Does the ball really matter?

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sam19113

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I've been playing now for around 4 months, so I'm very much a beginner. Whenever I play I always use a selection of balls because I inevitably lose a few. I'm assuming that because I'm not very good using the same brand or a specific type will not make a difference.

Hoping for some advice on this, whether even using the same type of Top Flite ball all the time will make any difference at all?

Thanks.
 
I used to chop and change all the way round. Any old ball for me. These days, I stick with the same make and model all the way round, just for the putting really.
There seems a noticeable difference between some of the popular balls on the (putting) green. Some a hard and fast, some are soft and need more welly.
 
Using the same ball, regardless of the price (quality) of them will help develop a feel for distance on those chips into the green and for putting.

So I'd stick with the same ball.

That said. I used to use any old thing I found. I would say it didn't do me any harm. But I'd think I'd be lying.
 
I agree that sticking to the same ball will help reliability on distances. I guess it depends on your budget and how many you are losing really which will dictate what is going to be the best option. If you are still losing a few each game then it makes sense to use some cheap makes. Some of these are not quite the rocks of days gone past. In the end try as many as you can and find one you like and stick with it until the game comes together and then reassess
 
That said. I used to use any old thing I found. I would say it didn't do me any harm. But I'd think I'd be lying.
Click to expand...

Yes. I played 9 of my 18 with a Pro-V today and kept reminding myself to give it a little more. My distance control was very good by some freak of....something.....
 
Welcome Sam,
If your only beginning i wouldnt worry too much as you'll tend to loose the odd few..

If your at all curious and have a spare bit of money buy a sleeve of really cheap ball's Top Flites or pinnacles or something along those lines...
Then get a sleeve of Srixon AD333 or Soft feels and a sleeve of Wilsonstaff DX2's and if you can stretch it try get hold of a tour ball...

When you can get a quite moment on the course bring them all with you and hit them all from 100 yards in and also from around the edge's and fringes of the green with the wedges..

Lastly knock them around the green with the putter...

Its the best way of seeing and feeling what you might like...

You might surprise yourself as to which ones you'll prefer...

;)
 
Thanks for the responses.

During my rounds I've played with Titleist and Srixon balls and haven't really seen a difference, but that's probably because I'm not paying attention.

My dad normally buys Nike NDX balls and I'll probably play most with them and I'm going to pay attention to how different types of ball play around the green.

As I'm a student, I have quite a low budget! I'll eventually find a cheaper ball to play with consistently. I do have another question, which cheaper ball generally has the best reputation?

Thanks.
 
Alot on here swear by Srixons and i myself as well as alot of others on here too rate the wilson staff DX2 very highly...

Im not sure how much they are by the dozen across the pond but both of those balls over here can be got if i buy 3 or more dozen at a time for 16 euro a box...
Normally 20 euro for 12...
 
AD333 can be had for £12 a dozen online, also look out for Nike PD Soft, they were going for 9.99 a dozen not long back

I am currently using ad333 and prefer them to the more expensive zstars. ProV1 feel lovely off the putter but no way can I afford them!!
 
If I was in your shoes I'd try and find a few / lose a few each time I played. You'll need a few balls, but your striking isn't going to be consistant enough to worry too much just yet.

If you are going to buy a dozen then I'd go for Noodle + balls. You can get then from Sports direct for £9.99 a dozen, and that's close enough price wise to most cheaper brands, but they are a heck of a lot better than Slazenger/TopFlite etc.
 
Another thumbs up for the Noodle+ ball. Cheap as chips and a good compromise between distance and feel.
When you are first starting out, it won't really matter what ball you hit. But as you improve, and your strengths/weaknesses begin to show themselves, you will find yourself settling on one type of ball.
For instance, if you are struggling for distance off the tee, you might well decide that a harder "distance" ball is what you need to give you a slight advantage.
Again, if you are sruggling on chipping and putting and need a less lively ball you may well find yourself being drawn towards something a little "softer".
Personally I prefer a softer ball. Some of the cheaper balls that come off the driver will feel like pebbles when you try to putt with them. I hate 'em.
 
Still losing far more balls than I should but a firm believer that in golf you pretty much get what you pay for. Due to the amount I lose I won't go for the more expensive ball as my game is too inconsistent to take advantage of it properly anyway. But neither will I go for the cheapest - had a box of Donnay a while back and found them to be awful, now that could have been a combination of the ball and me but with confidence in equipment being important (to me anyway) I wouldn't play them again just to save a few quid.

I agree with Sports Direct as a source of balls and normally buy from there. Have recently tried and quite liked:

Calloway CXR
Titleist DT Solo

Trying out the Noodle + this afternoon
 
After finding a trying a few srixon soft feel I have grown to like them. I have also been trying pro v1 i found in a bush, its pretty long but now is badly cut up!

I dont loose that many now I am improving 2 dozen plus ones I have found 9which went in the practice/ 9 after work bag)have got me from xmas to now.

I think playing the same ball a lot does help, for the beginner just sticking to the same type of ball would help. Dont mix rocks with soft or premium balls. Gather up a load of similar distance balls and you will be fine.
 
I would not worry about how good or bad a ball is but I do agree with those saying you should use 1 type. Until very recently I played with anything from Dunlops, too Pro V's to even a Noodle if it was the first thing I picked out my bag. A few months back I even played with a pink Noodle!!

Have changed now though and only play one type. Probably pyschological more than anything but it may help.

Good luck
 
I used to pick anything out of my bag and play it, but I made a decision to choose a ball (based on some good reviews) and stick with it - and in my view it has helped my game.

I went for the Bridgestone e7 (distance) and it has now become part of my shot preperation to look down and see a familiar logo on the ball - some may think that is strange but it really helps me.
 
Thanks for all the replies, I've had a look on Sports Direct and the Noodle + are £9.99 a dozen so I'll probably pick up two boxes next time I'm there.

It seems that having a consistency with the ball you're playing will help with feel around the green. Despite not taking much notice during my previous rounds I can recall differences regarding putting, so I'll give the same ball a go.

Thanks everyone!
 
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