You don't have to play with the most expensive balls to enjoy the game.
I qualified last year for the Open at St Andrews using standard balls, I found that they seem to be much less effected by the wind. Meter is quicker but the high winds didn't move them as much.
I play with the WGT G1SD balls, light blue of course. They are pretty durable and cost 112 credits per sleeve. I can earn enough to keep me in balls by my weekly winnings, looking at a few videos while waiting for my turn in alt shot and surveys. I don't use the Callaways, too expensive and frankly they are a little unpredictable to me in the wind. The slower meter and a few extra yards are nice but I don't play for credits just for fun.