Home: A Beginner's Guide to Golf Balls

Introduction

A golf ball is a primary piece of equipment used in the game of golf. The ball itself is regulated by two authorities within the game, the R&A (who control the game everywhere except the USA and Mexico), and the USGA (who control the game within the USA and Mexico). The rules of golf currently stipulate that a golf ball should conform to the following weight and size ratios,

1. Weight. Less than 45.93 grams, or 1.620 ounces.
2. Size. Diameter. 42.67 millimeters, or 1.680 inches. Previously, the R&A rule was 1.62 inches (before 1990).

However, a golf ball cannot simple meet the above stipulations. There are additional regulations which must be met. Notable, that a ball must be regulated for performance in,

1. Distance. Roll and carry. Less than 280 yards.
2. Spherical Symmetry. Equal amount of dimples around the ball.
3. Velocity. Less than 250 feet per second.
   

Design

One striking design feature of a golf ball, which distinguishes it against other sporting balls, are it's dimples. The game of golf did not always use balls with dimples, the design was patented in 1908, long after the game was created. Before 1908, hand sawn balls were used, and other designs were concepts before the dimple was picked.

The advantage of a dimpled ball, in comparison to a smooth sphere, is bound up in aerodynamics. A dimpled ball produces less drag, or 'wake' behind the ball. This enables the ball to travel further. It has to do with how air hits a rough surface and a smooth surface. With a dimpled ball the boundary of air around the ball separates slower, and this is what creates less drag. A simple way of describing it, air sticks to a smooth sphere, and the dimples help to counter and break up that stickiness.

The amount of dimples on a golf ball varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and model to model. However, golf balls generally conform to between two hundred and four hundred and fifty dimples. The number of dimples is usually an even number, to create spherical symmetry. But Srixon have created a ball with an odd number of dimples.

Balls have been designed with asymmetrical designs, but they have not been sanctioned for match play. The latest development in dimple design is to use hexagons instead of circles. For tournament play the colour of a golf ball is always white. But for practice rounds you can buy golf balls in various colours. Golf balls are numbered, incase two players use the same brand of ball and need to distinguish them.

Manufacture

The golf balls of today are made from a selection of materials. Let's begin with the covering of a golf ball, which is usually made from one of the following materials.

1. Balata - Provides the ultimate in feel and softness. A high level of spin is provided.
2. Elastomer - Provides a good balance of spin, durability and distance.
3. Surlyn - Provides durability and distance, at the expense of feel. The cost to manufacture is cheaper.

Golf balls feature different levels of compression. The higher the compression, the higher the level of skill needed to control the ball. The swing speed is what dictates the level of compression you'll require. Beginner golfers, juniors, elderly and female golfers usually have a slower swing speed, and therefore require a low compression golf ball. Golf balls usually come in three compression grading, which are 80, 90, or 100. Eighty is for beginner's, juniors etc, 90 is for the experienced golfer, and 100 is for the skilled and professional golfer.

We have already described the various materials that cover a golf ball. Now let's examine what goes inside the ball. Golf balls are described as being made from "pieces". A basic golf ball is a one piece ball. Extremely cheap to manufacture, it's largely used by driving ranges. It simple comprises a solid lump of surlyn. Next we have the two piece golf ball. Again, this is a cheap ball to manufacture, but can be used on the course. Comprises a covering and a inner material of resin. Three piece golf balls are more expensive, and provide greater control. The centre is again resin, but between the resin and covering there is a layer of winding. The winding helps provide greater spin, softness and control. A four piece ball is the final option. A more advanced version of the three piece ball, it comprises the same attributes, but is more refined, with an additional resin layer between the covering and winding.

Choice

Selecting a golf ball is not as simple as it first appears. Many novice players may pick the closest ball which comes to hand, assuming the differences are benign. This is not the case. There are balls which are designed for the advanced and ordinary golfer.

An ordinary golfer typically has a lower speed of swing, in comparison to an advanced golfer. Therefore some golf balls are designed with this in mind. They contain a softer core than it's cover, meaning less compression and spin. Because these golf balls are cheaper, a novice golfer is lucky that he will probably buy this type of ball.

Advanced golf balls are more expensive, due to their more complex design. A greater amount of layers are introduced, and a harder core is also indicative of an advanced ball. Their soft cover also helps for wedge and short shots. The primary benefit of an advanced golf ball is it's increased spin. But they are only suitable for players with a fast swing speed. If they are used by a player with a low swing, then it will result in less distance.

For the thrifty. On public courses most golfers will have run across people selling used balls found around the course. Your buying on sight in this respect. But there are professional sellers of refurbished and used golf balls. They are usually pick up from water hazards. There is a grading system for reconditioned balls, going from the highest, AAAAA, to the lowest, AA.

So, to recap, golf balls can be classified into the following categories,

1. Distance Golf Balls. Ideal for the novice, and mid level handicappers. Gives extra distance at the expense of feel and spin.
   
2. Practice Golf Balls. Only for use on driving ranges, or beginner's who expect to lose alot of balls on a round.
   
3. Lake Golf Balls. Reconditioned balls, graded from AAAAA to AA. Suitable for golfers playing on a low budget.
4. Control Golf Balls. Provides more feel and spin around greens. But requires a low handicapper to retain a high distance.