Golfballs.com https://www.golfballs.com/blog Golf News, Product Insights and more... Mon, 19 Feb 2024 21:38:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.18 What is a slope rating in golf? https://www.golfballs.com/blog/what-is-a-slope-rating/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/what-is-a-slope-rating/#respond Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:53:09 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4340

Golf differs from many other popular sports in a wide variety of ways. One of the key characteristics of this sport is the recognition of fluctuating skill levels from beginners and intermediate players to scratch golfers and Tour pros. The United States Golf Association (USGA) knows that a senior golfer shouldn’t be expected to shoot as long as his twenty-year-old counterpart; that wouldn’t be considered a fair match-up in the least.

So how do the governing authorities of golf level the playing field? They do it by designating a handicapping system that allows beginning and intermediate players to compete against players with a higher skill level and/or advantage.

This is exactly where the golf course slope rating comes into play. The slope rating is a value that is generated by the USGA that shows a course’s difficulty level for bogey golfers – golfers that average around a bogey per hole.

Why Slope Rating In Golf Is Important

There are two types of ratings that are commonly seen on golf course scorecards: course ratings and slope ratings. The first give better golfers an idea of how difficult a course may be; the second covers the other end of the spectrum and shows beginning and bogey golfers how tough they can expect the applicable eighteen holes will be to play.

Golf course slope ratings are set by the USGA. They range in value from a low of 55 – the easiest score possible – to 155 for an extremely difficult layout. Unlike a course rating, the slope rating does not relate to how many strokes a hole should play for a scratch golfer.

Golf course slope ratings are the grand equalizer, helping golfers of wide and varying skill levels that may be playing together to make sure that they are evenly matched. Without designating different golf course slope ratings for the vast majority of unique golf courses throughout the world, players accustomed to shooting a certain number of strokes on their home course wouldn’t be able to determine how they should expect to shoot on layouts with which they are unfamiliar.

Slope Rating In Golf and Handicaps

Obtaining a golf handicap score is a special day in any intermediate golfer’s life. It requires a minimum of five rounds of play (with twenty rounds being optimal) and calculations that leave most players with their heads spinning.

Slope rating is an important factor when calculating a golfer’s handicap score, and is necessary to reflect differences in wavering course difficulties. For example, what if one particular golfer played his or her five rounds on a course rated at 100, while another golfer played his five rounds at a course rated at 150?

This is exactly why golf course slope ratings are such an important part of golf handicap scores. The player that completed his five rounds on a more difficult course will in-turn have a lower handicap score, which reflects his higher skill level than the player that completed his rounds on an easier course.

Slope rating allows players that may shoot the same number of strokes per round to still allot for the fact that they may have been competing on drastically different golf courses.

Knowing what slope rating in golf applies to is essential for golfers of every skill level – especially if you’re trying to determine your golf handicap score. Slope rating gives beginner and bogey players the same ability to gauge a course’s difficulty that scratch players have with course ratings. Knowing what your golf course slope rating is will also help you figure out if your golfing buddy that boasts an 80-stroke game across town is actually competing on a higher level – or is just playing an easier course.

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How do I protect myself from the sun on the golf course? https://www.golfballs.com/blog/protect-from-sun-on-golf-course/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/protect-from-sun-on-golf-course/#respond Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:43:22 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4330

Hats, Shirts and More!

Few things in life are worse than sunburn. The blistering sensation that tightens your skin; the painful burning that comes with the slightest touch; and the lobster-red hue that’s guaranteed to get empathetic looks from total strangers are all attributes of sunburn we’d like to avoid.

So why do so many golfers end up walking off the course at the end of the day a good three shades redder than they were when they started? Simply put, some golfers don’t associate a day on the links with sunburn. Sunburns are supposed to happen on beaches and lakes during summer vacation, not somewhere between the 1st and 18th greens in the middle of April.

