VII. Golf Balls
1. General
Golf ball design and construction has changed immensely in the last 10 years. Once you only had to decide between Balata (expensive, only for low handicappers) and Surlyn (for the rest of us). But today there are literally dozens of different types of covers and construction methods. Today there are 2 piece, 3 piece, multi-layer, wound, double cover and almost any other type of ball you can think of. But when the hype gets out of hand, remember that the USGA/R&A very strictly regulate ball velocity, so all golf balls will travel approximately the same distance, with distance type balls being perhaps a few yards longer than spin type balls.
2. Balata/Spin
A balata covered ball is the original spin ball. It is typically a three piece ball: a core (sometimes liquid filled) wound with rubber and covered with balata. Balata is a soft substance which susceptible to cuts and nicks. This softness generally promotes a high ball spin rate. A higher spin rate allows better players to shape their shots, i.e. to deliberately draw or fade the shot. It also will assist in making the ball back-up or stop when it lands on the green. Today the balata is artificial and many other compounds are used to achieve the same effect, but with less susceptibility to cuts and nicks.
3. Surlyn/Distance
A distance ball is generally a two piece ball, typically consisting of a solid rubber core with a man-made cover that is less susceptible to cuts and nick than balata. The original cover material was called Surlyn and almost all distance balls still use a variation of surlyn as a cover material. Distance balls have a lower spin rate than spin type balls. This is beneficial to players looking for a longer, straighter ball flight. The drawback is that because the ball has a lower spin rate, it is more difficult to deliberately draw or fade a shot. However, for a significant majority of players this is not a serious consideration. A factor that is of significant consideration is that distance balls may feel harder than spin type balls when struck, particularly to low handicap players. Some of the hardest distance type balls are referred to as "rocks".
4. Other Materials
Thanks to the wonders of chemistry, there are now many other types of cover materials available for golf balls. These include artificial balata, elastopolymers, etc. Most of these covers are designed to combine the durability of surlyn with the spin characteristics of balata. They are also generally quite expensive, but typically last longer than balata balls. These balls may be two piece, three piece or multi-layer, depending on the playing characteristics the manufacturer is aiming for.
5. Compression
Compression of a golf ball is designed to match the feel of the ball to the golfer's preference. Typical compression ratings are between 80 and 100, with most players using a 90 compression ball as a compromise. Many above average golfers tend to agree that hitting a 100 compression ball feels like hitting a rock. Contrary to popular myth, studies indicate that a 100 compression ball is not significantly longer than 90 or 80 compression balls.
6. Notes
Determining the type of ball you should use, as well as the compression is purely preference. Some people find that a distance type ball is quite playable, while others feel they need the action a spin type ball gives. Generally, higher handicap players will benefit more from a distance or two piece ball due to its lower spin rate. Lower handicap players often prefer a spin type or three piece soft cover ball because of its higher spin rate.
7. Quick Comparison
Balata/SpinSurlyn/Distance
- Softer cover
- Higher spin rate
- Easier to work
- Usually three piece ball
- Usually more expensive with a shorter life
Other
- More durable cover
- Lower spin rate
- Slightly more distance
- Usually two piece ball
- Usually less expensive with a longer life
- Soft, yet durable cover
- Usually better spin than typical surlyn ball
- Usually better durability than typical balata ball
- Higher initial cost than surlyn, but typically longer life than balata
This FAQ is Copyright 1999-2002 by Daniel J. Driscoll, all rights reserved. Product and company names used in this document may be trademarked or copyrighted by the respective owners. This document may be replicated in whole or in part, without alteration. All replications must include this copyright notice.
