Golf ball basics are important for any golfer to understand. Whether you’re just starting out with golf or you’re a seasoned pro, understanding the basics of golf balls can help you make the most of your game. Golf balls come in various sizes, weights, and materials, so it’s important to choose the right ball for your game. The size, weight, and materials affect how a golf ball behaves in flight and can make all the difference between a great shot and a dud.
For beginners, the best golf balls are those that offer a combination of durability, spin, and distance. Durability is important because you don’t want to replace your golf ball often. Spin is essential because it will help you control the trajectory of your shots, even if you don’t have the most powerful swing. And distance matters because it will help you get the most out of your shots, even when you don’t hit the ball as far as you’d like.
Differences between Different Types of Golf Balls
Choosing the proper ball is essential if you are serious aboutimproving your golf skills. There are a few differences between different golf balls. The cover, dimples, core, layers, and hardness are important factors. Some golf ball types cater to professionals, and others are designed for beginners.
Dimple Design
The golf ball’s surface is covered with dimples. Some might believe they are part of the aesthetic design that distinguishes the golf ball from the balls used in other sports. But this isn’t the case. Most golf balls have between 250 to 500 dimples, which are essential for aerodynamics. The dimple patterns direct the airflow and help the golf ball move further, providing spin and distance. Beginners should opt for a ball with 300 dimples to get started.
Coating
There are two major categories of golf balls: urethane and surlyn. Urethane golf balls offer an increased spin rate, better control, and a softer feel than surlyn-based golf balls. The tradeoff is that they can be more expensive and don’t last as long. Golf balls with surlyn covers tend to be longer lasting and often travel further due to their harder core. However, they may not offer the same level of control and have slower swing speeds than the urethane options.
Both types of material are good for beginners who need to learn how to adjust shots based on their equipment. Surlyn, however, doesn’t create much spin and is quite affordable. Urethane covers are mostly reserved for the pros.
Compression Core
The core or the part inside the golf ball determines its hardness. Compression ratings range from 30 – 110, with higher numbers indicating a firmer feel when struck by the clubface. The higher the compression rating is, the harder the ball is.
Generally, beginners should look for lower compression options (50–80) as these will provide better feedback and distance off the tee without sacrificing forgiveness on mis-hits or poor contact points.
A soft core ball emphasizes the spin. On the other hand, hard balls are better at achieving distance. Higher compression golf balls (90–110) are best saved for those with advanced swing speeds since they tend to work best with drivers and woods with high launch angles and very low spin rates off the clubface.
Color
Golf balls are traditionally white. However, this doesn’t have to be a definitive rule. For some, the ball’s color can improve the game. People with eyesight problems can use bold colors like orange to see the ball better.
Number of Layers
The compression is covered by layers. Two layers are ideal for golfers who want consistent ball flight with slow swing speeds. The layers highlight the core, so balls with more thin layers are usually more suitable for professionals who know how to control high-end balls.
The Advantages of Beginner Golf Balls
Advanced golf players can play well with any type of golf ball. However, beginners might find it difficult to master their golf clubs. Carefully choosing your golf ball can help you improve your game of golf and control your swing.
The majority of golf balls come with different numbers of layers and designs. Due to these differences, the compression rating changes accordingly. Balls with many layers are suitable for advanced golfers, as this impacts the distance, height, and spin rates. Better players will look for less driver spin and more wedge spin, provided by a ball with more layers.
Best Golf Balls for Beginners in 2023
High-quality golf balls have a higher price and might be challenging to control. If you are a beginner, go for distance control and spin control balls. A ball with one or two layers, a surlyn coating, and a 90-compression rate would be ideal for a newbie.
You might think that expensive golf balls equal better game spin, but this doesn’t have to mean you should splurge. You can find affordable golf balls that will help you improve your skills and achieve your golf goals.
Titleist Trufeel
The Titleist Trufeel is perfect if you’re looking for an inexpensive option to get started with. The brand is known for producing equipment with a premium price and quality. However, this type of ball is reasonably priced, which makes it perfect for amateur golfers. This soft golf ball provides excellent control for newbies. The minimal spin allows beginner golfers to achieve greater distance and get a grip on the initial ball speed. It is available in red and yellow.
TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe
The TaylorMade Tour Response Stripe golf ball features a distinctive design to help you master your golf skills. It is an ideal ball for beginners since they can use the stripe as a guideline for aiming.
Callaway Warbird
The Callaway Warbird allows you to achieve speed and distance. The aerodynamic design provides the perfect swing at moderate swing speeds. The larger core and enhanced greenside control might be exactly what you’re looking for. Callaway’s popular golf balls come reasonably priced, making them a good starting point for average golfers.
Callaway SuperSoft
Callaway SuperSoft favors multi-material construction to provide low speed and enhanced control. The aerodynamic dimple design ensures a high ball flight thanks to balancing the drag. The softer ball is available in vivid colors, which is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a ball that can be seen from a distance.
Srixon Q-Star Tour Divide
The Srixon Q-Star Tour Divide is a popular ball that provides insights about your spin with every shot, thanks to its smart design and vivid colors. The softer core and firmer layers enhance the feel and distance performance.
TaylorMade Distance
This is the right choice if you’re looking for distance golf balls. The aerodynamic dimple pattern enhances speed and maximum distanceperformance. The plus sign on this distance ball aids aiming and positioning, allowing you to get that greenside spin right.
Srixon’s AD333
Srixon’s AD333 features a soft center and firmer layers, being an excellent choice for players who want to master the slow swing. The design provides enhanced friction at impact to boost spin and achieve excellent distance.
Looking for a little more help to improve your game of golf? Add The Stacker to your golfing gear. This golfing accessory will help you stack your golf balls in a nice-looking pyramid while helping you to count the balls you use and regiment your practice.
