Choice of golf ball in foursomes

[DeskBoundLondoner]

I wonder how the pros go about deciding what golf ball to play when playing with a partner in foursomes? These days every piece of equipment is so precisely fitted to a player's game including the choice of golf ball. Wonder if that plays into choosing teammates?

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Always wondered the same thing myself. I guess the top players can adapt their game to allow for more/less spin depending on the ball but I guess the question is whether or not they want to. I've played foursomes with guys who insist on a particular ball but I'm generally happy with any premium ball apart from a Nike.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Monty in his book said that he got a delivery of Faldos balls to practise with before his RC debut

 

[Berger]

Monty in his book said that he got a delivery of Faldos balls to practise with before his RC debut

He mentioned that on one of the ryder cup build-up programmes. Said they were delivered 6 months before the ryder cup and each one had 'faldo' printed on it, which made him feel even more pressure.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Apparently this was covered in the practice days where McGinley encouraged players to try their team mates golf balls out. Presumably he would give players the nod for who is likely to play together and so you are only trying one or two different types rather than 11 different balls. The players then decide who is most comfortable with the "other" ball and off they go.

As a user of lake balls, Pearl/A, I suspect we would be using my partners golf balls unless they were a/ as unfussy as me b/ bought A/B grade lake balls.

 

[pbrown7582]

Reckon the majority play Pro V so just a case of Prov1 or prov1x. Could be a bit of debate in the Rory Sergio partnership though. Nike v adidas grudge war.... Can't see either wanting pics of there man using the other ball!

 

[Foxholer]

Reckon the majority play Pro V so just a case of Prov1 or prov1x. Could be a bit of debate in the Rory Sergio partnership though. Nike v adidas grudge war.... Can't see either wanting pics of there man using the other ball!

Very much doubt any would be playing Pro Vs (Black)

I've seen several different flavour Nikes and Srixons provided for Practice at Tournaments but only ProV1x from Titleist.

Ryder Cup is a 'Sponsor Free Event' in that Player's are exempted from being required to wear their sponsor's gear, though they will probably wear their shoes.

 

[Jon321]

I always thought they played with the ball of the player than was most likely to be playing into to green as they are used to the spin and control for the approach shot.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Not sure about the RC but I always try and use my own ball in foursomes. That way I don't feel so guilty about losing it

 

[Oddsocks]

I always thought they played with the ball of the player than was most likely to be playing into to green as they are used to the spin and control for the approach shot.

This would make sense,

 

[HomerJSimpson]

At their level, is there really much difference? Isn't it more a mind set thing or brand loyalty (McIlroy and Nike etc)

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I always thought they played with the ball of the player than was most likely to be playing into to green as they are used to the spin and control for the approach shot.

Wouldn't that mean changing ball every hole? Is that allowed in the RC.

 

[Oddsocks]

I'm sure as long as you complete the hole with the same ball....

 

[USER1999]

Macilroy and Garcia were playing Nike today.

I don't think either of them could blame the ball though.

 

[slicer79]

Rose was using Titleist in the evening, as opposed to his usual Taylormade

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Wouldn't that mean changing ball every hole? Is that allowed in the RC.

Nah they have to play the same ball for the entire match. Visions of the famous Seve/Azinger tiff when Seve accused the Americans of switching different compression balls for different holes.

 

[MadAdey]

At their level, is there really much difference? Isn't it more a mind set thing or brand loyalty (McIlroy and Nike etc)

i think you'll find at their level it would make more difference than ours. They spend practice time hitting a specific ball hundreds of times to points that know exactly how it will spin off the short irons and they can also control the amount of spin. You then get them to use a lower spinning ball and all of a sudden short shots starting going too far as they are not checking as quickly.

 

[Pin-seeker]

i think you'll find at their level it would make more difference than ours. They spend practice time hitting a specific ball hundreds of times to points that know exactly how it will spin off the short irons and they can also control the amount of spin. You then get them to use a lower spinning ball and all of a sudden short shots starting going too far as they are not checking as quickly.

Agreed,surely it's at our level (amateur) where there isn't much difference between say a Pro V or Z star.

 

[AmandaJR]

I wondered the same yesterday. Even at my level I take this into account. Greensomes with David and it's Bridgestone E6 which we both like although I prefer Srixon Soft Feel on our (slow) greens. He marginally perfers NXT Tour. I'll play an E6 the week before to get confident with it on the greens. Foursomes partner and I won the k/o this summer playing a Soft Feel. She usually plays anything with Titleist on it regardless of its suitability so persuaded her to try the Soft Feel which she was fine with...

The devil's in the detail and all that!

 

[MadAdey]

Agreed,surely it's at our level (amateur) where there isn't much difference between say a Pro V or Z star.

I really do not find much difference between the premiums balls, wether it is the Z Star, V1, V1x or my choice of ball B330. I would agree that they all feel slightly different around the greens and off the putter head, that is why I choose the B330 because it feels nice to chip and putt with. But like probably anyone on here you could use any of the premium balls and it would not make a lot of difference.