An Instant Golf^® Special Report

2013 Golf Ball Guide and Optimizing Distance

by Robert Cotter (About the Author)
Professional Golf Ball Engineer
Director of Swing Instruction, Instant Golf®

Welcome to a season of great golf, wherever you are playing in 2013 and beyond.

By requesting this report you are most likely looking to answer the question:

"What's a great golf ball for my game?"

First off, it's important to think of any golf ball you tee up as a game improvement ball, whether you are a 30 or +3 (breaking par) handicap golfer. Your golf ball should maximize your potential, not work against it.

As a professional golf ball engineer, I have designed balls for golfers ranging from top touring pros to high handicap golfers.

Whichever category you find yourself in, I can tell you that it is very important to define what the proper ball should be doing for your game.

Interestingly, the goal is quite similar for golfers at both extremes of the skill and experience scale.

You should be using a product that allows you to maximize driver distance for your Swing Speed (SS) while controlling any unintended side spin (slice, hook, etc..).

You also want a ball with good green side and putting performance for your short game improvement.

Now, the average PGA pro driver swing speed is 112 mph, the average handicap golfer's swing speed is about 90 mph.

So immediately we can see the need for the wide range of golf ball constructions to accommodate the higher collision speed of the pros, not to mention their different spin requirements to hit all those high skill level shots you watch on the weekends.

Now let's look at some of the keys to maximizing distance and unintended side spin control.

Watch my driver impact video below 3 times and then allow me to explain:

Optimal Performance from a golf ball relies on several factors. Here are the most important:

	Maximum Compression of the Golf Ball (for your SS) to take advantage of all the incredible spring effect of today's trampoline driver faces.
	The golf ball must be launched at the optimal launch angle and initial spin rate.
	Most importantly, you must be using a golf ball designed for your swing speed, side spin issues, equipment, goals, etc...

Of these 3 factors, by far the most important for golfers is to Maximize the Compression of the core of the golf ball in order to take advantage of the maximum spring effect of today's incredible drivers.

Think of the core as The Engine of a golf ball.

A car doesn't move until the engine is engaged. In a similar fashion, a golf ball doesn't fly until the core of the ball is engaged. The core gives life to the total ball construction.

The ability to which you can engage the core with the club face determines how fast the ball leaves the club face, ultimately resulting in either optimal distance or poor distance for your swing speed (SS).

In fact, if you are not maximizing the compression of the golf ball given your specific swing speed, then you will not come close to benefitting from the fantastic engineering and performance built into today's golf balls.

Look at the golf ball and its blue inner core in the picture below. It is hardly being deformed and retains most of its circular shape. Maximum energy is not being transferred to the core. The result is a loss of distance and poor spin control:

The ball in the picture below is being compressed much more efficiently! Look at the deformation in that core. This golf ball is ready to explode off the face of that club powered by the core (the engine).

You can be sure the difference in distance will be dramatic compared to the first inefficient hit (even if both swing speeds are identical).

So It is critical that every golfer compresses the golf ball to the full extent of their swing speed.

Compress the core, maximize your momentum transfer
through that core, watch your distance jump dramatically.

Power leaks in the downswing and through impact are the biggest reasons for loss of distance potential. It can't be overstated (more on this later).

Now let's look at the types of Golf Balls on the market today and their constructions:

A few quick definitions:

1) Ionomer is a thermoplastic (plastic) material that is durable, resistant to cutting, and versatile.

2) Urethane is a rubber material used for covers. It is very soft, but typically not as durable as ionomer.

3) Mantle or inner layers lie between the core and the cover. They give ball engineers another variable that can be used to optimize the performance of the golf ball.

2 Piece Golf Balls:

In general terms, 2 piece balls are your distance balls. They come in different compressions from very soft to higher compressions (typically used in long drive competitions).

Because they are made from 2 components, a core (engine) and a cover, they are less costly than the other, more elaborate constructions.

2-Piece golf balls are also lower spinning, which is a blessing and a curse!

Off the tee, the low initial spin reduces hook and slice spin, a great benefit.

