Quick guide on golf ball construction
There are three basic types of golf ball: 2 piece, 3 piece hybrid, and 3 or 4 piece performance golf balls.
2 piece
The 2 piece balls are the main ones produced by the manufacturers. Their construction consists of a large, solid rubber core, surrounded by a plastic or rubber (urethane) cover. The way the ball performs can be altered by changing the size of the core, the compression of the core, or the softness of the cover.
These type of golf balls are typically for distance, with greater velocity being the result of the large core. Also, this type of ball will travel straighter, as they are lower spinning.
The lower compression version of these balls are suitable for golfers with slow swing speeds, that being less than 85mph.
Therefore, these type of golf balls are good for players with slow swing speeds (lower compression applied to the construction). Good for players who slice or hook spin more often than they'd like (golf ball construction results in lower spinning), and good for players who want the distance that these balls allow (greater velocity due to large core).
3 piece hybrid
The 3 piece hybrid gold ball consist of three layers: a solid core, a thin layer known as the mantle, and a soft rubber (urethane) or plastic cover.
The way the ball performs can be changed by altering the core or mantle layers during the construction of the ball.
These type of golf balls provide high performance and greater spin control than their 2 piece cousins, but include the same benefits to the golfer prone to slicing or hooking.
3 or 4 piece performance
The 3 or 4 piece performance golf balls are for golfers with low handicaps and high swing speeds. They provide low initial spin, which gives distance, and high iron spin, which allows for greater precision (better chance of getting that ball exactly where you want it to go).
The balls consist of a duel core, with a rubber (urethane), dimpled cover. The 4 piece also includes a thin mantle layer between the duel core and cover.
To round off we have the 2 piece being the best choice for those starting and building up their game. As their game improves they can move on to the 3 piece hybrid for greater performance and contol, then once their handicap and swing rate gets to a decent level, to then make use of the 3 or 4 piece performance golf balls.
Golf balls aplenty
There are golf balls aplenty to choose from, by well known brands such as Srixon, Nike, Titleist and Callaway. And if you
want your golf balls to be personalised then this service is available within, at the sportshq.
The choice of a golf ball
Like any other piece of golf equipment, the type of golf ball that suits your style of game will require trying out the many types and brands before the right one is found. In fact you more than likely will require different type of golf ball depending on how you play each game. For example, if you need to make the ball travel a great distance then you would need one with low spin. Beginners to the world of golf will more than likely choose a 1 piece golf ball. Those resistant to change will still be playing with solid golf balls.
The old and the new types of golf balls
There are two types of golf balls, solid and wound. The solid golf balls were in use up until the 1980s, then the more superior wound golf balls came into existence thus phasing out the appeal of the solid golf ball. The solid golf balls have made a resurgence of late, having been improved.
Different varieties of golf balls
Besides the choice of solid and wound golf balls, a player can also choose either a single piece (a dimpled golf ball made from Surlyn), two piece (golf ball with a durable covering over a core), three piece (golf ball with a solid or liquid core), and the four piece. Beginners tend to use the single piece as they are cheep and are more than adequate for the newby golfer. The two piece variety of golf ball is travel further than the single piece and are robust. The three piece variety of golf ball allows for greater control of the golf ball, and is the choice of the professional golfer. The four piece golfer ball is new on the scene, and is believed to travel the furthest of them all.
The weight and size of golf balls
Not all golf balls are the same weight or size. The regulations allow for a maximum weight of 45.93 grams, and a maximum diameter of 42.67 millimetres. The smaller the ball the less wind resistance therefore the further it can travel, also it will gain less wind resistance the heavier the ball is.
Standards set down for golf balls
All golf balls have to pass the standards set down by two organisation, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland, and the United States Golf Association in the USA. If the balls fail to pass any of these standards then they are banned from use in any official tournament.
External golf related articles
Here is a list of other articles out on the web, giving information on the world of golf
