Who Makes Kirkland Golf Balls: A Tipsy Golfer’s Investigation

Full disclosure: I’m writing this article after my third glass of Cabernet, so buckle up.

It’s me, Linda, your favorite golf-obsessed mess from San Diego. Today we’re talking about those Kirkland golf balls that have been burning a hole in my bag (and my conscience) for the past year. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me take you on a journey through the wonderful world of budget golf and Costco’s foray into the golf ball market.

The Great Kirkland Golf Ball Mystery: An Introduction

You know how sometimes you stumble upon something so good, you can’t believe it’s real? That’s how I felt when I first discovered Kirkland golf balls. It was like finding out that unicorns exist, and they’re selling them at Costco for $1.99 a pound.

But here’s the thing: when something seems too good to be true, it usually is. So, I set out on a mission (fueled by curiosity and perhaps a bit too much wine) to uncover the truth behind these magical spheres. Who makes Kirkland golf balls? Are they actually any good? And most importantly, can they withstand my ability to slice a ball into another zip code?

Spoiler alert: The answers will surprise you. Or maybe they won’t. I’m not a mind reader.

How It All Started

So there I was, wandering through Costco like a zombie on a Tuesday afternoon (don’t judge, we’ve all been there), when I stumbled upon this mountain of Kirkland Signature golf ball boxes. Twenty-five bucks for two dozen? I thought I was hallucinating. I mean, I’ve spent more on a single round of post-game drinks at Torrey Pines.

Before I knew it, I was loading my cart with more balls than I could possibly lose in a year.

Spoiler alert: I was wrong about that last part.

As I was checking out, the cashier gave me a knowing look. “First time buying Kirkland golf balls?” she asked. I nodded, feeling like I was joining some secret cult. She leaned in and whispered, “Welcome to the dark side.” I’m still not sure if she was joking.

The Great Costco Experiment

Fast forward to my next round at Coronado. I pull out one of these Kirkland golf balls, and my buddy Mike looks at me like I’ve just pulled out a rubber chicken. “Linda,” he says, “what the hell are you doing?”

I’ll tell you what I was doing, Mike. I was about to shoot the best round of my life. Okay, that’s a lie. I shot a 94. But it FELT like the best round of my life because I wasn’t weeping over every $5 Pro V1 I sent into the Pacific.

Speaking of the Pacific, let me tell you about the 16th hole at Coronado.

It’s a par 4 with the ocean all down the right side. Normally, I’d be gripping my 6-iron like it owed me money, terrified of donating another V1 to the fish.

But with my Kirkland? I stood up there like I was Lexi Thompson, took a swing, and… pulled it way left into the trees. But hey, at least it wasn’t in the ocean, right?

So, Who Makes Them Anyway?

Here’s where it gets weird. Apparently, Kirkland golf balls are made by some company in China called Qingdao SM Parker. Sounds made up, right? I tried to Google them after my third Costco ball fueled birdie, but my phone auto-corrected it to “Quesadilla SM Parker.” Thanks, Siri.

There’s also some vague connection to a Korean company called Nassau Golf. At this point, I’m pretty sure they’re manufactured by a global conspiracy of golf-loving elves. Don’t quote me on that.

I actually tried to call Costco to get more info on who manufactures Kirkland golf balls. After being on hold for what felt like a full 18 holes, I got through to someone who sounded about as interested in manufacturing as I am in watching paint dry.

His response to my in-depth questions? “They’re good balls. People like ’em. Anything else?” Pulitzer-worthy journalism, folks.