If you’re considering your sun protection options before hitting the course this golf season, then you’re already one step ahead of those nasty UV rays. Knowing a few simple facts about golf UV protection can mean the difference between a pleasant ride home after a round versus a pit stop by the pharmacy for aloe and ice.

Golf Sun Protection Facts

The heat index may not be in the triple digits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburnt. It doesn’t matter if it’s 80 degrees or 8-below, if the sun’s out, then you’re at risk.

The National Institutes of Health also state that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – meaning that unless you’re teeing off in the dark, your skin is going to get UV ray exposure. Golf courses that are also higher in elevation and/or closer to the equator are that much closer to the sun, meaning those blistered ears and tender, rosy red cheeks are much easier to acquire when playing those magnificent Florida courses.

Sunburn isn’t just about discomfort, either. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the majority of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers can be directly linked to UV ray exposure. In fact, 9 out of 10 non-melanoma skin cancer cases are connected to UV ray exposure from the sun.

There’s no doubt that the sun’s rays can ruin an unprepared golfer’s day, but you don’t have to let it ruin yours. Golf UV protection is very simple to implement, and can even be fun when sporting the right products. There are several clothing and apparel options for golfers today that will ensure proper protection from the sun, without interfering with your golf game.

UV Protection from Head to Toe

Your head is the closest part of your body to the sun, excluding those times your hands are raised in anger after landing in a bunker. For the moments when the sun is out and your game is on point, however, it’s important to keep your head and face protected.

Golf caps and visors provide a few benefits when battling the sun on a hot and muggy day. The right golf cap gives golfers necessary shade from blinding UV rays while reducing both head and face exposure to the sun. Golf caps are perfect for golfers looking for head and face protection, while golf visors are good for a minimalist approach to guarding against UV rays.

For golfers that are looking for a more effective shield from the sun’s harmful rays, there are wide-brim golf hats such as boonie hats, Aussie hats, straw hats and bucket hats. These hats have a wider diameter than golf caps and golf visors, providing more shade for golfers while blocking more sun, and are a favorite among tour pros and amateurs alike.

Many golf sun protection hats available today also feature moisture-wicking material that pull sweat and perspiration away from the skin, eliminating the sauna-like feeling that older products produced while keeping golfers’ heads cool and collected.

Beat the Heat With Golf Shirts

So you’ve got your head and face covered, now it’s just time to throw on that old, white golf shirt and head to the links knowing you’re covered, right?

Not so fast. Just because your shoulders seem to have all the protection they need, it doesn’t mean that you’re keeping them away from UV radiation. For example, a golf shirt that has a loose weave – whether due to age or material type – can allow UV rays to penetrate through. This false sense of protection can make for a painful lesson after a long day of golf.

That’s why you should consider updating your golf wardrobe with the latest in sun protective golf clothing. Golf shirts available today come in a wide range of colors and patterns, with most of them consisting of materials that not only protect players from the sun, but also leave them feeling unrestricted during their backswings and dry throughout their rounds.

Having the right outlook on golf sun protection not only helps you stay comfortable during and after your rounds, but it can also have a positive effect on the enduring health of your skin. Sunscreen should always be your first line of defense, with protective golf hats and apparel ranking a close second. Applying these two basic principles before leaving the clubhouse shade for the sunny fairways will ensure that you’ll be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays while avoiding the damaging short and long-term effects of sunburn.

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How do I use a divot tool? https://www.golfballs.com/blog/how-to-use-divot-tool/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/how-to-use-divot-tool/#respond Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:40:35 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4279

Still wondering what the heck your golf buddy was using to fix the huge dent that his ball left on the green when it made that beautiful landing from over a hundred yards out? The tool was most likely a popular derivative of a divot tool, something that every golfer should have.

Golf divot tools are one or two-pronged tools that are used to repair golf ball pitch marks on the green that are caused by forceful impacts from long distances out. The farther away a golf ball is hit from, the larger the pitch mark (commonly called a divot) will be.

