Six Steps To Choosing The Right Golf Ball And Immediately Playing Better Golf

Posted on | July 26, 2010 | No Comments

Six Steps To Choosing The Right Golf Ball And Immediately Playing Better Golf

Choosing the right golf ball can be a daunting task. Especially if you understand that the ball you choose can significantly impact your play. Follow these five tips to golf ball selection and see an immediate impact in your level of play.

Realistically Identify Your Skill Level

Choosing the right golf ball begins with evaluating both your style of play and skill level. This must be accurate and honest. If you can only drive 175 yards, say so. If you have a wicked slice, that is okay.

Remember to be honest so that you can find the correct golf ball to improve these parts of your game. Otherwise you may end up playing worse with the wrong golf ball choice.

Choose Between A Two or Three Piece Ball

For the sake of simplicity you should choose a 2 piece golf ball if you want to hit the ball further, have a bad slice or hook, have a slower swing speed, or want to spend less money. Two piece golf balls are generally cheaper and are much better for higher handicap players.

There is a stigma about two piece golf balls; they are thought to be low quality. However, today's two piece golf balls are much higher quality than the three piece golf balls of as little as 8-10 years ago.

Three piece golf balls tend to have softer feel, produce more spin, do not fly as far, and generally cost more than their two piece counter parts. These balls are better for lower handicap players who have extremely consistent swings.

A better ball striker who loves to work the ball with a draw or fade will benefit from the extra spin of a three piece golf ball. Chances are this player hits the ball far enough to negate the lack of distance of these balls.

Purchase Golf Balls That Match Your Swing Characteristics

Choosing the right golf ball is now easier than ever thanks to better marketing. It is now uncommon to find golf balls without helpful information right on the packaging. Look for information on the back of the package and find a match to your swing characteristics.

Start With Your Swing Speed

The most important characteristic of your swing to keep in mind when choosing the right golf ball is your swing speed. The wrong type of ball for your swing speed can actually reduce your yardage. On the other side, you can get tremendous distance with much less effort when properly matched.

Unfortunately, most golfers have no clue about their correct swing speed. Most golfers, especially males, tend to highly overestimate their swing speed.

To get your proper swing speed you can go to a pro shop. Otherwise purchase or borrow a swing speed monitor. Do not guess. Chances are you will be wrong.

Fine Tune Your Selection With Personal Preferences

Now you can fine tune your selection by choosing the level of feel (softness) and spin you prefer. Most ball packaging will include the amount of spin with a driver, and the amount of spin with a 9-iron. Most players will benefit from less spin from a driver, and perhaps a little more from the iron.

Finally, Test A Few Different Balls

Once you find a few brands of balls that produce balls with your desired characteristics make sure to give a handful of them a try. Test them out in all aspects of your game. Putting, chipping, 100 yards and in, long irons, and driving are all important. You will use all of these shots, so remember to evaluate all types of shots with the different balls.

You may be surprised to find that a ball that feels sweet off of the tee may sound terrible with your putter. In the end, that is the joy of having so many choices. Not only are there tremendous golf balls available for your exact playing level, you can also choose a ball the meets all of your personal preferences.

Choosing the right golf ball is really a simple process. Just remember to be honest with yourself and drop your ego. The ball with the fancier packaging, more recognized name brand, or higher cost is not necessarily any better for your golf game. And that is what matters most.

Tim Heeter is a golf coach and author of Golf Training Aids 365, a website helping golfers learn to take control of their golf game. Read more information about golf ball comparisons and choosing the right golf ball at his website Golf Training Aids 365.

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