DOES A SOFTER GOLF BALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I spent a few hours reading web sites and examining the packaging on Golf Ball boxes and it is easy to get confused if you are looking for a soft Golf Ball with great feel around the green. Each manufacturer talks about their soft covers and soft cores and soft feel on almost every Golf Ball I checked. So how do you choose a Golf Ball that offers you a softer feel off the Putter and Wedges around the green? The first point to note is that the ‘day of the brick’ has just about disappeared. The manufacturers are right. Courtesy of new cover materials and even more inventive materials for the core, they have found ways to drive extra distance out of golf balls with a softer feel. But there is a difference between Golf Balls. You are going to pay for it though. Generally across all manufacturers the covers on their multi-layer, premium, golf balls are thinner and provide a more responsive feel. While the difference between 0.3 or 0.5mm softer feel material and a cover that is 1.5mm might not seem much, you will notice it. The same will go for the core. On the more expensive golf balls they have created softer cores that still provide high levels of energy transfer to maximise distance.  Many will argue that, given the fact that we spend most of our time with either a short-iron or Putter in our hand, we need to focus our thoughts on the ball that helps you most around the green.

There’s some sense in that argument. Compare the performance between a top player and a regular or improving golfer and you’ll see the difference in the short-game. So anything you can do to improve your shorter game will translate to a better score.