Golf Balls Buying Guide: Which is the Perfect Golf Ball for You?

To play golf, you need to have the right equipment. Of course, you’re going to need a multitude of golf clubs, a golf bag, but most importantly golf balls. Without them, you won’t be able to get that sought-after hole in one. 

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Now, while most balls look the same or rather similar, what many might not know is that there are huge variations of golf balls out there. So, how do you know when to use the right ball, and what are the key differences between them? That’s what we’re going to find out so you can make the best buying decision for your golf game. 

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Golf Balls: How their Builds Affect Your Game

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Golf balls come in different colors and with vastly different price tags. That’s because while they might all look similar, they have very different inner workings, which can have an effect on someone’s game. 

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While in simple terms a golf ball is made out of the outer casing and a core, more expensive and complex balls can have up to 5 layers which will help with your game. Of course, as a beginner, players likely won’t be able to tell much of a difference between these balls, but it’s important to find the perfect ball that works for you, no matter the price tag. 

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Two-Piece Golf Balls

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Most players will use a two-piece golf ball, which is made out of a solid-rubber core with a Surlyn cover. The material is durable and easily resists cuts, which makes it ideal for withstanding repeated impacts. One of the most popular two-piece golf balls is the Wilson DX2, which offer great precision and power. 

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Three-Piece Golf Balls

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A three-piece golf ball will offer players more control over the ball’s flight thanks to the added layer. They also have the core, made up of similar material as the two-piece balls, with a mantle layer which helps transfer energy from the core to the cover. If a player is looking for more finesse, then they’ll start using a three-piece golf ball. Of course, here, I can only recommend the Callaway Chrome Soft Triple Track. 

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Four-Piece Golf Balls

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Similar to the three-piece golf balls, the four-piece have a core, cover, but the mantle is made up of the inner and outer mantle. The inner mantle surrounds the core and contributes to distance and control, while the outer mantle will enhance the spin, which is especially useful on the green. My recommendation for a four-piece golf ball has to be the Titelist Pro V1x for its great quality.

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Five-Piece Golf Balls

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Now the five-piece golf balls are the pinnacle of golf. Here you’ve got the same layers as before, with the mantle being split into the inner, middle and outer mantle. Here players will experience even further precision, depending on how close to the green they are thanks to the extra layer. 

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The five-piece golf ball offers distance, control and a fine-tuned spin for any situation on the course, making it the choice for the best players in the world. So, if you fancy yourself a great player and want to get the best of the best, then check out the TaylorMade TP5. 

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How to Choose the Perfect Golf Ball for You

There are many different factors to look into when choosing a golf ball. What is your preferred play style, how long have you been playing golf and what is your handicap, as well as your own precision and strength. 

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Golf balls can cost just under one dollar, to almost 5, so it’s important to think about which ones you use. You wouldn’t want to send your expensive 5-piece ball into the water, right? So, make sure to think about some key aspects when choosing the perfect golf ball for you. 

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If you’re someone who wants their ball to go the mile, then picking a low spin ball which reduces air resistance is what you’ll want to look into. Especially a firm core, which can maximize energy transfer from your club to the ball, will help increase your distance. 

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On the other hand, if you’ve already got enough power and tend to overshoot your target, you might be looking for a ball with some added backspin. Balls with higher spin also often have multiple layers, as mentioned previously.

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Should You Use the Same Balls As Professional Golfers?

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Professional golfers will use tour-level golf balls. These multilayered balls are designed for their advanced play, featuring a soft cover for maximum spin and control. They want their golf balls to quickly stop on the green, and professional golfers will have the skill to control the trajectory of their shots. 

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While these golf balls are great and have a high quality, they aren’t the best choice for beginners. The features are optimized for high swing speeds and precise control, something that beginners are still mastering. That’s why they won’t be able to get the most out of the ball, while spending a lot more money. So, it’s best to start off with a regular two-piece core ball before trying out tour-level golf balls from pros. Though Scottie Sheffler’s Titleist Pro V1 is tempting to pick up, eh?

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Use the Same Ball All the Time – True or False?

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Using the same golf ball should become a habit for everyone. Why? There are quite a few benefits, so even if you’re just playing with a two-piece ball, then make sure to get the same one every single time. 

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Using the same ball every single time means you’re going to understand the ball’s behavior, especially when during long drives. You’ll know the flight characteristics and how to hit it in specific situations to get the most out of the ball. The balls will also feel the same when on the green, where control and precision is the most important factor. 

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This way you will have better shots, improve your game and build confidence. Of course, you won’t have to play with the same ball for the rest of your life, since there are situations when it is alright for you to switch up your golf ball. 

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You can go through a ball fitting at your golf shop where you can find the perfect ball for your play style. Through the fitting you can find a ball that suits you perfectly and therefore will improve your game.

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