Casual golfers don’t give a lot of thought to choosing the right golf ball. They think of the golf ball as simply a tool that really isn’t important. After all, you’re just whacking it around the course, right? Wrong! Having the right golf ball can gain you distance in your drives, make it easier to pull off finesse shots, and so much more!
Basically, there are three types of balls: balata, two-piece, or a combination of both. Golf balls are constructed with three types of purposes in mind as well: distance, spin, and control. Choosing an appropriate golf ball really depends on what you are looking for in your golf game.
Are you a low handicap player looking for great spin and control? If so, choose a balata golf ball. This is just a softer ball that has a softer cover and allows for more spin. This is the ball that most professionals choose. They are also more expensive than other balls.
Perhaps you have a higher handicap and are looking for more distance and durability. This is where a good two-piece ball will be best. This golf ball has a harder cover which creates less backspin allowing you to hit it further.
Some golf balls are designed for slower swing speeds with a lightweight construction that catches air. They are generally marketed for women or seniors, but plenty of men will play these balls because it gets them extra distance.
Believe it or not the weather you are playing in can make a difference in which golf ball you use. Course conditions can also dictate golf ball choice. Let’s say the course has been deluged with rain. In this case, you will need a ball that will travel father and produces less spin. If you are playing on a rock hard, sun-scorched track, choose something softer that will land soft and spin.
Look at the temperature as well. Balls for men come in two compressions – 90 and 100. When you hit the ball, the ball compresses. Therefore the 90 compression ball will be softer than the 100. If it’s cold, the ball will not compress as much so you will want to play a 90 compression golf ball. If it’s hot out, you will want to opt for the 100 compression.
In general, two piece balls are going to give you more distance and they will be more durable so they will last longer. Solid core golf balls will offer less trajectory and can spin for better accuracy. Even the dimples on the ball can have an effect on your game. Smaller dimples lessen trajectory while larger dimples increase it.
Choosing the right golf ball really is important to playing a good game. There are many, many choices on the market. Explore which golf ball you may want to use and then try it out. Experiment and in time, you’ll find exactly the right golf ball for you.
5/23/11
5/22/11
Are You Really Using The Right Golf Balls?
Contrary to what many people think, all golf balls are not made alike. In fact, they are so diverse that there have been over 5,000 design patents for golf balls given in just the last ten years. It may seem like they haven’t changed in decades, but golf balls are some of the most researched and advanced pieces of equipment in any sport today.
Selecting a ball that is right for the way you swing is critical to your golf game. As important as picking the right set of clubs, you need to find the type of golf ball that matches your style of play and your golf swing. Different golf balls have a different spin and a different feel. They are made with different cover materials and of varying density. Picking the one that works for you depends on your skill level and how you hit the ball.
The first thing you might look at is the compression of the ball. This relates to how tightly the ball is wound. The lower the compression the softer the ball. Softer balls are better if you have a slow swing, they will fly farther but are harder to control. High compression balls, on the other hand are easier to control but are best used by those with a fast swing.
To decide which golf ball is best for you, you can divide them into 3 general categories. The solid two piece ball is the most common and, of course, the cheapest. It is comprised of a hard cover over an inner core. This is a good ball for beginners which can often hit the ball thin or fat.
The three piece ball is multilayered. Softer than the two piece ball, it gives you more control but won’t fly as far. This ball is recommended for intermediate players as it will let you get more spin and control over your shots. The three piece ball is more expensive than the two piece but can add an edge to your play if you are past the beginner stage and looking for something to give you an edge.
The high performance balls can be rather costly and won’t last as long as the other types of balls. These balls are for the expert player who wants more control and spin than the three piece ball can offer. Although it is costly, this type of golf ball has what it takes to go the distance.
Selecting a ball that is right for the way you swing is critical to your golf game. As important as picking the right set of clubs, you need to find the type of golf ball that matches your style of play and your golf swing. Different golf balls have a different spin and a different feel. They are made with different cover materials and of varying density. Picking the one that works for you depends on your skill level and how you hit the ball.
The first thing you might look at is the compression of the ball. This relates to how tightly the ball is wound. The lower the compression the softer the ball. Softer balls are better if you have a slow swing, they will fly farther but are harder to control. High compression balls, on the other hand are easier to control but are best used by those with a fast swing.