So how do golfers use golf divot tools to repair their ball marks?

  1. Insert the prong.

    The most common golf divot tools on the market today have two forks, although several divot tools have one prong, which is actually preferred by many golf professionals. Whichever type of divot tool you decide to use, both apparatuses are used by inserting the forked end into the divot or pitch mark at a steep angle, just outside the mark.

  2. Push inward, not upward.

    Many golfers mistakenly push upward when working around a divot, inadvertently killing the surrounding grass by uprooting it. The correct way to repair a pitch mark with a divot tool is to work around the pitch mark while pushing inward toward the center of the divot, not upward.

  3. Flatten it out with your putter.

    The final step is to take your putter and gently tap on top of the repaired pitch mark, flattening out and packing down the newly repaired mark while ensuring that every golfer following you on the course will have an optimal putting surface to play on.

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What golf tee should I be using? https://www.golfballs.com/blog/what-golf-tee-should-to-use/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/what-golf-tee-should-to-use/#respond Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:33:00 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4273

You’re standing in the tee box, taking a few practice swings with your new driver before lining up your first shot of the day. Your ball is in place, posted slightly above the creeping bent grass that covers your favorite golf course.

You check your golf grip and perform your trademark foot shuffle before taking a rock-solid swing, sending your golf ball … dribbling down the fairway?

What went wrong? You were lined up correctly, your swing speed was optimal, so could it be your new driver? That must be the culprit, because everything else was perfect, right? Wrong. If you’re suddenly topping golf balls and failing to find the sweet spot on your driver, it could be a simple matter of the type of golf tee that you’re using. Playing with a tee that isn’t long enough and doesn’t give your ball the steady foundation that it needs can cause a world of trouble from the tee box.

Playing with a tee that’s too long, however, can cause problems of its own. Let’s check out some facts about golf tees to see which ones will give you the best advantage when driving the ball.

What Golf Tees Should I Use?

Most of us recognize standard golf tees – there isn’t much to these slender, wooden posts that are usually sold by the dozens. But many golfers don’t realize that there are actually several considerations to make before deciding on which tees will serve your driver the best.

For example, did you know there is a maximum length for golf tees during official play? The United States Golf Association (USGA) is the governing body of golf in the US, and sets forth rules and regulations for every aspect of the game – including golf tees.

According to the 2012-2015 USGA rules on devices and other equipment, tees must not:

  • Be over 4 inches in length (101.6 mm)
  • Consist of a design that would indicate line of play
  • Unduly influence ball movement
  • Assist the player in making a stroke in his or her play

As you can see, aside from tee length and apparent lines that could help golfers direct their drives, there is little regulation on golf tees for regulation play. This means that players can utilize traditional wooden tees, or choose from other types like plastic tees, brush tees, and even fun personalized tees.

So which is the best golf tee for your game? That depends on a number of factors, including proclivity to slice, effective ball height, and swing speed.

Best Golf Tee Practices

Most intermediate and high-handicap golfers would say the only way to use a tee is to stick it in the ground and place a golf ball on it. While properly placing a golf tee isn’t rocket science, there are still some important points to keep in mind prior to teeing up your next shot.

  1. Golf tee depth matters.

    Just because the USGA allows tees up to 4 inches in length doesn’t mean that 3 ?? inches should be in the ground. In fact, the deeper your tee is placed, the more resistance your golf ball will face upon impact, resulting in shorter drives. Always make sure that your golf tee is placed no deeper than half an inch into the ground to keep impact resistance at a minimum. Many tees come with colored bands around the bottom to help you determine how deep the tee should be set.

  2. Find your optimal ball height.

    When changing the way you use your golf tees, you don’t want to blow an entire round trying to figure out how high or low your golf ball needs to sit on the tee. Make sure to grab a handful of golf tees that are different lengths before heading to the driving range for some practice off the course. Tees range from 2 ?? inches to 4 inches, so try out different lengths to find the tee that best connects the golf ball with your driver’s sweet spot.

