Golf Balls Buying Guide

The right golf ball brings on your best game

There are hundreds of golf balls to choose from. And while the one-size-fits-all approach may seem like the less daunting route to take, we’re here to help you easily find the right ball to fit your game. We’re confident that the golf ball you use can have a big impact on your score and playability.  

Breaking down ball types

For distance

These balls are best for golfers who want to maximize yardage and speed off the tee. It’s designed with a larger core and thinner cover so it can have a quicker reaction on the clubface.   

For spin control

Made with amateur golfers in mind, balls with spin control are built to avoid excessive side spin — especially with longer clubs, like drivers — which is typically the main cause of that dreaded hook or slice.

For high performance

Usually referred to as “tour performance” balls, it offers the most performance on various types of shots. It minimizes spin off longer clubs, while providing more spin control for shorter shots around the green.

A look inside (and outside) the ball

Construction

Knowing how a ball is manufactured can give you a better understanding of how it can affect your game. Here we’ve listed out some construction and cover types for you to get familiar with.

  • 2-piece
  • This ball has a solid, larger core typically made from rubber, and a thinner cover. 2-piece balls are great for beginners because it’s made for more distance. 
  • Multi-layers
  • Whether it’s three, four, or five, each layer of a ball performs a different function. For example, a driver activates all layers for biggest distance, while a short chip shot only needs to activate the outer layers.

Cover types

  • Surlyn
  • Surlyn is the most common cover type for non-pro level golf balls. It’s a durable material that doesn’t scuff or scratch, providing more distance.
  • Urethane
  • Urethane is typically a softer cover and provides more feel and feedback.

Golf balls featured in this guide