Last Updated on July 13, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golf balls make up a significant portion of the money you spend to play golf every year. The average golfer spends more than $250 a season on golf balls. If you are buying golf balls, here are some mistakes to avoid in the process.
Mistake 1: Purchasing a Golf Ball Simply Because It’s Advertised as Number One
The number one golf ball on Tour is not necessarily your game’s number one golf ball. In America, any company can say they have the longest golf ball, the softest golf ball, or the best golf ball. Let’s face it: that’s a marketing claim.
If you want to find a golf ball that suits your game you have to test them. Use them for a full round of golf, practice putting and chipping with the ball. If you have a portable launch monitor, take it out on the course with you and see what you can learn from it.
Mistake 2: Choosing a High Spin Ball for Greenside Play When You Need More Forgiveness Off the Tee
High spin golf balls help increase greenside spin and they are great for lower handicap players that can control their ball flight. Greenside control takes a higher spin rate and that higher spin rate off the tee could end up hurting your game.
Consider a lower-spin golf ball if you are a bit of an erratic golfer. The low spin will increase your control and make getting the ball in the fairway easier. When you get close to the green, just make sure you have some room for the ball to run.
Mistake 3: Not Looking at a Variety of Brands
I love Titleist golf balls, but let’s not assume they are the only golf ball company. Trying a Callaway ball took me a long time, and I was really impressed. In addition, I’m not ashamed to admit I play with the Vice golf ball and even the Kirkland occasionally. Don’t be afraid to choose something different. Take it from someone who played exclusively with the Pro V1 for 15 years before realizing the Pro V1x was actually a better fit for my game! I would try new golf balls every season and see what you think and how it impacts your game.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Swing Speed and Compression
The general rule is that golfers with higher swing speeds need higher compression golf balls.
However, in recent years, we have discovered something slightly different. High-compression golf balls are best for distance regardless of your swing speed. So, if you are a slower swing speed player and your only concern is to maximize distance, you may still be okay with the higher-compression golf ball for your drives.
When you move to the irons though, unless you have a mid to higher swing speed the high compression golf balls become difficult to max out distance on.
Test a few different golf balls based on their compression and see where you maximize your ability.
Mistake 5: Not Buying Golf Balls in Bulk When You Have the Chance
Every once in a while, golf balls go on sale, and it makes sense to buy a few dozen at once. Companies like Maxfli and Vice are known for bulk discounts on their golf balls. If you know you like a golf ball, buy it when possible. As long as you have a temperature-controlled place to store the golf balls and you use them within the next year or two, it doesn’t hurt to buy them in bulk.
Mistake 6: Overlooking the Importance of Durability
Golf balls should not last just one round. If you are playing with something cheap falling apart, cutting, or scuffing after just one round, get rid of it.
It’s worth spending a bit more per dozen and having golf balls you can use for a few rounds. I sometimes keep a quality golf ball in play for five or six rounds before I change to another one.
For the most part, Surlyn covers can be more durable than Urethane. However, premium Cast Urethane covers have come a long way and now hold up to even the fastest swing-speed players. Just avoid the trees and the paths!
Mistake 7: Focusing Only on Distance
Finally, a golf ball only suited for distance may not be the perfect match for your game. Take a break from the distance concept for a few rounds and look for something that feels great.
I play my best golf when I have a golf ball that I like the feel of.
Sometimes, it’s fun to play with a distance ball and really get those extra yards off the tee. However, if you care about scoring and choosing something that will assist in all areas of your game, pay close attention to feel.
Use a three- or four-piece golf ball (mid-spin) and see what you do around the greens and on your approaches. Does it make more sense for your game?
