Playing the Best Golf Ball

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Golf ball performance is one of most over-looked areas in the golf industry. The technology of the golf ball has evolved drastically over the years. Believe it or not, the improved technology of golf balls could be the single biggest factor contributing to the distance boom we are currently seeing in golf. The distance technology designed into golf clubs has also greatly contributed to the current long-ball age. As to which one being the most important – that is highly debatable.

Golf balls are identified by a variety of important characteristics. However, two basic categories can best describe golf ball performance. High-launch balls with low spin-rates and low-launch balls with high spin-rates are the two main categories.  A few other characteristics are also used to describe golf ball performance.

• Distance
• Spin
• Trajectory
• Feel
• Durability

Today’s golf ball materials are much different than in years past. Golf ball designs and construction methods have improved as well with introduction of multiple piece balls and unique dimple designs. Course layouts are starting to change to account for the increased distance golfers are getting. For some professional golfers a 460-yard par four is a driver and a 9-iron, where in years past it had been a driver and a 3-iron.

Customize Your Golf Ball

Walking into the typical golf retail store you will be bombarded with different types of balls. Obviously, there are many different name brands to choose from – that’s the easy part. The more difficult part can be deciding on the type of ball within each name brand. Manufacturers often create two or three different models of balls to cater to different types of golfers. These golfers often wonder if spending more on a golf ball leads to better performance. This is the completely wrong way to approach selecting a golf ball. Instead focus on how the ball affects your game and how it can help you. Do you need more distance, increased spin, better control or different shot trajectory? These are the questions you must address when selecting a golf ball.

One of the worst mistakes mid and high-handicap golfers make is thinking that the most expensive ball is always the best ball for them. For example, many golfers believe the Titleist ProV1 is the best ball in golf. This isn’t necessarily true since different models of balls are designed for different types of players. While price and quality are related, the best ball for each individual player won’t be the same. Titleist has done a good job marketing the ProV1 ball across broad ranges of players, but their ball isn’t necessarily the best ball for everyone.

Swing Speed Matching

Years ago balls were measured by something called “compression”. Golf balls are compacted from their original shape at impact by the force applied from golf clubs. This force compresses the golf ball until it separates from the club face and propels into the air. Compression is a good thing as long as balls are compressed the correct amount. Too much compression results in a soft ball that loses distance, while too little compression results in a hard ball and lack of control. Compression rating has become obsolete on golf balls in current times. Instead of compression ratings, companies design golf balls based mainly on swing speeds. Product packages usually include charts on the back of the boxes describing the optimal swing speeds for use of that particular golf ball.

A few problems stem from trying to choose golf balls based on manufacturer suggestions. First off many golfers don’t know swing stats like swing speed and ball velocity. Secondly, you really can’t trust manufacturers since they tend to mislead consumers about golf products. In effort to sell more balls, many golf companies exaggerate the benefits of playing with their particular product.

In order to best determine the correct golf ball for you it would be wise to test out a variety of balls and see what works best. However you often can’t learn enough about performance by simply playing rounds of golf or hitting up the driving range. In order to properly determine the correct ball for you it would be wise to get fitted for a ball. Many golf companies offer this type of service for a small upfront fee and have the equipment that can provide all the statistical feedback needed. Utilizing this service would be highly beneficial for most golfers. You might be shocked at what ball tests out best for you.

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