However, on approach shots and green side, the firmer covers and lower spin can be challenging.

This is one of the reasons you don't see the pros using 2-P balls, even though under some circumstances, they may be longer off the tee.

3-5 Piece Golf Balls:

There are almost limitless possibilities when a construction has this many components.

These multi component constructions vary from 3-Piece hybrid balls (plastic covered) to premium, "Tour Balls".

The latter have very soft urethane covers for enhanced greenside feel, responsive mantle layers, and variable compression (soft or firm) cores.

4-5 piece balls are typically for players with higher swing speeds that generate higher spin. The additional layers allow for a more optimal ball flight to counteract the traditional effects of excessive spin. They also reduce the spin off the driver for maximum distance.

Additional mantle or casing layers (compared to 2-3 balls) also enable engineers to maximize performance across a wider range of clubs in the bag. Hence, each ball component may affect individual club performance optimally (an added luxury).

The manufacturing process is more intricate and the urethane cover material is costly, hence the price jump for this category of balls.

Yet, for the players that they benefit, they are worth every penny.

So what kind of golfer are you?

Golf ball selection should begin with an honest assessment of your game and your goals.

Let's look at some categories:

Novice or Inconsistent Golfer

If you are new to the game or have been playing for some time but still have inconsistency then this is your category.

Your misses may consist of frequent slices, hooks, topped shots, pushs and pulls, etc...

Your score is typically 97 or greater for 18 holes and your handicap is over 20 (about 50% of recreational golfers fall in this category).

To reduce some of that unintended side spin and compress the ball more efficiently, then you can benefit from a lower spinning, 2 piece golf ball.

Since your goal is to compress the ball most efficiently for your swing speed, 2 piece balls come in a variety of ball compressions.

Recommended 2 Piece Golf Balls for Moderate/Slower Swing Speeds (<=90 mph):

= Expert's Pick

TaylorMade Noodle+ Long and Soft Soft, extremely efficient core for maximum ball speed. Soft and durable Iothane cover. Advanced aerodynamics for increased carry and distance. Very long in independent testing (~90 mph swing speeds).
Nike Power Distance Soft Moderate/slower swing speeds (lower compression core). Softened Ionomer cover for enhanced greenside feel. Medium tragectory for optimal carry and roll. Long in independent testing (~90 mph swing speeds).

Recommended 2 Piece Golf Balls for Moderate/Faster Swing Speeds (>90 mph):

Srixon AD333 New and improved with larger core and thinner cover. Soft Pana-Tetra enhanced Ionomer cover for Greenside Feel. Large Energetic Gradient Growth(TM) core for more Ball Speed. The UK's best selling 2-Piece golf ball!
Titleist NXT Tour S New Design for 2012-2013, high velocity, low spin core. Low spin construction for straighter ball flight. Soft feeling Fusablend cover with great durability. Trademarked alignment aid (double arrow) side stamp.
Bridgestone e5 A soft 2 piece distance ball with great greenside control. The only 2 piece, urethane (like a Tour ball) covered product. Golf Digest "Hot List" award winner. Dimple design promotes shallow ground attack angle for incseased roll.

Intermediate Golfer

You are fairly accomplished but suffer from the occasional big number (a 7 or 8). You're basically a par and bogey golfer with an occasional birdie.

Your scores range from the higher 80's to the mid 90's. You have a pretty good handle on your game and are looking to become a little more consistent in order to shoot in the 80's consistently and begin to flirt with the 70's.

At this level you have a decent handle on your side spin. You have a basic shot shape (straight, fade, or draw) on your base "good" shot.

This means you are beginning to control the spin of the ball. Therefore, you can benefit from a ball with higher spin, particularly on shots into the green.

You would benefit from a 3 Piece Ionomer covered golf ball. This category of ball, hybrids, will afford great distance with a bit more iron and greenside spin.

