Golf Ball

Golf balls generally fall into four different categories: tour value, tour performance, straight distance and soft distance. Tour value balls are for low to mid handicaps, tour performance balls are built for scratch golfers and straight/soft distance balls are for high-handicap golfers. For a casual golfer, these differences may not be important but for the golfer who wants to improve, the type of ball used on the course can make all the difference.

Does the type of golf ball make a difference in performance?

Golf balls are made with various numbers of layers, giving them different compression ratings. While a pro might purchase tour balls they may not benefit the average golfer who would have greater success with distance and spin-control balls. Many golfers and experts would agree that Titleist golf balls are the best golf balls because they offer a range of golf balls that will suit any golfer from beginning to pro.

Tour performance balls have three to five layers and are usually the most expensive on the market. They are built for a low handicap and designed for optimal distance, spin and feel. To see a benefit from these balls, a faster swing speed is required. Top balls include the Titleist Pro V1 and Callaway Chrome Soft. Tour value balls have three layers and are similar to tour performance balls but typically have a lower compression rating, less spin and are more affordable. Balls in this category include Titleist Tour Speed and Taylormade Tour Response. Straight-distance balls have two to three layers and have a large core with a thin outer layer. They are cheaper than tour value and fly straighter. The only downside is they do not have great short-game performance. Finally, soft distance balls also have two to three layers and a lower compression rating. They are designed for people with slower swing speeds who will get more distance and less side-to-side spin from these balls.