Costco Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 Golf Ball
Is there a HOTTER brand in golf equipment than Costco’s Kirkland imprint? Of course not. Kicking off the 2022 season is the updated Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 golf ball designed to be a killer value and more durable than previous generations. Of course, “designed for” and reality may be two different things and that’s what we’re here to help you with. Intern Grant and I jumped on the new Costco golf ball as soon as it was released and put it to the test to see if it was worth the impressive “dollar per ball” price point.
How Does it Feel?
One of the first marketing points Costco pushes with the Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 golf ball is its soft feel at high speeds. I believe they are trying to say the ball will have a soft feel where you need it, but won’t feel like a marshmallow. That’s a fair assessment. By no means will you think this new version of Costco’s three-piece ball feels pillowy, but it doesn’t get anywhere near “rocky” or hard on the longer clubs. My big takeaway was that it felt “fine”. Nothing was going to blow you away, but it wasn’t terrible either. For a dollar a ball, the overall feel is fine and will serve you just…fine. You won’t mistake it for a premium golf ball of similar caliber, but the savings may make that worthwhile to you.
Off the Tee
The common theme with the Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 ball is that it’s “fine”. Our first rounds out with the ball were in extreme early-season conditions which means a ton of wind, cold air, and firm feels. Have I had worse balls off of the tee? Of course. Did the Costco ball hold up with “name brands” of similar value? I would argue no. It was fine, but nowhere near Earth shattering off of the tee. For whatever reason, I switched to a tried and true Bridgestone ball about halfway through the round and it was a notable change for me. It was like a light switched on and the Bridgestone performed markedly better off of the tee. Because I know people will ask, it was a Bridgestone e12 which I leaned on due to the colder conditions for an early round this season. Compression is king.
In short, it’s fine off of the tee for $1 a ball, but won’t blow you away with its performance. The above average discerning golfer won’t find the current Costco 3-piece ball to be worth their time off of the tee. (::Putting on my flame suit now::)
On the Approach
Similar to what I’ve already conveyed in this review, the Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 is fine for approach shots. It goes the distance you’d expect it to and the feel is adequate. Is it the most responsive ball into the green? No, but it’s certainly serviceable. Once again, a lower handicap player will find more benefit in a comparable ball from a major brand but will be able to play the Costco 3-piece ball from a “good enough” perspective if they’re looking to save a buck.
Around the Green
Credit where credit is due, the Costco Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 more than holds its own around the green. Don’t get me wrong, you won’t mistake for a more premium alternative, but it’s solid. There’s enough response for good feedback, but it doesn’t feel too firm and/or difficult to manipulate like other balls at similar price points. You’ll be able to get pitches/chips to bite and putts will sit on the slightly firmer end of the Goldilocks area. While I wouldn’t say the Costco golf ball necessarily impressed, around the greens is definitely where it “held its own” the most.
Final Thoughts – Costco Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 Golf Ball
In my opinion, the real test of whether or not a Costco Kirkland Signature 3-Piece v2 ball is worth your time comes down to the value of a dollar. The $1 per ball price point is certainly impressive, but in my opinion, doesn’t necessarily make the deal. For $2 a ball, there are a lot of quality options on the market that I’d rather (and have) play with. The latest 3-piece Kirkland ball is certainly serviceable, but is by no means mind blowing. If you’re expecting it to perform at the same level as a comparable ball from an established golf ball brand, it just doesn’t. If you want a solid ball for as cheap as possible, and convenient while you’re picking up a brisket and some jeans, it does that well.
One topic that never really came up during the review, but is sort of the elephant in the room, is the durability. The last iteration of the 3-piece ball was known to blow up pretty easy. In my experience, it had a fragile outer layer. This new version is slightly more durable, but I did notice some definitive wear and tear after a few holes, and maybe a tree or two. The point is, it’s more durable, sure, but you get what you pay for…let’s just say that.
I concur with your review of this ball it’s just fine. I have a few boxes and will use them now as I’m getting back into the golf season. However, once the conditions are right for proper golf (playing partners are ready to place bets) I will go with other premium golf balls.
My go to ball.. no issue whatsoever. My only issue is that they don’t come in yellow.
A $1 a ball? What Costco sells this ball for $12 a dozen
They used to charge $25/2 dozen for the three piece ball. Prices have since gone up.
I lose balls before I wear them out. Costco balls go about 10 yards short of a Pro v1 with the driver. It gets worse hitting into wind, the Kirkland has more aerodynamic drag. But they spin well and feel great around the green so if no money is on the line I will continue to play them.
