Choosing a Golf Ball
Golf balls were originally made from wood and have been traced to 18th century Scotland. However, the Scottish weather was not very friendly to the wood and these balls often became cracked. To deal with the short life of these original balls, a leather wrapped ball was created. This leather covered ball was replaced in due time by the "guttie," a solid golf ball made from gutta-percha rubber.
The solid rubber wasn't so susceptible to the weather, making this new ball last longer. The golf balls of today are engineered for accuracy and flight. Manmade materials have won the battle against the elements. Chances are you will lose your golf ball long before it wears out.
Golf balls that you will find today tend to be either two-piece construction, designed for distance, or multi-layer construction, which maximizes control. If you were to look inside a two-piece golf ball, you would find a solid core wrapped by a cover. Multi-layer balls begin with a solid core, wrapped by one or more layers of synthetic material, capped off with a cover. Multi-layer balls are more performance oriented, with the main emphasis being controllability.
New golfers are probably better off using two-piece golf balls until their skills increase to the point of needing multi-layer technology. The cover of two-piece golf balls is generally made of surlyn, but balata is an alternate material. Surlyn covers maximize durability and strength, but balata may provide extra control through it softness and tendency to spin more. Choosing between surlyn and balata would mean deciding between a long distance shot or a precise drop onto the green. Two-piece golf balls are usually the most affordable option and are wide available in many outlets. Golf balls that are designed for advanced players or the pro market will be priced accordingly.
When choosing a golf ball, don't allow yourself to be seduced by the look and feel of pro-level products unless you believe you have the skills to match. Your playing ability should be your primary guidance when choosing a golf ball. Choosing a golf ball with the highest price is not the best way to ensure that you will play your best.
Your golf swing and your playing style--these are the factors that ought to determine the best choice of golf ball. If you still are unsure about which golf ball to choose, try out an assortment at the driving range or the course.
The golf balls you choose should be about improving your game, not impressing your buddies with how much you spent for them. Brand names are not always the best way to decide which golf balls to choose. The bottom line on choosing golf balls is not the logo on the ball, but rather the improvement in your game.
