How To Choose A Golf Ball [In 6 Easy Steps]
- Compression. Something that many golfers overlook, even when they make an effort to choose a golf ball, is compression rates.
- Feel. The feeling of striking a golf ball purely is sensational. The feeling of a mishit is not! Virtually every golfer likes a good feel to the ball.
- Distance. Since golf balls are so very different in their construction it is a good idea to determine whether you go for distance or spin.
- Spin. High spinning balls are also in demand like distance balls. This is because of the increased spin rates which leads to more stopping power on the green.
- Quality. For the golfer on the budget, this is very important because of wallet aches. ...
- Price. Last but definitely not least is the price. Depending on how many balls you “throw away”, you might be more or less aware of this post in your golf ...
- Summing It All Up. Choosing a golf ball can be a complicated process. We hope that this article has helped answer some of your questions.
- FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions. What Are The Best Golf Balls? As you might have noticed from this article, it’s now an easy task to choose a golf ball.
What are hard golf balls made of?
Hard golf balls typically feature covers made of Surlyn and fall into the Value/Recreational/Distance category. Distance: For golfers who want maximum distance, especially on tee shots, and are willing to sacrifice some stopping power and short game control. Distance with Spin: For golfers who value distance slightly more than spin and control.
How do I choose a golf ball?
There are six characteristics to pay attention to, when choosing a golf ball. Each one weighs differently for each individual golfer. Let’s dive into the selection process so we can shave some shots off your rounds!
Where to look when hitting a golf ball?
You are not sure where to look when hitting a golf ball. While common advice is to focus either on the entire ball, a spot in front of the ball, a specific dimple on the ball or the back inside quarter of the golf ball there is no rule here and no proven method. Experiment and find out what works for best for you personally.
What are the best golf balls for beginners?
High spinning balls are also in demand like distance balls. This is because of the increased spin rates which leads to more stopping power on the green. And for the experienced player it means shapeability. Spin balls are usually soft 3- or 4-piece balls with some tech in them.
What should I look for in a good golf ball?
A key consideration when choosing a golf ball is the number of pieces in its construction. There are two main options: two-piece golf balls and multi-layer golf balls. Two-piece golf balls are simply made up of the core and cover. These balls are a great choice for beginners and golfers with a high handicap.
What is a good golf ball for an average golfer?
The Callaway Super Softs take home our #1 spot for average golfers. Callaway is a great company that makes fantastic golf balls. The are a fabulous choice for average-level golfers. Folks who want plenty of distance off the tee, accuracy on all shots, and a soft feel on impact will love the Supersoft.
What makes a quality golf ball?
The quality of golf ball you use definitely matters and impacts on your game. Higher quality, more expensive golf balls generally have a urethane cover, leading to greater 'feel' and spin control. Premium balls will usually perform longer and hold greens more consistently, helping you shoot lower scores.
Is there really a difference in golf balls?
Golf balls have different layers, different spin rates, different compression ratings, and a few others. Most people just use whatever ball they found in the bushes the round before. That's fine if you're just out to hack the ball around, but if you want to improve, it's probably not the best choice.
Do soft golf balls go further?
Do Softer Golf Balls Go Further? As a general rule, soft low compression golf balls will travel further when you hit your driver and irons. With your wedges, soft and firm golf balls should travel the same distance.
Can an average golfer use Pro V1?
On average, most golf coaches recommend that a beginner golfer avoid Pro V1 balls. The higher price and compression rating make the Pro V1 suited to better players. Most beginners will get better performance with lower compression and lower spinning balls.
Do expensive golf balls make a difference?
The average golfer won't get enough benefit to justify paying the higher price and would be better off using that money to work on their swing. The only benefit to an expensive golf ball would be the increased spin around the green and the nice soft feel at impact.
Do Pro V1 balls go further?
Analyzing the individual ball statistics we can see that the Titleist Pro V1x averaged the farthest distance as well at 266.7 yards. Meanwhile, the Callaway Chrome Soft X averaged the shortest distance at only 259.3 yards. This results in a difference between the average maximum and minimum of only 7.4 yards.
