Have you ever wondered if the golf ball you are playing is different from the golf ball your friend is using? Or how his golf balls have different designs and spin? Generally, how many types of golf balls are there? These are very common questions asked by many golfers and they have a valid reason for this. See, golf can be a complicated game if you are looking to get information about the equipment you are using and this information can help you understand your game better than those who just play golf for fun
.Getting knowledge about the type of golf ball you are using or the dimples on it or it’s compression can make you stand out on the course. So, In this article we are going to tell you about golf balls of different types based on different construction, preference and technology.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow many types of golf balls?
Generally golf balls have three base categories, construction, player speciality and technology. These base categories have different types of balls for different skill sets.
Types of golf balls by construction
Golf balls that are differentiated by construction types means the amount of layers used in manufacturing the golf balls. It has four types such as the following.
One piece
One piece golf balls are the most commonly used golf balls for practice. These are the simplest and cheapest golf balls to produce. They are easy to manufacture because they only contain one piece from core to cover. Usually the material used is Surlyn and is perfect for beginners and driving ranges. These golf balls usually lack distance and competitive play.
Two Piece
Two piece golf balls are made of two parts, one is the core and the other is the cover. The core is made of hard rubber and the cover is made of either Surlyn or Urethane . These balls have a good distance and are used by everyday golfers. These balls have less spin and are great for beginners and high handicap players. One of the best two piece golf balls is the new Callaway Supersoft.
Three piece
Three piece golf balls have three layers, the core, the middle layer and the softer cover. These balls provide good control on shots and are loved by many mid-handicappers and semi pros. The softer cover provides great feel and performance around the greens. It is one of the most used types of golf balls A great choice for this is the Titleist Pro V1.
Four piece/Five piece
These balls have multiple layers and complex construction to maximize performance. Four piece golf balls like Taylormade TP5 are made for players who require a specific type of spin and distance. Four piece balls are used by advanced players. Five piece golf balls are the maximum performance golf balls . These balls are used by professionals and advanced players. One of the greatest five piece ball is the Taylormade TP5x.
Types of golf balls by Player Speciality
Player specialty golf balls are balls that have the construction types explained above but are more focused on a particular performance trait of the golf balls like spin etc. These balls have other specifications but are a little lower than the main one. It has three types and are explained below
Spin
Spin is an important factor of golf ball and is mostly considered in short games. Spin helps players control the ball better. Understanding the golf ball spin can help you in uplifting your game around the greens.
- High spin
High spin golf balls are best for players who prioritize more control and stopping power around the greens. High spin golf balls generally have a softer cover with multiple layers of construction that help in enhancing spin allowing for better shot making capabilities. One of the great option is Titleist Pro V1x.
- Low spin
Low spin golf balls are great for players who are struggling with accuracy. Low spin golf balls reduce spin for great flight paths and help players who struggle with slices. High handicap players mostly use low spin golf balls like Bridgestone e6 to improve their accuracy
Compression
Compression means how much a golf ball compresses on impact with a golf club. High compression balls are for high swing speed players while low compression balls are for low swing speed players. Compression also helps to move the ball with great distance. Knowing your swing speed can help you a lot while choosing compression focused golf balls like Callaway Warbird.
Distance
Distance golf balls as their name suggests are used to achieve maximum distance on the course. Distance golf balls are made of lager cores and a thin cover. These balls are great for slow swing speed players who want to reach maximum yardage in their shots. One of the most commonly used distance golf ball is the Srixon Distance Golf Ball.
Types of golf balls by Technology
Technology golf balls are a type of golf balls that are more focused on the advancement of the golf ball in addition to the construction and performance trait golf balls. These golf balls are used in competitive play and are more expensive than the normal balls.
Dimple Design
The dimples on a golf ball play a crucial role in its aerodynamics. The design and number of dimples affect how the ball travels through the air, influencing distance and stability. The optimal number of dimples can enhance flight characteristics, making it an essential consideration for manufacturers. The most unique dimple design golf ball is the Taylormade TP5x.
Embedded Technology
Some modern golf balls like Titleist Pro V1 include tracking technology, such as RFID, to help golfers locate lost balls. While this technology is not permitted in competitive play, it is beneficial in practice settings and driving ranges, providing players with valuable data about their shots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Understanding each type of golf ball can help you choose from a wide range. We recommend first checking your swing speed by using the swing speed calculator then choose the best type according to it. Make sure to consider the factors like compression, construction, spin and preference while choosing the golf balls. Selecting the best golf ball can help you uplift your game of the course.
FAQs
Golf balls can be categorized into three main types based on construction, player specialty, and technology. Each of these categories further breaks down into specific types, such as one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, and five-piece for construction; high spin, low spin, and compression for player specialty; and dimple design and embedded technology for technology.
The best type of golf ball depends on the player’s skill level and preferences. For beginners, two-piece golf balls like the Callaway Supersoft are recommended for their distance and durability. For advanced players, multi-layered balls like the Titleist Pro V1 or Taylormade TP5x provide superior control, spin, and performance around the greens.
One-piece golf balls are typically used for practice and by beginners.
Low spin golf balls, like the Bridgestone e6, are best for high handicap players looking to improve accuracy.
High compression golf balls are beneficial for players with high swing speeds, providing greater distance.