To decide which golf ball is best for you, you can divide them into 3 general categories. The solid two piece ball is the most common and, of course, the cheapest. It is comprised of a hard cover over an inner core. This is a good ball for beginners which can often hit the ball thin or fat.
The three piece ball is multilayered. Softer than the two piece ball, it gives you more control but won’t fly as far. This ball is recommended for intermediate players as it will let you get more spin and control over your shots. The three piece ball is more expensive than the two piece but can add an edge to your play if you are past the beginner stage and looking for something to give you an edge.
The high performance balls can be rather costly and won’t last as long as the other types of balls. These balls are for the expert player who wants more control and spin than the three piece ball can offer. Although it is costly, this type of golf ball has what it takes to go the distance.
Learn How to Save Money With Used Golf Balls
Golf is sometimes a frustrating game. Many have been known to lose their cool after hitting a golf ball into the rough, a sand trap or the water. Sometimes, the ball just seems to disappear. Tired of wasting all that money on golf balls that don’t seem to ever come back? Try investing in some of the used golf balls available online.
If you golf, chances are you’ve gone through your share of balls. They seem to get lost all the time, and the costs mount quickly. Even the best golfers routinely lose balls, and for the average duffer, these “misplaced” golf balls can quickly become an expensive addition to the golf outing.
Used golf balls that are in great condition and ready to play can be purchased in bulk over the internet. There are many companies that sell used balls, usually in dozens. Different companies have different grading systems but they are all relatively similar.
Most sites describe some sort of quality assurance sorting, so that the balls are graded. Balls are sorted into various categories and sold by the dozen.
Top grade used golf balls are often called Grade A or Grade 1, one or two sites listed them as Grade AAA. They are usually described as like new. Many customers have commented that these balls are often indistinguishable from the new ones, and can be subsequently lost just as quickly as those right out of the sleeve. These are usually described as near perfect with a slight blemish or mark.
Slightly less perfect balls are Grade B or Grade 2. These have more than one mark, but play like new. Accordingly, the price is a bit less than the near perfect ones.
Finally, there is a third grade called Grade C or 3. Occasionally the site will go ahead and call them range balls. These balls are more used, with several marks and blemishes, but would be suitable for range play or practice rounds. These are even less expensive than the others.
Make sure that your site specifies that there are no “X out” or manufacturer rejects. You should be receiving slightly used, but good balls. Also, you may want to inquire if the site you have chosen allows water balls. I’d avoid these if possible.
Check with your local golf club as well. Sometimes local clubs hold sales of used balls to clear their inventories as well. You may be able to buy back some of the balls you lost last season!
Finally, compare price and shipping costs on your used golf balls. Most shipping charges seem to run between $5.95 per dozen and $7.95 per dozen, but verify in advance. You should also be able to get a significant shipping discount for orders of more than one dozen.
Shopping for used golf balls can be a great way to cut the expenses of your golfing habit. Before you hit the links, try purchasing some practice balls you won’t mind losing!
If you golf, chances are you’ve gone through your share of balls. They seem to get lost all the time, and the costs mount quickly. Even the best golfers routinely lose balls, and for the average duffer, these “misplaced” golf balls can quickly become an expensive addition to the golf outing.
Used golf balls that are in great condition and ready to play can be purchased in bulk over the internet. There are many companies that sell used balls, usually in dozens. Different companies have different grading systems but they are all relatively similar.
Most sites describe some sort of quality assurance sorting, so that the balls are graded. Balls are sorted into various categories and sold by the dozen.
Top grade used golf balls are often called Grade A or Grade 1, one or two sites listed them as Grade AAA. They are usually described as like new. Many customers have commented that these balls are often indistinguishable from the new ones, and can be subsequently lost just as quickly as those right out of the sleeve. These are usually described as near perfect with a slight blemish or mark.
Slightly less perfect balls are Grade B or Grade 2. These have more than one mark, but play like new. Accordingly, the price is a bit less than the near perfect ones.
Finally, there is a third grade called Grade C or 3. Occasionally the site will go ahead and call them range balls. These balls are more used, with several marks and blemishes, but would be suitable for range play or practice rounds. These are even less expensive than the others.
Make sure that your site specifies that there are no “X out” or manufacturer rejects. You should be receiving slightly used, but good balls. Also, you may want to inquire if the site you have chosen allows water balls. I’d avoid these if possible.
Check with your local golf club as well. Sometimes local clubs hold sales of used balls to clear their inventories as well. You may be able to buy back some of the balls you lost last season!