Recommended 3 Piece Ionomer (soft plastic) Covered Golf Balls:

Titleist NXT Tour Updated with new multi-layer (2 piece) core. Longer distance with great forgiveness on mishits. Shot stopping short game control like more expensive balls. Trademarked alignment aid (double arrow) side stamp.
Srixon TriSpeed Tour Spin Performance in a premium 3-P construction. Low compression Energetic Gradient Growth(TM) Core. Softer feeling ball construction (64 compression). High launch, low spin for extreme distance.
Bridgestone e6 3-Piece multilayer performance with soft surlyn cover. Dual dimple design promotes more roll on ground contact. Inner layer reduces hook and slice side spin for straighter shots. Golf Digest "Hot List" award winner.

Skilled Golfer

You are a skilled golfer and have a handle on most aspects of the game.

Your handicap is <12 and you score in the 70's and low 80's.

You have command of your swing, spin, and hit the ball with authority and consistency. Your touch around the greens is excellent and you have a handful of birdies per round to offset your bad hole.

You need a ball that is long off the tee but provides the feel you desire for the shots around the green and putting; the scoring shots. You can benefit from a 3-5 Piece performance ball with a Urethane cover.

Recommended 3-4 Piece Urethane Covered Golf Balls:

3 Piece Balls:
Titleist Pro V1 2013 Version #1 Ball on Worldwide Tours. Soft, durable, Urethane Elastomer(TM) cover. Larger, faster core with ionomer casing (mantle) layer. Drop-and-Stop(TM) greenside control.
Taylormade TP Black Premium 3-P construction for faster ball speed. Low-Drag Performance (LDP) = more off-center hit distance. Urethane cover promoted high greenside spin w/great feel. Softer fell than the original TP Black.
Bridgestone B330-RX Optimized for swing speeds < 105 mph. Soft urethane cover for Tour caliber control. Large, lower compression core for straighter distance. Longer and softer than the original B330-RX Also available; B330-RXS with very soft, extra spin cover.

4-5 Piece Balls:
Titleist Pro V1x 2013 Version More PGA Tour wins than any other golf ball. Soft, durable, Urethane Elastomer(TM) cover. Low Spin & Increased Velocity for Long, Straight Distance. Drop-and-Stop(TM) greenside control.
Taylormade Penta World's first 5 Layer golf ball! Engineered to deliver optimal performance in Distance, Launch, Control, Spin, and Feel. High Launch/Low spin for maximum carry and distance. Thin urethane cover for soft feel on wedges and putter.
Callaway Hex Black Tour HEX Aero dimple pattern for a strong, penetrating ball flight. Dual Core technology for enhanced ball speed. Duraspin urethane cover for max greenside spin and soft feel. Callaway's softest Tour Ball to date.

By using the Selection Guide above, you now have a better understanding of the various approaches to maximizing the performance of golf balls for many different types of players.

The different ball components and materials can be modified into what seems like an infinite array of sizes, compositions, and compressions, all with the goal of making a golf ball that strikes the balance between driver distance, spin control, and short game/putting feel.

Now, having worked with golfers on ball fitting and flight optimization for ~20 years it is no secret that many golfers are interested in more distance off the tee.

Maximum Driver Distance is achieved through having a ball launch condition that has:

High Launch Angle with Low Spin

The diagram below shows a visual representation of what I am talking about.

Hence, where would you rather play your second shot from?? (Hint: It's in Green!):

You can also see that the Blue and Red lines in the diagram fall short of this equation.

Every PGA and LPGA Tour Pro is in the "Green Zone" above. The fact is their livelihood depends on it.

A Tour Pro's equipment is matched perfectly to their swing speeds, but they also have Repeating Golf Swings that enable them to refine and optimize their launch conditions.

Be sure they get every inch out of the golf ball product they tee up in tournaments.

Throughout this report, I have described in detail the importance of Compressing the Golf Ball on every shot, but particularly with the driver.

This assures you are activating the core of the golf ball for maximum explosion off the club face.

This allows you to maximize the Ball Speed off the brand and model of golf ball you are playing.

Because without maximum ball speed for your swing speed, you will not be able to achieve the desired High Launch/Low Spin condition needed for maximum distance (in Green above).

