Although golf is primarily a sport of skill, the equipment you use does impact your overall performance and experience. And no equipment is quite as vital to the sport as the golf ball.
As a golfer, it is only natural that you’d want to improve your game by investing in the best golf ball you can find available. In this post, we will be going over the various types of golf balls and other features that make up a good golf ball.
What are the factors you Should consider when picking a golf ball?
There are a handful of things you should be aware of before you decide which ball you’d like to buy.
Anatomy of the ball
So much of how the ball travels is determined by the ball’s anatomy. Not all golf balls are the same. Key differences in various parts of the ball can influence the drag, speed, travel distance, spin, etc.
The core
The core of the golf ball holds the most influence over the finished product. It affects the spin rate, initial velocity, and compression. Higher compressions better serve high swing players, while lower compression cores are better for golfers with slower swings.
Cover material
Golf balls are typically covered with one of the two materials: Surlyn and Urethane. Both have been used as far back as the 1960s. Surlyn produces a harder cover and less backspin because it's made an ionomer resin. They are a great choice for beginner golfers. Urethane is softer instead, and it provides increased control and backspin. It is often preferred by professionals.
Dimples
Dimples are essential for reducing drag and improving the control of a golf ball. More dimples usually equal more speed up to a point, and most manufacturers use between 300 to 400 per ball. The shape, size, and depth of a golf ball influence its speed, control, and trajectory.
Ball construction
Another important factor to consider is the layering or construction. Two-layers and multi-layer balls provide two very different performance outputs.
Two-piece balls
Two-piece golf balls only have the core and cover, with no extra layers in-between. They are great for beginner and high handicap golfers, and they are cheaper than multi-layered golf balls. They fly fast, are durable, and easily slice past minor obstacles on the course.
Multi-layered golf balls
These types of golf balls are for more experienced players. The extra layers on the ball improve the golfer's control, feel and ease with shot-sculpting. They also further enhance a ball's spin.
Why should you care about golf ball fitting?
Numbers, statistics, and fancy specifications are fine, but nothing will tell you more about a golf ball than testing it out firsthand. Getting a good reading of the specifications and numbers and how the golf ball feels will tell you if the ball is right for you.
Most golfers typically stick to a handful of golf balls they are very familiar with. It’s important to find a ball you can perform consistently well with.
What Personalized features can you get?
Aside from the performance and anatomy side of things, there are other customizable features that can add more personality to your golf ball.
Printing on the ball
You can add almost any word, lettering, or logo to your ball if you purchase from manufacturers who offer that. You could add a long signature, a phrase, or your name- the possibilities are endless.
High-visibility
Generally, most golfers prefer to locate and retrieve their golf ball after each shot. High-Visibility ensures that almost always happens. These balls feature a unique color profile that allows you to easily track the ball while in flight.
It is a worthy investment if you are interested in maintaining consistent performance and reusing your ball.
What are the different types of Golf balls?
Different kinds of golfers prefer or use different types of golf balls. Beginners and intermediates prefer certain types of golf balls as well as low-handicap, long-handicap players.
Tour Performance Balls
Tour performance golf balls are golf balls with a core and several mantle layers that enhance the golfer's control and feel. They are excellent for shot-sculpting and spin well around the green. They spot a thinner cover for enhanced spin and are perfect for experienced to mid and even low- handicappers.
Soft Feel Balls
Soft Feel balls are low compression balls that allow for a slight deformation on impact. Their cores and covers are constructed to enable this, and this causes the ball to spin slower and fly straighter.
Distance Balls
These types of golf balls are designed to enable straight shots that travel distances easily. They are often multi-layered, with a solid core and very minimal spin.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about golf balls.
Q: Do hard or soft balls go further?
A: Lower compression balls or soft balls compress to travel more distance, while higher compression balls typically need an experienced golfers' swing to push it further. An experienced golfer, regardless of ball compression or core, will be able to make the ball cover large distances.
Q: Does water ruin golf balls?
A: Golf balls can't get ruined by water unless they've stayed submerged for a long period. Golf balls soak up water over time, and that can affect their performance.
Q: Do Golf balls go bad with age?
A: Golf balls do not spoil or go bad with age. Unused golf balls can be stored for up to 10 years at room temperature without deteriorating.
Q: Are two-piece golf balls better than multi-piece?
A: They are not. Two-piece golf balls are for beginners who need the extra distance and less spin and rotation to each shot, while multi-piece balls are for professionals who want more control.
Q: Should you use colored balls?
A: You should if you want to. There are no performance disadvantages of using a colorful ball.