Which golf balls go the farthest?
We discovered that the Titleist Velocity Golf Balls are the undisputed champs as far as distance golf balls go. Golf balls should prioritize essential factors such as spin, control, and feel.
Do expensive golf balls go farther?
Do the less-expensive balls travel a little farther and straighter off the tee? They can, but when we tested both types of balls at average-golfer swing speeds, the difference was almost negligible: six yards, usually less.
What is the best inexpensive golf ball?
13 Best Cheap Golf Balls You'll Actually LoveTaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft Golf Balls. $14.99. ... Value pick. ... Titleist TruFeel Golf Balls. ... TaylorMade Rocketballz Speed Golf Balls. ... Callaway 2021 Warbird Golf Balls. ... Bridgestone e6 Golf Balls. ... Cut Blue Golf Balls. ... WILSON Golf Staff Fifty Elite Golf Balls.More items...
Do I want a high or low spin golf ball?
As a general rule, low spin golf balls will go straighter, and as a result, further for most golfers compared to high spinning balls. Having a ball that spins less will reduce some of the sidespin your ball has and will generate a lot less backspin.
Do golf balls matter for average golfers?
The average golfer will find that the golf ball makes a difference to their game. The compression rating of a golf ball indicates the hardness or softness of the golf ball. Higher compression ratios require a fast swing speed to compress the ball, while a lower compression is easier to compress.
What is the best golf ball for a 10 handicap?
The Titleist Pro V1 golf ball is the best overall choice for the 10 handicap players. With this impressive Titleist Golf ball, players can get all the performance necessary to hit long and straight shots. However, in addition, the spin and feel around the greens are unmatched.
What is the best amatuer golf ball?
The majority of the players on the PGA Tour use either TaylorMade, Titleist or Callaway golf balls, but Bridgestone is an extremely popular ball brand for amatuer golfers, due to the incredible feel they have to offer, at an affordable price.
Which golf ball is best for mid handicapper?
Our Top Picks For Golf Balls For Mid HandicappersBridgestone e6 Golf Ball.Callaway Chrome Soft Golf Ball.Titleist Velocity Golf Ball.TaylorMade Tour Response Golf Ball.Srixon Soft Feel Golf Ball.Vice Tour Golf Ball.Wilson Duo Soft+ Golf Ball.Callaway Supersoft Golf Ball.
How many characteristics are there in golf balls?
There are six characteristics to pay attention to, when choosing a golf ball. Each one weighs differently for each individual golfer.
What is the beginner stage of golf?
In the beginner stage it’s all about stabilizing your game and finding consistency.
What does compression rate mean in golf?
Simply put the compression of a golf ball describes its ability to compress during impact with the golf club. Lower compression rates means a softer golf ball, and higher compression rates means a firmer golf ball.
What does lower compression mean in golf?
Lower compression rates means a softer golf ball, and higher compression rates means a firmer golf ball. The low compression ball will more easily compress and is therefore suited for golfers with slower swing speeds. I think you get the concept.
What happens when the price is high but the tech and improvements that are put into the ball match the price?
If price is high, but the tech and improvements that are put into the ball match the price, then quality is maintained.
Why are distance balls engineered?
Sometimes they are even engineered to give a higher launch trajectory, to further improve distance. Make sure you fully understand the characteristics of a distance ball, before you choose. Because a lot of the time you will sacrifice spin and control on the shorter shots.
What is the key to a good initial fit?
The key is proper research and then try out the best initial fit.
How to decide on a golf ball?
In the past, the only way to decide on a golf ball was to take it out on the course with you and test it under ‘game’ conditions. While that is still a good idea, there is also the high tech option of going through a professional ball fitting process. The ball fitting process is similar to the club fitting process that is offered at most golf shops these days. A professional fitter will measure your swing characteristics on a computer and then use that data to recommend the right ball for your game. A golf ball fitting session shouldn’t be the only factor you take into account when picking your next ball – however, it can go a long way toward narrowing down your choices. Among the data points that will likely be collected during this process are the following –
What is the most important characteristic of a golf ball?
