How To Choose The Right Golf Ball For You
Choosing the right golf ball can be a tricky decision for any golfer, but if you’re relatively new to golf it’s very overwhelming. After all, golf balls all look pretty much the same, right? So why do some golf balls cost so much more and how do you know which one to choose?
While golf balls might all look similar on the outside, they have very different constructions. In this post, we’ll take a look at the differences between golf balls and how a little more insight can help you choose the right golf ball for you.
What are the differences between golf balls?
The way a golf ball is constructed and the materials used have a significant impact on its feel and performance. You’ll commonly see golf balls called a ‘1’-piece or ‘2’-piece, which refers to the number of layers it has. Golf balls can range anywhere from one to five layers (1-piece to 5-piece).
One-piece golf balls
Made from solid surlyn, these golf balls are mostly found at mini golf or budget driving ranges.
You can buy them incredibly cheap and they’re a great way for businesses to keep costs lower when performance is not a concern. The dimples are molded into the golf balls and they have no cover or core. These characteristics mean they lack significant distance compared to other golf balls and aren’t recommended for golf course use.
Two-piece golf balls
Golf balls with two layers feature a large solid core made from rubber or polymer blend with a thin outer cover made of ionomer. These are the most popular and best choice for recreational golfers, beginner golfers to those with mid-handicaps or higher. The main characteristic is a low spin rate, which favors golfers looking to hit it longer and straighter. They feel firmer around the greens, but for golfers not yet hitting spinning pitches or chips, they make a good choice.
Three-piece to five-piece golf balls
Multi-layered three-piece and upwards golf balls are the choice of professional tour players and more advanced golfers. A slightly smaller core makes room for thin multi-material additional layers and the cover is sometimes urethane instead of ionomer. Performance will vary depending on the exact materials, but these golf balls offer more spin control and workability than two-piece golf balls.
Ionomer vs. Urethane covers
We mentioned that the cover of a golf ball can be either ionomer or urethane. This thin layer of material makes a big difference to how a golf ball spins and feels on shorter shots.
Ionomer is a firm and durable material that transfers energy more efficiently for higher ball speeds and less spin. Urethane is a slightly softer material that offers improved feel and control around the greens for more advanced golfers.
What is compression and why does it matter?
Compression is how much the golf ball compresses upon impact with a golf club.
Golf balls with a lower compression rating will compress easier under less pressure, making them perfect for golfers with a slower swing speed. The ability to create the compression with less force creates a spring-like effect that helps with distance. It also typically produces a higher launch angle and less spin. Most common in two-piece golf balls, low compression is known for creating a softer feel on longer shots.
Higher compression golf balls are the preferred choice for low scoring golfers that normally have faster swing speeds. These golfers already have the ability to sufficiently compress the golf ball, so they choose an option that gives them higher spin for more control. If you’re a high handicapper with a fast swing speed, maybe try a higher compression two-piece golf ball.
Not all manufacturers publish the compression ratings of their golf balls, but if you want to find out, check out this helpful list by Golf Info Guides.
How do I choose the right golf ball?
Your golf swing and skill level are good guides for helping you narrow the search to find the right golf ball. Now that you have more knowledge on this, you can try out different brands and models to see what works best for you. Similar golf balls from different brands can have slightly different feel, looks and durability.
Higher handicappers, beginners and golfers with a slower swing speed should try two-piece, ionomer low compression golf balls. These golfers should all be prioritizing long and straight ball flights. Around the greens playing the chip and run should be your go-to shot, so additional spin is not needed.
Low handicappers and more advanced golfers will want to look for higher compression, urethane multi-layered golf balls. These golf balls give you the ability to shape shots, hit spinning pitches and have great touch around the greens.
For golfers that sit between these two categories, it might take a bit of trial and error to find the right golf ball, but try out both a three-piece ionomer or lower compression urethane.
More expensive doesn’t mean better
It’s easy for golfers to get lured into thinking a more expensive golf ball will perform better. Not only is this not true, but it might even hinder your game. The Titleist ProV1 is the most widely used golf ball on the PGA Tour, but that doesn’t mean you’ll start spinning your chip shots and hitting big bomb drives. A better option is to go with the correct golf ball that fits the type of golfer you are and where your game is at.
The materials and technology are more costly for multi-layered urethane golf balls, that’s why they come with a premium price. However, it’s the more budget friendly two-piece golf ball that’s going to help a beginner golfer get extra yards off the tee.
The role of “women’s balls”
The designation of a golf ball as "women's" typically refers to characteristics such as lower compression and softer feel. As mentioned above, these golf ball characteristics can suit players with slower swing speeds.
However, it's essential to remember that individual preferences, swing speeds, and playing styles vary widely, so selecting the right ball should be based on personal factors rather than gender-specific labels.
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