Many golfers don't take enough care in choosing golf balls that are right for their particular game. So, the next time you buy golf balls, make sure you aren't just choosing the longest golf balls on the market or you could be losing accuracy.
Is there a way to decide which is the best golf ball for your level of golf and your golf club swing speed? There is a way; you first need to comprehend the function of of each type of golf ball.
For the purpose of this article I will not get into details about the diameter of a golf ball, how much does a golf ball weigh, the number of dimples on a golf ball, or the specific materials that go into making a golf ball. Instead I will go over the important factors that will help you in choosing a golf ball that is right for you.
One Piece Golf Balls
The one piece golf ball is made from a solid material and is normally used on the range as a practice ball and sometimes by beginners. Although it is very durable and inexpensive it doesn't give you much distance.
2-Piece Golf Balls
Two piece golf balls have a solid core enclosed in a cover which is made of a cut proof material, making them very durable. They are the ones that are used by most casual golfers because they give you maximum distance. This is because of their firm feel and low spin rate that causes them to roll further on the fairway. The drawback is that they are not as controllable as a softer ball.
3-Piece Golf Balls
Three-piece balls have a solid or sometimes liquid inner core followed by a secondary core and then covered by an outer cover. Skillful golfers generally use these balls as they can control the extra spin and soft feel of them around the green. They are controllable for teeing off and so more accurate and the spin rate and feel factor makes them a good ball for short irons and chipping.
The Four Piece Golf Ball
The latest advancement in golf ball technology is the 4-piece golf ball which is a good combination of a distance ball with spin and feel. These balls are more suited to the mid to low handicapper all the way to the professional golfer. They are designed for maximum distance of the tee, give you good spin off your mid-irons, and good control and feel around and on the greens; their biggest disadvantage being their high price.
Low Spin Rated Golf Balls
Low spin golf balls spin less and therefore they don't carry as far but they will roll further on the fairway. The low spin doesn't just apply to back spin but also to side spin, which makes them less likely to hook or slice and so are suited to higher handicap players looking for straighter shots.
Mid Spin Rated Golf Balls
Mid spin balls are the most popular and widely used golf ball. They are a mixture of good distance and good feel or control which gives you the ability to hit long drives and with good accuracy. The degree of softness available depends on the brand that you choose though.
High Spin Balls
These golf balls create the most backspin which in turn maintains the ball in the air longer for a longer carry distance. They won't roll far once on the fairway because of the backspin but they are great for control with the short irons and have good feel on the green.
Firm Feel Balls
When you hit a firm-feel golf ball you will notice that they feel hard against the club face. Distance golf balls are generally firm feel; they give you the distance but lack the feel around the green. Mid to high handicappers normally go for these balls as they want more distance and are not worried to much by the lack of spin for their approach shots. They are also very hard-wearing and don't scratch or mark easily.
Mid Feel Balls
The most popular golf ball for the mid handicapper is the mid feel golf ball, as they combine the ability to produce good distance and control.
Soft-Feel Golf Balls
Soft feel balls are used most often by the pros and by more skillful players. These players appreciate the ability to control the spin onto the greens and the extra feel on the greens. They are obviously very well matched for use with your short irons when you need to control the spin. Less skillful golfers loose distance with these balls and will easily mark or scuff them.
Golf Ball Compression
The feel factor relates directly to the compression rate. Most golf balls are rated by the amount that they compress; a compression of 0 deforms by 0.2 inches or more and a compression of 200 does not compress at all. Soft feel balls are low compression golf balls that have a compression rating of around 50 to 70; whereas hard feel golf balls are high compression that are rated at around 100 or 110. Manufacturers can use different systems to rate their balls so they can differ from brand to brand.
It is generally recommended that slow swing speed golfers use golf balls with a compression rate of 80; golfers with an average swing speed should use compression 100; and Compression 110 is best for fast swing speed golfers.
The compression of a golf ball should be chosen with care depending on the weather conditions. When it is hot, golf balls compress more so you should choose high compression golf balls; so, obviously, when it is cold you should choose low compression golf balls.
When the golf course is very wet you will need to choose a golf ball that has more carry and less spin to achieve maximum distance. On the other hand, when the course is baked hard by a prolonged dry spell, choose a golf ball that has a soft feel and higher spin rate for more control.
I like the following golf balls for beginners: Nike Juice 312, Titleist NXT, and Top-Flite Freak. They are all low spin, 2-piece construction balls that give good distance.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!