Choose the golf ball characteristic most important to you based on these definitions: Distance: For golfers who want maximum distance, especially on tee shots, and are willing to sacrifice some stopping power and short game control. Distance with Spin: For golfers who value distance slightly more than spin and control.
Why use a higher spin rate golf ball?
If you are a good enough golfer to control the spin on your shots most of the time, you can use a higher-spin rate ball in order to stop the ball quicker once it lands. However, if you are a less-experienced or less-talented player and you struggle with hooks or slices, a high-spin ball is a bad idea. The high spin rate encouraged by the golf ball will only serve to send your shots farther off line. Essentially, simply by picking the wrong ball, you will be making the game significantly harder than it already is. Be honest with yourself regarding the quality of your swing at this point, and then pick a golf ball to match. As your game improves and you become more adept at controlling your swing, you can always move up into a ball that offers you more spin.
How to play golf in windy conditions?
This same concept also applies to wind. Playing golf on courses that are frequently wind-swept will dictate that you keep the ball low to the ground as often as possible. A high-spin ball in windy conditions is going to be a bad combination, as you will have trouble keeping your shots down out of the wind. For instance, the links courses that are found throughout England and Scotland often are guarded by windy conditions, meaning you would want to play a game that is lower to the ground than you might play on a calm, American-style course.
What is compression golf?
Add your carry (flight) yardage plus roll yardage. Compression is a measurement of the force needed to compress a golf ball.
What is a firm golf ball?
Firm golf balls typically feature covers made of ionomer, and occasionally urethane, and fall into the Premium category. Hard: Contact sensation and sound are more "dense" and solid, the ball seeming to jump quickly off the club face on full and short shots.
How many clubs can you carry on a golf course?
In addition to the 14 clubs that you are allowed to carry, other items that can affect your performance include golf shoes, gloves, balls, and even the clothing you wear on the course. In this article, we are going to focus on the golf ball as one possible area of improvement.
How to focus your eyes on the target side of the golf ball?
Take fat contact, for example. If you’re continually hitting the ground before the ball, focus your eyes on the front edge (target side) of the ball during the swing. It may not seem like much—the diameter of the golf ball is just 1.68 inches—but shifting your sight line forward even this small amount nudges your center of gravity toward the target. This forward shift will help the club reach its low point at the ball instead of behind it.
How to fix a slice in golf?
To fix it, try swinging more in-to-out by aiming for a spot on the inside the golf ball and hitting that.
How to improve putting?
To improve your putting, practice honing-in your focus by looking at one very specific dimple in the middle of the golf ball, and nothing else.
Can you improve your golf game by looking at the wrong part of the golf ball?
It’s so simple — obvious, even — but something almost no golfer thinks about. Are you looking at the wrong part of the golf ball? You might be. But the good news is there’s a few subtle ways you can improve your game simply by looking at a different part of the golf ball….
Where to focus on golf ball?
While common advice is to focus either on the entire ball, a spot in front of the ball, a specific dimple on the ball or the back inside quarter of the golf ball there is no rule here and no proven method. Experiment and find out what works for best for you personally.
How to keep your eyes on the ball?
As the saying goes "keep your eyes on the ball" so that means following the ball with your eyes once it takes off. To do that you will need to rotate your head/face towards the target. Keeping your head down too long is detrimental and a common mistake people make as the first thing they are told when they start playing is to keep their head down. What happens when a player restricts their head too long is it restricts their pivot from coming through the ball. Obviously, if a player doesn't rotate through the shot then they will lose power, but even worse, when the pivot stops the club accelerates too quickly often resulting in an early release and a sprayed shot. Best advice; keep your eyes on the ball, but keep following it with your eyes and your pivot after impact.
