January 2008
Selecting your golf ball
Here are some helpful pointers on how to find the perfect golf ball
Does playing the same golf ball as Tiger Woods mean an improved golf game? Through the power and appeal of marketing, every manufacturer today would like you to believe that if their product is good enough for the best players in the world, it surely must be good enough for you.
Need Help? A golf professional at the pro shop can suggest a ball that suits your game, budget, preferences and your ability level.—photo by Tanya Laing Moore
The golf ball can be an important part of your golf equipment, and the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Selecting the correct golf ball for your game can be difficult, but breaking it down to a few important considerations will make the task much simpler and ultimately far more effective for you and your game.
To the beginning golfers that read my column, you need not read any further than this paragraph. A golf ball will only respond and react as consistently as the person swinging the club; therefore, you will lose many more strokes each round to pilot error than you will to improper golf ball selection. This makes it very difficult to select a golf ball that will enhance your performance. Your decision should be based on value alone. Get as many balls as you can, for the least amount of money. Start by shopping for large volume value packs, or recycled balls.
However, as your golf game progresses, you will begin to show signs of consistency, as well as an increased sense of feel. You’ll begin to see some tendencies and develop some preferences for how your golf ball should feel and respond when you hit it. It is at this point that your golf ball decisions become more important to your game. When shopping for balls consider the following:
- Price – it is important to select a golf ball that you can afford to play and even more importantly, one that you can afford to lose. Major manufacturers make a variety of golf ball models so be sure to choose one that fits into your target price range. If the cost of losing a golf ball bothers you, you are undoubtedly paying too much;
- Needs – do some brainstorming about you, your game and your preferences. Figure out what you require your golf ball to do for you. Do you lack distance? Do you require a softer feel around the greens? Do you like a ball that spins more or one that spins less? Knowing what you want out of your ball is an important key to finding the ball that will give you what you want;
- Research – use the resources that are available to you. Search manufacturer websites, or consider asking your teacher or club professional. They will be able to suggest a ball that suits your game, budget, preferences and your ability level.
Still confused? Don’t fret…at the end of the day it is far more important to select a ball and commit to playing that same ball, all season, than it is to select the perfect ball. With golf balls displaying various playing characteristics—spin rates, carry distances, feel—it is tough to play consistently when your ball is reacting inconsistently.
During your quest for the perfect golf ball, remember that Tiger Woods ultimately uses a golf ball that is built for him. So to improve your golf game, work on buying a golf ball that is built for you!
Trevor Moore is a CPGA professional based in Medicine Hat, he owns and operates Advantage Golf Academy. You can contact him via his website www.advantagegolf.ca.