How do I choose the correct golf ball?

Golf's biggest advancements have come via dramatic improvements in ball construction. Compared to 30 years ago, today's golf ball travels farther, rolls longer, doesn't lose its round, flies straighter, and won't split its cover if you look at it wrong. Precisely engineered dimple patterns have allowed manufacturers to alter everything from trajectory to spin rates. As a result of these breakthroughs, players now have the opportunity to choose and play the best ball for their games.

Different golf balls suit different golfers. How the ball is constructed and the kinds of material used in making are great affectors on the ball's characteristics like trajectory, distance, feel and spin.

Choosing the proper golf ball for your game:

If you are looking to gain distance;

Buy a ball designed to react quickly off the clubface for maximum speed, which results in overall distance.

Distance balls appeal to people who find every yard counts, but where it may bring 15 more yards off the tee, it might also skip off the putting surface like a flat rock on water.

If you are looking to gain control reducing slicing and hooking;

Buy a ball designed to deter excessive spin, such as backspin (makes the ball climb higher) or sidespin (hooks and slices).

Control balls help golfers fight hooking-and-slicing tendencies and maneuver low shots on windy days.

If you are looking to gain spin on the greens;

Buy a ball intended to create as much backspin as possible, which generally leads to higher trajectory and better stopping ability on the ground.

Better amateurs and touring pros prefer balls that offer high spin. These models may not be as long off the tee, but they make up for it in superior control.

Ball Materials

While most two-piece balls have a synthetic core that varies only in softness, some companies are now adding exotic materials such as tungsten and titanium. Companies claim that because these exotic materials are dense and the center of gravity is more centrally located, the balls spin more. Some companies use these materials in ball covers, promising added feel and distance. Other companies use multilayer construction. These are higher-priced balls generally made with synthetic covers. They provide a good combination of durability, soft feel, and consistency.