Finally, compare price and shipping costs on your used golf balls. Most shipping charges seem to run between $5.95 per dozen and $7.95 per dozen, but verify in advance. You should also be able to get a significant shipping discount for orders of more than one dozen.
Shopping for used golf balls can be a great way to cut the expenses of your golfing habit. Before you hit the links, try purchasing some practice balls you won’t mind losing!
5/21/11
Golf Ball Science - The Scientific Discoveries Behind The Dimples
The dynamics behind the flight of the golf ball offers a fascinating insight into the physical interworkings of air pressure, turbulence, and advanced aerodynamics.
When golf was first played in Scotland, most players played using clumsy golf apparatus, with the first golf clubs and golf balls made of wood.
In 1618 the “Featherie” was introduced. It was a golf ball made of feather. This feather golf ball was handcrafted from goose feathers tightly pressed into a horse or cowhide sphere while still wet. After drying, the leather shrank and the feathers expanded, creating a hardened golf ball. As this type of golf ball was specially handcrafted, it was usually more expensive than golf clubs, so that only a few privileged people could afford to play golf back then.
After the Featherie golf ball came the Guttie golf ball. This type of golf ball was made from the rubber-like sap of the Gutta tree found in the tropics, and was shaped into a sphere when hot and eventually into a golf ball. As it was made of rubber, the Guttie golf ball could be cheaply produced and easily repaired by reheating and reshaping.
Comparing the two types of golf balls, the Featherie golf ball was said to travel farther than the Guttie golf ball because the Guttie golf ball’s smooth surface prevented it from covering more distance.
With this discovery, the developers of golf balls came up with the “dimpled” golf balls that are so predominant in modern golf nowadays.
The dimples on the golf balls help reduce the aerodynamic drag. Aerodynamic drag normally affects smooth golf balls and slows them down, because when they sail through the air, they leave a pocket of low-pressure air in its stir thus creating a drag.
By applying dimples to the golf ball surface, the pressure differential goes down and the drag force is reduced. These dimples create turbulence in the air surrounding the golf ball, which, in turn, forces the air to clasp the golf ball more closely. By doing so, the air trails the warp created by the golf ball towards the back instead of flowing past it. This results in a smaller wake and lesser drag.
Dimples were first added onto golf ball surfaces back during the gutta percha phase. Coburn Haskell introduced the one-piece rubber cored golf ball encased in a gutta percha sphere. Then in 1905 William Taylor applied the dimple pattern to a Haskell golf ball, thus giving rise to the modern golf ball as we know it today.
After its beginning, dimpled golf balls were officially used in every golf tournament. In 1921, the golf ball took its current form with standard size and weight. Nowadays there is a wide range of golf balls to fit every style, game and condition, with some golf balls offering control, and other golf balls offering distance.
Though a common sight nowadays, the dimpled golf ball is not just a mere element of the sports arena; it is a showcase of physics at work.
How Easily A Muffin Tin Can Improve Your Golf Game
Any golf player will tell you that a lot of confusion can stem from not being able to identify your ball on the course. When two balls fall near to the hole but also near to each other, the debate over which player made which shot can get quite uncomfortable. This kind of awkward situation can take a lot of the fun out of this otherwise soothing sport, and can negatively affect your ability to play well.
During an argument, your muscles naturally tense in order to prepare you for the possibility of a physical attack. This response is meant to protect you in a high stakes life or death situation. But in a low stakes situation like a game of golf your body’s natural defense mode can sabotage your game by keeping you all wound up, when what you really need on the course is to stay calm. Golfing experts agree that one of the keys to a perfect shot is relaxing your muscles so you can achieve your maximum range of mobility and greatest efficiency of movement. To keep play moving swiftly without being halted by snafus, to keep your cool and avoid heated arguments, and to keep yourself relaxed in order to achieve your best game, it is a good idea to make your golf balls unique.
By making your golf balls stand out from the ones owned by other players on the course, you can take a big step towards being a better and happier golfer because you will be minimizing one of those hassles of the game.
Some people purchase monogrammed balls, which is a smart way to make sure your golf balls can’t be mistaken for anybody else’s on the course. Other people buy golf balls as souvenirs on their trips to unique places, and doing this all but guarantees that your ball will stand out. However, both of these options can be quite costly. And, every golfer knows that balls get lost easily and often, which makes expensive golf balls quite a luxury. Most amateur golfers balk at spending a lot of money on golf balls that will inevitably disappear into water traps or get lost in the rough at the edge of the course.
