Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2020 - 12

FRONT
The Spin Zone
The Great Golf Ball Debate
Today's new high-tech golf balls offer distance
and control.
G
olf ball marketers spin you with
" spinning rates " and say their
distance is out of sight-it can
get a bit dizzying. We asked Scott
Johnson, 2nd Swing Golf master
golf club fi tter, to share his equipment
expertise and help choose
the right golf ball.
Q: Has golf ball technology had the
largest impact on the distances balls
travel?
A: Years ago, golf balls were wound with a liquid
center and very soft cover (that could go out of
round after a few holes). Today, two, three, four
or even fi ve pieces make up a much fi rmer ball
that fl ies straighter and goes farther. Yes, the golf
ball has added distance for many players. But
other factors contribute, including club technology,
bigger, stronger players and more consistent
turf conditions-plus, with the proper equipment
fi tting, distance can be gained.
Q: What characteristics should golfers look for
in a golf ball?
A: It depends on whether the player would like to
add distance or wants better performance around
the greens. If we hit our driver a little sideways
and our second shot ends up 30 yards short, we
need a ball that will react (spin and/or release)
the way we like to hit shots around the green.
For instance, if a player likes to hit lob shots, I'd
recommend a higher spinning ball to allow those
shots to stop. If they like to hit bump and runs
with 7- or 8-irons, they may like a little fi rmer
ball to allow the shot to release.
Q:Why is there such a disparity in golf ball
prices?
A: Typically, the more pieces to the ball, the more
12
MINNESOTAGOLFER Directory 2020
* BY JOSEPH OBERLE *
Srixon Z-Star
$40
" Provides maximum
greenside spin for
unmatched control and
stopping power. "
expensive it is to produce for the
manufacturers, so the retail price
will be higher. Marketing also
plays a role. If a player on TV
is wearing a Titleist cap, they
most likely are getting a few
dollars from Titleist.
Q:Why is it important to use
the same kind of ball?
A: Consistency-it's the only piece
of equipment that we use on every shot. If
a golfer plays three different balls in a round, one
may fl y further, one may be higher spin (could
fl y more crooked) and the third they found in a
pond. None of them will perform the same. The
best players in the world use the golf ball that
works for them-amateurs should, too.
Q:What are some of the best balls on the market?
A: Most manufacturers have a distance ball
(fi rmer cover and less spin), a performance ball
(softer cover with more spin) and a good, allaround
ball. Srixon Z-Star, Callaway Chrome
Soft, Taylor Made TP5X and Titleist AVX are allpurpose
balls with mid-to-low spin (for hitting
longer and straighter) and soft covers (for feel
and control around the greens).
Q: How does a golf ball fi tting work?
A: At 2nd Swing, we begin the fi tting with the
golf ball the player likes to use. Through our
interview process, we determine what a player is
looking for in a driver (add distance or fi nd a few
more fairways). We talk about what type of shots
they like to hit around the greens. For many players,
we can save a few shots with the proper golf
ball. Using launch, spin and shot dispersion, we
can recommend a golf ball that will help them
lower scores and perform better.
Callaway Chrome
Soft
$45
" Proven distance and
performance, unparalleled
feel, exceptional
mis-hit forgiveness. "
TaylorMade TP5X $40
" Proprietary 5-layer ball
construction, including
a Tri-Fast Core that
delivers maximum carry
and low drag. "
Titleist AVX
$52
" Breakthrough core,
cover and aerodynamic
technology for distance
and extremely soft feel
with a piercing, low ball
fl ight. "
mngolf.org
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2020

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