Golf balls, though they all may appear very similar, are in fact very different from one another. There are multiple different types of golf balls and each translates to a performance factor. Let's take a closer look at each golf ball style:

Types of Golf Balls

2-Piece Golf Balls

This style is designed with a core and a cover.

Typically these are considered distance golf balls. They are lower-cost balls that are designed strictly for maximum distance. The cover is generally made of an Ionomer or Surlyn material, and they are very durable.

These golf balls do not provide much control with shorter shots, but the lack of spin makes these golf balls very accurate in regards to direction.

3-Piece Golf Balls

This style is designed with a core, a mantle, and a cover.

3-piece golf balls can vary in both cost and performance. A high-performance version will have a Urethane cover that promotes spin and control and is generally higher in cost.

The lower-cost version will have an Ionomer or Suryln cover and will promote more distance, but also provide more spin and control that the 2-piece version has and therefore is great option for value and performance.

4-Piece Golf Balls

This style is designed with an inner core, an outer core, a mantle, and a cover.

Typically these are also high-performance golf balls that are great for both the average and highly skilled player alike. They are designed to promote exceptional spin from the Urethane cover. The multiple core levels promote distance control and accuracy.

Every player can benefit from this type of golf ball regardless of skill level.

5-Piece Golf Balls

This style is designed with an inner core, an outer core, an inner mantle, an outer mantle, and a cover.

There are only a few options with this style as it is newer in technology. The benefit is that all players can get the performance from this style as their swing power will activate the proper golf ball level and therefore perform according to what the player is seeking.

With so many golf balls options out there, how can you select a golf ball with ease?

To simplify your search, golf balls can be drawn into two major categories: distance and accuracy vs. spin and control. Today's golf balls are designed to maximize one of the two or find some happy medium between the two using some combination of two to five layers.

Generally if you are looking for more control and spin you are going to want to gravitate toward 3-, 4- or 5-piece golf balls, whereas golfers more interested in distance and accuracy need to look for a 2-piece ball.

Golf Ball Care Tips

1. Clean your golf ball whenever you can while on the course to remove grass stains as well as dirt and mud. Dirt and mud can negatively affect your golf balls flight.


2. Replace your golf ball once there are too many scuffs and cuts as that can affect performance as well.