How to account for difference between range balls and high end balls?

[elsito99]

Another thread got me thinking between the difference between range balls and playing balls. I generally play the prov1 for feel with irons and around the greens. I have been searching for lower spin off the driver.

I go to the range and hit it perfectly straight, then on the course hit a slight push slice.


So what gives, when I think I am hitting well at the range is actually the ball that doesn't spin and fly straight??

[rebby]

I would guess that you're just putting better swings on the ball on the range than you are the course. Chances are that you're more relaxed and less tense on the range. Sure, range balls are bricks, especially compared to a Pro-V1 but the difference shouldn't be that great. I think that the fact that you are hitting a push-slice just verifies what I'm saying. If it were just a change in the ball, you wouldn't be pushing the ball as well as slicing. A ball adjustment could make the difference between a straight shot and a slight fade but not straight to a push.

Have you tried a low spin ball on the course? Maybe I'm way off in my assessment above or maybe it's mental? Give one of the softer feeling low spin balls and try and see if that works any better. Personally I don't think that it will. I think that you just need to relax and swing with more confidence when you're on the course (like you do when you're on the range).

[Stacey_E]

There is a ton of spin difference in a ProV1 and a range ball assuming it is those red stripped peices of crap. I know this because my wedges on the range go a good 10-15 yards farther mainly due to their lower trajectory. On the flip side, my low trajectory drives get about 10 -20 more yards carry with a ProV1/NXT Tour than a range ball because I get more lift with the spinner ball. But I only go about 95MPH with a driver. Maybe you are a good candidate for a low spin ball on the course?

[longfornothing]

It has been my experience that range balls tend to spin more than real balls. They balloon, slice like a mother, and are generally shorter. That being said, sounds like when you are on the course, you might have a little more tension going on, plus maybe trying to put a little something "extra" on the shot. Try taking 2 smooth tension free practice swings, then for the real swing, duplicate those swings with out trying to add any extra power with the right hand at or just before impact. Just smooth it out.

[bflat450]

Yeah I agree with rebby and longfornothing, you may just be someone that succeeds on the range, but tenses up at the course. Even when your on the course just imagine your at the range, just practicing. Take a nice swing like you would at the range and picture the 250 yard marker as the middle of the fairway.

[elsito99]

Thanks for the responses guys.


I played Saturday and shot a 91, and broke my personal best for 9 with a 43 from a 44.

Drove it in the middle or just entering the right rough on most holes. Unfortunately I went into the drink on the 17 with the driver, mostly because I tensed up knowing I would break 90 for the first time...


I will work more on that tension free, range swing!

What confirmed this theory is on 3 holes I teed up a practice driver after I hit my first one. On the 3 holes the drives were about 15 yards longer and more accurate!