Your golf ball is the only piece of golf equipment that gets used on every shot. That's why it needs to compliment your game, so you can get the most out of each shot. With so many different types of golf balls being sold today, it can be difficult deciding which one to go with. Today, I'm going to review a few different golf balls and the type of player that each one is designed to accommodate.
Swing speed is a big, determining factor when it comes to picking a golf ball. If you have a swing speed any lower than 105 mph, there's really no reason for you to play a Pro V1. It's a great ball, but it was meant for professionals and top caliber amateurs. Don't waste your money on an expensive ball when there could be other, less expensive options available that actually work better.
One ball that I really like is the Precept Laddie. Titleist also makes some good lower priced balls like the NXT series. Bridgestone also has some good options, and they've had success marketing their golf balls to amateur golfers in particular.
One of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer is to pick a ball based on feel and short game. You hit way more approach shots, chips, and pitches than you do drives, so distance shouldn't be your only worry. Get a ball that responds well for you on the green and you'll most likely shave strokes off your score.
Like anything else, you've got to figure out what works best for you. I can offer suggestions, but it's up to you to make a decision. Good luck!
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Weight at Impact
In watching Surge's video on golf balls just now, as he demonstrated possible problems with a student's ball flight, he showed where the body and head are supposed to be at impact; it occurred to me that I'm not totally sure where my weight is supposed to be at impact. When he shows a static pose of impact, it almost looks as if the weight is still on the back foot. His head is back slightly and and the slight spine tilt almost make it seem that the weight still hangs back. I assumed there was a fluid shit of weight, and at impact the weight was moving toward the front foot. Any of you guys have thoughts on this. Thanks.
Randy F
Impact
Most of the weight on the front foot. Back heel already off of the ground.
Head exactly where it was at set up with mid section and hips more forward and slightly open. Hence the spine still tilted back from the hips (forward) to the shoulders and head (back).
Impact position only lasts for a split second and the upper body and head quickly follow the arms after impact to a standing vertical position at the tee finish.
Weight at Impact
Thanks, Steve. Pretty much what I thought had to be the case, but one of those sudden moments of uncertainty caused by static images. When the snow goes, I'll get to work.
Randy F
Weight
Randy, the BUMP creates the weight shift, this happens just prior to him reaching the top of the BUS, it's such a small movement that it's hard to pick up when watching the video. Try double clicking & freezing his image during the BUS and you will pick it up.
Bump discovery
"...just prior to him reaching the top of the BUS..."
Neil, if you have followed my other threads recently you may have read that I have had some breakthroughs with the bump and particularly with the driver.
Yesterday for some reason it seemed that my mind and body had forgotten what I had been finally doing right. Instead of getting that long straight drive with a little draw it was headed further right again, ugh! Why? Couldn't figure it out yesterday but today the correct lower body move was rediscovered, hopefully permanently. Yesterday I was too caught up in the 'drop it in the slot' move and was not doing a lateral shift (bump). Today, yes and both the path of my swing and T finish were beautiful. Here's the big discovery;
Whether one starts the bump before reaching the top or not BUMPING is imperative and still works wonders. We (speaking for myself and maybe several others out there struggling to bump correctly) we have gotten so polorized by thinking and feeling the need (the must) to start a sequential bump with the lower body before starting down, that we just can't co-ordinate it confidently or consistently. So I have made a breakthrough by deciding to move the lower body laterally as my initiation of my down swing and as a married part of my over all FUS. I am no longer worried about perfecting the timing of it. The most important thing is that I do it regardless.
The results have been really satisfying. Today I hit so many drives down the right side that moved gently back to the middle and rolled out nicely. The really cool part is that it has helped me come from the inside and swing up to a balanced T finish. I am now going to continue to ingrain the move and the feeling. I am gradually working on the same results with the rest of my bag.
Perhaps this discovery may help some other golfers out there that have given up hope of bumping the way we feel we are suppose to. Even if you don't start it until you are already at the top of your BUS- DO IT ANY WAY! Try it and let me know guys and girls:)
Too many thoughts spoils the swing
Unless we are doing a slow motion practice swing, one FUS thought is all most of us can handle. Doing the bump as the first move does a lot to drop it into the slot without any conscious effort. Of course the bump still has to be done correctly and not be overdone. I guess that I think about 2 things during the downswing but one of them is active and the other is passive. The active thought is moving my tailbone a little laterally to initiate the bump. The passive thought, is picturing my softened right shoulder blade back and pointed to the ground in back of my right heel for the first part of the bump activated transition. This only happens for a fraction of a second but I think it does a number of good things. Of course these points are all conjecture on my part and wide open for debate.
1. It helps ensure that the bump is a small lateral move.
2. It helps to keep the head behind the ball at impact.
3. It helps to shallow the swing plane.
4. It gives the right arm a chance to straighten a little earlier and encourage a draw.
5. It makes coming over, the top less likely.
6. There is less to coordinate because only one thought involves movement.
Thoughts
I was hitting balls on a range a few years ago and one of the best players in the state (on the Nationwide Tour) was hitting balls next to me. Not a nickle's worth of difference between the way he was hitting the ball and the guys on the PGA Tour that I had seen at the Tour Championship.
