Golf Ball Designs and How to Choose Best Golf Balls for Your Game

When it comes to buying golf balls, it's best to keep things simple. In this article you will learn about golf ball construction. This knowledge will help you make the best buying decision.

In general, there are three major ball types available on the market today. Keep reading to find out what they are designed to achieve and what type you should use to lower your total score.

- 2 Piece Golf Balls

All the leading manufacturers produce this type of golf ball and it makes up a hefty portion of the market. The cover is usually a type of special plastic called ionomer. Inside is a large, solid rubber core.

The performance of the finished 2 piece ball can be altered in three ways: by changing the softness of the cover, the hardness and the size of the core.

This ball is usually used for distance. In the past, they had hard covers and cores. This resulted in lower spin and consequently more distance, for the most part through increased roll. Today, these balls are not as hard but they still provide good distance advantage as well as great cover resistance to cutting.

These lower side spinning balls have fast but soft cores. They are very good for golfers with slower swing speeds. Who else can benefit from them? Novice golfer and people with higher handicap.

- 3 Piece Golf Balls

This type of golf ball has been created about 15 years ago. There is a plastic or urethane cover. Under it, there is a thin layer of a plastic-like substance. A large, solid rubber core is in the center. You can also find a double or "dual core" designs.

Thanks to this design, the golf ball engineers can fine tune the finished ball performance. All they have to do is adjust the size, hardness, and thickness of the cover, layer and core. Most professional golfers and low handicap people use this ball these days.

- 3 Piece "Wound" Golf Balls

This golf ball was standard until the mid 1990's. It had a small solid or liquid filled center. It was surrounded by tightly wrapped rubber thread. This wound center was then enclosed in a cover of urethane, synthetic rubber or plastic.

This type of ball is much more expensive to produce than the other two types. Additionally, engineers have been able to improve on the performance of these balls with new materials used in the 2 piece and 3 piece designs.

Now you will learn what is the best ball for you based on your current level of play. When deciding the correct type of ball, the crucial factor you must take into account is "will this golf ball help improve my game."

You need to fight back any temptation to use a ball just because a great golf player plays that particular ball. Or because somebody at your club prefers a certain type of ball. So let's choose the right ball for your level of play:

1. The Beginner Golfer

You fall into this category if you are just starting to play or are inconsistent player. Approximately 25 percent of recreational golfers fall in this group. It means that your handicap is above 25 and your score is usually 105 or even greater for 18 holes.

You should use a lower spinning, 2-piece golf ball. If a lot of ball speed is generated after hitting the ball hard, go for a low spin 2-P ball. If you have a slow swing speed, choose the softer compression 2 piece balls.

Keep in mind to read the package when buying golf balls. Look for claims such as "low spin", "low initial driver spin", "low spin distance ball", or "long and soft".

2. The Intermediate Golfer

You fall into this category if you experience sporadic "big number". Your scores typically range from the high 80's to the mid 90's and you want to be more consistent and shoot in the 80's and start to move towards the 70's.

If you hit the ball fairly straight or have a predictable shot pattern, you should use a medium spin 2 or 3 piece ball. On the other hand, continue using a lower spinning 2-piece ball if your shot pattern is unpredictable.

3. The Skilled Golfer

You are an 'expert' golfer who can handle most aspects of the golf game. You have control of your swing and hit the ball with authority and consistency. Your score is in the 70's and low 80's and your handicap is less than 12.

Your best option is a ball that is long off the tee but offers the feel you want for the shots around the green and putting. You should only use a 3-Piece performance ball.

Two additional tips for all three categories: 1. Play at least three full rounds with a specific ball type to find out its effect on your game. 2. Keep game improvement as your most important consideration when choosing a golf ball.

Source: push golf carts