In fact, getting maximum distance from any of the products listed above is contingent upon compressing the core. It is critical.

Without maximum compression, you can be leaving 10-30 yards
at the starting gate and destroying your scoring potential.

To illustrate, in my early golfing days, I was inconsistent and stuck with a mid/high teens handicap.

I was also not maximizing my potential off the tee. Admittedly, my ball speed was low and my playing partners would often tease and "let me have it" as they say.

It would be a few years later while in the golf industry working with top players that I would discover what I call “The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing”.

While testing golf ball designs with touring pros, I had a unique vantage point to view and “absorb” the best swings in the game as they sampled our new ball designs.

I would stand there with these top men and women players and marvel at the sound of impact and the quality of the compression they were achieving with their swings (ball after ball).

One day I noticed something that all these great swings had in common that I had overlooked for years. It was my “Aha” moment!

That quickly led to a theory, some testing, and bang, the proof in my own game. It was real, it worked, and it transformed my game, virtually overnight.

The puzzle was solved and my true Repeating Golf Swing was born.

My distances jumped, my scores plummeted,
and I had become a player (not just a golfer).

Since that day on the test range, I have had the privilege of teaching The Key to 1000's of golfers all over the world, both in person and via the internet. The testimonials have been astounding and it gives me great pleasure to share my experience with eager, serious golfers.

I teach the exact method I use every time I swing a golf club (driver through sand wedge). It is the fundamental of a sound repeating golf swing and I can not play without it.

Even if I haven’t played for awhile, I can pull those clubs from the car trunk, head to the range or course, and use The Key to immediately dial in my repeating swing. You will be able to do the same if you diligently apply what I would like to show you today.

When playing under pressure, The Key will guide me (and you) through the round from start to finish.

Just as it did for me when I first broke 80, you will experience a new governing force in your swing. You will be a master of your swing and truly own it. As one student put it, “now I can feel it – now I know it.”

I’d like the opportunity you help you transform your game this season. I’ve been where you are right now with your golf, stuck at a scoring level or brand new to the game.

You will benefit from my firsthand experience inside the ropes, working with some of the top players in the game. I am convinced you will improve tremendously from my swing instruction.

Let’s shorten your path to success and put the frustration to rest. There’s great golf to be played wherever you are in the world.

In 25 years of playing golf, I have concluded that a golfer can not break 80 without a Repeating Golf Swing.

It does not have to be perfect, but it must be reproducible. When a repeating swing takes form, a whole new level of satisfaction results as the golfer is now able to play the game the way it was intended.

My trademark move, The Key to a Repeating Golf Swing, delivers the club head right back through the ball with precision power and control. It is the star of the show.

It was truly this discovery that enabled me to:

Take my scores from the 110's to the 70's after struggling for years
with inconsistent ball striking and a stagnant handicap.

I will be showing you exactly what I've shown over 5000 golfers from 61 countries the last 18+ years (over 8 years online).

I have also added some great bonuses to my 2013 complete package to make it, in the opinion of many, the most unique, proven, and affordable golf instruction available anywhere.

I recently introduced the 7th edition of "The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing" to the golf world and the response has been incredible. I invested many hours and dollars getting everything up to my standards and I couldn't be more pleased with the final results:

Here's what you'll discover between the covers of the New 7th Edition:

My Story - From the 100's to the 70's after a lengthy, bitter struggle with this great game.  The comment from a Ryder Cup star (watching my swing) that reinforced my Swing Method.  How to put your Golf Swing on Autopilot for every club in your bag.  Why "traditional" instruction fails the determined golfer and my unique solution.  The common denominator of all great men and women golfers - It's not what you think!  The discovery on a PGA tournament practice range that changed my game forever.  What you really need to know about alignment and grip pressure (this is critical).  Exactly how to make your back swing consistent and Tour Caliber with every club.  The role of Your Feet in the golf swing and how to use them correctly on every swing.  Brilliant sequence images showing The Key To A Repeating Swing in action!  The true role of the body and the arms in the golf swing. Everyone get's this wrong.  Exactly how to make your back swing consistent and Tour caliber with every club.  The 3 critical elements to the top of the back swing (stage 2 of your 2 second swing).  Learn about the "Power L" and how it will transform your ball striking.  Precisely how to start your down swing for Perfect Balance and Brilliant Impact.  My unique drills to perfect The Key (you can do some of them without a club in your home).  How The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing frees up your mind so you can enjoy your game.  and much, much more Score Lowering insight and proven On Course Strategy.

