Golf is a game of numbers – from strokes per round to swing speed. But one number that most golfers would benefit from understanding more clearly is compression.
Compression measures the hardness or softness of a ball. Lower compression indicates a softer ball while higher levels indicate harder balls.
Distance
All sports balls tend to compress when hit at impact – whether that means the rugby ball in a scrum, tennis racquet on an accurate shot, or the rock-hard snooker ball. This is due to collisions taking place at surprising high speeds that exert significant amounts of energy between two seemingly hard objects (golf ball and clubface).
At impact, a golf ball must compress enough to have a spring-like rebound off of the clubface for maximum distance. Players with faster swing speeds tend to be better at compressing golf balls more effectively and this explains why higher compression ball designs tend to be reserved for those who possess superior driver swings.
However, those with slower swing speeds can still gain distance by choosing golf balls with lower compression ratings of 80 or lower – perfect for amateurs looking to gain additional distance on the fairway.
Accuracy
Low or high compression golf ball compression can have a direct effect on the accuracy of your shots due to physics: increased bounce off club faces can occur when compression increases.
An increase in bounce can result in shorter slices and hooks, leading to more missed fairways and additional penalty strokes. Selecting the ideal ball for your swing speed with an appropriate compression level can help minimize these errors for improved approach shots and approach shots.
However, answering the question “do low compression golf balls go further?” is far more complex than initially appears. Because compression ratings vary depending on which manufacturer produces each golf ball, and results can differ between players of similar skill levels – thus emphasizing why testing various golf balls in controlled environments like driving ranges or simulators is so crucial.
Spin
Golfers use their driver to strike the ball with great force. When hitting with their driver, a large amount of energy is transferred between two seemingly hard objects through collision force and compression between ball and club face – this allows golfers to transfer energy from their swing directly onto the ball.
Compressing the ball at impact increases energy transfer, and thus distance traveled by golfers with fast swing speeds. To maximize this effect, they should utilize high compression golf balls.
Selecting the ideal spin rate of a golf ball can also add value to your game. Spin has an effect on ball trajectory and control, especially around greens or approach shots, making using low or mid compression golf balls an asset if you are high handicapper or have inconsistent ball flight.
Control
Lower compression balls tend to be softer and more flexible. Low-compression golf balls are best suited to players with slower swing speeds – such as beginners, juniors, seniors and women). Furthermore, using such balls may increase distance as their core can be activated more readily with slower swing speeds.
High-handicappers and mid-handicappers should opt for medium compression golf balls for optimal control, while power hitters should consider higher compression options. As weather changes occur, your ball may adapt its compression – for instance a higher-rated golf ball may feel harder in cold conditions.
Low compression golf balls don’t always go further, but this doesn’t need to be an inconclusive question for your game. Take some time testing different balls until you find one that meets your skill level, swing speed and other playing characteristics.https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFGmfsMQkQc