Tl;dr: The right golf ball can make the game a lot easier by helping you hit it longer, straighter, and with plenty of spin. Understanding golf ball compression among other factors will help you hit it longer and straighter for more consistent scores.

Golf is a game that you can make a lot harder on yourself with the wrong equipment, the wrong mindset, and even the wrong golf ball. It's easy to get overwhelmed with golf ball compression ratings, Surlyn versus urethane versus ionomer, different layers, and core components.

Here we’ll focus on the golf ball portion, as it’s an overlooked part of the game that can make a big difference in overall performance. Paired with the right equipment, from woods to wedges, you’ll likely notice a huge difference on the course. Add in the right mindset — another vital component to consistent golf — and you’ll become unstoppable on the course.

What Are Golf Balls?

Why are golf balls so important? Do they make that big of a difference?

The answer is a resounding yes. The golf balls you play need to match your abilities, specifically your swing speed. I’ve made the mistake in the past of buying the wrong balls (ones that were firmer than I could benefit from) and limited my total distance. This is a common mistake that happens to a lot of golfers and one that I hope you avoid.

For example, a lot of golfers might watch the PGA Tour on TV and want to play the same ball as their favorite player. However, if you don’t have the same swing speed, you won’t be able to reap the benefits of that ball.

A golf ball is composed of a core, mantle, and cover. Each part will impact the overall performance.

• Ionmer vs. urethane cover: Suryln (urethane) tends to be cheaper and is used on many driving range balls.
• One-, two-, three-, four-, or five-piece design: One- or two-piece designs tend to be the most affordable but might impact overall performance. Most premium balls are 3-5 pieces.

An online golf ball fitting is an easy way to find the right ball for your game. Most brands like Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade make it easy to answer a few simple questions and get their top recommendations. Or, you can inquire with a fitter if you’re doing a club fitting session as well.

What to Consider When Buying Golf Balls

Compression used to be a bigger factor in golf balls, as manufacturers would stamp them on the ball or box. But so much new technology to the core and mantle has made it not as big of a factor.

For context, compression is a measure of how a ball performs under the load of a swing. Balls typically range from 50-100 in compression rating, with some lower or higher.

A general rule is that a lower-compression ball is easier to get maximum distance, while a higher-compression ball needs a faster swing to get the most benefits of the construction. This is why elite golfers — both pros and amateurs — tend to play high-compression golf balls, while beginners and seniors tend to play lower-compression balls.

Simply, the higher the compression, the harder the golf ball. Some examples of high-compression balls include the popular Titleist Pro V1X, Callaway Chrome Soft X, and Bridgestone Tour B RX.

Lower-compression golf balls feel softer and do not require as much swing speed. Some examples of softer balls include Wilson Duo, Callaway Super Soft, or the Srixon Soft Feel.

Higher-handicap golfers and beginners should generally play lower-compression balls, as they do not require as much swing speed to produce optimal results. These balls are also cheaper, which can help beginners, who tend to lose more than advanced golfers.

More skilled golfers with above-average swing speeds should tend to play firmer golf balls. These will help produce the ideal spin rates for drives and approach shots for more consistency.

Here are some other questions you’ll want to consider when it comes to buying golf balls.

What Is My Budget?

The first thing to think about when buying golf balls is your price point. Golf is not a cheap sport, and balls only get more expensive each year.

Balls can range greatly in price. Cheaper balls are about $20-$25 per dozen, while more expensive golf balls are between $40-$55 per dozen.

Considering that it’s been estimated that 400 million golf balls are lost each year, buying new balls can add up quickly. Some golfers might use the same ball the entire round, while others might go through a sleeve (or more).

What Color Do I Prefer?

The majority of golf balls are white and the most commonly used. The second most common color is yellow, which is now offered by more top-name brands.

Additionally, some golf ball manufacturers now make other colors like red, green, blue, and pink. Some have a matte finish, too. The core of the ball and compression rating don’t change based on color and are more of a personal preference.

How Often Do I Play?

The final question to consider is your frequency and commitment level. An avid golfer who plays a few times per week versus someone who plays a few times per year should usually play different golf balls.

If a skilled player with a faster-than-average speed uses a low-compression ball, it will generally make it less reliable in terms of accuracy and distance. Beginners and slower-swinging players can opt for lower compression (and lower cost) golf balls.

If you aren’t sure which balls are right for you or have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact a Curated Golf Expert today.

Different Types of Golf Balls

One quick search for golf balls, and you’ll find there is no shortage of choices for all types of players. For example, Titleist, one of the most popular brands in golf, has more than eight different types of balls available. Needless to say, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed, but it’s crucial to play one that is right for your swing not to lose out on distance and accuracy.

