Golf balls have changed dramatically in the last few years. Historically there were many different types of golf ball but this was changed recently by the market leader, Titleist, with the introduction of a new type of ball the PRO V1. There has always (and still is to some extent) a trade off between developing a golf ball that travels a long way and yet still has characteristics of spin and soft feel to enable the player to control the ball around the greens.

The PRO V1 has resulted in a considerable change in the dynamics of a golf ball so that you can really have the best of both worlds with a golf ball that goes a long way, stops easily on the greens and gives excellent feel and control. Top manufacturers have emulated this new type of ball and there are now quite a few extremely good examples at the top end.

Which golf ball is right for me?

If you are a single figure handicap player or just above and you are serious about your game then a premium golf ball will give significant advantages with regard to your short game control and putting. There will be a very limited loss of distance with the driver but it won't be significant. Good examples can be found at the top end with Titleist, Callaway, Nike, Srixon, Maxfli and Taylor Made.

For everyone else the picture has never been so healthy either. There are very few bad golf balls on the market. Even so called distance golf balls that are harder than the top golf balls still display fairly good spin and feel characteristics when compared to golf balls 5-10 years ago. This means that you really can't go too wrong. The top ball manufacturers above produce some really good balls with prices starting as low as £9.99/ dozen. If you pay around £15-£20 per dozen you can be sure you will be getting a very good golf ball.

Distance or Spin?

A general rule of thumb is to think about whether you want more distance or more spin. If you hit the ball a long way then go for more spin to help you around the greens but otherwise stick with a distance type ball as this will give you more benefit off the tee.

One other point is weather conditions. In the summer use a softer, spin ball when distance is not such a problem but in the winter use a distance ball as both the temperature and the wetter fairways will take considerable distance off your tee shots. Furthermore, in the winter balls tend to stop easier on the greens anyway thus negating the need for a softer golf ball.