Golf Master Tips, Recommended Compression of Golf Balls - We don't hear as much about the compression of a golf ball as we used to, because in the last few years there has been huge advances in golf ball technology. Compression means the amount of force that it will take at ball impact to literally "squish" the ball.
Compression creates density in the golf ball, and to a small amount will affect distance and loft. When the club makes impact on the ball, after the ball is compressed, or "squished" it will bounce back to its original shape, providing some spring off the club.
This compression and bounce back gives the ball the flexibility so that it can recoil and not break apart. A higher-compression golf ball needs more force to compress it. So if you're using a high compression golf ball with relatively low club speed it will give us the feel of hitting the ball as if it were a rock.
This will not allow for your maximum distance. Conversely, if your swing generates a lot of club head speed, such as that of a professional golfer, hitting a low compression golf ball would be like hitting a marshmallow. In either case if the club speed doesn't match the compression it will not maximize your distance.
Golf ball compression typically has three categories. The lowest compression ball is around 80, and anything lower than that would not have a soft core for the spring-like effect that gives you greater distance. To generalize, most women and seniors, as well as junior golfers are most likely to hit the 80 compression ball.
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The average compression is 90, and most recreational golfers will use this ball. The 100 compression ball has a tighter, harder core and will take a high velocity swing in order to compress it. This would be the ball that is used by advanced golfers.
The time of year that you play has a great deal to do with the ball you should be playing. You want to use a lower compression ball when it's colder as this will add flexibility as it comes off the golf club. Hitting a higher compression ball in the winter will make it feel like you are hitting a rock. In the summer when compression isn't such a problem you can use a softer, spin ball.
That will give you better control on approach shots to the green, as the extra spin will stop the ball quicker on the greens. There is quite a lot that goes into choosing a good golf ball; however technology over the last few years has made for fewer variations. (Sean O'Kelly)
