Typically many golfers use a variety of different balls every time they play but unfortunately all balls perform differently. Important points to consider when choosing the best option for you:-
- Do you require extra distance?
- Do you require extra feel? (not to be confused with specifically being an extra spin ball)
- Do you require extra spin?
- Do you require a cost effective ball?
- Do you buy the cheapest because you have a restricted budget?
- Do you require a coloured ball because your eyesight isn’t what it was?Let’s look at each point in more detail…. coloured balls show up easier however, there are not many ball choices and typically there are few high spinning versions…..low to mid price range. A cost effective ball choice should be based on justified affordability, control, feel and distance….normally mid to slightly higher of the price range.
To achieve extra spin is a 2 fold equation…firstly use a high spinning ball and secondly with your irons you need to achieve the correct angle of attack through impact collecting the ball off the clubface before you catch the ground with your divot….top of the price range.
Improved feel can be enhanced from a high spinning ball or a low compression ball typically described as a ‘soft feel’ version….normally high down to middle price range. To choose a ball for extra distance you can either consider it to be a very hard ball or a low compression ball….normally low to mid price range. Summary – A hard ball gives you a solid contact, a possible few extra yards with a driver, is awkward to control, is low spinning and is at a low price. A low compression ball can feel soft and is supposed to give a few extra yards off the tee, but has poor spin qualities or moderate at best….mid price point. A high spinning ball will enhance feel, control, improve backspin and surprisingly your distance won’t be compromised….(basically has more features to offer) at the high price point.
As many of you may be aware l promote the Titleist range of balls and in particular the Pro V1 and Pro V1x balls. Many golf pro’s would recommend a short hitter benefits from a low compression ball….Titleist disputes this saying there is not enough evidence this is the case and in any event one can only achieve up to 6 yards extra distance on average with a driver but everything else will be less as swing speeds are reduced with shorter clubs. I’ve heard many experts tell ladies, seniors and short hitters to use a low compression ball as they are not a good enough player or don’t compress the ball enough to use the top of the range balls…again Titleist completely dispute this due to the fact that a compression test is purely a test to define the relative softness of a ball. Basically Titleist say all golfers if they can justify the cost should use a high spinning ball as it will increase control and feel being the key to lowering one’s scores where most golfers play over 50% of their shots from inside 100 yards….surprisingly their distance with a driver won’t be compromised. The Pro V1 range of balls from Titleist typically retail new at £48.00 plus per dozen which makes these out of reach for many however, I sell a very rare new looking latest model Pro V1 from £30.00 to £33.00 per dozen dependant on whether you select the current model or previous model….these balls are unmarked and are not refurbished unlike a lot of the refurbished balls golfers see advertised.
Since the year 2000 Titleist has produced 10 different versions of The Pro V1.Callaway, Taylormade, Srixon and Bridgestone do their own high spinning ball versions but none of these have such a durable cover like the Pro V1.
