How does compression affect the performance of a golf ball?

Question

I drive the ball about 250 yds. I'm wondering what kind of compression ball will be right for me. I'm looking to maximize distance, but a little bit of feel would be nice as well, don't really want to feel like I'm hitting a rock.

Answer 1

Compression isn't talked about that much anymore with regard to marketing golf balls.  There used to be pretty much two compressions to choose from 100 or 90.  The 100 was for someone with more clubhead speed who hit the ball harder.  The 100 was harder to compress, but if you could do it would go further than the 90.  I believe most modern balls have lower compressions now, ie the ProV is about 85.  Advances in dimple patterns, cores, which effect spin rate have been found to be more important than just compression with the modern equipment.

Answer 2

There is so much to be asked I don't know where to start. Are you a straight hitter already? Are you a good putter? are you good out of the greens? what type of spin do you prefer? And the list goes on. Check out this months issue of Golf Magazine. They tested 54 balls. and give a recommendation based upon what you what your ball to do when it lands, and when it flies.

Answer 3

Your not going to get much additional distance by changing balls.  The best way to maximize your distance is making sure you have the right clubface (loft) and shaft to get the proper launch angle and spin rate.  That will be your best way to maximize distance.  Like the first person said, there are a lot of questions that need to be asked before the proper ball could be determined.  If  you slice the ball I would go with a lower spin rate ball.  You will get less side spin keeping the ball more in the fairway.  By going with a lower spin rate ball, you will loose ability to drop and stop the ball on the greens.   The compression of the golf ball relates to its firmness.  This was important about 15 years ago before the advances of the ball cover.  The softer the ball, the longer it was able to stay on the club face.   This really only come into play on driver, three wood and 3 iron.  Most tour pros have a hard time compression a golf ball past a three iron.  With the advancement of the cover, a 100 comp. ball can now feel like a rock yet spin like a yo-yo....

Answer 4

The February edition of Golf Magazine has an article entitled REVEALED: The Best Ball For You!. The article tells how they tested 54 different models so you can find the perfect ball for you based on hadicap, shot patterns, clubhead speed, scoring tendencies and price. I found the article very informative and helpful.