Deborah Canon Camera

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

How to Lower Your Golf Handicap Using the Longest Distance Golf Balls?

There are many answers on how to lower your golf handicap. But the fastest and cheapest method for some golfers is to use the longest distance golf balls. However, do note that legal USGA golf balls have a distance limit of 278 yards under controlled test conditions.

CNN's Golf Labs have actually tested 54 golf balls from 12 of the top manufacturers. They used a machine to drive the golf balls at the normal swing speed of amateur golfers, with the perfect golf swing mechanics. The lab discovered that the best golf ball models produced by any of these 12 companies have very similar performance in terms of distance. Their maximum distance, both flight plus roll, all fall within 10 yards of each other. The main difference is in terms of ball control. The ball with the lowest distance, Nike's One Platinum, is used by Tiger Woods because it gives him maximum control. With this ball, he gains maximum control and accuracy in his short game, enabling him to win his many tournaments.

It is obvious that with modern technology, we can already create golf balls which can go much farther than the USGA distance limit. This explains why most of the best golf balls can so easily reach 255 yards - the farthest, Noodle+, travels 259 yards. The shortest ball, Nike's One Platinum, travels 240 yards - sacrificing distance for control and accuracy.

So, should you use Noodle+ or One Platinum? If you are good at course management, you should probably use a model like One Platinum. As an amateur, you probably will not gain more than one or two yards with Noodle+. But the extra accuracy and control given by One Platinum could probably save you many strokes off your short game. Consider the statistics of which clubs are used in a typical golf game - 30% to 40% putter, 10% to 20% driver, 15% to 20% wedges.

For your information, here is the list of the 12 top golf ball manufacturers, in no particular order:

  • Titleist
  • Pinnacle
  • Bridgestone
  • Precept
  • Callaway
  • Top-Flite
  • Nike
  • Srixon
  • TaylorMade
  • Noodle
  • Volvik
  • Wilson

The problem with using any of the top golf balls is the price. At the time of writing, a quick check on Amazon shows that one dozen balls will set you back at least $19. Many of them actually cost more - around $25 per dozen. Wilson's Staff Fifty, which travels 250 yards, costs $15. I wince at the thought of losing these balls in the water or the rough.

On the other hand, there is nothing stopping you from buying secondhand golf balls. Modern golf balls are extremely resilient, and can last quite a few games. You can even find them on Amazon - Titleists NXT Tour, which travels 254 yards, sells at $37 for 36 balls. That is about $12 per dozen balls. For a bit more risk, you can get even better deals on Ebay. With these recycled long distance golf balls, you will be able to get a lot of practise to improve your golf swing techniques.

Clearly, many companies produce the longest distance golf balls. Any of these golf balls are good, but expensive. You can get good deals on used balls still in good condition, and these will definitely still help you to lower your golf handicap. You will need to experiment with different balls, to discover whether it is worthwhile for you to trade off a few yards of distance for better accuracy.

Do you have these 3 problems with your golf swing: 1) inconsistency; 2) slice; 3) distance? Click here to find out how to lower your golf handicap.

Nuvi 255W Best Price
Canon 50D Best Price
Buy Canon SX110

No comments:

Post a Comment

Blog Archive

Deborah Canon Camera