What To Look For
With so many different brands and types of golf balls in the world, many wonder if there is really a difference among them. The answer is yes. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, low compression balls can provide a soft landing and gentle feel. They can help you drop strokes in the most important place: around the greens.
Common Pitfalls
While low compression golf balls provide a controllable and delicate touch around the greens and with high irons, they are not ideal for long distance and are much less durable than their high compression counterparts. Also, note that air temperature affects compression. The colder the air, the harder the ball.
Where To Buy
The pro shop at any local golf course should be stocked with a variety of low compression balls, or at least be able to order them. This way you can not only feel the differences in the textures for yourself, but also direct questions to the professional behind the counter.
Cost
Typically, golf balls are sold in either a sleeve of three or a box of 12. Sleeves range from $4 to $12 and boxes can go for anywhere between $20 and $60, depending on brand. "Titleist, Callaway, and Taylormade might make superior balls, but they're also the most expensive and they're not going to serve the majority of golfers any better than (inexpensive) Top Flight or Pinnacle," says Chris Talerico of the Professional Golfers Association.
Comparison Shopping
High compression balls tend to cost a little less, simply because the demand for them is lower. Though they provide a greater distance, they also bear "too close a resemblance to the rocks Scottish shepherds hit when inventing the game," according to Matt Easterbrook of the PGA. Unfortunately, at least in the world of golf, low price generally means low quality.
Accessories
Golf tees are generally plastic or standard wood, and while the composing elements may not mean much, the tee's length can be very important. Practice with different heights until you find the best one for you. Clubs are obviously an important factor as well, along with a comfortable glove and shoes. But the buck stops at a golfer's swing, and only lessons can give you that.
Insider Tips
If searching for hidden gems in the bargain buckets at any Golf Shop, the compression level of a ball can easily be tested by gently scratching the dimpled cover with your thumb nail. The lower the compression, the more damage your nail can do to its cover. Also, dropping a low compression ball onto concrete will make a more muffled sound than a high compression ball. You could very well end up buying a $6 ball for less than $1.
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