 

Let me show you exactly how to deliver the club head right back through the ball at impact with tremendous power and control. Thousands of golfers, from beginners to scratch players, have put The Key to work in their games and the results have been astounding (over 250 testimonials on file).

In fact, the following is a note typical of the type that hit my inbox all week. It is genuine and unsolicited:

"First ever even par round" "Hi Robert, I just wanted to pass on that over the last few weeks I have being playing better and better, until the peak which was just yesterday. I played at a local course and for the first time in my life I shot under 80, and not just under. I hit 38, 36. A day of firsts, first ever even par round, first time in the 70's, 4 birdies, just an all round amazing result. I owe a fair bit of it to you as I am adhering strictly to your teaching. Thanks again and best regards, Dale N. - Maylasia P.S. I have just received 2 dozen (name removed) golf balls, the ball you recommended for my game (although the score yesterday was with a (name removed), needless to say I'm starting to love this ball quite a lot) and the next time out I intend to try this ball. I'll check in with you early in the new year to see if there is anything else that you recommend."

 

"your instruction clears the head" Robert, "I am sure you have received many testimonials in the past but how many within the first few hours. I purchased & read your e-book this morning - as usual, after reading I needed to go to the practice range to see if it at least worked sometimes for me before committing any further time - patience is not one of my virtues. Whilst I hit the ball well & hit what I was aiming at most of the time that is not the reason for this reply. For the first time in my 40 years of golf I felt & knew at the top when I was in a good position to hit the ball solidly & could predict the outcome from the top of my swing. In short, thank you - I now have the new sensation of the correct feeling at the top - golf is not a game of perfect but given 5 minutes practice I am convinced that "simple" is the answer for the amateur/social golfer to play good golf without hitting hundreds of balls per day. - your instruction clears the head of the thousand thoughts that ruin scores & a good day out with the boys. I started a skeptic who expected the same rehash of information, instead I am pleasantly surprised." Peter V. - Australia

 

Same day, dramatic improvement... Nice going Peter.

I get notes like these all the time. It doesn't matter whether you are trying to break 105 or 70, the rate of improvement is typically rapid once the "bad data" is stripped from a golfer, and The Key to a repeating golf swing can begin working its magic.

My 2013, Six (6) part instructional package comes in a Digital Version (Instant Download) or Hardcopy Version (worldwide shipping).

Here's what you'll receive for less than the price of a dozen, premium golf balls:

The Brand New, Professionally Illustrated edition of "The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing" Manual (PDF format for PC and MAC, immediate, simple download) or Hardcopy Version.

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Every time "The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing" manual is updated with new chapters, images, or video, I receive an avalanche of emails from current customers requesting a free update to the Newest Edition. To date, they have had to pay for the new edition (currently the 7th edition). For a brief time, I am offering new customers FREE Lifetime Updates to future new editions. When you purchase either the digital or hardcopy version of the package, you will be entitled to lifetime free updates to "The Key" manual (a full copy in ebook form). As a US Patent award winning golf ball engineer, I constantly receive requests from all over the world for golf ball recommendations and have been matching the correct ball to individual golfers for years. Still active in the industry, I have the "inside" scoop on what new ball designs are ideal for high and low handicap, senior, and women golfers. There are incredible New Golf Balls being introduced during 2013 and Beyond. These are the types of issues I address with my "Special Reports". Here is a partial list of equipment, industry, and coaching updates you can receive. You will find them invaluable, I guarantee it: Lifetime Golf Ball and Equipment Recommendations for various golfer types (hcps). Video Tips and Customer Video Swing Analysis On site reports from PGA Tournaments. What the top players are working on with their coaches. Simple fitness for more distance and accuracy. Training Aids and much more... Note: I take this commitment very seriously and deliver these updates regularly throughout the season.