I played some of the best rounds of my life recently using Costco Kirkland Signature v2 golf balls. The ball goes the distance I expect it to go and rolls smoothly on the green. I also hit a hole in one during league play today using this ball. I’m very happy with their performance and their price.
Honestly, I don’t believe that you really reviewed this ball objectively. I am a 3 handicap, and I have play pro v 1 balls my entire life. I hated the original Kirkland, but the 2.0 blew my mind. It spins way too much into the greens, and they are longer than my Pro v 1’s. I bought these for my daughter who plays varsity golf and I stole a sleeve for fun. I have not teed up a Titleist since. “Fine” hardly describes this ball, and perhaps you should test it a little more seriously and give an honest review. You remind me a lot of some of my friends. Some of them are scratch players, and while they are embarrassed to play these, they absolutely love them.
Yep, I bought these balls with my own money to spend the time and effort on reviewing them to not form my own opinion. Two dozen+ balls wasn’t enough for me to spend adequate time getting to know it and compare it to what I like in a ball.
Got me.
Owned Billy …Get it together
With this response, it actually feels like maybe this was a biased review. Thanks for showing the way you respond differing opinions.
I genuinely don’t understand why I keep getting taken to task for not raving about this golf ball. I feel like the review is based on a personal experience where I found this golf ball to be just ok. Does everyone just love every single golf ball out there? It’s not like I said “this is trash, no one should play it.” I just said I’m not looking to spend my money on it.
Thanks for your review Bill, I’ve got some on the way to give them a try while I am still losing a ball or two a round. I don’t need extra distance but the spin off the tee might give me some trouble, around the greens I need it so hopefully there is a balance there. Once I am not losing balls I will cough up for a more premium ball, so based on your review I think they will fit well.
I hear the new ones are a good bit different. I have to get my hands on some and see how they are! Good luck!
I love them too. Fine is definitely not my opinion of them. Fantastic for the value and price is more like it. It isn’t quite as long as a prov1 but it’s close but not worth $4 a ball to play the titleist. The Kirkland ball spins like crazy.
Do I love Pro-V1 golf balls? I sure do. But if can’t afford to be knocking $4 balls into the desert, even as a 10 handicap.
I was skeptical of these balls and have been hitting Pro Vs for 12 years. My brother convinced me to try them. I decided to play this ball but kept a Pro V in my left pocket. I hit two off the first tee and they both landed near each other. I played the Kirkland and shot my lowest round (76) on a 139 slope par 72 course from the blue tees. I am a 7 handicap and my usual scores ranger 77-83.
Around the greens I was stopping my chips. My approach shots were stopping. I could not tell any difference between the Kirkland and my Pro Vs off the drive. My brain kept telling me I wanted to play the Pro V that was in my pocket but as the pars and birdies added up, I stayed with the Kirkland. My brother would laugh after each of my shots and say I told you. I’m sure Tiger Woods could tell a difference but I could not. The Kirkland was a great ball. I played it again two days later at Champions Retreat in Augusta. The greens there are new and hard like a pool table. It is a very difficult course and I shot 83 from the signature tees which is their blue tees( one up from the tips). I will continue to use these balls in spite of the stigma. I get Pro Vs and any golf balls I want for free, so it is not the cost. Right now it is the ball that I had my lowest score with so I’m sticking with it. This is a great ball for anyone who isn’t a Professional golfer. And I would bet they might find the Kirkland a very good ball also.
Avg mid 80s rounds. Played everything, more than happy with these balls. They play great, distance is what I expect and love the approaches into the green. Absolutely worth the price (yes they are inexpensive). My only issue is durability, I can get through a round with 1-3 balls and I find myself chucking them back into the bag at the end or during the round as shag balls. That is my only beef with them, but based on value pricing, I have zero issues with that. I do cheat a little and pull those shag balls back out for risky shots where I may lose a ball.
This article Is so wrong about this golf ball. If your hitting trees and can’t control your golf ball maybe a ball comparison should be left to a competent player. I will agree this ball isn’t a Pro V1 it’s better than any other non tour ball period. The only thing this ball doesn’t do well is generate greenside spin from chipping. As a scratch golfer that is my only complaint. Everything else it does perfectly fine. For $1 a ball you will not be loosing strokes if your a good player. If your not a good player there is no point to playing any other ball besides kirkland. Take it from me… buy 2 dozen play a round and you will soon be solely playing kirkland balls. This article is BS and they should have tested it with a robot and not some HACKERS opinion. Specially if he can’t control the ball well enough to avoid trees
You missed the context and point of the website. It’s purely experience from a real average human, not a robot. I also didn’t say it was the worst ball ever. Thanks for stopping by though. I understand needing validation for a ball you’re already playing.
