When I started playing golf, I had no idea about all the different terminology associated with the game. However, it didn’t take me long to learn what an Ace meant – Hole in One. Then there is the Albatross, which means that you hole out on your second shot on a Par 5. I mean wow! Can you imagine? Next is the Eagle which is two shots under Par. Then there is the Birdie, one shot below Par. I have actually accomplished this one time. Then of course we have the term Par. Par is the number of shots assigned to a particular hole based on difficulty and length. This is a term that has just recently been associated with my game at times. Then we have a Bogie, one over Par. I am usually pretty happy when I get a Bogie. Then there is the Double Bogie, 2 shots over Par. And lastly, we have the dreaded Triple Bogie, 3 shots above Par.
There are a few other terms that we can discuss at a later time. Today I want to discuss some Golf Ball Terminology. I am sure that you have probably heard the term Golf Ball Compression. So exactly, what does Golf Ball Compression mean?
Ball Compression
I have recently fell in love with the game of Golf. But it wasn’t very long ago that my favorite game was men’s slow pitch softball. I have coached and played on a number of Men’s Softball teams and a number of adult co-ed teams. I also have 6 daughters who also played in every level of fast pitch softball, and most of them I coached. So, when I think of Golf Ball Compression, it reminds me of my softball days. A Softball is made a lot like a Golf Ball in terms of the layers, core, and cover. Each league in softball has their own rules on the Core of the Ball and the Compression. The game of Golf is much the same. Except in the game of Golf, the Ball you choose isn’t factored by needing the ball to meet certain requirements to be considered legal or illegal. Rather, it is factored all by your preference of choice. And that choice should be the ball that is going to improve your game!
In my last blog I talked about what to look for in a golf ball if you are a beginner or a high handicapper. The information in this blog is to educate you on the meaning of golf ball compression, so you can make the best decision on which golf ball is best for you.
What is Golf Ball Compression?
Golf ball compression is a measure of how much force is required to deform a golf ball. The higher the compression, the firmer the ball. Whenever a club hits a golf ball, the force of the impact causes the ball to change shape and compress against the face of the club before it springs off. This is golf ball compression, and it can be seen if you watch a slow-motion replay.
Golf ball compression is the interaction of the club face with the ball’s core, so in general, the softer the ball, the more it compresses.
A golf ball compression rating describes just how hard or soft the ball is, and usually ranges between a score of 30 and 120. The softest being 30, while 120 being the hardest. In other words, the lower the compression rating, the softer the ball, and the higher the compression rating, the harder the ball.
Which Golf Ball Compression is Right for You?
There are several things to consider when choosing the right golf ball compression for you. Just like choosing the right golf club for you, choosing the right golf ball is all about selecting the equipment best suited for you. This includes your swing speed, your handicap, and even perhaps your age.
Faster swing speeds demand high-compression golf balls. Why? Because these balls offer more accuracy, control, responsiveness, trajectory, feel, and backspin, but only with a faster swing speed.
Swing speeds in the middle range, 85 – 105 mph have a choice.
If you are looking for more distance, then opt for a lower compression ball within your speed range.
If you want more control than pick a higher compression ball, but keep within the range that is designed for your swing speed.
Slower swing speeds require a lower compression to boost distance. It’s that simple!
Golfers who would benefit most from low compression Golf Balls:
- Beginners
- Slower Swing Speeds
- Seniors
- Casual Golfers
The higher compression golf ball for experienced and low-handicap golfers only account for less than 5% of the golf market. So what about us mere mortals and newer players?
Distance is king, so pick a ball that maximizes length, and for most of us, this will be a lower compression golf ball.
Golf Ball Compression vs. Swing Speed:
Before you can really know the optimal golf ball compression for you, it is important that you know your swing speed. A lot of golf clubs have a swing monitor device to help you find your swing speed.
If all else fails, you can get a rough estimate on what your club head speed is by how far you hit your driver. For example, if you hit your driver 230 yards, then your club head speed is at or above 90 mph. If you are hitting your 144 yards, then your club head speed is around 60 mph.
Conclusion:
The best golf ball compression for you depends on how you play the game. Check your swing speed to get a better idea of which compression level is best for you.
From this information, you can now make an informed decision to select the correct golf ball compression and gain maximum performance from your golf ball.
You can then find the ball that matches your budget. This makes sense if your game sometimes goes a little errant. Losing 3 balls a round can add $15 to your game every time you walk on the course if you are playing a top dollar golf ball. Painful!! Less expensive options are available within each swing speed parameter.
Remember, higher golf ball prices does not necessarily mean higher quality.
See you on the Green!
Chris