the age old question - should I play premium golf balls?!

[NRJyzr]

The main reason to play a urethane cover golfball isn't related to full shot performance.  You can find something in firmer cover balls that will be close.  It's the short game spin where the difference shows itself.  If you like having spin on those 50-70 yd pitch shots, chip shots, etc., then a urethane cover is the best choice.

 

If your game is such that spin on those shots isn't necessary, there isn't as much reason to spend the money, or make the effort to play those balls.

 

I prefer having that spin available, but there's a resort course a friend plays regularly.  Short game shots there check a lot more than what im used to, though the greens aren't shaggy or super soft.  Not sure exactly why, but that isn't terribly relevant.  When I go there, I will sometimes play non-urethane golfballs, since there's little difference.

 

TLDR version - depends on much you need/want spin in short game.

 

[munichop]

Spin, layers, cover and dimple pattern make premium balls less forgiving than less expensive balls.  The tru feel is a perfect example. It is a point and shoot ball that is difficult to shape because it flies so straight. It has a predictable but limited behavior around the green.  Very good in the wind.  Lower spin helps you hit hybrids and fairway woods longer and straighter.  I have 2 course records, both with non premium balls, e5 and gamer soft. Nothing I say here will convince anyone that these are better for them than a pro v.  Just because a piece of equipment allows you to hit a shot like a pro doesn’t mean you can do it when you get one chance to pull it off.  At my age I have learned my limitations and my strengths. Golf equipment is made to help less skilled golfers if they are honest enough to examine their own games.

 

[95124hacker]

Kirkland, MG C4, QST, last year’s models on closeout,...

 

Check out the DoND forum here for others (e.g. TP5x Pix Practice deals).

[lefthack]

I have played a half dozen rounds since I started my ball test and don't have any hard conclusion yet. But since I have not played my usual budget ball, I am curious if I would notice a difference between it and the premiums I am currently testing.

 

I would have played today but my Concept Helix grips show up today, so I am waiting.

[MattM97]

I'm a mid to high teen handicap and I prefer premium balls but I only buy them when they're on sale so I would take advantage of sales and stock up for a while. Like I bought a case of 12 dozen TP5X practice balls, price per ball is just over $1/ball I'm not gonna find a better ball for the same price. 

 

Now just say I didn't have 12 dozen TP5x balls and needed balls I'd grab something else cheaper until I find some better balls on sale or order from a DTC ball company. 

[lvphil702]

Play whatever ball fits your swing the best. Forget about brand or cost. 

[msg]

On 11/19/2020 at 7:40 AM, mja1129 said:

So i have been back and forth on this topic - I play off about a 12 handicap and am a relatively long hitter struggling with accuracy.

 

ive been playing prov1x but wondering if there is a need to stay with the $50/dozen ball.

 

watched this video, makes me wonder if tier two ball makers are catching up to a point its not worth it anymore? -> https://shrinke.me/Mc4N 

 

looking for thoughts on this and other ball recommendations!

I played two piece golf balls and TP5x practice balls last season. The only difference I noticed was the spin on my wedges. Other than that, they were almost the same. My scores never were so different regardless what ball I put into play. Of course, my two piece golf balls were softer. I have the lowest handicap within our group, at 8 and just for kicks, we played a mini tournament and beat all my buddies who are playing premium golf balls, brand new and not recylcle and I was using my recycled supersoft golf balls which were in my stash of golf balls for about 2 years. They smelled like bleach when I first took them out. lol I did it just to make one of my buddies mad because he hates me for buying recycled golf balls haha. 

[Metro07]

At what level/handicap should a player start spending money on a better ball than WalMart specials at 50 cents a ball?

[msg]

5 hours ago, Metro07 said:

At what level/handicap should a player start spending money on a better ball than WalMart specials at 50 cents a ball?

I think it all depends on the player. As some pointed out here, I also know a senior who whooped my *ss and he was playing whatever ball he could find or looks like golf balls that he received last Christmas. I know some that cannot play well if they are not using premium golf balls. When I say well, it's not breaking 80 or 70 well. For me it is all personal. 

 

If you can afford it, why not? I don't lose balls anymore like I used to but I still decided to not buy full priced premium golf balls for next season, because personally I cannot see any big difference in my own game. The TP5X I bought last year were practice balls that were around $1 Canadian. That would be 76 cents in US dollars. Imagine how cheap they were? And they were brand new, just has the practice stamp on them. 

[Flyers99]

I believe most of us have stories of friends where a certain ball helped or hurt their games. To me I would ask, if I am not playing a premium ball now, what is my current ball lacking? If I were to switch to a premium ball, how do I expect it to help me? Just to switch because it is a “premium” ball may or may not help your scores. I have seen it both ways where it helped and hurt. If you are getting the performance you seek then stick with what you have. A ball can only do so much, technique is important. I see people switch to urethane and expect to spin short irons back and don’t because of technique.  

[chippa13]

I always say, play the best ball that you don't mind losing.

[cristphoto]

A premium ball allows you to perform more shots during the round (if the golfer is capable). To me its simply another tool in the box to use.