  3. Try different golf tees.

    One of the best things about today’s wide selection of golf tees is their affordability. Golf tees are relatively easy on the pocket book, so make sure that when you’re shopping for golf tees to try out different lengths, compositions, and features that modern golf tees afford their players. It’s always a good idea to keep a variety of different tees in your golf bag for days when your game could use a little changeup.

If you’re still asking yourself, “What golf tees should I use?” then just remember one thing: the best golf tee for you is the one that makes you feel like you’re getting the most out of each and every drive. If practice dictates that your drives go further off a high tee, then consider purchasing longer tees. If your club stays low at impact during your swing, then maybe some standard 2 ¾ inch tees are the right fit.

Whether you decide to up your game with the latest brush and anti-slice tees, or are more comfortable sticking with traditional wooden ones, the important thing is to switch it up during practice and find out which tees suit you best. That way you’ll know exactly which tees to reach for before teeing off during your next big round. Check out tees from renowned brands like 4 Yards More, Brush T and more.

Golf Tee Recommendations

Pride Sports
Professional Tee System 4 Inch Tees

Martini Golf Tees
3 ¼ Inch

Golfballs.com
Premium 2 ¾ Inch Golf Tees

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Quick fixes for common golf Gameplay Problems https://www.golfballs.com/blog/common-golf-gameplay-problems/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/common-golf-gameplay-problems/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2023 16:48:09 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4334

In the year 1900, about a dozen years after golf had first caught on in the United States, America got its first great player, Walter Travis. This Long Island native won the United States Amateur Championship in 1900, 1901, and 1903; in 1904 he even sailed to England and beat the British at their own game by winning their Amateur Championship.

While his triumphs are impressive, his lasting legacy may come in the form of the golfing training aid he introduced his countrymen to. While practicing at the Garden City Golf Club, he installed smaller sized cups into the holes on the practice green to make the standard holes feel larger. More than one hundred years and thousands of golf training gizmos later, the hallmark of the best golf training aids is still simplicity. Here are a few problems that inspired such inventions to be created:

Golf Swing Slice Tips

We’ve all been there at some point: we strike the ball with what we believe to be beautiful form, but are disappointed to see it flying far from where we intended. The reason this occurs is that the player has a poor grip and ends up swinging an open face into the ball.

How to Fix It: First, you should adjust your stance so that you’re not standing so upright. Next, make sure you have a proper grip that leads the clubface to be more closed. Focus on a clear target line from your ball to the landing space. Finally, swing along with the path so that your body has a natural guide as to where it should go.

Training Aids: When you need to practice swinging the club with accuracy, consider a product that will encourage you to check your grips, clubface alignment and forces you to swing with some consistency. Because lack of aim can lead to those little white orbs landing in ponds, consider purchasing cheaper versions like logo overrun golf balls.

Lack of Power

Even though some players may have the better form, their friends may still hit the ball farther. While there is a list of reasons for why this occurs, a common problem is that there are issues in the player’s momentum – the motion and movements of the body during the swing.

How to Fix It: Break down your swing in slow motion to make sure that it moves effortlessly without any hiccups. Working on your mechanics takes time; don’t expect a miracle over night. As you begin to feel comfortable enough with any adjustments you need to make, start building strength in your swing.

Training Aid: Getting a stronger swing involves getting closer to perfection on your swing. It also requires optimal (controlled) club speed. A good tool to help you reach the green faster would be a weighted club. It will make your club feel light, but will also force you to stay in control of your entire motion.

Easy Golf Putting Tips

Okay, there is no magic putter that is going to scratch two strokes off your card. Being a master at putting is simply going to take time.

How to Fix It: Unlike our previous two references, this one involves two suggestions. First, find a putter that you are comfortable with. Second, practice makes perfect.

