Does the Golf Ball You Use Really Matter?

So, you have all those clubs in your bag, and you are ready to head out to play a round. But what about the golf ball you plan on using?

The question here is whether or not it really matters about the ball you use. After all, surely each ball is going to work in the same way?

Well, it’s not. In fact, the ball you use is significantly more important than most people realize. Actually, we would highly recommend you spending some time getting to grips with the best ball for your game. The difference it can make is pretty spectacular.

The Difference in Golf Balls

Before we dive into explaining why the right golf ball matters, let’s set one thing straight here. We are not talking about the difference between balls you use on the course and those on the range.

The difference between range and course balls are huge, and also pretty obvious. However, the difference that exists between different course balls will also be huge, and that is where our focus is going to be.

But with this, the short answer is that the golf ball you use does matter, and it comes down to several rather important factors.

The Cover

First, let’s look at the cover of the ball as that’s going to make a huge difference. Better quality balls will tend to come with a urethane cover. This gives you superior control over your shot, and also more feel combined with better spin.

These balls are going to help more experienced players with a lower handicap thanks to the feedback that you can get from your shots. 

Also, those balls viewed as being more of a premium ball, will have a tendency to create better distance off your shots. Add in some better feedback and control on the green, and it does mean you are likely to shot better scores as a result.

The Importance of Spin

We mentioned the spin aspect there, and it’s really important. But don’t think that you will always need a ball that generates a lot of spin.

In fact, if you have a higher handicap, then using a ball with a cover that can generate a substantial amount of spin is not a good idea. 

With a cheaper ball, it is often the case that it has a different cover, and it’s certainly not created from urethane. The material they use will generate less spin, and it will also be less responsive when it comes to the green.

If you are just starting out in the game, then having a ball that offers less spin could lead to better shots especially if you have a tendency for a mishit.

You see, when you have a higher handicap, it’s often the case that your club will be either too open or too closed at the point of addressing the ball. If you use a ball that generates more spin, then it’s only going to make matters worse in that respect.

Compression Rating

Golf balls have a compression rating, and this rating directly refers to how soft or hard the ball is. A lower number means the ball is softer, and this will change how it reacts after being struck.

A low compression ball does offer less control and won’t even fly as straight. This ball will have a rating of less than 80, so keep that in mind.

A medium compression ball, which means a rating of around 90, is going to offer better distance, and slightly better control. If you are struggling with both areas, then this could be a good ball for you.

Finally, there’s a higher compression ball, which means over 100, and this will offer the best accuracy.

But choosing compression is not as easy as that.

Instead, it’s often felt that people with a slower swing speed and beginners will do better with a softer ball. This is due to the slower swing speed needing more energy being generated via the ball to add some distance. At slower speeds, the control issue becomes less important.

If you are a more advanced golfer, then a medium compression ball does tend to give you better balance with your shots. It manages to provide that synchronicity of distance and control leading to improved rounds.

Finally, if you are all about power, and with a fast swing speed, then a high compression ball will make a difference. It provides you with more accuracy and control over your shots, and this becomes important when you are hitting with absolute force.

The Ball and Your Game

The key here is in understanding your own game. You need to know where you struggle and how a ball could help to partly correct those issues.

As we just showed, your swing speed has an impact on the ball you should use. Swing speeds affect distance and power, so a ball can help reduce the number of yards you are losing out on, so take advantage of that fact.

It also depends on that control aspect. If you are starting out, then merely making contact with the ball in the correct way is all that is important. Having a ball that helps you out with the control aspect can mean those wayward shots are just not as bad as they could have otherwise been.

Overall Conclusion

So, there’s only one conclusion we can draw here. The golf ball you use really will matter when it comes to your game. In fact, it can change how you score, and it’s amazing to think that something as apparently small as the golf ball can have such an impact.

But it’s not all about trying to get the best ball money can buy. It is directly related to your own game, and where your game is at. Just buying the best ball can actually make matters worse if you are struggling in different areas of your game.

The best course of action is to try out a few different types of ball, and ask your local pro for advice on the best one for your game. They can tell you more about distance, spin and trajectory, and you may be surprised at how much difference the ball can make.