Kirkland Signature Golf Balls Review (Are They Good)
Back in 2016, Costco took the golfing community by storm by releasing their own signature golf balls. That led golfers to ask the first, and maybe the most important question:
Are Kirkland Signature Golf Balls Good?
Yes, depending on your budget and what you’re looking for in a golf ball. The Kirkland Signature Golf Ball includes a number of features that one would expect to find in an expensive golf ball, but that doesn’t mean this Costco golf ball is as good as a Titleist Pro V1.
If you’re a golfer or a golf enthusiast who wants the inside scoop on the Kirkland golf ball, keep reading.
We will help you decide if this is the best golf ball for your game and your budget.
You don't need a Costco Membership to buy the Kirkland Signature. See why golfers rave about these low cost golf balls.
Our Kirkland Signature Golf Balls Review
One side note before we get started: This Kirkland golf balls review is focused on the 3 piece (version 2.0) of the Kirkland ball. We are not reviewing the original ball which has since been retired.
So you’re one of cool kids (or old people) who has a Costco membership. Congrats!
That means you live life to the fullest — scooping up free samples when you can and buying up a dozen of the extrra large muffins at the bakery (my personal favorite). Now, as you embark on these monthly shopping trips, you need to consider whether or not the Kirkland Signature ball offers that Kirkland Signature performance that you’ve come to expect.
Can a Costco golf ball deliver?
Here are the key attributes you need to consider:
1. Appearance
If you’re a golfer hoping for unique colors or a matte finish, these balls aren’t for you.
Costco didn’t waste their efforts or resources trying to make these golf balls look good. The Kirkland Signature Brand logo is kind of lame and a simple white gloss finish is about as fancy as it gets.
Keep in mind though, as the old expression says, “looks can be deceiving.”
2. Performance and Features
If you’re a serious golfer, you want to know how this ball will perform at the golf course. Before we dive into what to expect, here’s a quick rundown of the features.
- 3 piece golf ball
- Urethane cover
- Softer feel
- Lower compression
- 338 dimple pattern
Some of these features seem to parallel other brand offerings like the Callaway Chrome Soft or Titleist Golf Balls (like the Tour Soft), but don’t get too hung up on the comparisons…they only go so far.
Let’s talk about how these golf balls perform.
Driving Distance
If you’re hoping to add 20 yards to each drive, the Kirkland Signature Golf Ball isn’t your best option. Even though these balls are marketed as providing “penetrating ball trajectory,” I would say that they fall into the average or slightly above average category.
These golf balls offer good ball speed on solid hits, but they also generate significant spin. That spin means that a Kirkland ball isn’t going to provide the most distance possible.
Check out our extensive write-up on the Longest Golf Balls if distance off the tee is your top priority.
Greenside Control & Putting
Though this ball does have a compression of 94 (a bit on the firm side), it performs really well on approach shots and chips, especially if you’re a golfer who can use spin and enjoys the extra stopping power.
If there was a selling point for the Costco balls, the short game attributes (and the price) would be it.
Excellent greenside control is a fair marketing tagline. Penetrating ball flight? Maybe not quite so much.
If you’re loyal to a particular golf industry brand, then you may be able to notice minor differences between these balls and Titleist golf balls, but overall, Costco’s offering is pretty solid.
Durability
For such affordable golf balls (more on that later), it’s tough to speak ill about their durability. However, the soft urethane cover does seem to take scuffs rather easily. This may be the difference between some of the more expensive golf balls and a true bargain.
Related Posts: Are More Expensive Golf Balls Worth It?
If you’re a beginner, it makes the most sense to start with an affordable golf ball. You’re going to lose a few along the way, and some scuffs won’t make a big difference in your performance.
However, more seasoned golfers (or those who play numerous rounds throughout the week) may want to opt for something with higher durability. I know some golfers will play their premium ball in the open fairways, but opt for cheaper alternatives like the Kirkland ball, when approaching a hazard.
Conformity
The Kirkland Signatures comply with the USGA and R&R regulations. You don’t have to worry about being called out by your golf buddies. You can rock with these at your next competition.
3. Pricing & Availability
If you’re a Costco member, expect to pay about $25 for 24 golf balls. You can’t beat that for a semi-premium golf ball.
Seriously, these balls are a no-brainer for approximately $1 each.
However, since these golf balls are a Kirkland Signature Brand, they’re only available to buy at Costco. Sometimes you can find them on Amazon too, but there’s no guarantee.
You’ll need to buy a membership in order to get your golf balls from Costco. A basic annual membership is only $60. That’s not a big deal, but if you’re only looking to buy these golf balls from Costco then it won’t justify the annual cost.
It’s worth noting however, Costco does have a good selection of more affordable golf gear and equipment, from golf clubs to glove options. If you plan wisely, you can stock up on your essentials for a fraction of the price that you’d pay at your local pro shop.
That may let you kill a few birds with one stone.
4. Verified Reviews (What Golfers Are Saying)
There’s no point in buying two dozen Kirkland Performance golf balls until you hear what actual golfers have to say. If you’ve already checked with your friend group, here are some other verified reviews you can turn to:
Positive Reviews for Kirkland Signature Golf Balls (Summarized)
- Soft feel and good distance
- Great golf balls for the price
- Comparable to Pro V1 and Chrome Soft
- Incredible greenside spin with good distance off the tee
- Solid all-around golf ball
Negative Kirkland Signature Golf Ball Reviews (Summarized)
- Not very durable, cover scuffs quickly
- Shorter off the tee then premium golf balls
- Need to play a new ball every 3-4 holes
For the budget-friendly price, there is a ceiling when it comes to performance. You have to determine if that ceiling is right for you.
MyGolfSpy has a detailed review of the Kirkland Signature V2 that worth reading. Check that out here.
You don't need a Costco Membership to buy the Kirkland Signature. See why golfers rave about these low cost golf balls.
Who Makes Kirkland Signature Golf Balls?
As of 2019, Kirkland Signature Golf Balls are manufactured by Qingdao SM Parker in China. This factory also manufactures balls for Cut and Snell. It’s a legit golf ball production facility.
Early Kirkland balls were manufactured by Nassau Golf out of South Korea. This is the company that makes Taylormade Golf Balls.
Comparisons To The Big Brands and Our Verdict
These golf balls are good, but they don’t quite hit the level of a Titleist Pro V1 (which they are often compared to).
We definitely give these golf balls a thumbs up and recommend them to any curious golfers out there who are on the fence. At a dollar per ball, you can’t really go wrong.
If you’re already loyal to a brand, we get it. Still worth trying if you have a Costco membership.
The Kirkland Signatures are a great contender for beginners and amateurs who may not have a brand loyalty or the budget to support dozens of Titleist Pro V1. The performance of the Signatures will be enough to carry you through your rounds. They may even help you save money so you can buy that other golf equipment that you need.
In the early days, these golf balls were selling like hotcakes!
Luckily, the early fanfare regarding the Kirkland Signature golf balls has died down. You can probably find a box at your local store (assuming supply chain issues aren’t a thing).
If you’re unable to get to your local Costco, or you’re just not willing to sign up for a membership to buy a dozen golf balls, then you can sometimes find them on Amazon.
Our final take: The Kirkland Signature Golf Ball offers good all-around performance. This ball is well-suited for beginners and average golfers. Talented golfers with a high swing speed may want to consider a 4 piece ball that better maximizes their skills.