Wilson Duo Soft

Wilson makes a lot of equipment in the sports world, and in their golf lineup, a majority of clubs/balls are geared toward higher handicappers. The Wilson Duo Soft ball is ideal for slower-swinging golfers, who tend to be beginners, seniors, and high handicappers. These are two-piece golf balls (the inner core is a two-piece design) that are one of the best deals in golf.

Benefits

• Very affordable
• Available in white, yellow, green, orange, and red
• Soft design (low compression) produces faster ball speeds and more distance

Be Aware

• Two-piece golf ball isn't as durable as a three- or four-piece design
• Extremely soft, not a good fit for average to fast-swinging golfers.

TaylorMade TP5

TaylorMade has a massive selection of golf balls for all types of players. Whether you’re a senior golfer or PGA Tour pro, they have a golf ball specific for your game.

The TaylorMade TP5 is a popular choice for mid- to low-handicap golfers who want a durable, premium golf ball. It has a larger core that acts like a springboard for better energy transfer and ultimately, more ball speed.

Benefits

• Three models to fit different launch options
• Tons of stopping power to hold the green and provide plenty of short game spin inside 100 yards
• New flight dimple pattern improves aerodynamics to promote maximum carry distance with a steep angle of descent (to hold the greens)

Be Aware

• Cost more than other brands
• Only have arrows, no straight-line features for lining up putts

Titleist Pro V1X

Titleist Pro V1 series (there are four total) are the most popular balls in professional golf, but that doesn’t mean they will necessarily help your game. These are high-compression golf balls, so you’ll need plenty of swing speed to activate the core and optimize performance.

Benefits

• Tons of short-game spin
• Available in white or yellow
• High-flight trajectory in a firm feel
• Perfect for golfers who want less spin on long-game shots

Be Aware

• More expensive than some other brands
• Pro V1 series has four different models, so make sure to find the right one for your ideal trajectory and spin rates

Features to Look for in Golf Balls

Now that you have an overview of compression ratings and core features in popular golf balls, here are a few other things to consider.

Arrows and Alignment Aids

Another thing you want to factor in when buying golf balls is the built-in arrows and/or alignment aids. These are perfect if you like to line the ball up to a given start line (sometimes referred to as apex) on the greens. Then you can line the arrow or line up to the alignment aids in your putter so you stand over putts with confidence.

Some have arrows, while other balls have thicker lines that make it easier to square to your putter face. If a golf ball doesn’t have the right alignment aids, you can always buy an accessory and draw it on with a Sharpie as well.

Flight (Trajectory)

Aside from the look of the ball, you also want to consider your ideal trajectory. Different types of golf balls have different launch profiles, which can impact how high or low you’ll hit it.

You can learn more on the manufacturer's website, as they’ll provide overviews with flight, feel, and short- and long-game spin. For example, the Titleist Pro V1 is a more mid-flight ball, while the Pro V1X is a higher-launching ball.

Short- and Long-Game Spin

Short- and long-game spin are two other important components to buying the right golf ball. Like flight, these features are listed on the manufacturer's website and will impact how much the ball spins.

Long-game spin refers to driver spin, while short-game spin refers to how much spin you can get around the greens. Most golfers want less spin on long-game shots to optimize total distance, while nearly every golfer wants plenty of spin around the greens.

How to Choose the Right Golf Balls

Below are some examples of different types of golfers and the equipment that I would choose for them.

Steve — 25 handicap

Steve is a casual senior golfer who plays to have fun, versus trying to shoot low scores. He fights a slice and swings his driver at about 85mph.

Features Steve should look for:

• Anti-slice, draw-bias driver
• Low-compression golf ball made for high handicappers

Examples: Wilson Duo Soft, Callaway Supersoft, TaylorMade Soft Response, or Titleist Tour Soft

Ryan — 15 Handicap

Ryan is a weekend warrior who makes it out to the course a few times per week to play or practice. He has an average swing speed at right around 93mph with his driver but trends toward more speed and lower scores.

Features Ryan should look for:

• Medium-compression golf balls
• Mid-handicap clubs with a good mix of forgiveness and playability

Examples: Titleist Tour Speed, Srixon Z-Star, or Titleist AVX

Dean — Scratch Golfer

Dean plays near a zero handicap (scratch golf) and swings the driver at 108mph. He loves to play/practice and is no stranger to playing in competitive events as well.

Features Dean should look for:

• Low-spin driver
• High-compression golf ball for fast swing speeds

Examples: A premium golf ball like the Titleist Pro V1X, Wilson Staff, or Callaway Chrome Soft X

Find the Right Golf Ball Compression for Your Game

Compression is still somewhat of an important factor when selecting the right ball, but it’s not everything. You want to consider the color, built-in alignment, spin profile, and more.

You can also do a free golf ball fitting online by answering a few questions. This will help you buy with confidence and choose a ball that will help, not your golf game.

If you aren’t sure which ball is right for you or have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact a Curated Golf Expert today for free, personalized advice.