Understanding How to Pick a Golf Ball

Golf balls have kept pace with the technological advances of clubs.

Ball manufacturers have leveraged technology to meet USGA regulations on golf ball performance while designing balls to meet the needs of players at all skill levels.

Manufacturers tweak ball designs to target players who have high, moderate and low swing speeds and focus on maximizing distance, feel or a combination of the two. By understanding how to pick a golf ball, you can get additional distance and lower scores out of your game.

1. Find a golf ball type based on your skill level and personal preferences. Ball types available on the market focus on control, spin and distance. High handicap players will normally focus on a ball that is designed for additional distance or control while low handicap players will want to ensure their ball is designed for additional spin for better scoring in the short game.

1. Pick a golf ball construction type. Modern golf balls are sold as multilayer, two- or three-piece designs. Three-piece balls are normally produced for golfers desiring additional backspin while multilayer balls are targeted to reducing the effects of spin on the ball.

1. Select the compression rating for your golf ball.

2. For golfers with a high swing speed that can carry their drives more than 240 yards in the air, compression ratings over 100 are appropriate. For those with slower swing speeds, compression ratings between 80 and 90 are a suitable selection.

1. Assess your overall golf game and weaknesses before making the final choice of golf ball.

2. If you regularly find yourself 10 to 15 yards short on your desired driver length or on long par 3s, a golf ball designed for additional distance may be the best choice. If you regularly find yourself hitting greens but the ball not sticking, trying a ball designed for additional spin could result in hitting additional greens in regulation.