RRP of balls. Is it getting beyond ridiculous?

[Banchory Buddha]

Two things can be true.
A ball can feel terrible when putting, and have less spin than a premium ball...
But it will make no difference to anyone's scores (unless they are a pro, and a 6 handicapper is much closer to a 15 capper than a pro).

Yes a hard ball will feel terrible and have less spin, and that will be fine for choppers
But also Yes it will make a difference to peoples scores as discussed above around the short game especially.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I choose the ball I use on how it sounds with my putter.
I don’t play pickups, and stick with one ball all the time.
I don’t play Titlelist balls.

 

[Voyager EMH]

Single digit handicap since 1977. Low as 3, but currently 4.5.

I've used distance balls a lot when I think conditions merit it. Srixon Distance was/is a good ball, but currently using TM RBZ speed. Again I say, when conditions merit it.

I have no problem stopping them on the green with a good shot. No problem chipping and putting with them either.
Not so easy to bend round trees with a controlled fade or draw is the main downside.

Not all distance balls are the same - there are some rubbish ones that's for sure. But to label them all as bricks with absolutely no stopping power is nonsense.

 

[Slab]

My problem is that with pick-ups I often have no idea whether or not it’s a decent enough ball or not. Sure I can tell the rocks and the squiggies that I don’t like; and I know I‘ve unearthed a nugget when it’s a ProV…but other brands…generally haven’t a scoobies. Might just go to AD333s for winter as I’ve got stacks of them.

I do a totally (un)scientific ‘bounce’ test with any ball (even new but especially ‘foundlings’) before I play it
Just bounce it off the concrete and see how much bounce height it has and what sound it makes. If it doesn’t meet my stringent standards I’ll give it to a PP
(I see all the tennis players do something similar in their game)

Just the kind of placebo confidence needed before a tee shot

 

[Springveldt]

I do a totally (un)scientific ‘bounce’ test with any ball (even new but especially ‘foundlings’) before I play it
Just bounce it off the concrete and see how much bounce height it has and what sound it makes. If it doesn’t meet my stringent standards I’ll give it to a PP
(I see all the tennis players do something similar in their game)

Just the kind of placebo confidence needed before a tee shot

No way I'm bouncing a urethane ball on concrete just to scuff it before playing it. I always play a Urethane covered ball during summer.

With winter approaching now and greens getting much softer I'd have no issues playing something like an AD333. Those can actually be beneficial in the winter since they spin less so you don't get an much distance drop off on your irons as you do if you continue to play a Urethane ball over the winter.

 

[timd77]

When I’ve read up on soft feel balls they always seem to talk about increased distance for slower swings etc. What’s the difference between a soft ball and a distance ball? For example, the srixon soft feel versus the srixon distance?

I would class a brick/rock as something old like a top flight/Slazenger distance. And although they may not change your score, you can certainly feel them vibrate up the club like tuning fork on a cold winter day, and I’d rather avoid that!

 

[hovis]

Yes a hard ball will feel terrible and have less spin, and that will be fine for choppers
But also Yes it will make a difference to peoples scores as discussed above around the short game especially.

I'd agrue to opposite. I find myself short of the pin alot more than I do past it. Extra spin from premium balls would most likely have a negative impact on a handicap golfer's score. I've lost count of how many times I've dropped a wedge next to the hole but screwed it back 10 feet ?

 

[CountLippe]

I'd agrue to opposite. I find myself short of the pin alot more than I do past it. Extra spin from premium balls would most likely have a negative impact on a handicap golfer's score. I've lost count of how many times I've dropped a wedge next to the hole but screwed it back 10 feet ?

As has been mentioned previously in the same, use the same ball and you will become more consistent with distances, no worse anyway. When it comes to the premium balls, there will be less variance on run out. eg as greens get firmer, the additional run out will be more controllable.

 

[Blue in Munich]

When I’ve read up on soft feel balls they always seem to talk about increased distance for slower swings etc. What’s the difference between a soft ball and a distance ball? For example, the srixon soft feel versus the srixon distance?

