Golf ball question

[bunkerking321]

I have been playing golf for a year now. On the brink of breaking 100, haven't had lessons and I play probably once or twice a month. My question is.....to a below aveage golfer like myself, does playing a particular ball matter? Does playing the same type of ball and getting used to how it reacts after impact actually matter? I do have a ball i like a lot but I don't specifically play with only that ball. I play pretty much any ball i'm given or find that isn't damaged. I do have my exceptions though.

[zeg]

I'm probably in a similar boat to you, so I'm not really qualified to give advice, but I'll share anyway. I personally don't worry much about the ball, but I prefer to use the same ball for the most part. I don't find it makes much difference which, but I feel better psychologically, and that has some value. The only place I really notice the difference between balls is on the putting green where some feel softer than others. Otherwise the non-repeatability of my own swing far outweighs any variations induced by the ball.

[Zack]

I think you should try to consistently play with a ball you like. I usually shoot around 95 and used to play any ball. I was playing a harder ball and it would run off the green alot. I started using the Top-Flite Gamer which has a softer feel and it helped me out a lot. So I would try and find one you like so you get used to how it plays.

[Danattherock]

My question is.....to a below aveage golfer like myself, does playing a particular ball matter? .

No.

Does playing the same type of ball and getting used to how it reacts after impact actually matter? .

Yes.

If for no other reason, putting. It is amazing how much of a difference the ball makes here. Don't believe me, get some cheapo Top-Flite, Pinnacle, etc.. "rocks". You know, the cheap distance balls most new guys get for $14/dozen at Walmart. Go putt with them for twenty minutes at the practice putting green. Then put those balls in your bag and put down some premium softer balls, Pro V1, Srixon Z-Star, etc.. or even cheap soft balls like Srixon "Soft Feel", Noodle, or Precept Laddie X. You will be WAY off with your distance control. I use the same ball all the time. My preference is the Srixon Z-star. Best ball I have ever played. If you are loosing 3-6 balls per round, not the ball for you. If you don't loose many balls, I would suggest you pick up a sleeve and try them out. If you are on the cheap, pick up some Precept Laddie X balls from Edwin Watts online. Perhaps The Golf Warehouse has the same deal. They have been selling for $19.99 for TWO dozen lately. Awesome golf balls and I used the Precept Laddie for years. Best ball for the money without question. At any rate, my suggestion is to get a softer ball and play the same one all the time. If for no other reason, putting. That is the fastest way for a high hcp golfer to lower scores anyway, putting.

[bunkerking321]

Lately I have been using the Bridgestone E6. The first time I played with it I only lost one ball the whole 18 holes. I would usually lose 2-3. So I kind of stuck with that.

[uttexas]

Congrats on your improvements. If you are on the brink of breaking 100, I wouldn't spend more than $20 per dozen. There are plenty of good balls at this price point these days. Find one you like and stick with it. It's probably more psychological, but getting comfortable with how a certain ball performs does improve your game.

[user9800]

I think using just 1 kind of ball is important. I do not have a low handicap, but using the same ball helps take other variables out of my putting and distance issues. You get used to how far you hit each club and not how far you hit this ball compared to that ball. It helps build your confidence. I don't think it matters what ball you decide to play as long as it is the same one. Buy what you can afford and then start looking at other balls when you don't lose anymore. I used to play those Nike balls that are 2dz for $19.00 and now I use E6+ and love them.

[Fourputt]

I have been playing golf for a year now. On the brink of breaking 100, haven't had lessons and I play probably once or twice a month. My question is.....to a below aveage golfer like myself, does playing a particular ball matter? Does playing the same type of ball and getting used to how it reacts after impact actually matter? I do have a ball i like a lot but I don't specifically play with only that ball. I play pretty much any ball i'm given or find that isn't damaged. I do have my exceptions though.

Playing a particular ball doesn't matter, but playing balls with similar playing characteristics does. That way you don't have to change your shot strategies every time you pull a new ball out of the bag. Especially true in the short game. Switch from a Pinnacle to an E6+ and you will get very different reaction when pitching to the green from the fairway. Most mid priced and premium balls will have some degree of checking power, even from an off center hit, while the Pinnacle will just tend to hit and roll. Nothing wrong with the added roll as long as you play for it, but you need to know that they

will play differently. So stay with a type, if not with the same brand. That will help to lend some consistency to your game.

[Shanks A Million]

The same compression and cover type, as well as number of layers matters most. If you're using a three piece 90 compression urethane covered ball, then suddenly switch to a two piece 105 compression surlyn cover, they will be very different, fly different lengths, putt differently, etc.

I was playing the other day and swapped in a Precept EV Extra Spin. I had 137 yards into the first green, so I pulled out my pitching wedge, and blasted it over the green by 20 feet. I figured it was a fluke. Next hole, same deal, flew the green by 10 yards. At hole #13, I finally had enough, so I grabbed a ProV1. It was a 162 yard par 3, so I grabbed an 8 iron, stuck it to 8 feet, and made birdie.

Fact is, the ball made a difference. The ProV1 flew higher and stopped faster, while the EV flew more like a bullet.