The golf ball is arguably the most vital piece of equipment every golfer uses. It is the only equipment that you use on every single hole and on every single shot. While you might not pull out your driver on the tee, a long iron on an approach shot, or maybe you sink a chip and don’t need your putter, you still need a golf ball.

How Many Different Types Of Golf Balls Are There?

But not all golf balls are made the same. Some are made for more distance while others are made for more control or more spin. Some are made with 2 or 3 layers but can come in as many as 5 pieces. Each one is designed for a specific type of performance and fits a certain type of player. What makes golf ball types different and how do you know which one is right for you? Knowing the differences in each type of golf ball is the key to choosing the right one for your game. TGW’s golf ball buying guide shows you the way.

Two-Piece Golf Balls

First, yes, there are some one-piece golf balls out there. They are a solid piece of Surlyn with dimples molded in. Those are the golf balls found at miniature golf courses and maybe some driving ranges. They would not generally be recommended to play a round of golf with.

Two-piece golf balls are the starting point for nearly every player. They consist of two layers or pieces: the core and the cover. Their larger core and firmer feel help generate more distance and roll while also helping reduce the side spin off the tee that causes hooks and slices. This construction maximizes the amount of energy the club transfers to the ball, powering your shots forward for greater distance and the combination of a larger core and thinner cover makes them nearly indestructible. Because they are longer and more forgiving, two-piece golf balls are the most popular choice among beginners and high handicap golfers.

Three-Piece Golf Balls

Three-piece golf balls take the basic components of a cover and a core and add a third layer between them called the mantle. This helps make the golf ball feel softer and generate more spin to give players more control over the flight of the ball. As golfers improve and learn how to control the ball and spin it more, they will want to add layers to the ball to help them achieve that performance. That’s why these golf balls are preferred by mid-handicap players.

Think of the core of the golf ball as the engine. It’s the part of the ball that drives distance and power. The larger the core, the easier it is for the golf club to interact with it when you swing. Adding a layer between the cover and the core creates a barrier that means you have to swing harder to activate the core. This is important for shorter shots. When you don’t swing as hard, you interact with that mantle layer rather than the core so you generate spin and control rather than speed and distance.

Four-Piece Golf Balls

With four-piece golf balls, we reach the category known as Tour performance golf balls. Every one of the four layers in these golf balls works together to produce long distance, excellent spin, and an incredibly soft feel. Simply put, there is a reason these are the golf balls preferred by professional players and low handicap golfers. They offer complete performance and control over every shot.

• The first layer is in the inner core. Like the other golf balls mentioned above, this is the engine. It’s the part that drives the explosive distance.
• Next is the inner cover. It surrounds the core and helps transfer energy from the impact with the golf club to the core to generate that distance.
• The third is the middle cover. This is the extra layer that gets added to a four-piece ball in order to increase long game distance and produce more spin in the mid irons as well as a soft feel around the greens.
• Finally is the outer cover which produces a soft feel and spin, designed to “bite” into the grooves of the club face on your wedges and short irons. In a four-piece ball, the cover is generally made of urethane.

Five-Piece Golf Balls

Then there is the five-piece golf ball. TaylorMade is the only manufacturer that produces and mass markets golf balls of this type: the TP5 and TP5x. They upped the number of materials and layers in the golf ball to provide even more separation on all types of shots to fine-tune distance in the long game, spin in the short game, and have an extremely soft feel. The five-layer ball uses a high-powered core and an incredibly soft cover with three mantle layers designed to interact and produce spin based on how hard you swing. That’s why, just like the four-piece ball, these are the best fit for low handicap players and pros.

Low Spin Golf Balls

Low spin golf balls aim to reduce the side spin that produces hooks and slices. These golf balls are best for players who need more forgiveness. Beginners and high handicap golfers will benefit from the spin reduction and added distance that comes with straighter shots. Low spin balls will also be firmer and roll out more, adding even more distance.

Mid Spin Golf Balls

The mid-spin golf ball is made to fit the widest range of players and ability levels. They bridge the gap between low and high spin balls with a mix of distance performance and improved feel. Every golf ball manufacturer makes a ball in this category designed to fit the vast majority of players out on the golf course.

High Spin Golf Balls

High spin golf balls are designed to take the spin you already generate with your swing and enhance it. Whether that is with a higher flight off the tee or checking up around the greens, these golf balls are made for players who want more control. A high spin ball will also have an enhanced feel around the green so they are generally preferred by better players. One good rule to remember is the more spin performance a golf ball has, generally the more layers it has.

How Do I Know Which Golf Ball to Buy?

The important thing to do is choose a golf ball that is best suited for your performance. You know the way you play and you know which benefits your game needs. At TGW, we recommend finding the right category for you and then trying a few out to see which one you prefer. Manufacturers may make the same type of ball but they will all feel and play a little differently. Another option is a golf ball fitting. In a golf ball fitting, you hit multiple shots in different locations, starting at the green and working your way back to the tee. Then the fitter analyzes the data and recommends if the golf ball you are using is optimized for you. Here are some general guidelines to get you started.

• High Handicap Golfers: For those golfers that are beginners or need a lot of forgiveness, try to stick with a two-piece, lower spin golf ball. This will help you get more distance and hit straighter shots.
• Mid Handicap Golfers: As you improve and your score starts to drop and you learn new skills, it may be time to step up into a three-piece ball with a little more spin. When you learn how to control your spin and work the shape of your shots, you can add spin and layers to provide a more complete performance.
• Low Handicap Golfers: Highly skilled golfers can go for that Tour performance golf ball. That means as much spin as they want and as many layers as they prefer for all that control and soft feel.

Best Golf Balls For 2022

If you are looking for a place to start, TGW has some recommendations for where to start with the best new golf balls of the year.

Two-Piece Golf Balls

Wilson Staff 50 Elite Golf Balls

Three-Piece Golf Balls

Srixon Z-Star 7 Golf Balls

Four-Piece Golf Balls

Srixon Z-Star XV 7 Golf Balls

Five-Piece Golf Balls

TaylorMade TP5x Golf Balls