Seeking the perfect golf ball for your game

Today, golf balls travel further, roll longer, fly straighter, and last longer than ever before. Today, dimple patterns on the ball alter everything from trajectory to spin rates, and improved cover materials along with compression rates provide the best balls in the game's history. But the real trick is in selecting the right one for your game.

As the governing authorities, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland along with the United States Golf Association determine the rules of golf, including those for equipment. They carefully monitor the effects of new technology on the game and establish the equipment criteria necessary to conform to their rules.

So, what does this mean to the golfer seeking the easiest to hit, perfect trajectory,

long ball that putts well on the green? It means you find the ball most aided by technological innovation, limited by the government oversight.

There are primarily two main classes of balls: spin and distance. Spin balls are typically of three-piece construction, have a central core (liquid in the highest spin balls), surrounded by rubber windings, and are often covered with a thin, soft material called balata. Balls designed to spin more make them easier to draw or fade and they hold the green or stop better. These balls have a softer feel than distance balls when struck, and don't travel quite as far. Spin balls may also come covered with a durable material called Surlyn, and may be two-piece rather than three-piece with a solid core.

Distance balls are usually of two-piece construction with more-durable covers and solid cores. Inside the distance ball is a firm synthetic material, that when combined with a hard cover, typically Surlyn, allows the ball to travel longer distances. Balls designed for distance have less spin, which generally means less control and stopping ability. These balls have a harder

Most beginners and high handicappers should try balls with a durable cover so that mis-hits don't ruin its symmetry. Distance is typically more important to them than playability around the green. Additionally, golfers with a slower swing speed may benefit from a ball with a lower compression rating, which provides a sling shot effect that propels the ball further according to manufacturers. However, contrary to golfing lore, clubhead speed, rather than compression, is significantly more important to distance.

PHOTO ANDY HALL Compression of a golf ball matches the "feel" of the ball to the golfer's preference and swing speed. Compression is a measure of how hard the ball may feel - the higher the compression number the harder the feel, and the less it compresses during impact. Compression ratings typically range between 70 and 100, with most players compromising with a 90-compression ball.

Advanced players should consider trying softer covered balls, which offer more feel and maneuverability. More experienced golfers are probably already comfortable and consistent with their swing speed, so finding the right ball compression, typically 90 or above, will come through experimentation.

Determine if you like two or three-piece balls. A two-piece ball generally produces more distance and less spin. A three-piece ball gives you more feel and additional spin to shape your shot.

Lastly, find a golf ball you can afford. Some balls cost over $4 each based on technology and brand name alone. Similar balls with comparable design and construction vary greatly in price.

Now, get out there and find the ball for you. And if you can't, then purchase a distance ball, with a Surlyn or composite cover with a 90-compression rating. I'm always looking for my lost ball, and yours will do just fine.