Most golf balls are the same right? That’s what a lot of beginners think when they first start out – however it’s a myth. Sometimes even seasoned golfers are under this impression. In actual fact, it’s a vital component to any golf game. There are so many to choose from, it can actually be a difficult task. Here, we talk about which golf balls could be the best for you and how you know.
Why is your Choice of Golf Ball Important?
You might be surprised to learn that your choice of golf ball could actually improve your game on the course. Professional golfers take great care when selecting their golf balls, and clubs, much like a snooker player would when choosing their cue. The right golf ball could be the difference between winning or losing. Here are some of the major factors to take into consideration.
Soft v Hard Balls
Soft balls are better for feel and shaping your shots i.e. if you want to hit fades, draws and move the ball in the air. Hard balls are different as they have less feel but they can go further. So if distance is your objective, then hard balls are the ones to go for. Be aware that there is little less control and when they hit the fairway – they can also roll much further.
Swing Speed
Swing speed is a big influencer when choosing your golf ball. Soft balls are better for those of you who have fast swing speed, whereas if you have a slower swing speed – a hard golf ball is a better option. You need to bear in mind if you have a slow swing speed, you won’t get as much height on the ball too.
Your Handicap as a Golfer
You need to relate your ability as a golfer to the ball you choose. There are some rules of thumb you can follow such as If you have a handicap of under 5 you’d definitely benefit from tour-level golf balls. These will give you an increased distance off the tee, give you the ability to shape the ball and for the feel shots around the green to apply spin.
If you have a handicap of 5-15, you still will probably need a little bit of extra distance and extra spin to project the ball higher. Over 15’s will benefit from a harder ball for a straighter flight and less spin, but by using a hard ball you will gain more distance.
How to Test out Golf Balls?
There are lots of different ways you can practice with your new golf balls to make sure you have chosen the right one for your big game:
- Practice with a sleeve of golf balls at first so you can test out each one
- Try a variety of shots so you can test it out in every scenario i.e. chips, putts, drives to see what you liked and disliked from each shot.
- Test the feel of the ball when you hit it, and make sure you can hear a sold contact
- By this point, you should have a few possible options for you to try out the next time you play
If you have the time, test the shots out on the course – that way you will be playing on most accurate experience.
If you are in the early stages of your golf journey – hopefully this will help you on your way to choosing the perfect ball for you and improving your game.
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