Submitted by ParfectRound on Tue, 09/09/2008 – 22:20.
As a relatively new golfer, I’m wondering if the type of ball you use really matters. My golf ball supply either comes from the ball bin or from the woods (since I hit enough shots in, I hang out a few extra minutes to see what I can find!). Honestly, new golf balls 
are just expensive! What is your preference for type of ball or brand of ball? Is there a ball that’s useful for a beginner to use?
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Golfer Jess says:
September 10, 2008 at 11:05 pm (UTC -7)
I’m not sure if I should be embarassed to admit this or not, but I play Titleist
Titleist Professional 90s. I haven’t purchased golf balls in over 10 years, and I don’t even know if they make them anymore! When I played in college, we got a sleeve of balls (the Professionals) for each meet. I was fortunate that I didn’t lose many balls, so when I graduated, I still had a ton of balls left. I’m still using them. I also worked at a golf course for five summers, and the pro was always giving the staff sleeves of golf balls, so I also have some Wilson Staffs that are brand new. Again, not sure if they make those anymore either!
So, I guess I would also like to hear what kind of balls people are using today! I actually do enjoy playing the Professionals, they feel nice, so I guess I would be a little disappointed to hear that they had been discontinued. But, I’d like some suggestions as to what ball I could try instead!
Sam-in Salem says:
September 26, 2008 at 8:02 am (UTC -7)
I completely agree! As a relatively new golfer myself, I also have trouble justifying the expense for new balls. I tend to buy used balls
by the bucket.
I would love to hear from more seasoned golfers. I do have friends who swear by a particular brand of golf ball, but I have a feeling it’s more superstition on their part than an actual change in performance.
Also, I’m wondering if buying new or used makes much difference. If you do settle on a particular brand of golf ball, does it matter whether you buy them new or used? I’m not sure that anyone other than a seasoned or professional golfer would be able to tell the difference, but maybe I’m wrong.
Meghan The Golfer says:
October 8, 2008 at 12:42 pm (UTC -7)
I’ve been using the same Spalding “Flying Lady” pink (yes, I know, predictable…) golf balls for years. I got a good deal on a couple hundred of them, but I’m finally starting to run out and now I’m not sure what to do.
I’m fairly certain that most golf balls will hit about the same, despite all the manufacturer hype. I think it’s just superstitition that keeps me playing the Flying Ladies, but when it comes time for me to finally buy new golf balls, I think I’ll stick with them.
Fore Leaf Golfer says:
October 22, 2008 at 3:28 pm (UTC -7)
I’m a collegiate golfer about to turn pro in the next year. Here’s what I’ve learned about golf balls:
If you’re a beginner, it really does not matter what kind of ball you play with. NO one should ever play with the X-out balls!!! They are factory mistakes and off center so you’re not going to get consistant shots!! But I’d go with the cheapest kind… I know Nike has a sleeve with 4 balls for about $6 or $7. Or if you go to a sporting goods store, you can find some Top Flight XL’s at about $20 for 15 balls (just over a buck for each ball). If you’re just starting out, there is no need to purchase balls for $50/dozen.
If you’re intermediate or better, and can tell the difference between a “Softer” ball and ”Harder” (aka Distance) ball when you hit them, you may want to test a few out and go with what you like. A “Harder” ball will give you more distance, but less spin around the green. To me, they feel more like hitting a rock. “Softer” balls, which do feel softer, have a higher tendency to spin.
When I was 12 to 16 or so, I used to play with Top Flight XL 3000. Once I realized I could spin the ball, I moved up the the Titleist ProV1x and then to the ProV1. I just like the way it feels and I like the way the dimples look. My freshman year at Ferris State, I used Nike’s One Platnum, but I switched back to ProV1.
As for new or used, a slightly scratched ball (cartpath marks) really do not change the way the ball will fly. But in competition, I’ll always use a new ball, and sometimes switching to a new one during the round.
Meghan The Golfer says:
October 23, 2008 at 6:43 pm (UTC -7)
Why do you always use a new ball, and even switch to a new one during the round? I’m just wondering if you can tell the difference when golfing with a new ball versus a used one. I can’t, but I haven’t been golfing for very long. Do you replace the ball because you think it’ll help your golfing, or because you can feel it actually working?
Bridget Logan says:
October 27, 2008 at 10:29 am (UTC -7)
Hi MeganTheGolfer…
I just posted a similar reply in another section. So, to paraphrase…
Different brands of golf balls will have more of less bounce. So you should probably drop a new and an old ball of the same brand to tell if one is ‘dead’. If you drop two new balls of different brands you can tell which one will have more bounce off the clubface.
Bridget Logan, Freelance Writer
Author: THE GOLFER’S GAME BOOK
Meghan The Golfer says:
October 27, 2008 at 12:15 pm (UTC -7)
I was doing some reading, and read that one way to tell if a ball’s still usable is to drop it from a height of about 4 feet onto a concrete floor. If it bounces almost back up to your hand, it’s still good. If not, you should replace it. Is there any truth to this method? Have you ever heard of it before?
Matt Keller says:
November 10, 2008 at 10:30 am (UTC -7)
I see alot of players using the top line balls, Callaway I & IX, Titleist Pro V, Srixon ZUR, etc. Unless you have a high swing speed, or a low handicap player, I would steer away from the balls that are $40 and over.
Most players would benefit from the Callaway HX Hot, HX Bite, Pearl (Ladies) Titleist NXT,Srixon Tri Speed Ad333 and Soft Feel, Taylor Made Burner, Nike . All of these balls are between $20 – $30. For beginners,I would recommend the bulk packaging balls, you can normally find good deals on Top Flite and Pinnacle for under $20.
I have actually had players playing the Titleist Pro V ($48 retail) switch to the Srixon Ad333 golf ball ($20 retail). All the companies make a great product, try some of the other lines to see what works best for you.
When looking at the spin characteristics of a golf ball, a soft golf ball capable of high spin is good around the green. However, remember the more a ball spins, if you hit big slices or hooks, you want a lower spinning golf ball. Evaluate what you want the ball to do, high spin, low spin, distance, feel and then make the decision.
Matthew Keller, PGA