Is there a way to decide which is the best golf ball for your level of golf and your golf club swing speed? There is a way; you first need to comprehend the function of of each type of golf ball.



In this article I will not bore you with technical details about the the number of dimples on a golf ball, the materials that make up each layer of the ball, the diameter of a golf ball, or the weight. These details won't make any difference to you choosing the right golf ball, so I will stick to the most important specifications.

1-Piece Golf Balls

One-piece balls have no separate core and covering -they are just made from one solid material. You will find these balls on some driving ranges and they can be used by the beginner who doesn't want to loose expensive balls all the time. Although they don't have much distance, they are hard-wearing and low-cost.

The Two Piece Golf Ball

Two piece golf balls have a solid core enclosed in a cover which is made of a cut proof material, making them very durable. They are the ones that are used by most casual golfers because they give you maximum distance. This is because of their firm feel and low spin rate that causes them to roll further on the fairway. The drawback is that they are not as controllable as a softer ball.

The Three Piece Golf Ball

The 3-piece golf ball consists of a solid or liquid core encircled by a lining and enclosed by the outer cover. These are the preferred ball of many low handicappers that have the ability to take advantage of the higher spin rate and softer feel. These specifications make these balls more accurate for driving and they have more spin and control for the short game.

4-Piece Golf Balls

With golf ball technology advancing at a rapid rate, the latest improvement is the four-piece ball. They combine the characteristics of good distance, spin, and feel; they are generally marketed towards the more skilled golfer up to the PGA pro golfers. Each of the four layers helps the ball to perform to the maximum for distance, spin, and feel. You get great distance with the driver, plenty of spin with your middle irons, and enough control with your wedges and feel with your putter.

Low Spin Rated Golf Balls

The low spin rated golf balls don't carry as far of the tee but they will roll far after landing on the fairway. These balls are good for high handicap golfers that need to straighten out their golf shots; the low spin also applies to the side spin, so they are less liable to slice or hook.

Mid Spin Balls

The mid spin golf ball is the one suited for the majority of golfers. They offer a combination of distance and feel giving most golfers good distance and control. Sometimes the softness differs from brand to brand so you have to get used to the level of control.

High Spin Rated Golf Balls

The high spin balls produce maximum backspin that helps keep them airborne longer for maximum carry. When they land on the fairway, though, they won't run as far as the low or mid spin balls. Around the greens and on the greens you will get great control and feel.

Firm Feel Balls

Firm-feel balls will feel hard when you strike the ball with the club-face. The majority of distance golf balls are firm which is fine for distance but not good for feel around or on the greens. You will find that most high or mid handicap golfers will choose these balls because of the extra distance which they are willing to trade for the loss of control onto the green. Apart from the distance, these balls are the longest lasting and are difficult to scuff up or mark.

Mid-Feel Golf Balls

The most popular golf ball for the mid handicapper is the mid feel golf ball, as they combine the ability to produce good distance and control.

Soft-Feel Golf Balls

Soft feel golf balls are preferred by low handicappers and professional golfers. The best players can use their skill to work these balls any way they like. They are great for the short game where spin and the soft feel make them ideal. They are generally not suited to the casual golfer because they are not so good for distance and the soft cover scuffs easily.

Golf Ball Compression Ratings

The feel factor relates directly to the compression rate. Most golf balls are rated by the amount that they compress; a compression of 0 deforms by 0.2 inches or more and a compression of 200 does not compress at all. Soft feel balls are low compression golf balls that have a compression rating of around 50 to 70; whereas hard feel golf balls are high compression that are rated at around 100 or 110. Manufacturers can use different systems to rate their balls so they can differ from brand to brand.

It is generally recommended that slow swing speed golfers use golf balls with a compression rate of 80; golfers with an average swing speed should use compression 100; and Compression 110 is best for fast swing speed golfers.

The weather can also affect the different compressions of a golf ball so you should choose different compressions depending on the weather conditions. As balls don't compress as much when it is cold you should use low compression balls. Consequently, use higher compression golf balls when it is hotter.

You should also take into account the condition of the golf course; with sun scorched, hard fairways, you will need a soft feel golf ball that spins more so that you can control it when it hits the fairway or green. If the course is sodden, you will need a golf ball that carries further and that has less spin so that you have more possibility of greater distance.