why so many golf balls to choose from?

There are so many excellent golf balls out there that will truly help your game. Find the one you like best and stick with it. Too many golfers just play whatever ball they find. This leads to inconsistency as, no matter your skill-level, different balls will act differently.

Full Answer

How important is the ball in golf?

The ball is one of the most important things in your armoury as a golfer, as getting it into the hole in as little shots as possible is what matters. The ball has come a long way even since the balatas of the 90s.

Does which golf ball you use make a difference?

If you have a high golf handicap, the ball you choose to hit makes little difference. If you like a particular brand of golf ball or prefer one type of ball over another, you should use it regularly. But as your game improves, the ball you use can make a difference in a number of ways.

Why do golf balls fly differently?

Some golf balls fly a longer distance and some allow the player to have more “feel” of the shot, while others make it easier to impart more backspin. It all depends on the importance you place on each.

How to choose the best golf balls for beginners?

If you are a beginner choose the Surlyn cover golf balls, but if you have already mastered the art of spin and hooks, urethane cover balls are best. But keep in mind urethane balls are more expensive than surlyn balls. The surlyn cover although more affordable than other urethane is also more durable.

Does it really matter what golf ball you use?

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.

Do certain golf balls make a difference?

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 pro golfers use a new ball on every hole?

Professional golfers will change golf balls every five to six holes. The modern golf ball technology can last for quite some time as the materials used to make these golf balls are more durable and resistant to cuts.

Is it important to use the same golf ball?

Regardless of the ball you choose to use, sticking with the same one over time is going to help provide greater consistency to your game.

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 softer golf balls go further?

Although softer golf balls go further from the tee for lower swing speed players, the gap across the whole range of ball types is only around 5 yards, so it is more important to fit the ball to your irons and then fit your driver to your preferred ball to maximise distance.

Can you change balls to putt?

You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand. On the putting green however, when you mark and lift your ball, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole.

How long should a dozen golf balls last?

So keep your balls in a cool, dry place and they will last for awhile. The golf ball researchers at Titleist state, "Today's Titleist golf balls can be safely stored for five years or even more, as long as they are kept away from excessive heat. ... Normal indoor conditions should be fine for storage."

Are 2 year old golf balls still good?

There have been no definitive scientific studies on exactly how long they will be fine for however golf ball researchers at Titleist state that as long as you keep your golf balls away from excessive heat or cold they can safely be stored for five years and most likely up to a decade.

Do new golf balls go further than old ones?

It's highly unlikely that the average, or even high standard, amateur will notice any difference between the feel of a used and a new ball on impact. Nor will there be any appreciable loss of distance, height or spin.

Should I use a new golf ball for every round?

If you play three rounds taking 60 full-swing shots per round, the ball surface will usually get abrasions. To maximize consistency and performance, you'll need to put a new ball into play every few rounds, according to experts.

Do golf balls lose distance over time?

A wound ball which is approximately 10 years old, stored at room temperatures and low humidity, will have lost about 0.5 to 1.0 % of its IV (Initial Velocity) which will affect its distance by a couple of yards.

What is the unique feature of a golf ball that tells you if a ball has a hard or?

Compression is the unique feature of a golf ball that tells you if a ball has a hard or soft feeling.

Why is a golf ball flat?

A flat golf ball would be more affected by the air compared to a ball having dimples. The dimples decrease the area on a golf ball for air to create drag. When the ball is hit in the air, the air molecules bounce off the dimples, and so the ball can travel far and straighter.

Why are premium balls better than urethane balls?

Premium balls are superior and have significant performance benefits. Because of their Urethane covers, they produce more distance and spin. Less expensive Surlyn Covers can provide durability, but when you are looking to take your game to the next level, you should prefer premium balls.

What is the outer layer of golf balls made of?

The four-piece golf balls give more distance and feel on shots. The outer layer is thin and almost always made of urethane. The inner layer made of rubber helps to produce that explosive distance. When you hit with drivers, you will get to know how it feels. Dimple counts are also more in these balls.

Why is golf played in the summer?

Golf is best when it is played in the summer or in warmer conditions. This is because winter affects both your visibility and the performance of the balls. For every 10 degrees decrement of temperature, Golf balls lose quite some distance. And the speed is also affected.

Why do tour players use a syringe?

Tour players use them because they know what shots to play with them.

Is it better to stick with a golf ball?

It’s best to stick with a golf ball that you have tried and tested. There are hundreds of balls from different brands out in the market. It’s easy to get attracted by the functionality of these balls. Some might offer more spin and some more distance. You should experiment and find a golf ball that matches your budget.

