Are You Playing with the Right Golf Balls? How Can Golf Balls Affect Your Play

Golfers spend hours for studying golf clubs and comparing pros and cons of different models and brands to make sure to choose the best option. But when it comes to golf balls, they don’t tend to be as thorough. Those that know the influence of balls on the play, however, take the selection of golf balls very seriously.

Distance or Control, or Both?

Though many golfers think that golf balls don’t have any major influence on their play, they do. In fact, they have a major influence on distance and control both of which play the key role in performance.

There are basically three types of golf balls to choose from. The so-called distance balls are obviously designed to help the golfer achieve longer shots. But since the outer layer is made from a harder material, distance golf balls have a lower spin rate which makes them more difficult to control. Low handicap golfers, on the other hand, often prefer control golf balls. These are softer and have a higher spin rate. But there is also a third type of golf balls that offer an alternative to both distance and control balls by combining the elements of both. Theoretically, they offer both distance and control but in reality, they are rather a compromise between the two.

Advanced or Recreational?

In addition to golf balls that help improve distance or control, or offer a combination of both, you may also come across advanced and recreational golf balls. Obviously, advanced golf balls (also known as professional golf balls because they are used by pros on the tour) are made using advanced technology and materials which, however, doesn’t make them the best choice for every golfer. This is because they are made for golfers with swing speed of at least 90 mph. If your swing speed is lower, playing with professional golf balls won’t help you achieve your full potential. Golfers with swing speed of less than 90 mph will perform much better with recreational balls and at the same time, pay less per package.

Advice on Choosing the Right Golf Balls

Which golf balls are right for you above all depends on your skill level. If you’re a beginner, you probably want to increase the distance of your shots. Also, you need the balls to be durable and inexpensive because there will be plenty of miss-hits but there will be also many lost balls before you reach the level of an advanced golfer. If you have a low handicap, you should consider golf balls which give you more control rather than distance.

Another option are combination balls which have less spin than control balls but add more distance to your shots though not as much as distance balls. Combination balls are recommended for golfers who are not exactly beginners and not quite advanced yet.