Are You Using the Right Ball?

There is one undeniable fact, golf is hard. Using a ball that doesn't complement your game can be making it even harder. There are a multitude of things that need to be considered when selecting a golf ball: swing speed, shot tendencies, feel preference, and spin control are a few of the important characteristics. A key to success in the pursuit of the right ball is being honest with yourself about what type of player you are. With that being said, let's get into some player archetypes.

The Slicer:

If you struggle keeping it in play off the tee, you need to be playing a ball that is a little lower spinning to try to keep it in play, which will ultimately save you strokes and money. Here are a few options that should fit the bill:

1. Bridgestone E12 Contact

2. Vice Drive

3. Maxfli Straight Fli

4. Callaway Supersoft

The Silky Swing:

By silky, I mean slow, but that's not such a bad thing. You just need a ball that suits that swing. This category is for the folks that have a swing between 85-95mph (this is where having access to a simulator can come in handy). If you fall into this category, and you don't have accuracy issues, you should be looking for a low compression ball. Now naturally your question will be "What is low compression?" Compression is basically how hard or soft the ball is, and is rated from 30 to 120. The lower the number, the more reactive the ball is to being struck. Too soft and the ball will spin way too much and shots will balloon, ultimately robbing you of distance. Too Hard and the ball may not spin nearly enough and will probably launch low, due to not springing off the club face. In this case we're looking for a compression rating between 40-70 and these balls do just that.

1. Callaway Supersoft (Again)

2. Bridgestone E6 Soft

3. Taylormade Soft Response

4. Mizuno RB 556

5. Titleist Tru Feel

The Bomber:

You probably have a suspicious amount of Kyle Berkshire videos in your watch history and your entire game is built around being the guy people call up when they need someone to go long off the tee in their scramble group. You need a ball that will not only help you blow it 30 yards past your buddies, but also maybe help you show that you're more than a one trick pony. We'll need higher compression and at least 3 layers for optimal spin, the following are solid options:

1. Vice Pro Plus

2. Titleist Pro V1x

3. Kirkland Signature

4. Bridgestone E9 Long Drive

5. Callaway ChromeSoft

Him:

You're him. You're that dude. The course record and your buddies wallets begin to tremble the second you step foot in the parking lot. You could shoot 78 on an off day with your shoes on backwards. You might even be the club champion. I'm probably not qualified to give you any sort of advice, but I'll do it anyway. You need a premium ball with a thin cover, minimum 4 layers, and plenty of spin.

1. Titleist Pro V1/Pro V1x

2. Taylormade TP5/TP5x

3. Callaway Chromesoft X

4. Bridgestone Tour B XS

5. Srixon Z-Star XV

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Depending on the type of player you are, it may be time to consider changing golf balls. Grab a couple sleeves and test out a few different kinds before you grab a whole dozen, some manufacturers even offer sample packs. Go with whatever you like best, and hit 'em straight!