Home

Golf Ball Types and Their Constructions

There are basically 2 major ball types on the market today. Let's take a look at their constructions and what type of golfer should use them to lower his or her total score:

2 Piece Golf Balls

Golf Ball 2P

This type of ball makes up the majority of the market from all the leading manufacturers. It features a large, solid rubber core. The cover is typically some type of plastic. Golf ball engineers can alter the performance of the finished ball by changing the size of the core, the hardness of the core, and the softness of the cover. Of course dimples affect the final performance of the ball too and we'll get to them a little later.

2-Piece balls are typically your distance balls. The large core provides a lot of velocity when struck by a club. These balls are also better for higher handicapped golfers looking to improve their game. The balls are typically lower spinning, which means your undesirable slice or hook spin will not be as pronounced and the ball will fly straighter. A distance ball with less side spin; a great combination for the novice or high handicap golfer!

3 Piece Golf Balls

Golf Ball 3P

This type of golf ball has been on the scene for about 10 years now. It features a large, solid rubber core surrounded by a thin layer of a plastic like substance (the composition varies per manufacturer). This 2 piece assembly is then surrounded by a plastic or urethane cover.

This majority of low handicap golfers and professionals play this type of ball these days. Although this type of construction spins more when struck, engineers can adjust the core and thin layer to end up with a sort of "hybrid" ball that is long but playable for the accomplished player.

3 Piece "Wound" Golf Balls

Does this look familiar? This used to be the standard in performance golf ball construction. These balls featured a small solid or liquid filled center, surrounded by yards and yards of tightly wrapped thread. This wound center was then encased in a cover of plastic, synthetic rubber, or urethane.

Once the rage of the industry, this "wound" type of construction has dissapeared from the golf ball market. This type of ball is more expensive to manufacture than the other 2 types. In addition, engineers have been able to duplicate and even surpass the performance of these balls with new materials combined with the 3 Piece (layered) design.

Now yet's look at your game and determine the right type of ball for you!

Continue To Next Section