The key to reducing your handicap is choosing the right golf ball. Your game is affected almost as strongly by the ball as your clubs. So it is important that you choose the ball that suits your preferences. Here’s a 6-step guideline for choosing the best golf ball. This is something I frequently review in my lessons and tips on golf. This is a new approach to selecting a golf ball. First, we’ll review the traditional historical method of choosing a ball for golf.
Selection Approach
This method allows you to pick a ball for play from the tee. This means that you hit the balls off the tee, and then observed how they performed. Your decisions were based primarily on control, distance and their preferences.
This was possible when ball manufacturing technology was more advanced. These were your choices.
1. A three-piece set with a balata covering is the best option if you want to have complete control. Although it offered good spin rates and soft feel as well as excellent maneuverability, its durability was lacking. This ball was a favorite of mine in my lessons on golf and tips for golfers with lower handicaps who are skilled at shotmaking.
2. A two-piece Surlyn ball is the best option for those who want to go far. It would last for a very long time and travel far. Its lack of spin made it difficult to control the ball, particularly around greens. For players who have high levels of golf handicaps and need more distance than control, I recommend this ball.
3. A three-piece Surlyn ball is the best option if you want something between. This ball offers more control and longer durability, but it does not offer as much distance. It worked fairly well.
For a while, this process was successful. It’s not the best way to evaluate today’s modern golf balls.
Innovations in technology
There were many breakthroughs made in ball manufacturing technology over the past few decades, making it difficult to choose. Multilayer balls such as the Top-Flite Strata which provides less spin for greater distance and a softer covering for better control on the greens were introduced in 1996. Titleist’s Pro V1–a long-range, solid-core distance ball–followed by the Pro V1–in 2000. In the past 10 years, Nike’s One (and Titleist’s Next) also made their debuts.
Although these balls represent technological advancements they still challenge the traditional approach to ball selection. You still choose a ball from the green based on control and distance.
A new selection approach
A new approach is available to selecting a golf ball. It is about going backwards from the green. This approach is more applicable to today’s game. This new method allows you to choose a ball by following six steps.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs
You must first (1) evaluate your game and (2) determine your needs. Then, (3) choose what kind of ball you desire. It is essential to identify your requirements before you can choose the best ball. You will not find the right ball for everyone. These are questions to ask yourself “Do I need more distance?” “Do I need more control with my irons?”
Step 2: Choose Test Balls
Choose the balls that you would like to try. Base your decision on your defined needs. Try selecting balls from each category–multilayered, two-piece, and super soft, low compression–to see how they test. Keep in mind that not all manufacturers make the exact same ball.
Step 3: Start testing from the Fringe
The test balls should be taken to the edge of the green. Take some pitch and chip shots to see the results. Check out which balls are on the green. “check”Then, hit it on the green. Hit some putts, and then sand-shot. Observe performances. Multilayer balls feel softer, will fly lower and check less on the green than two-piece counterparts. Soft balls roll farther with less spin when they touch the ground.
Step 4: Start testing at 100 yards
Then, take the balls and walk out to the fairway until you reach the 100 yard marker. Take each ball to the 100-yard marker and test it. After hitting the green, observe how each ball checks and releases.
Step 5: Start testing balls at 150 yards
Take your ball and move it to the 150 yard mark. Keep an eye on the result. Each ball should be evaluated using the same criteria.
Step 6: Remove the Tee from your hands.
Take your driver to the tee box, and have fun hitting the balls. You want drives to reach their highest point fast, then quickly level off and continue down the range. Drives that begin low, then rise like a jet plane during takeoff are not what you want. Such photos indicate that the driver is adding too much spin to your ball. These drives are shorter and hook/slice more.
However, you cannot go to the course for all of this testing. It’s fine to use your local range and practice area. These steps are complete and you are ready to make your decision. Base your decision on the most meaningful combination of performance qualities–meaningful to you, that is. Golfers that base their game on hitting the ball close to the target will likely prefer multilayer balls, even though it may mean sacrificing some distance and trajectory.
Your game is affected almost as strongly by a golf ball as it is your clubs. Try another ball if the one you have selected doesn’t feel right. Give each ball a fair trail.
As I explain in my lessons and tips on golf, choosing the best ball is not an easy task. But it is well worth the effort. To improve your game and reduce your handicap, you need the best ball. This helps you build your self-confidence. Make wise choices.