Unraveling the Mystery

Okay, let’s get serious for a moment (I know, I’m shocked too). After sobering up and doing some actual research, here’s what I’ve uncovered about who makes em:

1. The Chinese Giant Company: It turns out that Qingdao SM Parker, a giant company based in China, is indeed the primary manufacturer of Kirkland golf balls. They’re not just making golf balls for fun; this is the Chinese sports equipment company that produces various golf products for different brands.
2. Costco’s Role: The big brand Costco, or more officially, Costco Wholesale Corporation, doesn’t actually make the balls themselves. They partner with manufacturers like Qingdao SM Parker to produce their Kirkland brand products, including these golf balls.
3. The Kirkland Brand: For those not in the know, Kirkland Signature is Costco’s house brand. They slap this name on everything from toilet paper to, yes, golf balls. It’s their way of offering quality products at a lower price point.
4. Manufacturing Process: While Qingdao SM Parker manufactures Kirkland golf balls, the design and specifications likely come from Costco. It’s a collaboration that allows Costco to offer a premium product at a budget price.
5. The Nassau Connection: Some sources suggest that Nassau Golf, a Korean company, was involved in the early production of Kirkland golf balls. However, current evidence points to Qingdao SM Parker as the primary manufacturer.

So there you have it. Costco’s Kirkland golf balls are made by a Chinese giant company, Qingdao SM Parker, based on specifications provided by Costco. It’s a global effort to help golfers like me lose balls in exotic locations around the world.

The Good, The Bad, and The “What Were They Thinking?”

Let’s break down the quality of these budget bad boys:

Good stuff:

• Cheap as chips: Seriously, the price is unbeatable
• Surprisingly long: Off the tee (or maybe that was the tailwind on 16)
• Spin like crazy: On the greens (sometimes too much, but we’ll get to that)
• Durable: Enough to survive my chunked wedge shots that never get more than 3 feet off the ground

The not-so-good:

• Only white: C’mon, Costco, some of us like a little color in our lives!
• Ugly logo: There, I said it. It looks like it was designed by the same person who decides where to put the free samples.
• Too much spin: On the greens (yes, this is in both categories, fight me)
• Too cheap: You lose all fear of water hazards. My wallet thanks me, my scorecard does not.

The “What Were They Thinking?”:

• Packaging: It’s like they designed it to be impossible to open without scissors. Or a chainsaw.
• The name: Kirkland Signature sounds like a retirement community, not a golf ball brand.
• No customization: I want them to say “This isn’t going where I want it to” when I hit them.

Real Talk: How Do They Actually Play?

Off the tee: They’re long. Not “I suddenly hit it like Bryson DeChambeau” long, but respectable. I outdrive Mike now, which may or may not have ended our friendship. There was this one time at Torrey Pines North, I caught one just right on the 7th hole. The ball took off like it had somewhere better to be. Ended up in the group ahead’s fairway. I yelled “Fore!” but I think it came out more like “Holy s**t!

Iron shots: Here’s where it gets interesting. They stop on a dime. Great for those tucked pins, terrible for my habit of flying the green. I played Maderas last week, and on the par 3 14th, I hit what I thought was a perfect 7-iron. The ball landed on the green, took two hops, and then started rolling back towards me like it was magnetized. Ended up below the green. I hate Golf sometimes.

Around the green: So. Much. Spin. I’ve never had so many chips scoot back off the green. Is it the ball’s fault or my terrible technique? The world may never know. Although, I did make my first-ever birdie from off the green with these bad boys. Skulled a chip on 18 at Balboa, it hit the pin and dropped. I’m counting it.

Putting: They roll true. Although after three-putting from 15 feet, I’m not sure that’s a good thing. They do make a satisfying “plonk” when they finally deign to drop in the hole, though.

The Kirkland Performance+ Ball: A Game Changer?

Just when I thought I had the Kirkland golf ball figured out, Costco goes and shakes things up with the Kirkland Performance+. This urethane ball is their attempt to compete with the big boys in the premium golf ball market.

The Performance+ is a three-piece golf ball with a urethane cover, similar to what you’d find on high-end balls from Titleist or Callaway. But here’s the kicker: it’s still priced like a Kirkland. It’s like finding a Rolex at a yard sale.

I took these bad boys out for a spin at Torrey Pines South (because why not torture myself?). The feel off the clubface was noticeably softer than the original Kirkland ball. My drives seemed to hang in the air a bit longer, and the spin around the greens was more controllable.

