Why You Need To Care About The Anatomy Of Your Golf Ball
Today, I'd like to talk about the golf ball and its anatomy. What makes each golf ball unique and what you need to know about the construction, compression, and design on the golf ball. So without further a-do here we go.
The golf ball has been around for seven centuries and has come a long way since its humble beginning. Golf historians can’t agree on what the first golf ball was made of however it is known that it was not as good as the modern day ball. There are various types of golf balls on today’s market. There are two piece, multi-layered, surlyn cover, urethane cover, low compression, and high compression golf balls. Not only that but there can be a combination of all of the above which leads to many different golf balls. So you might be wondering which one is the best for you? Well, I will help you to answer that question over the next few weeks but first you need to understand what makes up the golf ball.
We will start with the construction of the golf ball and its effect on performance. There are two main construction types: two piece and multi-layered. Two piece golf balls are typically for beginners and high handicappers. Two piece balls consist of a core and a cover. The cover on a two piece golf ball is typically made of Surlyn which we will cover shortly. The larger core of a two piece golf ball allows for less spin and more distance. Less spin is good for golfers looking to hit the ball straight and far. If you suffer from a slice or hook and your handicap is fairly high you may need to make the switch to a two-piece golf ball. The next type of construction, the multi-layered ball, can have a few variations. Multi-layer can mean the ball has three, four, or even five layers. Each layer has its own purpose and does affect the performance of the golf ball. Typically multi-layered golf balls are for mid-low handicappers looking to gain more spin for better control around the greens.
So what does each layer do? Why does adding layer on top of layer versus a two piece ball make a difference? Well, each layer that is added can change the spin and and launch of the ball. The core of the golf ball is used to control the weight, spin, and compression of the golf ball. Things get a little different when you start to add more layers. With a three piece golf ball the mantle layer is added to influence the spin with irons. With a four and five piece golf ball the core layer still controls weight and general spin but the layers after that each have their own jobs. The second layer from the core controls the spin with long irons and the layer on top of that controls spin with short irons. The cover works with the outer mantle layer to help pinch the mantle and control the spin around the green.
Now the second most important feature of a golf ball is the compression. Compression refers to the overall density of the golf ball. High compression balls are generally for golfers with faster swing speeds and low compression balls are for golfers with slower swing speeds. The core plays a big role in determining the compression of the golf ball however, it is ultimately determined by the golf ball in its entirety. It can sometimes be difficult to be sure of the compression of a golf ball. This is why you should trust in a company that specializes in golf ball technology. Perhaps, something like Revolutionary Golf?
So next we have the cover material. The two most popular choices for cover material are currently surlyn and urethane. Surlyn is typically found on cheaper two piece golf balls and urethane can be found on multi piece tour or performance golf balls. Surlyn is a harder cover that is more durable and provides less spin off the tee. Urethane covers provide softer feel and more control for golfers looking to gain an advantage around the greens.
You need to know which golf ball is right for you. Here is a quick rundown:
Slow Swinger= Low Compression
Fast Swinger= High Compression
High handicapper=surlyn and two piece
Mid-low handicapper= urethane and multi piece
Now of course this isn’t always so cut and dry. Sometimes you fall into gray areas and in that case it isn’t enough to just “know” yourself and your game. You actually have to be fit. Most people do fall into some type of gray area because, as you know, golf is not cut and dry. There are a lot of exceptions and wacky things that happen.
So, why does any of this matter? Well, it matters because this is all information you need to know so that you can make an informed buying decision next time you are at the store, pro shop, or on an online golf ball subscription box website. Of course, you may not be sure which categories you really fall into because after all there are so many different variations. That’s why it is so important to be fit for golf balls and you should try to do so immediately.
I hope this was helpful for you. Make sure you watch your inbox next week for my next email when I will be sharing with you something that major golf ball suppliers don’t want you to know about. Thank you and have a great week!
Michael Flori
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