How Spin Affects Your Shots: Selecting Golf Balls Wisely

Golf is all about getting that ball into the hole in as few shots as possible. Believe it or not, the quality of that little ball is more important than you might think.

Good golf balls can lead to greater gains on the course. What golfer doesn’t want that? Adjusting your golf balls could be just what you need to gain more distance or a little extra spin control.

The golf market is jam-packed with golf ball brands promising you the world, so let’s look at the features of a great golf ball and offer some recommendations to narrow down your extensive selection.

Why Golf Ball Construction Matters

Golf ball construction can significantly influence your ability to control distance, accuracy and spin rate. Quality golf balls go through a complex construction process to enhance their predictability and performance on the course.

Here are some of the many reasons golf ball construction matters.

Ball Compression For Swing Speed

A ball’s core and cover materials affect its compression. Compression is the amount of distortion a golf ball goes through when it is struck by a club.

You can determine the level of golf ball compression by checking its rating, which can vary between 40 and 110.

Ratings below 80 are low compression balls. These have a softer feel and are suitable for golfers with slower swing speeds as they compress more easily upon impact and help maximise distance.

Ratings around 90 are mid-compression balls. These are ideal for medium swing speeds.

Ratings above 100 are high compression balls. These have a firmer feel and are suitable for fast swing speeds as they offer more control and spin.

Dimples For Aerodynamics

Did you know how important the dimple pattern and the shape of the ball is in determining its aerodynamic properties? Dimples affect the ball’s flight and stability while in the air.

More dimples tend to offer more flight and better control, making them great for experienced golfers who want to shape their shots. Fewer dimples tend to create a flatter ball trajectory, making them great for golfers with high swing speeds who want to obtain more distance.

Alignment Aids For Putting

Some balls have lines or markings that help golfers line up their putts more accurately. Alignment aids are particularly useful for beginner golfers.

Durability For Long-Term Use

Ball quality and construction determine how well your ball will maintain its performance over time. Poorly constructed balls degrade more quickly, significantly affecting their speed and distance.

Our team are always on hand to explain the construction materials of different balls to help you decide which to choose.

Feel And Sound

The way a ball feels and sounds when it’s struck by a club is important to many golfers. The core materials contribute to the way a ball ‘feels’ upon impact.

Colour For Easy Ball Locating

You’ll notice that not all golf balls are white. Some golfers prefer brightly coloured balls to make it easier to locate them on the course. Golf balls come in a range of different colours to suit your preference.

Golf Balls FAQs

Q. How do I know which golf ball is best for my swing speed?

A.  You may already know whether you have a fast or slow swing speed. However, you’re welcome to spend some time with one of our pros in our golf simulator to have your swing assessed. We can accurately measure your swing speed and provide ball recommendations to match.

Q. Are there golf balls specifically designed for beginners?

A.  Soft, low compression balls are typically better suited to beginners as they offer more control for slower swing speeds.

Q. Are there golf balls specifically designed for low handicappers?

A. If you’re on a low handicap, you might prefer high-compression balls with greater control around the green and predictable long-game spin. If you’re a putting pro, go for it!

Q. How can I test different golf balls to find the right one for my game?

A. You can pop into Golf 360 and have a hit in our golf simulator. We also provide a selection of different ball brands at our driving range.

Finding a brand of golf balls that you love may involve a little trial and error, so I recommend purchasing a few different sleeves of balls to try. This will narrow down your preferences and you’ll find the perfect ball soon enough.

Q. Do golf balls have an expiration date?

A. Golf balls don’t have expiration dates, but they can deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to sunlight and water. If your golf balls are looking a little worn or they start to lose their performance pop in and see us to have them replaced.

Q. What are the best balls for a beginner?

I recommend beginners shop in our value range. As there’s the potential to lose a few balls, it’s best to look at some cost-effective options. We sell large packs of 36 golf balls, giving you more bang for your buck.

My Favourite Golf Ball Brands

1. Titleist Golf Balls – Titleist is a popular golf brand with a great reputation. We love Titleist golf balls for their quality construction and durability. This is a premium brand of golf balls that perfectly balances speed, spin and control.

2. Bridgestone Golf Balls – Bridgestone golf balls offer great performance at a fair price. Balls are of consistently high quality across the range.

3. Callaway Golf Balls – Callaway offers quality golf gear across its entire range. Callaway golf balls come in soft and hard compressions at varying price points, making them perfect for golfers of all levels.

4. Mizuno Golf Balls – Mizuno golf balls come in a range of compressions to suit your playing level and swing speed. These are durable golf balls that will go the distance.

Find the perfect golf balls at Golf 360. We have an extensive range of brands, and we’re happy to help you find the best balls for your swing style.