Golf Balls 101

What’s the difference between a $9.00 sleeve and $45.00 sleeve?

Before we address this question there are some things that are helpful to know:

• What you need to know about golf ball packing

A golf ball sleeve refers to a long rectangular box or a cylindrical tube used to store golf balls. Each sleeve generally holds up to 4 golf balls. In most cases you'll find 3 sleeves inside 1 golf ball pack for sale, giving you a grand total of 1 dozen (12 golf balls).

Golf balls come in a range of prices, from as little as $10 or $15 per dozen, on up to $50 per dozen and more. Aside from your club of choice, your golf ball might just be the next most important golf equipment purchase you will make. To make sure you purchase a box of balls that is a good fit for your game, it is important that you go to the store with a clear plan in mind.

• Some good to know facts about golf balls

How long do golf balls last? Unless you store your golf balls in an environment with an extreme temperature -- a freezer, for example, or during summer in the trunk of your car – golf balls will last for years. "Under normal storage conditions -- 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit -- a golf ball can last forever," states The Golf Professor. (1)

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Considerations

Even if you can store golf balls for years without a loss of performance, you might be disappointed in their performance when you take them to the golf course. That's because golf ball manufacturers are continually looking for cutting-edge methods to improve the performance of their balls. If you play balls that were manufactured years ago, you likely are missing out on some technological improvements in newer balls. For the novice player the improvements year over year are insignificant. It is more important to focus on a good quality inexpensive ball (and stick with that ball) through your initial learning phase. This will allow you to focus on the important aspects of the game. Namely, club swing, body positioning, club type, etc. (2)

• What you need to know about golf ball types and golfer handicaps

Did you know that the type of golf ball that you use for play direct correlates to your golf handicap? A golfing handicap indicates what type of ball you should be playing with. What is your handicap? How do you figure out your golf handicap?

To find your handicap you will need to find the course rating and slope of the golf property you played on.

Ex. Score – Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating

Score = 100

Course rating = 68.8

Slope = 122

= 23.9

According to the USGA anyone with a handicap above 20 is generally considered to have a high golf handicap.

The highest allowed handicap by the USGA is 36 for men and 40 for women.

There are three types of golf handicaps. Each type requires a designated golf ball type.

1. Beginner Golfers and High Handicappers

Beginner golfers and high handicappers (which are sometime the same) will fare better with less expensive balls. While learning, it's important to focus on hitting straight. High-end golf balls will be frustrating due to their high spin. If you are a true novice then the best balls are the cheapest new balls, you can get. Also, almost most beginners will lose between 2 to 3 balls balls per round, every 18 holes (frankly, beginners will lose 2 to 3 golf balls per hole).

While used balls are a better dollar value. They are not a better learning tool. This is primarily due to the fact that used balls are drawn from a number of different course areas, including water hazards. Making the balls compression and flight unpredictable. It’s hard to learn what you’re doing right or wrong if the ball that you are using is unpredictable.

Well, so when do I change over to a better ball? Easy, once you know what the hell you are doing!

2. Mid Handicapper

A mid handicapper also known as an average golfer is someone who plays with a handicap that is between 11 and 20.

If you're a mid handicap golfer, you should be using a 2- or 3-piece golf ball. It'll really depend on whether you prefer distance or control over the ball. Both have their pros and cons.

2 Piece Golf Ball - The main benefit to a 2-piece ball is distance and straightness. These balls are designed to fly straighter and spin less than multi-layer balls. Further, these tend to offer maximum distance off the tee and great short game spin control. They also known as the “distance ball”.

3 Piece Golf Ball - The main benefit to a 3-piece ball is increased control. A 3 piece still offers the same distance as a 2-piece ball but altogether have a higher spin rate off the tee which offers a player more control. It is considered the “middle ground” of golf balls.

So, in conclusion, the 2-piece golf ball is great for beginner golfers who need the extra distance off the tee and less spin on the ball whereas 9too much spin can create a slice or a hook) the 3-piece golf ball is better for advanced players who want full control of their shots.

3. Low handicappers

In most cases, a low golf handicap is one that is a single digit. In other words, it is a handicap of between 1 and 9. ... For example, a golfer with a handicap of 2 might not feel that 9 is considered low. Still, anyone with a single-digit handicap is a skilled golfer.

Multi-layer golf balls are ideal for mid-to-low handicappers with faster swing speeds. The core/mantle layers elevate control, feel and shot sculpting. The thinner cover further enhances spin control and provides soft, crisp feel.

So, what is the difference between a $9.00 sleeve and $45.00 sleeve? Basically, it’s your skillset level. The more skilled you are as a golfer, the lower your handicap, the more advanced ball type you will require!

Sources

(1) Thomas, Jim. “Shelf Life of a Golf Ball.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 29 Sept. 2020, golftips.golfweek.usatoday.com/shelf-life-golf-ball-20541.html.

(2) Thomas, Jim. “Shelf Life of a Golf Ball.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 29 Sept. 2020, golftips.golfweek.usatoday.com/shelf-life-golf-ball-20541.html.

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