So you may be wondering what do the numbers on a golf ball mean? All you need to know is below and the information could improve your game.
The choice of a golf ball is just as crucial as the choice of clubs for beginners. Do you go for control or distance, or even a combination of both qualities? Swing speed higher or lower. These are the main points that manufacturers rely on to separate their choices.
To guide you, we have listed four essential steps to know how to choose the golf ball that will suit you best and help you lower your scores on the course.
Step 1: A Golf Ball For Your Level
Balls have three factors: spin, control, and distance. If your handicap is high, you should opt for a “distance” or “control” golf ball. The more your handicap improves, the more you will feel the need to move towards balls that provide more spin (back effect). Better control of this effect is especially valuable in the small game. You can compare golf balls to get used to each peculiarity.
Step 2: The Golf Balls Number Of Layers
Modern golf balls are “multi-layered”, that is they consist of 2 to 3 layers, also called parts. The 3-piece balls were designed to add rear spin. Four or even five pieces are for excellent players who want to reduce this backspin effect. The choice of a golf ball and its layers is therefore also based on your own skill level.
Step 3: Golf Balls Speed And Compression
Generally speaking, the lower your handicap, the faster your swing speed and the greater the compression. You will then need a golf ball capable of withstanding this speed and limiting its deformation to preserve its qualities.
Thus the hard compression balls 100 or more are aimed at an audience of outstanding players. At 90, these are for the general public, predominantly male. Below (70 and 80), are classed as beginners golf balls are more aimed at women and beginners of all sexes.
The compression “rate” is seldom communicated by golf ball comparison brands and sites that prefer to communicate by the words “Lady,” “Pro,” etc.
Step 4: Golf Balls To Improve Your Game
Regardless of your handicap, feel free to try it out and do your own golf ball analysis. The pickiest of us can even do ball fitting. More commonly, look at your entire game to find out how to choose a golf ball and if it’s right for you: If you manage to regularly hit the green, but your ball doesn’t hold, maybe a golf ball with more “spin” could help. If you are consistently short on your drives, maybe you should aim for a “distance” ball.
Don’t hesitate to try different balls in the same game. If you are in a good place, the information gathered will be more reliable. Be careful though, changing the ball during a hole remains prohibited except with the odd exception.
Finally, one piece of advice applies to players whose game is improving: Now you know what do the numbers on a golf ball mean do not buy your balls per shipment of 100. Your swing changes, so will your choice of golf balls.