Training Aid: Whenever you get the chance to take a few swings, do it. No matter if that is at your club or in your backyard. The key is to become comfortable with both the movement and the equipment. We recommend either purchasing a putter series or an adjustable club. With multiple weights and designs at your fingertips, you’ll be able to find the specific settings that allow you to perform your best.

These are only a few problems that we as golfers struggle with. However, by utilizing simple equipment to conquer these problems, you can grow as a golfer and become more self-assured on the green.

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How do I choose a golf glove? https://www.golfballs.com/blog/choose-golf-glove/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/choose-golf-glove/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:24:26 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4261

The first golfer to wear a glove was…. well, nobody knows. The earliest evidence of the gloves existence comes from an 1898 catalog put out by a London department store. They were made with linen and a patch of suede-covered the palm; the back of the hand was exposed and holes poked out of the fingers for the knuckles. Over the last century, the design of golf gloves has evolved into something much greater. Gloves can truly benefit your game.

So who changed the way we thought about covering our hands on the fairway?

To answer that question, we can look to the same man who popularized seemingly everything else about modern golf: Mr. Arnold Palmer. Palmer can be seen wearing a glove throughout his career – from his championship schoolboy days in Latrobe, Pennsylvania through his first televised golf tournaments. Palmer also popularized the routine of taking the golf glove off and stuffing it in a back pocket to putt.

What Is The Purpose of a Golf Glove?

A golf glove does two things in particular: firstly, it provides a better, tackier grip on the golf club; secondly, it helps prevent blisters. But gloves aren’t always necessary. In fact, one of the most popular golfers in the world, Fred Couples, has never worn a glove. Further, Corey Pavin and Lucas Glover (a real, if ironic surname) have both won U.S. Open titles glove-less. These pros are by no means a sample of the majority though.

Today some 80 percent of amateur golfers and 95 percent of touring professionals wear a golf glove. Some even wear gloves on both hands. On the PGA Tour, Tommy Gainey plays every shot – including putts – with gloves on both hands. Naturally, his nickname is “Two Gloves”.

Though there’s no true magic in a glove, if you’re considering one – go for it. Many top brands, like Titleist, FootJoy and Nike, offer excellent gloves that fit men, women and children with any size hand. Play is safe, avoid the blisters.

How do I Choose a Glove?

The market has plenty of different golf glove options for you to choose from, as many major manufacturers produce multiple lines. Here’s how to narrow your choice down: measure your hands then simply look at fit and material.

Most golfers buy a glove that is a little too big; it should really fit like a “second skin” – not too tight, not too loose. In terms of material, you can choose between a number of innovative fabrics or supple leather. It depends on your preference and how either one feels on your hands.

As for price, most popular golf gloves cost between $10 and $30. Even if you’re buying from the low end of the price scale, a glove will last an average golfer about 18 rounds, making it a great value.

Best Golf Glove Brands

There are many options to consider when shopping for a new golf glove, but for your convenience we’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of some of the biggest names in the game: FootJoy, Titleist, Bionic and Hirzl. Now let’s head out to the course for a friendly foursome and see what they’ve got.

  • FootJoy.

    The heavy hitter in the group is FootJoy. In fact, for every two golf gloves sold in the world, Footjoy sells one of them – that’s about ten million gloves a year. FootJoy began adding gloves to their offerings in the 1970s, borrowing from an old-line British leather maker named Pittards, a brand that pioneered washable leather gloves for Royal Air Force fighter pilots during World War II and began making water-resistant leathers in 1975.

    Soon enough, FootJoy adapted Cabretta leather, which is crafted from the skins of sheep that sport hair instead of fleece into weatherproof gloves and haven’t looked back since. Their standard bearer, FootJoy StaSof sells for about $20 – $25, while the top of the line Footjoy gloves run about $30. FootJoy sets the standard for glove fit and comfort

  • Titleist.

