How well do you know your golf balls?

Most of the times, many golfers overlook the core, texture, structure, dimples or the overall construction of a golf ball. Not recognizing that these are fundamental elements to performing better shots in their game and this is a proven fact by many golfers whom I played with on the golf seasons.

You know, small talk brings out a lot of valuable information! Most of the questions asked are these:

“Why is my ball not giving me a good flight? Why is my best ball acting up when putting, why doesn't it stick with the greens, why can’t I control it, why doesn't it give me a good stopping power?” Well, basically a lot of “Whys?”

So I decided to give you the answer to these whys.

Most of us mainly rely on the excellent feel and good performance of the balls on the greens, some on a trial-and-error method.

But understanding your golf ball performance lies in the core concept of golf balls; this is the fact that I am so eager to share with you.

Remember that a lousy performing golf ball always has an in-depth explanation and golf ball that perform best to your mates may not give you the same result. I can totally vouch for that!

Now, try to understand yours based on the following golf ball construction facts:

GOLF BALL COMPRESSIONS

The word "compression" indicates value expressed by a number in the range from 0 to 200 that given to a golf ball, and it defines the deflection that a golf ball undergoes when subjected to a compressive weight.

Compression creates density in the golf ball, which may affect distance and loft.

For average golfers with a swing speed less than 90 mph, you better opt for a low compression ball as it will feel better and will go further for you. If you have a high swing speed above 90 mph, then high compression balls, like some tour-level golf balls, might tend to work better.

Lower compression balls, like Tour Performance S and SS2 Soft, can give even weekend golfers good compression and give them the best chance to max out the distance on every shot. Mid-compression balls are usually speed-orientated products like SS3 Speed, aimed at providing a range of moderate to high swing speed player. High compression golf balls, like Forte 6, are the ultimate performer in every aspect. With its sophisticated construction layers, this ball will provide lower metal wood spin, where distance is needed, and the highest short iron spin, where control is necessary.

GOLF BALL COVER

Surely golf ball covers have a lot to say about the times you change your golf balls on your rounds. One hit of your golf ball and it goes down the water with faded color and some scuffing. You should be more careful in choosing your desired golf ball covers. Here’s to better understand its performance:

GOLF BALL PIECES

1-PIECE BALL - This ball is typically not used as a playing ball. It is commonly played by beginners, cheap in its production, and mostly used on driving ranges.

2-PIECE BALL - A two-piece golf ball is used by most ordinary everyday golfers because it has durability and maximum distance in one. Some also have a soft feel to give the user greater control, like  FORTÉ SS2 Soft.

3-PIECE BALL - Three-piece golf balls either have a solid rubber or a or a liquid center core covered with yards of elastic windings, over which is then coated with Surlyn, Surlyn-like, or Balata for an excellent flight like Forte Tour Performance S

4 & 6-PIECE BALL - Designed to generate increased ball speeds and distance for golfers with slower swing speeds. New ultra-low compression and high energy core provide fast ball speeds and low spin for performance. Forte 6 is an ultra-performer six-piece ball.

GOLF BALL DIMPLES

Why should you even care about your golf ball dimples? Your shot launch angle and spin rate, but after such the gravity and aerodynamic take charge of your ball trajectory, now dimples here optimizes the ball’s aerodynamics and gives you a better flight. Launch your ball right enough to win your game!

There are tons of golf balls out there in the market; one may outweigh another. Just learn to understand this little round thing that we all value a lot in the course, launch it on the greens and make sure that you know its performance on all your game and over time you’ll see significant improvement on your game particularly on your scorecard!