Different Balls for Summer / Winter??

[jason6r]

Does anyone here actively choose to play a different ball in winter vs their regular one in the summer? My regular playing partner plays a v1 in summer and something less premium in the winter as the soft greens do the job of holding approach shots and you can aim right at the pin.

Is there any merit in playing a ball more designed for carry rather than roll in winter, or a harder ball rather than a softer one given the spongy conditions? Or do we think it is a lot of hype and that at our level we're generally not skilled enough for this level of detail?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I do tend to go for a more solid ball (NXT AD 333 etc) in the winter to get more distance. The greens are so wet even a Topflite will stick so that isn't an issue. Once we get a bit of sun I go for a premium ball that will spin and stop a bit better. It might all be in my head but I prefer it that way

 

[Imurg]

I do what your Mate does for the same reasons......

 

[El Bandito]

I have heard exactly the same thing. Not sure my skill level is up to it though!

 

[Wolfman]

Same here Srixon distance ball during winter, and then Brdgestone E5 ( the new one ) in the warmer weather

 

[One Planer]

I play the same ball all year round.

Just personal preference I guess.

 

[palindromicbob]

I prefer a cheaper ball in winter because it's easier to lose them around the fairway in winter. Be it plugged or into leaf litter. I don't mind losing a ball because I've sliced it 60 yards right into a forest but very annoying when you hit it well and it just seems to have disappeared. Other than that my skill level doesn't really get the most out of a premium ball but I do prefer to use them when I can because I like how they feel.

 

[fundy]

Yes, I use a Srixon Z Star XV in summer when spin and feel are required, but an AD333 or similar in the winter when I want less spin (and a cheaper ball in the wetter muddier conditions). I tend to find the ball spins far too much if I use a premium ball on winter greens and I actually end up with less control

 

[stevie_r]

I prefer a cheaper ball in winter because it's easier to lose them around the fairway in winter. Be it plugged or into leaf litter. I don't mind losing a ball because I've sliced it 60 yards right into a forest but very annoying when you hit it well and it just seems to have disappeared. Other than that my skill level doesn't really get the most out of a premium ball but I do prefer to use them when I can because I like how they feel.

Same here to be honest, I'm playing any old rubbish at the moment

 

[Tommo21]

Same ball....

 

[Fader]

Harder ball in winter for me usually but hardly touched a club with the weather throughout January.

But winter I go for Wilson DX2 or DX3, summer ball is the FG Tour X.

 

[pbrown7582]

I do what your Mate does for the same reasons......

Plus another one here.

 

[malek988]

when i did play parkland it was pinnacles in the winter and the balls in my sig during summer, now im on links its the same ball all year round no mysterious dissapearances on the fairways

 

[Mugs]

Generally play refurbs in winter of the same ball I use in summer

Just to keep things as close as possible but doesnt hurt the wallet too much if you lose a few eirher

 

[G1BB0]

I play whatever I pull out of the bag on the tee - basically the same as in the summer

 

[Wayman]

same ball for me doesnt make a difference on links greens really

 

[duncan mackie]

I've had the course to myself this week, and have been on the range followed by 5 holes in the afternoons using a bag full of balls and focusing on tee and approach shots - no putter in the bag!

Callaway Warbird, Srixon softfeel/AD333, ProV1 and 1x, a SoLo, an old model NXT having been in the bag.

On the warmer (+4) day I can just about discerne which is which off the club but there's no noticable difference in carry distance and they all behave in a similar manner on the green with full shots (about 2ft back with just about any club!)

Where they do differ is from 20 yds - but as long as you know what your are hitting and how it's likely to react you will be fine at this time of year.

There are differences in full shot flight that make a difference in the wind, but in overall carry it doesn't impact.

Played a few Q comps and matches this winter, and like others I am basically less fussy over what I take out the bag for the above reasons. Play what you want - but importantly what you are comfortable with around the greens.

Strangely, if I had to bet on which ball I could hit furthest with, say, driver+6iron combined, I would pick the Srixon Softfeel when it's cold - but it's only marginal.

 

[DAVEYBOY]

AD333 all year round...

 

[Blue in Munich]

Yes, I use a Srixon Z Star XV in summer when spin and feel are required, but an AD333 or similar in the winter when I want less spin (and a cheaper ball in the wetter muddier conditions). I tend to find the ball spins far too much if I use a premium ball on winter greens and I actually end up with less control

Snap (ish) straight Z Star in the summer, AD333 when the leaves are down.

 

[Andy808]

Round white ones, Various in the summer and various in the winter.