I would class a brick/rock as something old like a top flight/Slazenger distance. And although they may not change your score, you can certainly feel them vibrate up the club like tuning fork on a cold winter day, and I’d rather avoid that!

If you read the MyGolfSpy report that I linked earlier that will explain it.

 

[hovis]

As has been mentioned previously in the same, use the same ball and you will become more consistent with distances, no worse anyway. When it comes to the premium balls, there will be less variance on run out. eg as greens get firmer, the additional run out will be more controllable.

I can't agree more. IF you have consistent strike. Do you? Because I don't and I'm a single figure golfer.
consistent spin numbers with premium balls requires consistent strike. If you don't get the strike you're not going to get the anticipated spin.

Golfer :"I'll send this wedge nice and low for a one hop and check shot".
Golfer then catches it a groove low and it doesn't check!!!! Bye bye ball

 

[Blue in Munich]

Whilst handicap golfers might not strike the ball consistently, that is only one variable; why introduce a second variable by changing the ball AND having an inconsistent strike?

I’d stick with one type of ball throughout a round regardless of how well or badly I’m striking it.

 

[hovis]

Whilst handicap golfers might not strike the ball consistently, that is only one variable; why introduce a second variable by changing the ball AND having an inconsistent strike?

I’d stick with one type of ball throughout a round regardless of how well or badly I’m striking it.

Because that variable is so small at our level is it worth the additional outlay? I have litterly saved £100's on playing pick ups. I'd rather spend that money on lessons. If cash flow wasn't an issue then sure, why not

 

[CountLippe]

Because that variable is so small at our level is it worth the additional outlay?

You perceive the variable to be small, however this is purely an 'eye test' rather than substantiated. What's the harm in trying it?

 

[hovis]

You perceive the variable to be small, however this is purely an 'eye test' rather than substantiated. What's the harm in trying it?

Because the price of balls is ridiculous. My scores are consistent no matter what ball I play. I anticipate my shot and if I hit the ball as I intended to I ALWAYS get the desired outcome.
My only stipulation is I will choose to play a soft coated ball in the summer to help hold the greens from outside let's say 140 yards

For what it's worth I have tried it. I got a bag of about 100 prov's from a pro. Didn't make one ounce off difference to my game

 

[Banchory Buddha]

I'd agrue to opposite. I find myself short of the pin alot more than I do past it. Extra spin from premium balls would most likely have a negative impact on a handicap golfer's score. I've lost count of how many times I've dropped a wedge next to the hole but screwed it back 10 feet ?

Because the price of balls is ridiculous. My scores are consistent no matter what ball I play. I anticipate my shot and if I hit the ball as I intended to I ALWAYS get the desired outcome.
My only stipulation is I will choose to play a soft coated ball in the summer to help hold the greens from outside let's say 140 yards

For what it's worth I have tried it. I got a bag of about 100 prov's from a pro. Didn't make one ounce off difference to my game

 

[hovis]

Yeh, 10 feet is most definitely my desired outcome with a wedge. My point is, if I played for that and didn't get the strike I'd be 30 ft past

 

[Bobthesock]

I can shoot mid 70s with a srixon distance or 90s with a premium ball, or vice versa.
Imo if you are not cat 1 you are not good enough to tell the difference.
If paying nearly a fiver a ball gives you the confidence then go for it, each to their own

 

[SteveJay]

I anticipate my shot and if I hit the ball as I intended to I ALWAYS get the desired outcome.

You must be a very good player then! Wish I always got the same outcome if I hit the ball how I intended to.

 

[Backache]

According to my stats I shoot 2.56 shots fewer with a urethane covered ball than a standard ball and 0.2 shots fewer with a left dash than other urethane balls.
Your mileage may vary.

 

[Imurg]

Hands up who's actually paying 50 quid a dozen..?

OK, 45 quid ain't cheap but....it ain't 50 either.