Are high-compression golf balls better for longer drives?
Are they better for driving greens faster? And do they go bad over time?
Yes, Golf balls will lose distance with age. In fact, a wound golf ball which is approximately 5 – 10 years old, securely stored in low humidity and room temperatures will generally lose 0.5 to 1.0% of its Initial Velocity (IV).
In this article, you’ll also learn more about the lifespan of golf balls, and much more.
Are high-compression golf balls better for longer drives
In the world of golf, a lower-compression ball is the better option for those with slow swing speeds. High-compression balls require a faster swing speed but offer good control and distance.
Players with fast swing speeds will benefit from a higher-compression ball as it offers truer flight and more distance.
Despite the name, high-compression balls are not for everyone. For the average golfer, low-compression balls are not ideal, but they are still great for beginners and mid-range players.
High-compression golf balls can increase distance by allowing the ball to travel farther, but they are more difficult to control than low-compression balls.
Low-compression balls are great for beginners, amateurs, and senior citizens. You won’t gain maximum distance with a low-compression ball, but they will help you hit the ball straighter. They’re also easier to control than higher-compression balls.
A low-compression ball won’t spin as much. In fact, soft balls will decrease your distance without affecting your swing speed. Low-compression balls often produce long drives, especially if the golf ball is soft.
While low-compression balls may be better for long drives, they have limited spin design options, making them less useful for players with high swing speeds. They’re also generally longer off irons.
If you’re looking for a ball with a higher compression rating, look for the Titleist Pro V1x. If you’re looking for a golf ball that’s softer and more forgiving on the cart path, the Bridgestone Tour B RXS is an excellent option.
This ball is the most expensive low-compression golf ball, but it provides excellent value compared to similar premium balls.
Another popular golf ball is the Callaway Superhot. With a compression rating of 70, this ball has low spin near the green. It also comes in a 15-ball pack.
This ball has strong covers and aerodynamics, making it a great choice for mid-to-low swing speeds. Unlike low-compression balls, high-compression golf balls are easier to control and hit longer drives.
Do Golf Balls go bad over time?
The life of a golf ball varies, but most balls last at least 7 rounds before they need to be replaced.
If you take good care of them, you can keep the same ball for an additional seven rounds.
However, if you’re not very careful with your balls, they might lose their performance.
Therefore, it’s important to wash your golf balls after every game to prolong their life. The average shelf life of a golf ball is 10 years, but they can degrade more quickly if stored at extreme temperatures.
As a golfer, you probably have accumulated several dozen golf balls over the years. However, you may be wondering whether your balls are still good. Here’s how to tell if your balls are good.
Weigh your options and decide which golf balls are still suitable for play. Don’t worry too much about the technical side of things, though.
Another factor that causes golf balls to break down is exposure to moisture. Golf balls that sit in water can reduce their driving distance.
The water can diffuse through the Polyurethane foam surface, which is made of small cells.
As the water moves in, it can worsen scuffing and cracking. If you leave your golf balls in water for too long, the moisture can penetrate the core and ruin it.
A good rule of thumb when checking the durability of your golf balls is to check for surface damage. Damages on the surface of the ball are more likely to be visible when it has three layers.
If you’re not sure whether or not you’ve noticed surface damage on a ball, use a dime. In the UK, this is equivalent to 5p. If the damage is too severe, replace it immediately.
While some golf balls can go bad, most of them can still be used for several years. The quality of these balls will depend on how they’re stored, whether they’re in the trunk of your car or not, and the climate in which they’re kept.
In most cases, golf balls that get too scratched or scuffed will not go bad but will be less consistent. This is because the balls are made to withstand intense pressure.
Are Golf balls better for faster shots on the greens?
The answer to the question, “Are golf balls better for faster shots on the green with age?” depends on your swing speed.
Players with low-to-moderate swing speeds – seventy-five mph minimum and ninety-five percent average – will find multi-layered balls easier to control. Low-to-mid swing speeds don’t result in significant distance gains.
One of the easiest ways to tell if a ball is getting old is to examine its compression.
Many balls have low compression, meaning they are easy to spin. High-quality golf balls will be firmer, but will still spin well with the right wedges.
The overall construction of a ball determines how long it will last. Golf balls that have high compression are better for hitting short, low-and-mid-range shots.
If you’re concerned about fading, try a ball with a high compression. They’ll stop more easily on the greens.
The Wilson Staff DUO, for example, will give you more control and flexibility on the greens.
Whichever ball you choose, your swing speed should be a determining factor.
Higher compression balls will generate more distance, but will require more club head speed.
Are Golf balls better for longer putts?
Older golf balls tend to lose distance as they lose their inner elasticity and begin to degrade over time.
In fact, after seven years of use, a ball will have lost about 1% of its initial velocity. That is a significant loss of distance over the same stroke!
Thankfully, today’s golf balls come in a variety of materials and provide additional benefits, including greater forgiveness, reduced spin and greater distance.
