Golf balls have come a long way since the gutta-percha ball of the mid-1800s. While tree sap may have once been an ideal material for ball manufacturers, a lot has changed over the past few centuries.
Leading manufacturers such as Callaway, Wilson, Srixon, Taylormade and Titleist have tested magnitudes of materials, compounds and combinations to create the most advanced golf balls science can offer.
The range of golf balls started out simple, but with advancements in materials, covers, numbers of core layers, dimples, aerodynamics and testing technology; there is now an almost overwhelming number of balls to choose from.
In this article, we will break down the different types of golf balls, as well as the best golf balls for each type of player and skill level, to help you enhance your game.
What are golf balls made of?
Modern golf balls are constructed from a rubber, polyurethane, resin or liquid core and, typically, a urethane or surlyn outer cover. The core consists of a central piece, surrounded by a varying number of mantel layers, which are then encased in the outer cover.
Previously, balls were designed to optimise drive distance and trajectory against short-game spin and control. However, as technology progressed, manufacturers found that adding additional layers allowed them to create a more complex array of technical benefits while mitigating downsides less linearly.
Golf balls range from two to five pieces, and generally, higher-count balls offer more spin and control while minimising the detriment of drive distance. Additional core layers can also provide different feels without dramatically affecting other statistics.
Two-piece ball: this type of golf ball is ideal for a beginner or high-handicap level player. They are designed for slower swing speeds and are optimised for straight-line travel distance and reduced spin, making them more forgiving to mishits.
Three-piece balls: the higher the number of core layers, the more spin separation a ball can achieve, allowing for a lower spin on the drive and a higher spin on the approach. The additional layer will help intermediate players take more control over their ball placement, though they can be slightly less forgiving for novice players. The three-piece core also provides a high level of consistency and a softer feel.
Four-piece balls: as the number of cores increases, so does the spin separation and controllability of the ball. However, one of the leading differences between the three and four-piece balls is the slightly harder feel.
Five-piece balls: this is the most complex of the cores available and requires a proficient golfer to maximise its benefits fully. However, with this number of layers, the ball can provide an intricate statistical profile.
How does hardness affect a golf ball?
Premium golf balls are supplied in various hardness levels, ranging from hard to soft.
Softer golf balls have a lower compression rating and are optimal for a slower swing speed, while harder golf balls benefit more from a faster swing speed due to their improved energy transference.
If the golfer possesses a higher-speed golf swing, the harder ball will travel further and straighter from the tee. The harder ball will also have a more significant roll distance than a softer ball.
A softer golf ball allows for more control and spin, making them perfect in the short game and around the green.
How many dimples does a golf ball have and why?
The dimples mapped across a golf ball modify how the ball interacts with the air as it travels. In a simplified sense, the fewer dimples a ball has, the less drag it experiences and the further it is designed to travel, while conversely, the more dimples the ball has, the more control and stability it exhibits.
Typically, golf balls have between 250 and 500 dimples of various patterns, shapes, and depths. These dimples balance the ball's trajectory distance, drag, uplift, spin velocity, and stability.
Best Golf Balls for Beginner Players
Early in their careers, golfers may not have mastered their swing or have control over adjusting it for different shots. In this case, we recommend that beginners opt for an inexpensive, soft and forgiving golf ball.
The Golf Venue Recommendation: Callaway Supersoft
Best Golf Balls for Intermediate Players
More experienced players still on their journey to mastery will be looking for a ball that allows them to take better control of their play. We recommend a soft, forgiving ball, which also allows for more spin and control to be applied.
The Golf Venue Recommendation: Srixon Soft Feel
Best Golf Balls for Low-Handicap Players
Advanced golfers who are comfortable playing a full repetiteur of shots will want a ball that unlocks the ability to play the shots they need when they want them. In this case, a 3 to 5 piece ball with high firmness and sufficient spin control would be best.
The Golf Venue Recommendation: TaylorMade TP5X
Best Golf Balls for Junior Players
Junior players entering the game tend to have a slower swing speed and will want a softer ball to account for that. Additionally, at the junior level, balls are often lost or scuffed, so a more durable and budget-friendly option would likely be preferable.
The Golf Venue Recommendation: TaylorMade Noodle
Best Golf Balls for Senior Players
Senior players also tend to have a slower swing speed and will want a softer ball to account for that. However, as their experience is often greater than that of a new junior player, they would benefit from a higher level of spin that allows for more effective approach shots and control around the green.
The Golf Venue Recommendation: TaylorMade Distance Plus
Which Golf Balls Do The Pros Use
While many may think that the most popular ball used by the best of the best is the 5-piece, they would be mistaken. While this ball is used at the highest level, it's far from the most popular. Ultimately, the key to finding the best golf ball for you is to test various types and see which suits your unique style of play.
The leader of the 2023 World Golf rankings, Scottie Scheffler, tends to use the extremely popular 2023 Titleist Pro V1. The Pro V1 offers a mid-flight trajectory, a very high level of short-game spin and a soft feel.
The highly decorated golfer Tiger Woods equips himself with a ball he was involved in the development and testing of. He uses the Bridgestone Tour B XS TW Tiger, which utiilises Bridgestone's REACTIV iQ smart cover technology to create an explosive ball off the tee with a soft feel and high spin on approach shots.
Rory McIlroy brings another brand into the equation as he sports the TaylorMade TP5X. This ball possesses a five-piece construction consisting of a Tri-Fast three-layer core, wrapped in a layer of High-Flex Material before being encased in a cast urethane cover sporting TaylorMade's Tour Flight Dimple Pattern. The ball is similar to other tour balls, except it exhibits a harder feel and slightly longer driving distance.
Women's champion Allisen Corpuz also uses the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, similar to Scheffler. Titleist balls are the most popular brand used at the pro level and are highly consistent and reliable.
English professional Matt Fitzpatrick also uses a Titleist ball; however, he opts for the Pro V1x variant instead of the standard Pro V1. This variant is similar to its counterpart yet exhibits greater carry distance, a steeper angle of descent and less roll. The Pro V1x also provides a slightly firmer feel than the Pro V1.
Best Golf Balls for Competition-Level Players
At the highest level, golfers must optimise their equipment to benefit their unique play style. In this case, we recommend coming into our state-of-the-art golf shop at our Croydon facility, where our experts can help you determine the best ball for your game.