Another guy walked up and watched him for a while and then asked him what he thinks about during his swing.
I stopped and listened in, hoping to get a good tip. He simply said "Nothing".
Thoughts
Bingo my best scores in the past have came from thinking of nothing when swinging the club.
Reactive sports
I could say that about swinging a baseball bat or any other reactive sport where the body has to respond to a moving object but not about golf. Just for the heck of it I Googled "why is golf difficult." Of course there was a multitude of reasons but the following article sums it up pretty well.
http://www.hpga.net/fiveconditions.html
One of his points is, that in most sports we are reacting to something moving but in golf we are reacting to a backswing. I can't even make a good backswing without thinking about it.
From my humble viewpoint, a person is truly blessed by the Gods if they can perform the complex motion of the golf swing, while thinking about nothing. They must have the natural ability to do whatever it takes to make golf a reactive and instinctive sport. They can just put the whole thing on automatic pilot and not even think about the target.
I think it's more likely that some elite players, use " I think about nothing " as a standard reply for hackers.
Thoughts
When I'm playing my best it is just like any other sport and all I'm thinking about is where I want the ball to go and what shape, speed, and trajectory it's going to take to get there.
I still go by the baseball adage "Practice your swing off the field. Trust your swing on the field" and I'm convinced that the reason most golf scores are WAY too high is that people are not following that.
Agree, less is better
Dave,
Certainly agree that less is better, especially when it comes to swing mechanics and government. However you know as well as most of us that if we are in the process of improvement we unfortunately need to think. As Surge says there is no muscle memory only mental memory. So our body needs directives, the simpler the better. For example your excellent suggestion to consider Gary Pinn's pitching/chipping method. I had to learn it and still have to consciously get my set up and feel ready to employ it. However it has been great for me. I expect to chip it in every time I play. It has simplified and improved my 25 yards and in game. Now after using it for several months I don't need to think as much. I can 'feel' when I'm set up and ready and it all happens much faster. As for your description above of what works for you, it does not need debated because it works for you, period:) and that's what we are all looking for.
The Bump
Robert, the past few weeks after re-hab, Iv'e tried consciously to actuate the bump but feel I'm over doing it. So this week I just forgot about it and hit the ball with more power, hence my 5 pars ( won't mention the doubles ). This week I intend to video myself and see what really is happening, as Iv'e mentioned before, what one thinks they are doing, isn't really what they are doing.
Balance
Neil,
Finding a balance for over doing and under doing to just right can and does unfortunately fluctuate for those of us who continue to seek swing improvement. Sometimes we have to exagerate a move to learn it. Then we may need to back off or perhaps give attention to another aspect. Believe me, I would much rather not think about anything and when it is going well I don't think much but about the target. However I am determined to draw the ball, especially off the tee as I have experienced first hand that it adds distance. Also, i have found with or without the draw I hit the ball more purely with the bump. In the past I have said because I can't do it at will on purpose I just let it happen naturally as I swing up. Recently I was re-inspired to learn to bump while dropping inside. Over doing it made it happen. Last week it worked like a charm. Yesterday I under did it (as I mentioned in my previous post) and Today I found the balance. Now if I can just continue to practice this consistently and then work this into the rest of my sticks....... well that's the plan. But as with all of us it's a couple steps forward then maybe a couple back then forward again. Look at some of the best players in the world and they are all tinkering and finding ways to improve continually. For me the methods and tools (clubs) will likely continue to evolve as I get older and adapt. Hopefully wiser:) Though I continue to find my way I plan on staying within the PPGS parameters.
You will soon meet both Surge and Doc, right? Method and Tools. BTW, video tape as much as possible. They are cool with that and you'll be glad you did. I still have valuable footage from my last clinic with Surge and DJ. Don talks really fast and has a ton to say. You won't catch everything 100% and even if -you won't retain it all so record it.
Weight at Impact
Thanks for your insight, Neil. I can generally see Don's Bump, but have had problems getting it right in my own swing. I'll keep at it. Thanks again.
Randy F
Golf balls
The other day a Bridgestone rep was set up by the first tee. I had a few minutes so I let him test me out. Started with the pro v 1 and as I suspected wasn't right for me. Put with an E6 from Brigestone and spin was around 2200 rather than nearly 3000 with the Titlest PV1. Gave me the new sleeve of two balls. Any how I got a great deal on the Wilson Elite 50's on line. Used them today and ball flight was nice. Getting use to them around green still. The Wilson 50's will be better as it gets colder here with the soft compression. The laddie Surge mention is a great ball and i wouldn't hesitate getting it again.
GOLF BALLS
Robert
Just curios which PRO V The ProV1 OR Prov1X. I haven't tried the E6 but have tried and like the BB330RX better than the ProV's
pro v1
If I recall it was the pro v1. My driver speed is around 96-98 last time I checked.
