Ball
The ball is the playing equipment of golf — conforming balls weigh at most 45.93 grams and measure at least 42.67 millimetres in diameter.
The ball is the most heavily regulated piece of equipment in golf. The rulebook specifies weight, minimum diameter and initial speed so that no ball “flies over” the course. Modern balls consist of two to five layers with a core of plastic compounds and a cover of Surlyn or urethane. The dimples on the surface provide lift and stabilisation in flight — without them the ball would hardly fly further than a stone. Differences in compression and in cover material determine how soft the impact feels and how much spin the ball takes.
On the course you notice the difference between the construction types immediately. An example: with a hard two-piece distance ball, your drive rolls out noticeably after landing, but on the green it bounces on. A soft multi-layer ball flies higher, stops on the green after a few metres and gives you more control with the chip. For most recreational golfers a solid two-piece ball is completely sufficient. It forgives untidy strikes and keeps your wallet in check when one stays in the rough.
A typical mistake is buying tour balls for the good feeling on the green, while durability and price work against you. More important is to choose a ball and stick with it. Whoever constantly changes the model never learns how their ball rolls on the putt or how far a full wedge really flies. Mark your ball before the round with a pen — that saves discussions when two identical models lie side by side.
FAQ
How do I recognise which ball suits me?
For most recreational golfers a solid two-piece distance ball is enough: it forgives untidy strikes, rolls out well and is inexpensive. Whoever regularly hits the green and wants control there goes for a softer multi-layer model with a urethane cover. More important than the model is consistency: stay with one ball so that you really get to know its behaviour when putting and with the wedge.
When should I change the ball during the round?
Change the ball as soon as you see a cut, a scrape or a dent in the cover, because such damage noticeably changes flight and roll behaviour. After contact with a tree, a stone or a cart path, a quick look at the surface is worthwhile. A blanket change after a fixed number of holes is unnecessary as long as the ball is undamaged.
Why should I mark my ball before the round?
Because many golfers play the same model and balls in the rough or on neighbouring fairways are easy to confuse. A few strokes or dots with the pen make your ball unmistakable and save you discussions or even penalty strokes for a wrong ball. Marking takes ten seconds and is part of the firm preparation before the first tee.