Before testing out a new Kirkland ball today, I was playing with a Taylormade 2-pc Rocket ball. I wanted to maximize my driving distance and thought a heavier, 3-pc ball would give me shorter distance. I was willing to sacrifice some control around the greens and not play with a 3-pc ball. Boy I was wrong, the Kirkland ball was giving me distance off the tee and great control around the green! Also, there was not a single scarf mark on my ball after my round and still looks brand new.! I’m a < 9 hcp and I’ll play with this ball from now on..stigma or no stigma.
I used both these and the 1st version, new one is much better alot more consistent. Best ball for the price range no doubt in the performance range of the other higher end three piece ball. I would definently say swing speed makes a difference to how you view there performance. I am around 100 to 104 there pretty long for me. My son is up around 120 he loses distance with them spinning to much of the driver. He hated the first version the second he thinks are pretty playable. The biggest thing I notice they putt no where near as soft as a really premium ball. There a great value if you want a ball in this range. They will not replace a premium ball for someone really talented.
Just started playing with these kirklands; I have used pro v1s my whole life. playing some of the best golf I ever had with the kirklands. I love the feel all around, especially around the greens. I noticed it carries a couple yards less than pro v1s but for me, they are much more accurate (especially with longer clubs). and it’s nice being able to spin chip/pitch shots with the kirklands. got my handicap down to +5 with these balls. just shot 69 at tiburon from the tips (qbe shootout) with a course rating of 77. one of the best ball striking rounds of my life with the kirklands
I still have a dozen and a half of Costco original 4 pc balls which where the best 4 pc for the money. I know this is there 3rd 3 pc, 1 being ok, 2 was a recall disaster and glad to hear about the new V2. Playing with Maxfli tour and X which are great lower price balls. I will try the new V2 as soon as my Maxfli’s are gone. 10 hdcp player who has tried every 3&4 pc ball next to Pro V1.
I am a mid 80’s player and yearn to play the Pro V ball but cannot justify their cost to buy new. I have looked for a “new” ball that checks all the boxes but couldn’t find one until today in the 2.0 Signature product. This ball did not have a soft feel off the tee, but rather it was surprisingly long. I also liked the way I could shape my drives. The approach shots were checking and lastly the putting was xlnt. After 2+ years of buying second-hand Pro VS I’m going to play this ball from Costco…I never thought I’d write that last statement.
Jc
I’m still fairly new to golf but I think golfers, especially better golfers have a bias against balls, based on where they came from. The thing that has to be remembered here is that Costco does make and sell quality goods. The difference is simply in their business model of slimmer margins offset by greater volumes. If Kirkland could manufacture a ball identical to any other name brand, they would still sell it for the same price because that’s what they base their whole operation on. I’m not a good enough golfer to be able to tell the difference, but so far I have tried to like the Kirkland 2.0 balls and just have not. They just don’t go as far for me but I can’t rule out that it’s me and not the ball because as I said, I’m just not good enough yet. I think all but the best golfers probably couldn’t possibly tell the difference between this ball and any other.
I don’t agree with that. I think a lot of golf ball preference ends up being fairly subjective and plenty of players will have different reasons that they “just don’t like a ball” whether it’s feel off a putter or wedge, spin, etc. And I don’t think you have to be an exceptional golfer to be able to tell that difference.
Followup,
I played quite a bit this year with alot of diifferent golf balls . Best ball I found for the money was the wilson zip. Pretty much good or great all the way aroound. Plus has a very nice feel off the putter. I prefer it over the costcos balls
haha OP getting triggered by some responses.
I love the Kirkland balls, great ball, great price
I think my “issue” (if you want to call it that in harmless internet banter) is the regular “taking to task” for a neutral review saying the ball’s just ok. People get annoyed that I don’t think it’s a giant killer, but it’s also very much a person experience, not the gospel.
I’m also curious if people will still hold the ball in the same regard now that the price went up $10. Will be interesting to see.
It’s a thankless job putting your subjective experience/opinion out there Bill.
I personally like the ball and play them regularly but if I find a good condition ProV1 in the tall stuff, I put it into play.
Can’t justify the $70/dzn for a 13 handicap game like mine. I describe my game as long and wrong but do find these to spin well, one hop and stop for an 65-80 yard approach shot. Not the softest ball out there but thankful nothing like the rocks Pinnacle puts out there. Just “No” to all that mess.
I appreciate your candor and honest personal opinion.
Cheers.
KC
You’re telling me, man!
Thanks for stopping by!