 

Exclusive - "Putting Rebel - Conversation with a Putting Wizard" My breakthrough work based on my in depth conversation with the best putter I have seen in all my years of playing golf. Discover the exact techniques this putting expert uses that enables him to average less than 30 putts per round.   “Putting Rebel” Jay revealed to me how he sees the big picture on the greens, beyond the break and speed. It doesn’t matter whether the putts are left to right, right to left, or bombs from across the green. He buries the ball in the hole like it is being pulled on a string. It is truly fascinating instruction that will help your putting game instantly.

 

Exclusive - "Golf Ball Secrets" * Learn what you really need to know about golf ball construction from a golf ball design engineer. The real story on Dimples, Spin Rate, and Performance! Tips to choose the right ball for your game to lower your scores. An actual “on course” scenario showing the effects of using the right and wrong ball for your swing. How to evaluate a golf ball on the course and much more…

 

 

Coach Stephen Ladd's - "Renegade Mindset Techniques for Golf" Learn why the final stage of success in golf is in large part mental. Coach Stephen will show you how Anchoring turns on your peak performance. His ingenuous Swish Pattern builds complete confidence in your ability. The Brain Scramble will enable you to immediately forget blow up holes and bad shots. Coach Stephen Ladd is re-owned as a cutting edge mental game specialist. His unique teaching style and techniques have been used successfully by golfers in 72 countries. I guarantee your haven't seen or read anything like this before!

 

 

Mike Pedersen’s - "Fit To A Tee" Mike Pedersen’s golf fitness Ebook, “Fit To A Tee”. Learn how simple stretches can revolutionize your game. Simple golf fitness for everyone. Mike is the featured golf fitness expert for Golf Magazine’s website GolfOnline.com and PGA.com. He has worked exclusively with golfers for over 10 years.

 

And I back it all up with a my no nonsense guarantee:

Your No-Risk 45 Day 100% Money-Back Guarantee I personally guarantee that if you make a sincere effort to apply the principles in "The Key To A Repeating Golf Swing" within the next 45 days, you'll realize lower scores and more enjoyment from your game. But if you aren't 100% satisfied, email me your refund request and electronic payment receipt within 45 days of purchase and you'll be issued a prompt, no-hassle refund. Hardcopy product must be returned in original, new condition for full product price refund minus original shipping. So you've got nothing to lose except strokes off your game.

 

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"Brilliant, stunning, unbelievable is all I can say." "Dear Sir, As you will by my e.mail address above I purchased your Key system and I am amazed by its immediate change it has had to my swing and went from 107 for an average round to 90. Brilliant, stunning, unbelievable is all I can say. Thank you so much for your prompt reply and superb service you have given me, I have just read the ‘Key’ again, just to refresh and keep the practice going to improve even further. ..its great to be able to grin on the first tee knowing that I know what MY FRIENDS WOULD LOVE TO KNOW." Martin S. - UK

 

"shot a 41! My best of the year" "Talk about a testimonial... Your Readers would not believe this. Read your book Monday evening. Went to back yard to work on your tips. On Tuesday A.M. worked in my net on theory. Tuesday evening at league shot a 41! My best of the year (4 strokes off my average). All this within 24 hours. Your a Genius! Thanks so much." Carl W. - Kentucky, USA Author's Note: (this gentleman is 72 years young)

 

"the best golf book I have ever read" "Hi Robert, Thank you so much for your comprehensive response to my golf ball recommendation request. I am very impressed... I read your wonderful e-book “The Key to a Repeating Golf Swing” this weekend, and found it to be the best golf book I have ever read (out of probably 40 or 50 of them). Great job! And I’ll be recommending you to friends – although not the ones that I am currently playing for money!!" Garth J. - Saudi Arabia

 

 

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Copyright © 2002-2013 Robert Cotter  Golf Ball Guide®  Instant Golf®  All Rights Reserved  Golf Ball Guide

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