What is the goal of hitting the inside of the ball?
For every ball and stick sport we play be it baseball, tennis or golf, the goal is to strike the inside back quarter of the ball for ultimate power and control. When you are striking the outside, your arms are typically disconnecting from your body and your arms and wrists are releasing early.
Does Annika look past the ball?
Annika actually has her face turned towards the target at impact and is looking past the ball. While this is not all that common with skilled players and professionals, it's certainly not unheard of and Annika is definitely not the only one to play like this.
Who said he just looks down and sees the entire ball as whole?
While the greatest female player of all time looked in front of the ball, the greatest of all male players, Jack Nicklaus, said once that he just looks down and sees the entire ball as whole. He didn't focus on the front, back, top or bottom, he just looked down at the ball. This is how I, myself have always played as well. In fact, I think you will find that the vast majority of players fall into this category. What you will find though is that there are many styles and it's really all over the board with both professionals and amateurs. There is no rule here. Like most things in golf it's just a matter of finding what works for you and sticking with it.
Do tour players look in front of the ball?
Many a tour player has stated that they actually look a few inches in front of the ball. That's not bad advice actually as it assists the player in taking a good divot after the ball and gets their focus forward so that they move down and through at impact.
Is golf a stick sport?
Golf is one of the very few sports involving a ball and stick where the ball is stationary. That gives us plenty of opportunity to easily focus on the ball. In fact, there isn't much of an excuse for not keeping your eye on the ball in golf. After all, it's sitting completely still and right in front of you!
Compression
Feel
- The feeling of striking a golf ball purely is sensational. The feeling of a mishit is not! Virtually every golfer likes a good feel to the ball. But far from every ball is comfortable to play with. Feel is something that isn’t really measurable, so this trait speaks to your senses. A few years back, distance balls were firm and spin balls were soft. This is not the case in the present day. Ball ma…
Distance
- Since golf balls are so very different in their construction it is a good idea to determine whether you go for distance or spin. Especially if you’re a bit on a budget. If your wallet permits, going for the more expensive balls let’s you get something from both worlds. Typically the cheaper 2- or 3-piece balls are marketed as distance balls. They are firm and produce less sidespin on the long…
Spin
- High spinning balls are also in demand like distance balls. This is because of the increased spin rates which leads to more stopping power on the green. And for the experienced player it means shapeability. Spin balls are usually soft 3- or 4-piece balls with some tech in them. A new trend in golf balls is the implementation of a so-called mantle layer. It sits just inside the cover, and can …
Quality
- For the golfer on the budget, this is very important because of wallet aches. And the for the golfer not on a budget, this topic is largely relevant because they pay for quality and don’t want to battle poor durability and such. The cover durability is largely affected by the material of which it is made and how the manufacturer processed it. Urethane is generally softer, depending on how m…
Price
- Last but definitely not least is the price. Golf balls aren’t cheap, especially not if they end up in that water hazard on 4th, 12th and 18th each round Depending on how many balls you “throw away”, you might be more or less aware of this post in your golf budget. Golf balls range from $10 per dozen for cheap 2-piece ones, to $45 per dozen for premium ones. Another possibility to save s…
Summing It All Up
- Choosing a golf ball can be a complicated process. We hope that this article has helped answer some of your questions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. And if you’re still a bit uncertain what to think about the process of choosing a golf ball, take a look at the video below, which has some sensible insights. As described in the video, not all players will benefit from a to…
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are The Best Golf Balls?
As you might have noticed from this article, it’s now an easy task to choose a golf ball. To help you find the best one, we’ve reviewed the best golf balls in this article. The balls reviewed are the ones we see as the best on the market today, and there is something for every taste, whether yo… - What Kind of Golf Ball Should a Beginner Use?
Beginners are not necessarily going to get a lot out of optimizing golf ball choice. In the beginner stage it’s all about stabilizing your game and finding consistency. When you’re at a decent level of consistency, consider going for a golf ball that will help you in the areas you struggle. If you stru…