What to consider when buying a golf ball?

The main things to consider are distance, spin control and price. The more spin control you want then the more you’re probably going to pay as you are moving up into premium golf ball territory. So considering your budget is the first thing to do.

Why are soft golf balls better for beginners?

Since the soft golf balls compress more on impact and go further with a lower swing speed, they tend to favour those who are not swinging that fast and can offer extra distance and control to beginners, juniors, ladies, seniors and even some improvers and low handicappers.

What is a low spin golf ball?

Many manufacturers now offer premium balls that spin less. These are for golfers who hit the ball very hard and generate excessive spin.

What are the dimples on a golf ball?

Dimples on a golf ball provide in-flight stability and allow the ball to travel around 30% further when compared to a smooth ball. The small pockets grab the air mid-flight and act like mini-wings to keep the ball afloat on a stable path as the ball spins through the air.

Why do golfers change their ball on the next tee?

If you watch the top tours, golfers will change their ball on the next tee if they have hit a hard wedge on the hole before. Try it yourself, hit a hard wedge with a tour ball and you will see the mark on the cover where you hit it. This is because the ball literally sticks into the grooves of wedges to get the spin.

What is a bad golf ball?

A bad ball is one that doesn’t suit your game and a good one is one that does. Take time to try a few out from different brands and find what you like. It’s time to stop just playing a ball because your favourite player uses it. I play Titleist but my favourite golfer, Tiger (of course), plays Bridgestone.

Why is consistency important in golf?

Too many golfers just play whatever ball they find. This leads to inconsistency as, no matter your skill-level, different balls will act differently. Consistency is absolutely the most important thing in golf no matter how good you are. Sticking to one ball is that start of that process.

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 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.

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 is the beginner stage of golf?

In the beginner stage it’s all about stabilizing your game and finding consistency.

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.

Do golf balls have compression?

So now they tend to provide a compression category more than a number. Or even describe which players the ball is created for.

Why do golf balls have multiple layers?

This is because it provides the players with a complete package. The multiple layers function well with one another to provide optimum spin, feel, and distance. Each layer gets activated depending on your swing speed and the club you are using.

How many people can play golf with the same ball?

For instance, if 3 to 4 individuals are playing golf using the same golf ball, then it's advisable to use balls with different numbers. This will help you to distinguish one ball from the other after each round. The numbers most likely lie between 1 and 4. However, numbers between 0 and 9 are also acceptable.

What is mid spin golf?

The mid-spinning models lie in between the lower spins and the high spin options and bridge the gap between them. This makes it suitable for golfers who have average swing speed and control.

What causes a golf ball to compress?

Compression occurs when your golf ball squishies after it comes into contact with the clubface as you swing. In this manner, the club helps in propelling the ball forward by compressing the ball during the impact, thereby interacting with the core. You will find that two factors come into action during compression. These are the core of the ball and the swing speed. The higher swing speeds cause more significant impact when you hit the ball, thereby causing higher compression. As a result, the ball's core acts as the engine drives it to a longer distance.

What is the compression rating of a golf ball?

On average, most of the golf balls' compression rating lies between 50 and 100.

What is high spin golf ball?

High Spin Golf Balls: High spinning balls are mainly designed to enhance the ball's spin-off in the air. When you hit a golf ball, it’s released into the air with a sufficient degree of backspin. This ball can further increase this backspin, thereby creating a longer carrying distance.

How many dimples are there on a golf ball?

You will find around 300 - 500 dimples on the ball. The most common amount of dimples ranges between 336 – 392 with a depth of approximately 0.010 inches. Lots of depression will allow your ball to fly higher. However, note that too many can cause more enormous air pressure on the front area than the back resulting in a slowdown of flight. The typical didn't have a measurement of around 7/1000th of an inch depth. Dimples are available in various shapes, which include hexagons, ovals, teardrops, and circles.

How does spin work on a golf ball?

How it works: Based on the thickness of the firm mantle layer, spin can be adjusted up or down. It also helps keep ball speed (energy retention) up after impact without having to go to a harder cover and sacrifice spin. It’s a turbobooster for the ball.

How many favorites are there in a golf game?

Narrow the field to one to two favorites and head to the course.

What is premium value ball?

Premium Value: Offers some of the same technology as a premium ball (urethane cover and mantle layer) but at a lower price.

What are the areas of golf driver fitting?

(A solid driver fitting can help maximize any ball that proves beneficial to finesse shots.) Focus on the following areas for on-course review: 1. Chip and pitch shots—feel, spin, release 2. Approach shots—trajectory, spin, release.