For an inexpensive and simple alternative to buying pricey monogrammed or souvenir golf ball, you can mark your balls at home. First, get a small muffin tin and place one golf ball in each of the indentations. This will keep the balls from rolling into each other while they are drying. Then, take a permanent marker and mark the top of each ball. You can write your initials; or use a simple symbol like a star, a square, or even a large dot. Leave the tin and the balls in place for a few hours so the ink can set, and then get ready to hit the course. The next time that you need to know if a ball is yours, all that you will have to do is look at it and then move on with no hassle, and without any of the tension that can sabotage your game.
During an argument, your muscles naturally tense in order to prepare you for the possibility of a physical attack. This response is meant to protect you in a high stakes life or death situation. But in a low stakes situation like a game of golf your body’s natural defense mode can sabotage your game by keeping you all wound up, when what you really need on the course is to stay calm. Golfing experts agree that one of the keys to a perfect shot is relaxing your muscles so you can achieve your maximum range of mobility and greatest efficiency of movement. To keep play moving swiftly without being halted by snafus, to keep your cool and avoid heated arguments, and to keep yourself relaxed in order to achieve your best game, it is a good idea to make your golf balls unique.
By making your golf balls stand out from the ones owned by other players on the course, you can take a big step towards being a better and happier golfer because you will be minimizing one of those hassles of the game.
Some people purchase monogrammed balls, which is a smart way to make sure your golf balls can’t be mistaken for anybody else’s on the course. Other people buy golf balls as souvenirs on their trips to unique places, and doing this all but guarantees that your ball will stand out. However, both of these options can be quite costly. And, every golfer knows that balls get lost easily and often, which makes expensive golf balls quite a luxury. Most amateur golfers balk at spending a lot of money on golf balls that will inevitably disappear into water traps or get lost in the rough at the edge of the course.
For an inexpensive and simple alternative to buying pricey monogrammed or souvenir golf ball, you can mark your balls at home. First, get a small muffin tin and place one golf ball in each of the indentations. This will keep the balls from rolling into each other while they are drying. Then, take a permanent marker and mark the top of each ball. You can write your initials; or use a simple symbol like a star, a square, or even a large dot. Leave the tin and the balls in place for a few hours so the ink can set, and then get ready to hit the course. The next time that you need to know if a ball is yours, all that you will have to do is look at it and then move on with no hassle, and without any of the tension that can sabotage your game.
Golf Balls That Match Your Skill
Any golfer knows the role of the golf balls in their plays. No matter how good a golfer is, if he is without golf balls then his skills have no value. Every golfer knows these facts. This is why golf balls had become the primary commodities among golfers.
There is no general way to determine which golf ball is best for individual players. This factor is almost entirely dependent on the golfer's own preference, what he may do with the ball and how much will his pockets allow him.
For some, a single brand of golf ball says it all. They would stick to them for as long as they would want and most would never play if not playing with their particular brand of golf balls. Some people may call this insanity but this is an individual preference.
While a number of golfers may be practicing this, it is not thoroughly advisable to adopt this same attitude towards golf balls. The most ideal way of choosing balls is to use common sense, especially for beginning golfers.
A beginning golfer must never keep in mind what other people has to say about golf ball brands, may it be positive or negative. It must be pointed out that loosing balls for beginners is natural and this would mean that he need not focus yet on the quality or the brand name. What he needs is the low cost value the golf balls offer.
The best option for beginners is to buy golf balls sold in bulk, around 50 balls or so in a single bargain. These normally are balls that have been gathered from the greens and have been "recycled". What's good with these used balls is that they are commonly branded (but that doesn't matter actually) and one need not grieve for having lost any of such balls. On the average, losing a golf ball is around a hundred percent for most beginners through sessions of hit practicing.
With upgrades in the skills come the upgrades on the ball qualities. But this still don't suggest that intermediate players should rush to nearby golfing supplies and buy the most expensive balls from there. The golfer must not compromise price for his level of skill.
The golf balls he buys next will depend on his skill level. If he has great tendencies on failing on hits, he still needs to stay put with cheap balls. But this is not to the extent of using the same used balls. This time buy new inexpensive balls.
