Beginner - Do Balls matter?

[GatorCallaway]

TopFlite Gamer v2. $20 for 12. Found one of these in the woods, used it, fell in love. Went and bought 4 dozen from Meijer for $40 Father's Day sale. Started shooting better and controlling shots. Scores came down. Gave all my Titleist, Callaways etc away.

[JerryTimes]

I'm rather new to golf (playing again for a little more than a year)  I bought some Ram golf balls (2dz for $12 at sports authority) and they were fine.  Next I bought some Callaway Warbird balls (2 dz for $16) and I liked them as well.  Found a pro v1, and I was worse with it for obvious reasons.

[VoidOfEnigmas]

Check craigslist for a sack of used balls, make sure they are atleast somewhat newish and not old old golf balls that aren't even made the same anymore. Once you can get into the 80s I'd say its time to buy new golf balls or refurbished in good condition.

[wadesworld]

As a high-handicapper, I heartily recommend Precept Laddie-X's.  They're a low-spin ball with solid feel at a fantastic price.

Oh, and they have the added advantage that they're not as common.  So while the other members of your foursome are trying to figure who's Titleist it is, you can be hitting your next shot.

[RGoosen]

Originally Posted by rustyredcab

I do NOT agree with the posters above that any random ball found in the woods will do. I DO agree that which ball does not matter much at this point in your game. But, I believe using the same ball all the time does matter on the greens. Find a cheap ball that you like with your putter and stick with it. It can (and maybe should) be a Noodle that you buy for $19 a dozen or even some AAAA used balls. But pick a ball and stick with it a while. You will have a better chance at developing your touch on the greens.

Distance control is just as important to me as short game feel.  This will not matter as much to a beginner that doesn't consistently hit the sweet spot.

However, I agree that playing the same ball will help your short game so you can judge how much roll you will get with chips/putts.

The type ball I used really started to make a difference to me when I started shooting in the low 80's and 70's.  I might have gotten there quicker if I had used the same ball over time.

[Goonsidious]

As a beginner.. Like others have said, I dont think green spin, etc is really a major concern. But more along the lines of compression, soft/hard, and which ball is best for your swing speed. So you can first.. get comfortable with the feel of the type of ball you will need to be using now and down the line.

If you're practicing and improving your game with a ball compression/cover that is not right for your swing.. then when you switch.. it'll just be a mess.