What does compression matter anyway?

January 20, 2011

I like the color of these Crystal golf balls.  They’re fun to play and better looking than my teammates golf balls.  Does the compression really matter? 

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Yes they are colorful, but don't be fooled by their beauty.  These aren’t "novelty" colored golf balls you’re playing, no, no!  These are manufactured to precision, adhering to the highest quality standards.  For instance, Crystal Golf’s balls' premium 2-piece construction starts with a high-energy core surrounded by a true 70 compression body, wrapped in a pliable but rugged Surlyn® cover for a soft feel and uncanny control, directness and distance. The 392 pentahedral dimple pattern conforms to USGA and R&A regulations.

Whoa, that’s a mouth-full.  But what does it matter?  Do I really need low compression?  Heck, I’m not sure I really know what it means.

You’re not alone.  Many golfers rely on friends for suggestions or simply play what’s available, but for those who want to know, here’s a quick lesson: 

The compression of a golf ball is its effective density. It is a measure of how soft or hard the ball is, or more specifically, how much it will deform under an applied pressure.  For a high compression ball, you’ll need a high swing speed to compress it hard enough to fully realize its “flight” factor.

On the contrary, a low compression ball requires less pressure to deform.  Since most casual golfers have slower swing speeds than the professionals on tour, they benefit from a lower compression golf ball. 

As to the benefits of 2-piece construction, this ball is designed specifically to provide greater distance.  If your swing is slow, the big rubber core of the ball helps in transferring the energy from the swing to the ball efficiently, thereby providing you with good distance.  Not to mention the colors are fabulous! 

Sold!  I’ll take three dozen!  

So next time your in the market for golf balls, be sure to consider your swing speed as well as the play conditions.  And when it drops below 50 degrees, remember, you’re better off with a lower compression golf ball.  They tend to fly farther.

And can’t we all benefit from a little help with our distance?