethane Cover Golf Ball. That ball made quite an impression due to its surprisingly high performance at a fraction of the cost of leading brands. Since then, Kirkland has continued to innovate, pushing the boundaries of quality and affordability.
The latest addition to their golf ball family is The Kirkland Signature Performance+ Golf Ball. This ball is a testament to Kirkland’s commitment to delivering top-notch equipment at a great price. The Performance Plus is a golf ball designed to appeal to multiple levels of play. It provides distance, control, and a soft feel aimed at shaving strokes off your score.
Kirkland Golf Ball Features
At first glance, the Kirkland Signature Performance Plus may seem like any other golf ball. But a closer look at its design and features reveals why it stands out.
The Performance Plus is a three-piece golf ball offering a softer feel than previous Kirkland balls. The three pieces work together to provide a combination of distance and control.
At the heart of the Performance Plus is a large, soft core. This core is designed for maximum distance. The softness of the core plays a critical role in energy transfer during impact, ensuring that more of your swing’s power makes it into the ball, thereby boosting speed. Around this core is a speed-boosting outer core. This second layer works hand in hand with the inner core to maximize energy transfer from the club to the ball for increased drive length. The surrounding mantle works with the cover to optimize spin on irons and wedges for enhanced accuracy around the green.
The third piece of the Performance Plus is its soft urethane cover. Urethane is a material well-regarded in the golf industry for its ability to help spin control. This cover reduces the spin rate to maintain distance on hooked or sliced shots, and improves the ball’s durability for extended play. Furthermore, the soft urethane cover provides a responsive putting feel.
Performance of Kirkland Golf Balls
Let’s dive into how the Kirkland Signature Performance Plus fares in terms of its play.
Distance and Accuracy
The Kirkland Signature Performance Plus provides both distance and accuracy with a driver. The multi-layered design results in exceptionally long drives, catering to amateur golfers aiming to improve off-the-tee and mid-handicappers striving for lower scores. Furthermore, the urethane cover aids in reducing drag and optimizes the flight path for maximum range.
However, the Performance Plus does not compromise on accuracy in its quest for distance. The reduced spin rate markedly improves the ball’s launch off the tee. As a result, golfers can expect a long, straight flight path with minimal sidespin, helping reduce hooks and slices.
Feel
One of the key aspects to consider when evaluating the performance of the Kirkland Golf Ball is its compression. This golf ball boasts a medium compression rating, balancing softness and firmness. The design provides an optimal blend of distance and feel, making it particularly suitable for those with moderate swing speeds. The result is an impressive feel that resonates with both novice and experienced golfers.
Upon initial contact, players often note the ball’s softness, a quality attributed to its large, soft core and urethane cover. But again, this soft feel does not compromise its firmness. When struck, the ball offers a solid response due to the robustness of its outer core. The blend of softness and firmness provides a responsive touch and excellent greenside control.
Spin Control
Spin can significantly affect a golfer’s game, affecting both distance and directional control. The design of this ball is engineered to achieve an optimal balance for spin control. On drives, the ball’s lower spin rate ensures that the ball doesn’t balloon in the air and rob the golfer of distance. The higher spin rate on wedge shots provides better control and increased precision. Hence, the Performance Plus offers an excellent spin rate, making it a reliable choice for golfers aiming to improve their game.
Durability
No one wants their ball to scuff up or crack after just a few holes. The Kirkland Signature Performance Plus shines in this area. Its urethane cover enhances spin control and improves the ball’s longevity. Many users have noted that the ball holds up well over multiple rounds, maintaining its performance and aesthetic quality.
Improvements over previous Kirkland Golf Balls
The Kirkland Signature Performance Plus showcases several improvements over previous models. The most notable upgrade is the softer feel, making it more appealing to a broader range of golfers. The ball’s durability has also been enhanced, allowing for prolonged use without significant wear and tear.
Kirkland Golf Balls vs. ProV-1
One of the key selling points of the Kirkland Signature Performance Plus is its consumer-friendly price point. It offers excellent value for money, especially compared to other golf balls.
For example, the Titleist Pro V1 has a compression rating similar to the Kirkland Signature. However, the Pro V1 typically costs significantly more than the Kirkland Signature.
When it comes to performance, it holds its own against more expensive balls. In terms of distance, the Kirkland Signature may trail the Pro V1 by an average of 2-3 yards off the tee. However, its high spin on full wedge shots is comparable to high-end Tour balls. Moreover, some studies suggest that the Kirkland Signature has a higher spin rate than Titleist balls. However, this could vary depending on individual playing styles.
Here is a video from Golf Pro comparing the new 2023 Titleist ProV1 and the Kirkland Signature Performance Plus golf ball:
In the value-for-money category, the Kirkland Signature outperforms many other balls. Despite being a budget-friendly option, it offers a feel and performance better than other balls in the same price range.
Pros and Cons
Every golf ball has strengths and weaknesses; the Kirkland Golf Ball is no exception. Here’s a list of its advantages and potential drawbacks.
Advantages
- Versatile Performance: Help with both distance and greenside accuracy
- Superior Quality: A high level of performance that is very durable
- Excellent Feel: Balances soft feel with distance off the tee
- Affordable Price Point: Great value compared to other golf balls in the same category
Drawbacks
- Not Suitable for Low Swing Speeds: If your swing speed is not high enough, Kirkland golf balls may not be the best choice.
- Availability: It can be harder to purchase at times.
Final Thoughts on Kirkland Golf Balls
The Kirkland Signature Performance Plus Golf Ball has features that can benefit a wide range of golfers. But Mid/High Handicap Golfers and beginners with moderate swing speeds would benefit most from this golf ball. These golfers will appreciate the ball’s balance between distance and control. The ball’s high spin rate on wedge shots is comparable to high-end tour balls, which can help average golfers improve their short game. Its excellent feel and responsive touch can give players valuable feedback on their shots. Additionally, the ball’s affordable price point makes it a cost-effective choice for those just starting out.
While the ball’s price point is attractive, its worth depends on your preferences. Some golfers prefer to spend more on golf balls that offer specific features tailored to their game. But if you’re a mid/high handicapper or just a budget-conscious golfer, the Kirkland Signature Performance Plus is a fantastic ball option.
