Golf Balls And You

Go to your local golf store and look at the mounds of golf balls...you have Titanium core, low-compression, soft, long, hard XLs, VIs, Ultras, Tours, Premiers and on and on....it can be confusing to the average golfer.

The good thing to know is that all golf balls must conform to USGA rules and must have a maximum weight of 1.620 oz., z diameter not less than 1.680 inches and attain a maximum velocity of 250 feet per second.

But beyond that, you will find that different golf balls will suit different golfers.

Ball Types

There are three main classes: spin, balance and distance.

Spin: Designed for more spin. Usually three-piece construction with a central core [liquid for highest spin] and surrounded by rubber windings and covered with a soft, thin material known as balata. These balls offer more spin, which makes them an easier ball to fade or draw for the more accomplished golfer and they have a tendency to really "hold" onto the green.

They feel softer and won't go as far as the distance balls will. The beginner should take note that the cover on these balls is usually Surlyn, which is a durable, synthetic material [or it is a Surlyn blend] and the lower cost balls of this type can offer a lot of durability in a golf ball.

Distance: These are manufactured with harder, more-durable covers and will have solid cores. Most of these types are two piece. The inside section of the distance ball is made of a firm synthetic material and the combination of cover firmness and solid core allow the ball to travel farther and yet be very durable. But this type of ball offers far less spin. This makes them harder to control and less likely to "stop" and stay put where the finesse golfer wants them to.

Total Performance: This is a compromise golf ball. It tries to give you the best balance of distance, control and spin in one small package. These "performance" golf balls are usually of a multi layered, multi-construction type and more preferred by the better golf players.

Covers

Surlyn: Hard and tough cover to cut with less feel but offers more durability to the golfer. The cover gives you more distance but is harder to control with less ability to maneuver the ball. This is a good cover for beginning golfers.

Blends and synthetics: Usually found on two-piece and wound golf balls. They tend to be more expensive but will give the golfer a softer feel and offer very good durability.

Urethane Cover: Typically a softer cover that offers better feel and control. These urethane covers are usually found on the multi-layered golf balls and are usually also found in the total performance types of golf balls.

Balata: Very soft feel. Usually combined with a wound construction for the ultimate combination of soft feel and better control. Not good for beginners because it has poor durability.

Construction

Two-Piece: dual construction with large and solid inner core (generating great distance) with high restitution outer cover surrounding it. The result? Maximum energy transferred at impact from the club head to the ball!

Multi-Layer: usually three or four layers with the core of the ball wrapped in one or two layers under the outside cover. These multi-layered golf balls are great if you have moderate to high club head speed and want both distance and feel.

What is right for you?

Well, if you are a beginner you want to make sure you get a ball with a very durable cover. No offense, but you will be hacking and slashing the crap out of the ball and you want something rugged. You don't want a golf ball that cuts easily or loses shape, both characteristics that makes the ball fly badly. You will have enough problems getting the ball to fly properly without adding to your woe and getting discouraged. And of course, you save money with a ball that lasts longer.

On the other hand, more accomplished  players should steer away from Surlyn covered two-piece balls. Why? Well, these balls don't offer as much "feel" as the others and they won't allow you to "work" the ball with the abilities you have honed.

Balls that are  multi layered and multi-construction can offer you a blend of spin, distance and control. If you have developed a feel for putting spin on the ball, you can look for balls of this type.