So a softer, less spin ball is normally a bit better. Frankly I've done okay and terrible with many balls:) On the golf course I play I find a lot of balls because we walk and can scan the grounds easier than those flying along in carts. Too we are never in a "cart path only" when walking so again see more of the golf course and find more balls. BTW I always find lots of great tees as I always take my push cart right up on the tee so when I start walking forward off the tee box it is tee city. Never need to buy. Back to balls, I'm not that picky really. As I have found and used lots of every make of ball without buying. Still I do buy as I like new, fresh golf balls when possible. Just got the Wilson Elite 50's. Like 'em so far and the price was right:) I've used several different Brigestone and they do make an equally good ball as Titlest. The E 6's are good as they spin less. Around the greens I don't worry about back spin much as my balls come in high normally and rarely move more than a foot or two from where they land. BTW, I have that ball spinner that allows you to put the line on the exact balance point along the center. (the Check-Go Pro). Frankly, I find using a line to roll my putts is a distraction so though I like the concept I don't like using a line.
Golf balls
Since I don't play for handicap or in sanctioned events, I use different golf balls for different situations on the course. I don't use a new ball on the tee because it is likely going to go way right and into the woods. I always have my "water" balls when I play a hole with water on it. Once in the fairway, I will put down a new ball to play into the green. Then, I use a "special" soft ball for putting. My preference of golf ball, overall, is women's Crystals. I get at least 10 more yards with them than I do with the typical "men's" golf ball. The only problem is that the Crystals don't have a long play life (too easy to scuff).
And just because I don't play for handicap doesn't mean I don't take the game seriously. But I don't see a reason to record my scores until I can shoot in the low to mid 90's consistently on the same course week after week.
Just my thoughts for the day. Jeff P.
how to swing without swing thoughts
check out Clear Keys Golf. have been using it for several years and the method has made a big difference for me.
Golf Balls
Funny story. Played today with a friend of mine and found a pink ladies golf ball. I offered it to him knowing he hates ladies balls...lol. I explained to him the ball doesn't know a lady isn't hitting it. Yeah, I stole that line from Surge. Told him I'd play it if he didn't want it. He kinda snickered when I told him I'd kick his butt with it.
Next hole was a long par 3 over a brook, bunkered in front that I can't get to and never par. I cleared the brook in the rough on an uplill lie, pitched over the bunker from about 15 yard to a back pin about 8 ft. He laughed when I told him only a pink ball could have ever done that.
He said "I'll eat my words if you make that". It was a side hill twister that the golf gods guided into the cup. ;0)) Mind you this a hole I NEVER par. I beat him 3 out of the last 4 holes using that ball.
I've decided I may have to wrap it up and give to him for Christmas. ;0)))
Sounds like a keeper
Hmmm...Maybe you should keep that ball for yourself, and buy some more like it. ;-)
The only problem I have with pink balls is that they are hard to see at certain times (like now). My wife always plays with a yellow or pink ball (for some reason) and when the leaves are falling and the grass is dormant neither color is easy to see.
Speaking of ladies balls: I found a Calloway ball about a month ago that looked brand new and when I played that afternoon I tried it. It was horrible for me. In fact it was probably one of the worst balls I've played with in a long time. That surprised me because I usually like Calloway golf balls OK, and I like their best Tour balls a lot (almost as good as a Pro V1). I checked the name on it when I got home and found it was a ladies ball (a Solaire or something like that).
I had no idea it was a ladies ball.
Solaire Golf Ball
Steve, I've used that model ball several times, and have had moderate success with it. I have a couple that I use when it's cold, and they have proved to be pretty consistent in performance. I normally use a Prov1, or a Prov1x, but when it gets a little chilly, I like to use a softer ball. I walk most days, so I find all kinds of balls, and have tried most, but I have drawn the line at Pink. Mike
Balls
Three things:
1) I think alot of people get hung up on brand names. I can't believe the number of people I have played with who "only play ProVs," but shoot in the 90s. If you're shooting over 80, you're not getting any benefit from a "top grade" ball. Buy a cheaper ball that has the feel you want and play it instead. It's cheaper with no real performance penalty. (Although I'm not talking about the low end "rocks" here. I just thinking that there's some pretty nice mid-level balls without playing $60/dozen balls.)
2) Jim Furyk did an interview once where he held up a ball (I thought it was Titleist, but Furyk probably plays Srixon, so I'm must be wrong) and said something like "I hate when I hear amateurs say that the reason they play a particular ball is because one of us professionals play it. The reason I play this ball is exactly the reason most amateurs shouldn't. It spins like crazy, which I like because I can control it around the greens. Most amateurs shouldn't be playing a "spin ball" because they can't control it." (The same can be said for alot of clubs. If a pro is playing them, most amateurs probably shouldn't be.)
3) I once read a great tip about balls that is almost impossible to follow. The guy said, "Find the ball that fits your game and that you like the feel of, and play it EXCLUSIVELY. If you find a different type of ball, give it away. That way every time you hit the ball, you know how it is going to react. This is particularly important on and around the green."
I really think this is a great piece of advice and I followed it for awhile. I bought 6 dozen of my favourite ball and played only them for awhile. I really do believe it was a benefit. But when you find a really nice Bridgestone or ProV or something, it's tough to "throw it away." As a result, it wasn't long before my bag was filled with a mix of balls, and it still is.