Choosing a Golf Ball
Also known as: which golf ball should I use, what golf ball should I use, best golf ball for me, golf ball selection, urethane vs ionomer, urethane cover golf ball, two-piece golf ball, multi-layer golf ball, tour ball vs distance ball
Choose a golf ball mainly for how it performs on short shots, then check that it suits your driver and swing speed. Multi-layer urethane balls spin more on wedges and cost more, and two-piece ionomer balls are tougher, spin less and cost less. Lower-compression balls feel softer, and some golfers with slower swings prefer them.
Most golf balls fall into two broad groups. Two-piece balls have a large core and an ionomer cover, a tough plastic often called Surlyn. They spin less on long shots and less around the green, last longer and usually cost less. Multi-layer balls add one or more mantle layers and usually a softer urethane cover. The urethane grips the wedge face for more short-game spin and control. Titleist describes ionomer covers as more durable and lower in short-game spin than urethane.
A practical way to choose is to start at the green and work back. Many fitters suggest testing balls on chips, pitches and putts first, since those shots make up much of every round. Pick the ball whose feel and stopping power you like most, then check that it launches well off the driver. Compression is a second factor. Lower-compression balls feel softer, and some golfers with slower swings prefer them. A launch monitor fitting can confirm the differences for your speed.
For beginners who lose several balls a round, a durable, lower-priced ball makes sense until they lose fewer. Once you can control short shots, a urethane ball can help your wedges stop faster. Whatever you choose, play the same model every round. Your distances and feel then stay the same from round to round.
Tips by skill level
Start with a durable two-piece ball. Once you lose fewer than two balls a round, try a urethane model and compare your chips.
Test balls from 30 to 50 yards, where spin differences show most. Check how far each one releases after landing on the same green.
Example
A 15-handicap golfer tests two balls by chipping ten of each to the same flag. The urethane ball stops within a few feet of where it lands, and the two-piece ball rolls well past. Off the tee, his drives with both are similar, so he switches to the urethane ball.
Why it matters
The ball is the one piece of equipment used on every shot. Playing one model you trust makes your distances and short-game feel more reliable.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a ball only for driver distance and ignoring how it behaves around the green
- Switching between different models from round to round
- Buying an expensive tour ball while still losing many balls per round
- Assuming every soft-feeling ball spins a lot on wedges
Frequently asked questions
What golf ball should I use?
Pick a ball for how it performs around the green first, then check it off the driver. Urethane-covered multi-layer balls spin more on wedges, and ionomer-covered two-piece balls are tougher, spin less and cost less. Then play the same model every round.
What is the difference between a urethane and an ionomer golf ball?
Urethane is a softer cover found on most premium multi-layer balls, and it gives more wedge spin and control. Ionomer, often called Surlyn, is a tougher cover that lasts longer and spins less.
Should a beginner use a premium golf ball?
Usually not at first. A durable, lower-priced ball makes sense while you are still losing balls. Move to a urethane ball once your short game can use the extra spin.
Sources
Related terms
- Golf Ball Compression RatingCompression rating is how much a ball deforms at impact. Low-compression balls feel softer for slower swings, high-compression balls firmer for faster ones.
- Golf Ball DimplesDimples are the small indentations covering a golf ball. They cut air drag and manage lift, so the ball flies farther and more predictably than a smooth one.
- Spin RateSpin rate is how fast the ball spins after impact, in revolutions per minute. It controls how the ball climbs, holds the air, and stops on landing.
- Wedge BackspinBackspin on wedge shots comes from clean, ball-first contact with a descending strike, enough clubhead speed and a clean, dry clubface. A clean lie on short grass and a urethane-covered ball add more spin. Grass, sand or water between the face and the ball cuts it sharply.
- Club FittingClub fitting uses a launch monitor to match shaft, length, lie angle, loft, and head design to a golfer's swing. Stock clubs are built for an average golfer.
- Short GameThe short game covers putting, chipping, pitching, and bunker play, on and around the green. It usually accounts for 60–65% of strokes in an average round.
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