On the 3rd hole, a long par 4 with a narrow fairway, I actually managed to hit the short grass. I was so shocked I nearly forgot to take my second shot. When I did, the ball held the green beautifully, even with the firm conditions.

Are they as good as a Pro V1? Well, I’m not good enough to really tell the difference. But for the price, they’re a steal. Just don’t tell my Pro V1-loving friends I said that.

Update: You Can Buy These on Amazon Now Too!!

As if Costco hadn’t done enough to disrupt the golf ball market, now you can get Kirkland golf balls on Amazon. That’s right, you don’t even need to brave the Costco parking lot (which, let’s be honest, is scarier than any water hazard) to get your hands on these beauties.

I may or may not have set up an Amazon subscription for these balls. Don’t judge me. With Prime shipping, I can replenish my supply faster than I can lose them. And believe me, I can lose them pretty fast.

The Kirkland Golf Clubs Fiasco

Drunk on my success with the Kirkland golf balls, I decided to try their clubs too. Big mistake. Huge. The Kirkland irons are fine, I guess, if you like hitting everything with a club longer than you’re used to. The driver, though? Let’s just say it’s currently doubling as a tomato stake in my garden.

I took the full set of clubs out to Aviara for a round. By the third hole, I was wondering if I could return slightly used clubs to Costco. By the 9th hole, I was googling “how to sell kidney for new golf clubs.” The wedges were actually decent, though. Or maybe I just sucked equally with them as I do with my usual wedges.

A Deep Dive into Kirkland Golf Clubs

Since we’re on the topic of Kirkland golf clubs, let’s break them down a bit:

1. Kirkland Signature Driver: It’s… a club. It hits the ball. Sometimes in the right direction. The sound at impact is less “ping” and more “thud,” like hitting a ball with a frying pan. But hey, it’s cheap!
2. Kirkland Irons: These aren’t terrible, actually. They’re game-improvement irons, which means they’re designed to help high handicappers like yours truly. The problem? They’re about as forgiving as my ex after I “forgot” our anniversary.
3. Kirkland Wedges: Surprisingly, these are the stars of the show. The feel is decent, and they actually generate some nice spin. I managed to get up-and-down twice in one round with these. It might be a personal record.
4. Kirkland Putter: It’s a putter. It putts. Sometimes the ball goes in the hole. More often, it doesn’t. But I’m pretty sure that’s user error.

Would I recommend the Kirkland golf clubs? Let’s just say if you’re a beginner or a high handicapper on a tight budget, they’re not the worst option. But if you’re serious about improving your game, you might want to look elsewhere. Or just blame your clubs for your bad shots like the rest of us.

The Verdict (On The Balls & Clubs)

Are their golf balls worth it?

If you’re a weekend hack like me who loses more balls than a golden retriever at the beach, absolutely. The quality is surprisingly good for the price. If you’re scratch or better? Stick to the pro shop, fancy pants.

As for the golf clubs?

Well, let’s just say there’s a reason you don’t see them on the PGA Tour. Or in my bag anymore. Although, if Costco starts selling golf lessons, I might be tempted. Lord knows I need them.

Look, at the end of the day, this sport is about having fun and occasionally not embarrassing yourself in front of your friends. If Kirkland golf balls can help you do that while saving enough money for an extra round or three, I’m all for it.

Plus, think about it this way: the money you save on balls can go towards more important things. Like post-round margaritas. Or a new putter that definitely won’t fix your putting stroke but will look cool in your bag.

How They Compare To Other Popular Brands?

For those of you who like your information in neat little boxes (unlike my golf game, which is more like a Jackson Pollock painting), here’s a handy comparison table:

What The Golf Community Really Thinks About Kirkland Balls

Kirkland golf balls: Are they the best value in golf?
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After spending more time than I probably should lurking on Reddit (and maybe having a glass or two of wine), I decided to poll the golf community about Kirkland balls. The results? Well, they’re about as mixed as my typical round of golf.

