Does a lower compression golf ball mean less distance, but better feel?

Answer 1

If your swing speed is really high, yes lower compression means less distance, otherwise no it's the other around for low club head speed and low compression, the ball actaully goes further. When the club head hits the ball, it actaully compress the ball to a point when it flatten out a little (that's why it leave a big around ball mark on the club face). The more you can compress the ball on the impact, the further the ball tend to go.

Think of it that if the ball is really hard; i.e. high compression ball, it is harder to press it down, but it will bounce off stronger and therefore go further. Using high compression ball with low club head speed works the other way around, that is the ball won't go as far. Tiger Woods' Nike ball is made with a little higher compression (I think more than a 100). They used to make a 110 for Dunlop, it's a piece of rock, and with say 80 mile per hour club head speed, you actually lose distance over hard ball.
The feel of the ball is a totally difference story.

Answer 2

The ads say:

Low compression golf balls have a soft feel that makes them more forgiving on the green and allows for higher spin and more control when approaching the pin. However, most low compression balls perform poorly when it comes to long distance shots, as a soft golf ball will absorb much of the energy of the club.

Now there are high velocity low compression balls around. Could work theoretically. I say try and find out. The technology is combining different approaches of tech in one ball. It may work like they say and you would not have less distance and still 'the feel'.

Physics however tells us: Spin, 'dimples' and force actually each attribute massively more to the distance a ball will travel than its compression... but what do they know about golf?

Answer 3

Lower compression ball is referring to the core of the golf ball and how much give it will have when hit by the clubhead.

Feel refers to the material of the outside cover of the ball.

That's why there are so many different golf balls out in the market. You can vary the core material and the outside cover material.

Most golfers are looking for distance and feel. You can only determine which ball fits your game best by finding out your clubhead speed and whether you can cause a golf ball to spin or not with a wedge to then talk with a golf shop professional.

I read an article in Golf Digest recently that talked about how long the PGA players avg. driving distance is increasing. Of course accuracy, fairways hit, is going down. With longer rough and more obstructions accuracy is important. Determine the individual whole characteristics before taking out the driver or three iron when teeing off. That's my tip of the day.

Answer 4

No, a lower compression ball does not have to be hit as hard to get the distance as a higher compression ball

Answer 5

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