Why is a ball sealer needed?

Why it’s needed: It seals the ball so moisture can’t enter the core through the porous cover. Depending on the number of mantles being used, performance characteristics can also be adjusted for different parts of the bag.

Why is a core needed?

Why it’s needed: It’s the engine that drives speed, velocity and performance. Without a core, the ball isn’t going anywhere. It should come as no surprise that the core takes up the most space underneath the cover.

Why do people like golf balls?

“People like it because it’s glossy, and that it feels good in their hand sliding it out of the sleeve ,” says Bartels. “That’s no coincidence.

Why is it important to use a brand new golf ball?

Using a brand-new ball is more crucial than you may think. Empowerment. You feel it when you pull a brand new golf ball from a sleeve. It’s shiny, fresh, and ready to be broken in. Especially for that very first hit, you have complete confidence in it traveling the longest because it’s never been struck before.

Can you use a virgin golf ball?

Not exactly. Using a virgin golf ball is advantageous, according to experts, giving you the best-possible flight consistency. Keep in mind that most ball models from the major manufacturers are so durable these days that they keep their liveliness for several rounds. But a brand-new ball will indeed give you the best-possible performance ...

Can hitting a ball throw off the aerodynamics?

Merely hitting the ball can scruff up the surface, which can throw off the aerodynamics.”. As can the ball bouncing off a cart path, skimming a tree, or even landing in a bunker. Softer covers -- typically urethane -- are most vulnerable.

Why are golf balls called everyman's balls?

The third type, one made in multiple layers, can be classified as an “everyman's” golfball because it allows a golfer to hit his drive long, while allowing him reasonable feel and spin capability.

How far can a golf ball travel?

Golf balls generally have an 80, 90 or 100 compression, or degree of hardness. For a long time, compression equated to how far a player could hit the golf ball. But recently, it's been established that an 80 compression ball will travel as far as one that's rated 100.

What is a soft golf ball?

By Bill Herrfeldt. Softer golf balls are ideal for shots around the green. If you have a high golf handicap, the ball you choose to hit makes little difference. If you like a particular brand of golf ball or prefer one type of ball over another, you should use it regularly. But as your game improves, the ball you use can make a difference in ...

Do golf balls fly longer?

Some golf balls fly a longer distance and some allow the player to have more “feel” of the shot, while others make it easier to impart more backspin. It all depends on the importance you place on each.

Do golf balls make a difference?

Overview. If you have a high golf handicap, the ball you choose to hit makes little difference. If you like a particular brand of golf ball or prefer one type of ball over another, you should use it regularly. But as your game improves, the ball you use can make a difference in a number of ways. Some golf balls fly a longer distance ...

Do dimples affect golf balls?

Dimples. Contrary to popular belief, dimples do not affect the amount of backspin you can impart on a golf ball. However, dimples do affect how long a golf ball stays in flight and, therefore, how long you can hit the ball.

Golf balls are numbered so that players can identify their ball and not get confused with other players

There are many different types of golf balls, each with their own characteristics. One thing that they all have in common is the number on them. Golf balls are numbered so that players can identify their ball and not get confused during play. The numbers usually follow a pattern, but there are some exceptions to this rule.

These days most manufacturers use letters from A to Z as well as numbers from 1 to 9 when assigning identifying marks for their equipment

If you’re a golf player, then you’ve probably heard of the acronym “golf ball numbers.” Basically these letters and numbers on your golf balls indicate how far it will go.

The numbers help golfers know which ball they should use for a particular shot

Golfers use different numbered golf balls based on what they’re playing. For example, the best ball for a player who is playing from off the green might not be the same as a ball used by a player shooting for par. Golf balls are also numbered to help players identify which one should be used for a particular shot.

The number also helps the golfer keep track of his or her score and how many strokes it took to finish the hole

Golf balls are numbered so you can keep track of your score. The number also helps the golfer keep an eye on how many strokes they have left to finish the hole.

Manufacturers may also include colors on their packaging that correspond with different levels of quality

Golf Balls are numbered to help golfers identify what ball is theirs. Manufacturers may also include colors on their packaging that correspond with different types of balls, such as a red ball for the pros and a white ball for amateurs.

Some companies have even started using GPS tracking devices inside each ball so you can find it if you lose it!

If you’ve ever wondered why golf balls are numbered, this blog post is for you. Some companies have even started using GPS tracking devices inside each ball so that they know where it lands and can hopefully send someone out to retrieve the lost ball.

Compression

Feel

Distance

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 l...

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Quality

Price

Summing It All Up

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions