6 Smart Ways to Evaluate Golf Balls for a Better Golf Game

To evaluate golf balls and enjoy better game performance, follow these simple steps: buy one sleeve of golf balls of the same category for different brands; warm up and play; rate the golf balls as you play; rate the golf balls after your round; rate the appearance of each evaluation ball; and summarize your rating for each brand of ball.

A wonderful game performance in golf does not solely depend on your skills, but also on your equipment, as well as the balls you use. Evaluating and choosing the right golf ball by play testing different brands will help you find the right golf ball for your best performance. Here are smart ways to evaluate different golf balls for a better golf game:

Buy one sleeve of golf balls of the same category for different brands

Buy one sleeve of golf balls of the same type for different brands to start off. You can use the brand that you have been using and try to solicit reviews from friends and online on which golf ball brands work great for different players. Make sure you buy different brands of the same type of balls to help you compare how each ball works for a certain category. For example, if you want to evaluate spin balls, you need to gather one sleeve or three balls for each brand.

Warm up and play

Before testing the balls, do your usual routine. Warm up and do some putting and stretching, as well as swinging. Then, play a nine-hole game for each of the golf ball brand you wish to evaluate. You can use the extra balls for each brand in case you lose a ball.

Rate the golf balls as you play

As you play, rate the different golf balls according to distance, control, as well as accuracy and feel. Use a three-point system for each brand of ball with one as the lowest and three as the highest. Play according to how you usually play a golf game to make a more accurate evaluation.

* Distance. Rate the ball for distance. See whether the ball is shorter, longer, or about the same than the usual shot you have.

* Control. Next, rate the ball for control and see how it responds to your approach shots, whether drawing or fading a shot.

* Accuracy and feel. Rate also the accuracy for each brand of ball. Base it on the greens you hit in control, as well as the closeness of your approach shots to the hole. Finally, rate the ball for feel. Base it on the ball’s performance and feel while spinning your chip shots.

Then, you can rate the different brand of balls separately while putting, based on accuracy and feel.

Rate the golf balls after your round

After your round, check and rate your balls. Rate each of them according to durability by basing on the visible wear after playing nine holes. Check also the amount of bounce that remains in each ball by dropping the ball from shoulder height along the cart path.

Rate the appearance of each evaluation ball

The appearance of your golf balls are also important in improving your golf game. Try to evaluate if the brand where there is logo on the ball made it easier for you to line up your putts. See also which ball looks better overall.

Summarize your rating for each brand of ball

After rating each ball, you are now ready to sum up their scores. Add the rating for distance, control, accuracy and feel, putting, durability, and finally, appearance, with a perfect score of 18. Whichever comes close to 18 is the best brand of golf ball for you.

Evaluating which golf ball is best for you is very simple yet very useful. Not only will you enjoy playing each round of golf more, but will also be able to play a better game than your usual.