Walk into any golf shop and you'll be confronted with an overwhelming array of golf ball options. From budget-friendly distance balls to premium tour-level options costing four times as much, the choices can be paralysing. Here's the thing many golfers don't realise: the "best" golf ball isn't necessarily the most expensive one—it's the one that matches your swing characteristics and playing style.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down golf ball construction, explain what compression ratings actually mean, and help you identify which type of ball will genuinely improve your game rather than just lightening your wallet.
Higher-handicap golfers often benefit more from distance-focused, lower-compression balls than from premium tour balls. Expensive doesn't always mean better for your game.
Understanding Golf Ball Construction
Modern golf balls come in three main construction types, each offering different performance characteristics. Understanding these differences is the foundation for making an informed choice.
Two-Piece Construction
Two-piece balls consist of a solid rubber core surrounded by a durable cover, typically made from Surlyn (a type of ionomer resin). These balls are designed primarily for distance and durability.
- Advantages: Maximum distance, extremely durable, affordable, consistent performance
- Disadvantages: Less spin around greens, harder feel, reduced control on approach shots
- Best for: High-handicap golfers, beginners, players prioritising distance over control
Three-Piece Construction
Three-piece balls add a mantle layer between the core and cover. This additional layer allows manufacturers to optimise different parts of the ball for different aspects of performance—the core for distance, the mantle for spin control.
- Advantages: Better balance of distance and spin, improved feel, more control on approach shots
- Disadvantages: More expensive, slightly less durable than two-piece balls
- Best for: Mid-handicap golfers seeking to improve short game performance
Four and Five-Piece Construction
Tour-level balls use multiple layers to maximise performance across all aspects of the game. The Titleist Pro V1, for example, uses a three-layer core system with a urethane cover.
- Advantages: Optimal spin separation (low driver spin, high wedge spin), premium feel, maximum control
- Disadvantages: Expensive, less durable, performance benefits only realised by skilled players
- Best for: Low-handicap players, competitive golfers, those with consistent ball-striking
Many amateur golfers assume tour-level balls will improve their game simply because professionals use them. However, the high spin rates of premium balls can actually exacerbate slice and hook tendencies in higher-handicap players.
Golf Ball Compression Explained
Compression is one of the most misunderstood aspects of golf ball selection. It refers to how much the ball deforms when struck, measured on a scale typically ranging from 30 to 120.
Low Compression (Below 70)
Low compression balls are softer and compress more easily. They're designed for players with slower swing speeds—typically below 85 mph with a driver. Examples include the Bridgestone e6 and Callaway Supersoft.
Benefits of low compression for appropriate players:
- Better energy transfer at slower swing speeds
- Increased distance despite lower clubhead speed
- Softer feel at impact
- Generally straighter ball flight
Mid Compression (70-90)
Mid compression balls suit the majority of amateur golfers with swing speeds between 85-105 mph. They offer a balance of distance and feel without requiring exceptionally fast swing speeds to compress properly.
High Compression (Above 90)
High compression balls are designed for players with fast swing speeds—typically above 105 mph. When properly compressed, these balls can offer superior distance and control. However, players without sufficient swing speed won't compress them adequately, resulting in reduced distance and a harsh feel.
A simple way to estimate your ideal compression: if you typically hit your 7-iron less than 140 metres, look at low compression balls. Between 140-160 metres, consider mid compression. Above 160 metres, you can likely benefit from higher compression options.
Cover Materials: Surlyn vs Urethane
The cover material significantly affects how the ball performs on short game shots and around the greens.
Surlyn Covers
Surlyn is an ionomer resin developed by DuPont. It's extremely durable, cut-resistant, and maintains its properties over time. Surlyn-covered balls tend to produce lower spin rates on all shots, which promotes straighter flight but reduces stopping power on approach shots.
Urethane Covers
Urethane covers are softer and generate significantly more spin, particularly on wedge shots. This allows skilled players to control trajectory and spin the ball back on greens. However, urethane is less durable and more expensive than Surlyn.
The choice between cover materials often comes down to this question: Would you rather have a ball that flies straighter overall, or one that gives you more control around the greens? For most recreational golfers, the former is actually more beneficial.
Matching Balls to Skill Level
Beginners and High Handicappers (25+)
Focus on distance and durability. You're likely losing several balls per round, so premium options don't make economic sense. A quality two-piece ball with a Surlyn cover will maximise your distance while minimising the slice or hook that higher-spin balls can exacerbate.
Recommended characteristics:
- Two-piece construction
- Low to mid compression (50-80)
- Surlyn cover
- Focus on "distance" or "straight" designations
Mid Handicappers (12-24)
You're developing consistency and starting to think about shot shaping and green-side control. A three-piece ball offers a good balance—enough spin to stop approach shots without punishing mishits too severely.
Recommended characteristics:
- Three-piece construction
- Mid compression (70-90)
- Surlyn or urethane cover depending on priority
- Balance of distance and control
Low Handicappers (Below 12)
You have the ball-striking consistency to benefit from premium tour balls. The ability to spin the ball back on greens and shape shots intentionally becomes valuable. Multi-layer construction with urethane covers will reward your skills.
Summary: Choosing Your Golf Ball
- Construction layers affect spin separation and feel
- Match compression to your swing speed, not your aspirations
- Cover material determines durability vs greenside control
- Higher handicappers generally benefit from distance-focused balls
- Premium balls only reward players with consistent ball-striking
- Experiment with different options to find your best fit
The golf ball market can seem unnecessarily complex, but understanding the basics of construction, compression, and cover materials will help you cut through the marketing and find what actually works for your game. Don't be swayed by what tour professionals use—find the ball that matches your swing and watch your scores improve.
Browse our golf ball comparisons to explore specific models, or read our guide on golf ball storage and care to maximise your investment.