By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
For most of us, picking the golf balls we use is about as scientific as grabbing a few from the bargain bin or playing ones we find on the course. But not all golf balls are created equal.
It is true that they are all 1.68 inches in diameter. After that, things get complicated. There are different designs, different covers, different compressions and different dimple patterns. Golf balls are made for certain swings, so if you want to shave some strokes it is important to find the right ball.
It may take some trial and error, but here is some information to make your selection a little easier:
Kinds of golf balls
Two piece
It is a simple rubber core surrounded by a plastic or urethane cover. These balls are the easiest to find. They typically have low spin and are made for more distance.
Who should use them: The beginner or average hacker with a 20 or higher handicap.
Suggested two piece balls: There are many on the market. Bridgestone, Callaway, Titleist, MaxFli, Nike, Pinnacle, Srixon, Precept, Wilson, Slazenger and Top Flite are some main brands with good two piece balls.
Average cost: $10-$15 per dozen.
Three piece
Take the two piece ball and add another cover (either an enhance rubber or a liquid) between the rubber core and the outer cover. It is supposed to give more spin control for golfers who not only want distance, but a soft touch on the greens.
Who should use them: The mid-range golfer who can shoot in the 70s or 80s and can hit a target fairly consistently.
Suggested three piece balls: We found the Srixon Trispeed and Bridgestone e6 to be highly recommended in this range.
Average cost: $25-$30 per dozen.
Four piece
It has a two piece core, a thin mantle layer and then a urethane cover. These balls are not necessarily used for distance, but they are susceptible to spin. When Tiger Woods spins a ball back 15 feet at the Masters, he's using a four piece ball.
Who should use them: Professionals or low handicap golfers.
Suggested four piece balls: Titleist is a leader in the market. The Titleist Pro V1 is one of the most played balls by low handicap players. Srixon, Nike, Callaway and Bridgestone are also well played.
Average cost: $40-$45 per dozen.
Compression
When a golf ball is struck at impact it compresses, or squishes, before jumping off the club. Golf balls have compressions between 70 (hackers) and 110 (professionals). The lower the number the less club speed it takes to compress the ball. The number is either stamped on the ball or on the package. Compression doesn't matter as much as it used to due to technology, but it is a factor. If your club speed isn't fast enough to compress the ball, it can feel like a rock coming off the club.
Is there really a ladies-only golf ball?
Coloring a golf ball pink doesn't make it a ladies golf ball. It's all marketing. A ladies ball is simply a low compression ball designed for slower swings. These balls are sold to male golfers as well, but they are called "Laddies'' by some companies. And FYI, not all ladies have to use ladies golf balls. Michelle Wie hits a Nike 20XI, which is a four piece high compression ball.
And then there's these balls…
The Polara Golf Ball
Target golfer: The slicer.
Advantage: The ball has a dimple pattern that creates a horizontal spin when struck by a golfer who tends to slice. There are shallow dimples around the center of the ball and deeper dimples on each end. The shallow dimples create less lift, and with less lift there is less of a chance of the ball moving left or right of the target. The deeper dimples work with the shallow ones to create less drag, so the outcome is a lower, straighter trajectory. The Polara also has a line on the ball that faces the target when teed up.
Disadvantage: The ball is not going to carry as far as a normal ball. And when the ball is in the fairway, it is not likely to be lined up properly toward the target. So unless it's illegally moved, slicers are on their own for the next shots. And the ball is not approved by the USGA.
Cost: About $30 per dozen.
Volvik Crystal Golf Balls
Target golfer: Legally blind.
Advantage: The balls are brightly colored and easy to see off the tee and in the fairway. Some are multi-colored. They come in all types of styles, but most are two piece balls geared toward average golfers. There are also low compression balls for slower swings.
Disadvantage: They look like a ball you would get at a putt-putt course, but if they help a sight-impaired golfer play the game it doesn't really matter.
Cost: $14.99 per dozen.
The Floater Golf Ball
Target golfer: Those who tend to find the water hazards no matter what, or those who own driving ranges with lakes or ponds.
Advantage: You don't ever have to worry about losing a ball in the lake again. It is a two-piece ball with a low density solid center that allows it to float.
Disadvantage: You do have to take the heat from fellow players when you tee up a ball that says "Floater'' on it. They don't travel as far as a regular ball. And boy would it be embarrassing to lose your floater ball in the woods.
Cost: About $3 apiece.