If for instance the golfer usually miss-hit the balls, then the balata-covered balls is nor the most appropriate ball to choose. Scratch players on the other hand would most likely prefer the golf balls that would offer lesser spin and more control.
As the basic theories for golfing, and most sports in that case explain, the skill improves with the frequency of playing. With improvements on the golfer's skills, he may result to trying new golf ball brands. Through this, he may determine what golf ball brands will suit him best. But this doesn't end here nor this factor decides what type of games the golfer may produce. He still have to reconsider other golfing components such as the golf clubs, the golf courses and other golfing accessories.
There is no general way to determine which golf ball is best for individual players. This factor is almost entirely dependent on the golfer's own preference, what he may do with the ball and how much will his pockets allow him.
For some, a single brand of golf ball says it all. They would stick to them for as long as they would want and most would never play if not playing with their particular brand of golf balls. Some people may call this insanity but this is an individual preference.
While a number of golfers may be practicing this, it is not thoroughly advisable to adopt this same attitude towards golf balls. The most ideal way of choosing balls is to use common sense, especially for beginning golfers.
A beginning golfer must never keep in mind what other people has to say about golf ball brands, may it be positive or negative. It must be pointed out that loosing balls for beginners is natural and this would mean that he need not focus yet on the quality or the brand name. What he needs is the low cost value the golf balls offer.
The best option for beginners is to buy golf balls sold in bulk, around 50 balls or so in a single bargain. These normally are balls that have been gathered from the greens and have been "recycled". What's good with these used balls is that they are commonly branded (but that doesn't matter actually) and one need not grieve for having lost any of such balls. On the average, losing a golf ball is around a hundred percent for most beginners through sessions of hit practicing.
With upgrades in the skills come the upgrades on the ball qualities. But this still don't suggest that intermediate players should rush to nearby golfing supplies and buy the most expensive balls from there. The golfer must not compromise price for his level of skill.
The golf balls he buys next will depend on his skill level. If he has great tendencies on failing on hits, he still needs to stay put with cheap balls. But this is not to the extent of using the same used balls. This time buy new inexpensive balls.
If for instance the golfer usually miss-hit the balls, then the balata-covered balls is nor the most appropriate ball to choose. Scratch players on the other hand would most likely prefer the golf balls that would offer lesser spin and more control.
As the basic theories for golfing, and most sports in that case explain, the skill improves with the frequency of playing. With improvements on the golfer's skills, he may result to trying new golf ball brands. Through this, he may determine what golf ball brands will suit him best. But this doesn't end here nor this factor decides what type of games the golfer may produce. He still have to reconsider other golfing components such as the golf clubs, the golf courses and other golfing accessories.
5/20/11
How To Do A Proper Golf Ball Comparison
If peak performance is what you are after then you need to learn how to do a proper golf ball comparison. Just like picking the right golf clubs, choosing the correct ball for you is just a matter of matching the different types of balls with your swing and how you play golf. Golf balls are all the same, aren't they? They may be small, but they are one of the most engineered pieces of golfing equipment. Have you ever taken a really close look at a golf ball? They have different feels, different densities and different spins resulting in a different action, depending on how you play the game. To get the best out of your game and your golf ball, you need to match each section of the golf ball with your level of skill and style,
First off, you need to chose the correct golf ball compression. The compression is the measurement of how tightly wound the ball is. Depending on your swing speed, depends on how the compression comes into play. If you're swing speed is quite slow, then you will want a lower compression. Therefore, the faster the speed, the higher the golf ball compression that you will need.
In total, the compression ratings are broken down into three seperate groups.
The first group is the 80 compression golf balls. They tend to be the softest and produce what essentially results in a sling shot effect when they are hit. They fly farther after being hit but they are much hard to control and hit accurately. They are the most popular type of golf ball amongst women, senior and junior players for their distance alone.
The next group is the 90 compression rating golf balls. Due to their middle of the road standing, soft enough to provide good distance on a slower swing but hard enough to provide a good degree of control, these are a good match for most male players in a golf ball comparison. They also prove to be a great choice for the more advanced female players.
The final group is the 100 compression rating golf balls. Fast swing speeds are needed for top performance due to these being the hardest balls. These type of balls are most popular amongest the low handicap and scratch players due to the faster swing speeds and the higher level of control.
Of course the only real way for you to know which is the best fit golf ball compression for your game is to do your own golf ball comparison. So, why not take a few of each of the golf ball compressions out to the driving range and find out which ones work best for you.