Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Golf Balls

Size of the ballConsiderations for Driving
The "Rules of Golf" says that a golf ball's diameterDistance balls are designed to fly further and with
must be a minimum of 1.680 inches / 42.67 mm.more accuracy. This means you will be less likely
A smaller ball would fly much further than a largerto land in the rough, in a hazard, or out of bounds.
ball. The reason for this is simple: with a smallerDistance balls have their drawbacks, however, as
diameter the ball has less air resistance, or inthey will be harder to stop on the green. Mid to
other words, it displaces less air as it flies.high handicappers should favor a distance ball.
Because of this, most manufacturers produce golfOptimum Performance in Your Approach
balls with the minimal diameter (1.680 inches /Spin balls are made with outer layers that take on
42.67 mm).more spin when you strike them with angled club
Weight of the ballfaces. Drawing or fading around obstacles and
A golf ball's weight must not exceed 1.620 oz./hazards therefore becomes easier, as they will
45.93 g according to the "Rules of Golf". Thebend more to the left or right. They also take on
heavier the ball, the greater its momentum, andmore backspin when struck with a lofted club -
the less it would be slowed down by airthis is important, as the balls will therefore stop
resistance. Hence it would tend to fly further. Formore quickly on the green.
this reason most manufacturers produce golf ballsWhilst spin balls used to be made with fragile
with the heaviest sanctioned weight of 1.620 oz./outer layers that were prone to damage, this
45.93 g.problem has now been largely averted with the
Compression Ratesintroduction of solid multilayer construction,
In the manufacturing process, some two-piece,replacing the old flimsy balata covers.
and all three-piece balls are rated by theirGetting More Control
compression measurements. This is done byDistance balls designed to stop quickly when on
pressuring them with a standard weightthe green, but with minimum risk of slicing or
Balls that don't deform at all are ratedhooking are known as control balls. The Nike One
Compression 200, while balls that deform by 0.2"and Titleist Pro V1 are members of the new
or above are rated Compression 0. These are thegeneration of balls that are so versatile they will
two extremes, and between them balls are ratedperform in any situation.
in intervals of 0.001 inches. The StandardBalls for Slow Swingers
Compression rate is usually 90 or 100. the higherKnown variously as Ladies or Senior balls, these
the compression rate the harder the feel, andballs increase driving distance to improve the
vice versa. Almost every ball is subject to ascores of players with slower, less powerful
compression rating. Compression rates of 80 andswings.
100 are also found.Choosing the Right Putting Ball
However, manufacturers are not bound by anDifferently designed balls will roll for different
official standard. Hence one manufacturer'sdistances on the green. As a rule of thumb,
compression rate of 100 can be different toharder balls role further. The difference is more
another manufacturer's compression rate of 100.than you would think. Teaching professionals
This can mount up to a 3.5 point difference inrecommend that you putt with the same kind of
either direction. In addition, some balls don't evenball all the time, as this will help you to calibrate,
have the compression rate printed on them.feel, learn and reproduce the connection between
According to a host of surveys, low speed swingstroke strength and distance. As most balls aren't
players are better off using balls with aperfectly balanced, they won't roll absolutely true,
Compression rate of 80. Players with an averagebut higher quality balls will be generally more likely
speed swing should choose Compression 100, andto stay on course, due to higher standards of
Compression 110 is best for high swing speedquality control during manufacture.
players.Affordability
The weather should always be taken intoTry to always play with the same balls that you
consideration when deciding on compression ratespractice with. So if you can't afford to practice
to use. Low compression balls are best for colderwith a high quality ball, don't switch when playing
weather, while high compression balls performcompetitions. A ball that has been overused will no
better in cold water.longer be spherical, and so is no good to you. Play
Tips for choosing the right balls for you:balls that you can afford to replace regularly.