Many years ago, when I was beginning my golf journey, the question that most confused me was. Do golf balls make a difference? And will my performance improve after using another ball? Look, golf balls are usually overlooked by many beginners but they shouldn't be because they are an important part of the game and a golfer's performance usually depends on the equipment he is using. In this article we will provide a brief explanation of whether golf balls are worth it for beginners. Best options for them and how to choose the best one for your game.
In general, yes golf balls matter a lot in your game especially for professionals. The ball with the perfect control, flight and aerodynamics according to your swing and club can make you stand out on the golf course.
But finding these types of balls by yourself is very hard and can cost you a ton of money. And most of the people don't know how to choose the best one so we will provide you the options for your game and how to choose if you find another option.
How to choose a golf ball?
Before choosing a golf ball many factors are considered. These are the factors you should be looking for.
Ball cover
Golf balls usually have two types of covers one is the Surlyn cover and the other one is the urethane cover. Before choosing the cover you should measure you swing speed by using the swing speed calculator. After that you will be able to make a great choice.
The Surlyn cover is a great choice for beginners as many of the beginners have swing speed less than 80 MPH. The cover provides a great distance and is loved by many beginners and players with low swing speed. The urethane cover usually benefits players with high swing speed. Urethane covered balls provide more control and spin.
Compression
Compression usually refers to softness or hardness of the ball, the softer the ball is the lower the compression is. It means the amount of energy transferred from the club to the ball. When buying a golf ball, consider looking at the compression rating. Most of the professionals look for a compression rating of 100+ as they like control in their shots.
High compression balls should also be used by casual golfers and high handicap players, but new golfers should consider compression rating a little and use balls with mid compression rating like below 100. Golf balls with high compression ratings are usually expensive.
Number of Dimples
The next thing you should consider are the number of dimples on a golf ball. The most overlooked thing on golf balls are dimples. Most of the golfers don’t know what golf ball dimples do. The dimples on a golf ball help in creating distance and spin by increasing the surface area and altering how wind forces react with the ball.
The common number of dimples on a golf ball are between 300 and 500. The higher the dimples the greater the distance of the ball. Many balls usually have a number of dimples around 300 to 350. Professionals look for a high number of dimples in golf balls because control matters a lot for them.
Number of layers
A large number of people aren't aware that golf balls are made of different layers. They are not like bowling balls and baseballs. Different types of golf balls have different types of layers. The number of layers also depends on the golf ball manufacturer. Cutting a golf ball from the middle would look like a diagram of earth's core.
The types of golf balls layering are two piece, three piece, four piece and five piece. But the most commonly used one is the two piece with a thin but tough cover and a very large core. These balls are usually used by beginner or casual golfers and are also very cheap. These balls minimize spin but offer great distance and reduce the amount of slice and hook of the ball.
The three and four piece balls have a tough core with two inner layers and a relatively soft cover. These balls are tour level balls that are used by professionals. These balls provide more spin which increases the balls control on greens. Allowing skilled golfers to play more controlled shots. Multi layered balls are very expensive and only offer professional and semi-professionals.
Hardness
Have you ever been hit by a golf ball? If yes then most of the time it feels hard. But by picking a golf ball and thoroughly checking it you will find that some balls are harder and some are softer. This hardness of the ball helps in the distance of the ball. The harder the ball the more distance it will travel in a straight shot but many hard golf balls lack spin. But are a great option for golfers with high swing speeds.
If you are a golfer with lower swing speed and like more control on your shot then you can choose soft balls. These balls have a great forgiving feel and can uplift your game with high spin rates.
Options for Soft Balls
Options for Hard Balls
Do golf balls matter for beginners?
The general answer to this is no. Most of the golfers starting out using the best equipment would make me an expert golfer, but, it is not true. Many think that using urethane cover, high compression balls, balls with more dimples and this kind of stuff would make them a professional. The truth is if you have the best options available and don't know how to use it then that equipment is a waste of money.
Golfers starting out should consider improving their angles and stance. Using balls with very high spin would make their game very difficult. So beginners should opt for golf balls with some spin, control and around 300 dimples. Sticking to the basics can help golfers standout.
Do golf balls make a difference for low-mid-high handicappers?
For low handicappers golf balls are very crucial. Low handicap players have refined swing and can strike the ball constantly. These players benefit from using premium balls as they provide better control spin and feel around the greens helping in precise shots. The added spin can help with shaping shots and executing precise short-game shots.
Mid handicappers also see benefits from the right golf ball, though their priorities differ. They need a balance of distance, forgiveness, and durability. Balls like the Callaway Supersoft offer straight flight and good distance, helping to minimize the impact of mishits and improve overall consistency.
High handicap players should mainly use softer golf balls with low compression and low spin. High handicap players replace their golf balls more often so they should use one dollar ball rather than expensive balls. Most of the characteristics of beginner balls will suit these players also. They benefit from balls that offer high forgiveness, durability, and straight flight.
Do golf balls matter for seniors?
Yes, golf balls matter for seniors. As swing speeds often decrease with age, seniors benefit from using balls designed for lower compression and softer feel. These balls can help maximize distance with less effort, providing a more enjoyable and effective playing experience. Additionally, softer golf balls can offer better control and feel, making it easier to execute precise shots. Choosing the right ball can lead to improved consistency and performance, enhancing overall satisfaction on the course.
Conclusion
Do golf balls make a differece? The golf balls matter in your game but they also vary ball to ball and person to person. So next if you want to buy a golf ball please consider checking your skills and your game type to make a final decision.
