Golf is a game that can be felt most pleasuring or most frustrating, depending on some tricks and the equipment you are using to play. It is undeniable that skill is the foremost need for mastering any game. Along with that, choosing the equipment according to your stage and skill level is essential to be a successful golfer.
Golf balls are among the necessary types of equipment you must have for playing golf. And these little shiny round balls leave a significant impact on your play. If you are a beginner, you should know the importance of choosing suitable golf balls for you, making the game superb, or wasting money and time.
There are various types of golf balls available at your nearby pro-shops and online. So it is pretty normal to become confused as you have so many choices there. That’s why you should know the ball types and which one is an exact match for your skill stage. Here, we will discuss some essential facts you need to know before pursuing the purchase.
The Elements
Golf balls have three primary elements that make up the ball altogether. These are- core, cover, and dimples.
The core is the insider part of the ball, responsible for the compression and overall density. The contraction of a ball determines the distance and swing speed. High compression golf balls are good to go for the advanced level golfer as it delivers faster swing speed. High compression balls feel challenging when you hit them. Other hand, golfers looking for a lower swing speedball covering a considerable distance can go for a lower compression golf ball. Lower compression golf balls feel softer when hitting.
For covers, the manufacturer uses two typical bodies for golf balls- Surlyn and Urethane. Surlyn is the most common and used cover because it is perfect for beginners and compatible with pro golfers. Surlyn has been using for golf ball cover since the mid-1960 for its durable quality. Urethane-covered golf balls are mostly suggested for experienced golfers.
Dimples on the cover make the ball recognizable as a pure golf ball. But does add beauty is the only work for those dimples? Those tiny dimples over the golf ball cover create a thin layer of air to provide a long swing distance and high spinning rate.
There are also different layered golf balls available, and you might get wondered what the layers are used for. Let’s discuss it in brief.
1. One-piece golf ball
Families and friends play golf together with one-piece balls. Rigid plastic balls are used. Beginners and recreational golfers can benefit from these balls. The balls are highly durable and affordable. But they can’t assure you the distance you need on the course.
2. Two-piece golf ball
If you find the right ball for your daily practice, two-piece golf balls can be your suitable choice. They have a rubber core and a simple surlyn cover in general. These balls are lightweight and deliver maximized distance with lower spin and movement. Also, the standard surlyn body makes the ball durable and long-lasting. The only drawback is this kind of ball is wrong in controlling part.
3. Multi-layer construction
Multi-layered golf balls consist of a hard or liquid core covering 2,3, or 4 layers of the rubber cover. The outer layer is fragile and mostly made of a urethane cover, making the ball more expensive and convenient for the game. This thinner layer also increases spin and feels soft. Multi-layers provide control and shot sculpting.
Multi-layered golf balls are generally suitable for mid to high-experienced golfers who have to attend professional tours. That’s why these balls are expensive than any other ball. If you are a beginner, I would not suggest you buy this one for the primary level.
Golf balls are also categorized in other criteria, and that is the spinning rate. There are low spin, mid-spin, and high spin golf balls.
1. Low Spin Golf balls
Low spin golf balls have lower sidespin, and so, it gives a long distance. These balls are used, especially when you have to hit straight and cover a considerable distance.
These balls are used mainly by golfers who have a slower swing speed. Professional or tour players generally do not use low spin balls.
2. Mid Spin Golf balls
By the name, you might get understand that these balls are in between low and high spin. Mid-spin golf balls are the correct choice for most golfers. You can get a reasonable distance along with the feel when hit. On top of that, the spinning rate is controlled so that you can enjoy perfect hitting.
Mid-spin balls can be an excellent choice for your day-to-day golf practice and gameplay.
3. High Spin Golf balls
Tour players use high spin balls mainly because they are incredibly skilled and know how to control high spin balls on the green. These balls create more spin and deliver a higher ball flight. If you are an absolute beginner, this is not the time to use high spin balls. Once you are skilled, you will know what shot you have to hit with high spin balls.
Facts to remember when choosing a golf ball
Now you know the types of golf balls, but this is not enough to choose a particular ball for you. You still need to know some tips and follow them before selecting a specific quality ball.
Pick as many as possible.
At starting, you might get confused, seeing so many choices at the shop. Don’t go for picking one random shiny white ball. Try to gather as much as possible for you for the beginning.
You will find some balls better with distance and some better with spin. Pick both. And then practice with all the choices. Start with putting, do some chipping, and pitching practice. Find out which one is comfortable when you play.
Once you find your compatible golf ball, cling to it. Make that your favorite choice. In the beginning, playing with random balls was not very useful. Cling to a specific type and build your skill with it.
Check compatibility with your club.
When buying golf balls, it is essential to remember that the ball you choose will provide different performances with different clubs. Performance varies upon wedges, iron, drivers, and putters. You have to check the compatibility of selective balls with your club.
Often we think about spin and distance. But being compatible with the club is another condition before buying golf balls.
Compression is not a significant consideration.
Since you are starting golf recently, compression should not be a significant consideration in purchasing a golf ball. High compression balls are suitable for tour players as they need to transfer more energy during shots. Golfers with a fast swing speed of 100-110 mph use high compression balls to gain distance quickly.
You don’t need to go for a high compression one as you still didn’t develop your swing speed. So, go for a low compression ball for the beginning.
Change balls often
You might think you have purchased a decent, durable ball then why you should change the balls often. Well, the balls you have purchased might be stable, but you should change them for your better performance. Playing with the same ball for a long time will negatively affect the game. Check the cover of the ball thoroughly. Maybe it has scratches or has dimples fade away. It is time to buy a new one!
Pricing and budget can be another essential consideration when buying golf balls. Premium balls are costly, and that’s because of the performance they deliver. I suggest you go for a mid-premium one with your preferable brand at starting.
By now, you might have an idea of the types and tricks in choosing the right golf ball for you. But when you start playing in real, you will have a better idea. Get some balls and start practicing with each one and figure out the pros and cons.