The Poll Results Tell A Story

Out of 103 total votes:

• 40 golfers love them
• 46 think they’re “okay-ish”
• 22 gave them a hard “no way”

But the comments? That’s where things get interesting.

What Real Golfers Are Saying

The “love them” camp is pretty clear: these balls are the best value in golf, period. One golfer who regularly shells out $57 for Pro V1X (I feel your pain, buddy) admitted that Kirklands compare surprisingly well to the premium balls.

But it’s not all sunshine and birdies. The most common complaints?

• The Spin Issue: Several players mentioned they’re too spinny, especially for those of us who can turn a slight fade into a visit to the next fairway
• Durability Concerns: One player noted they only last 4-6 holes before showing significant wear (though at these prices, maybe that’s not such a deal-breaker?)
• Consistency Questions: Some mentioned quality control issues, with a few balls even being flagged as overweight in USGA standards (yikes!)

The Competition

Interesting alternatives kept coming up:

• Maxfli Tour: Several players swear by these as the second-best value in golf
• Vice Pros: Available at Sam’s Club for similar prices (though I haven’t lost enough of these yet to form an opinion)

The Bottom Line

Here’s what I’ve learned from the golf community: While Kirkland balls might not be the BEST balls out there, they’re widely considered the BEST VALUE. Kind of like finding a decent $5 bottle of wine – it might not win any awards, but it gets the job done and leaves you with enough cash for a post-round burger.

And hey, at these prices, you can afford to donate a few to the local water hazards. Trust me, I’ve made plenty of contributions to the aquatic life at Torrey Pines myself.

My Own Final Thoughts

What I do know is this: Kirkland golf balls have made the game more accessible. They’ve given budget-conscious golfers like me a chance to play with a quality ball without taking out a second mortgage. And let’s be honest, for most of us weekend warriors, the difference between a Kirkland and a Pro V1 is far less significant than the difference between a good swing and whatever it is I do on the first tee.

The Kirkland golf ball phenomenon also raises some interesting questions about the golf industry as a whole. How much of what we pay for premium golf balls is actual performance, and how much is just marketing? If a Chinese giant company like Qingdao SM Parker can produce a ball that performs this well at this price point, what does that say about the margins on the big name brands?

But here’s the real kicker: Kirkland golf balls have made losing balls a lot less painful. I used to treat every Pro V1 like it was my firstborn child. Now, when I slice a Kirkland into the woods, I just shrug and pull out another. It’s liberating, really. My blood pressure has never been better (though that might also be the wine).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kirkland Golf Balls Good for High Handicappers?

Yes. Kirkland golf balls offer excellent forgiveness and balanced performance, making them ideal for high handicappers. The three-piece construction provides decent distance with moderate spin, while the urethane cover offers good feel and durability at a budget price point.

What Are Kirkland Golf Balls Equivalent To?

Kirkland Performance+ balls are most comparable to Titleist Pro V1, featuring similar three-piece construction and urethane cover. Performance-wise, they offer comparable distance and spin characteristics to premium tour-level balls at about one-third the price.

Why Did Titleist Sue Kirkland?

Titleist (via Acushnet) sued Costco in 2017 over patent infringement claims related to the original Kirkland Signature golf ball. The lawsuit claimed Costco violated 10 of Titleist’s patents. The case was eventually settled, leading to Costco redesigning their golf balls.

Do Kirkland Golf Balls Go As Far As Titleists?

In testing, Kirkland Performance+ balls show comparable distance to Titleist Pro V1s for most golfers. While premium balls might offer marginal distance gains for high-swing-speed players, average golfers typically see negligible difference in overall distance.

Is Kirkland The Same As Scotty Cameron?

No. While both brands have Costco/Titleist connections, they’re entirely different. Scotty Cameron is a premium putter maker owned by Titleist’s parent company, while Kirkland is Costco’s house brand manufactured by Qingdao SM Parker.