When it comes to buying golf balls, there is no shortage of options available to you. With so many different golf balls available to choose from it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to buying golf balls.

With this in mind, we have created a guide that aims to simplify the buying process, so you know exactly what golf ball suits your needs. Our guide will cover all the different types of golf balls on offer, including their construction and which setting each ball type is suited to, whether it be for competitive golf, the driving range or practice at home in the backyard.

What are golf balls made of?

Golf balls can be made using a variety of different materials. Ultimately a golf ball’s design will depend on the manufacturer and how many layers of material or ‘pieces’ are used in the construction of the ball.

Golf Ball Covers - Urethane vs Surlyn Golf Balls

Surlyn and Urethane are the two most common materials used for the outer cover of a golf ball, with both having different properties and uses, making them great options for golf ball casing.

In terms of durability, both materials display great durability and can withstand constant impacts from the golf club. However, Surlyn is slightly more durable than urethane, which is why it is used on driving range balls that have to withstand more impacts than a golf ball that is used on a course. Urethane, whilst still having great durability, has a slightly softer feel and will be used more in balls that are suited for a golf course.

As a result of the softer feel, Urethane covered golf balls will spin more and be more controllable than Surlyn covered balls. They are able to create more friction with the clubface allowing golfers to generate higher levels of spin on the ball, which will provide more control of the ball around the greens, control of shot shape and trajectory of the shot. Whilst Surlyn covered balls will be able to generate spin, it won’t be as much as Urethane and will be a lot more unpredictable.

Surlyn covers are designed to maximize distance. Due to the lower spin rate off the tee, this will help golfers achieve longer drives. The urethane balls will still travel far off the tee, but due to the slightly softer feel won’t travel as far as Surlyn covered balls.

Urethane covered balls tend to be suited to those who already have the power to strike the ball a long way but are looking for more control of their golf ball in the air and around the greens. Surlyn balls are typically a better option for golfers who are looking to achieve more distance off the tee and through the air in order to reach greens in fewer shots.

What’s inside a golf ball?

Every golf ball is made differently and can be constructed using anywhere between 1-5 pieces. Below we will break down the different materials used in the different types of golf balls.

Five-Piece Golf Balls

Most suitable for professional and low handicap golfers, these balls will have the most spin and softest feel out of all the construction types. Each of the different layers help react to different types of shots and swing speeds. They are suited to the best players because of the ball’s softer feel and spin around the greens but their power and swing speeds mean the top golfers won’t lose distance off the tee.

A five-piece ball consists of a synthetic rubber core, which like all other balls will help maximize distance with every shot.

The ball consists of three mantle layers, the first being closest to the core and made of a soft synthetic rubber that facilitates the transfer of energy from the clubface through to the core of the golf ball. The second mantle layer is made from HPF 1000 which is a soft thermoplastic and the third layer, a firm thermoplastic, with both layers further enhancing the control of flight and spin on the ball.

The dimpled cover used for five-piece balls is urethane, which as mentioned before, provides the golf ball with its durability, soft feel and creates more friction with the clubface to generate more spin on the golf ball.

Other golf ball types

Foam golf balls and plastic golf balls are used to allow golfers to improve their ball striking, chipping and putting techniques in the comfort of their own home, whether it be inside or in the backyard. The foam and plastic golf balls are much lighter in order to reduce the ball flight distance. They are also designed to not cause any damage to windows and other fragile items.

Other golf ball FAQs

Why are there dimples on a golf ball?

Golf balls have symmetrical dimples which are small indentations on the surface that look like very small craters. These dimples vibrate the air around the ball when it is air-born, reducing drag, meaning the ball will travel further than it would if there were no dimples.

If the ball was smooth, the airflow would quickly pass over the top of the ball, creating turbulence behind it. This causes more drag on the ball and forces it downwards much sooner.

How many dimples are there on a golf ball?

Golf balls have approximately between 250 and 500 dimples on the surface of the ball. The average amount of dimples on a golf ball is 336. There is no limit on how many dimples are allowed with one ball invented with over 1,700 dimples. However, the manufacturer discontinued this ball so it would suggest that between 250 and 500 is an optimal range for an amount of dimples on a golf ball.

What is golf ball compression?

Whenever a clubface hits a golf ball, the force of the impact causes the ball to change shape. This is what is known as golf ball compression. You’ll be able to best see this if you watch a close-up, slow-motion replay of a golf club striking a ball.

The golf ball compression rating will describe how hard or soft the ball is, and usually ranges between a score of 30 and 120, with 30 being the softest and 120 being the hardest. Low compression balls are best for players who may struggle to get distance on their shots, whilst high compression balls tend to offer better control and precision. If you are a golfer with a high swing speed, then you may opt for a high compression golf ball, whilst those players with a low swing speed, will typically choose a low compression ball. A compression rating of 70 or below is considered low by most golfers, whilst a compression of over 100 is considered high.

How to choose a golf ball?

We have put together the information below detailing key features about the different golf ball types available in our comprehensive FORB premium golf ball range. In the breakdown we have also included what situations each ball is best suited to, in order to make finding the golf ball that matches your needs that bit easier.

At Net World Sports we carry a comprehensive range of golf equipment, including golf balls. From driving range balls and foam golf balls, to the F-5 Tour Golf Balls, whether you are a beginner or a golf professional, we have the perfect golf balls for you. We also sell a collection of high-quality golf mats, ideal for practicing your putting skills in the comfort of your own home or ball striking at the range, golf cages and garden golf nets to take your game to the next level.