    Titleist is the closest challenger to FootJoy and together the two brands dominate both the amateur market and professional tour. Like FootJoy, Titleist also deals in Cabretta leather gloves. Worn and trusted by Jordan Spieth, Jason Dufner and many more, the brand hangs its golf cap on the thinnest, lightest gloves available on the market today.

  • Bionic Performance Grip.

    The high-tech player in the group is the Bionic Performance Grip. This glove is actually designed by an orthopedic hand surgeon to ensure optimal comfort and playability. The Performance Grip boasts a “Triple-Row Finger Grip System”, which features extra bits of padding in supposedly critical spots and little pieces of Terrycloth sewn in to absorb moisture. The Bionic brand actually breeds from the Louisville Slugger baseball company, so they’re no stranger to performance quality gear. This glove runs for about $30.

Choosing the Right Glove For You

All in all, choosing the right golf glove is a personal decision that could elevate your game and drop your score. This is simply a guide to point you in the right direction, now it’s up to you to decide on what feels good and fits well. Don’t forget, you can even have golf gloves customized with a logo! We’ll see you on the fairway!

Glove Recommendations

Srixon
Z-All Weather Golf Glove

FootJoy
Contour FLX Golf Glove

Callaway Golf
Dawn Patrol Golf Glove

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How do you use a golf rangefinder? https://www.golfballs.com/blog/use-golf-rangefinder/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/use-golf-rangefinder/#respond Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:37:42 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4277

Golf rangefinders have helped many high-handicap and intermediate golfers effectively determine their position from the pin for decades. Rangefinders utilize laser technology to accurately measure distance from the device to the intended target in the shortest amount of time possible.

Most golf rangefinders today come in an over-under monocular form, meaning the lens that the golfer looks through to locate the target is actually above the distance-measuring device on the bottom.

So how is a golf rangefinder used?

  1. Locate the target.

    When measuring distances on the golf course, the target is usually the pin on the green, although any distance from the golfer to a particular point can be measured. After powering the device on, look through the magnified optics to determine where the pin or target is.

  2. Take a measurement.

    Once you have located the intended target, press the designated button on your golf rangefinder to shoot a laser beam toward the target, which allows the rangefinder to take an accurate measurement of the distance between yourself and your target.

  3. Observe.

    As soon as your golf rangefinder determines the distance measured, it will be displayed through the viewfinder on your device. If an error occurred while the measurement was taken, then your device should let you know that you’ll need to try again.

Range Finder Recommendations

Bushnell
Tour V5 Patriot Pack

Blue Tees
Series 3 Max Rangefinder

Bushnell
Phantom 2 GPS Rangefinder

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Tips for Golfing in the Winter https://www.golfballs.com/blog/winter-golf-tips/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/winter-golf-tips/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:50:53 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4337

Unfortunately, for many of us, cold weather means less time on the course. Unless you’re living close to the tropics, harsh winter days and impossible conditions are going to occasionally throw off your golf game. But the truth is that many golfers are throwing away valuable golfing sessions for fear of the weatherman’s ominous predictions, when in actuality, getting in a round can be as simple as investing in the appropriate winter golf gear.

There are many ways that you can take advantage of those uncertain days of chilly air and gloomy winter clouds that cause most golfers to stay inside. Playing golf in the winter can also provide benefits that you may not fully appreciate until you’re checking in at the clubhouse – like finding out that you have the entire golf course to yourself.

Let’s take a look at some essential winter golf tips that are sure to keep your golf clubs warmed up and out of storage this season.

Dressing for Winter Golf

If you are preparing for this year’s winter golf season, then you need to consider investing in some basic cold weather golf gear and equipment. Just a few vital additions to your collection can mean the difference between an enjoyable round or turning into a popsicle.

Adding to your regular fair-weather equipment can also be a lot to keep track of, so always make sure that you include a checklist to mark off before you make your way to the golf course.


  • Are you layered the right way?

    There are a few ways that you can bundle up before heading out in the cold, and doing it like Ralphie’s kid brother from A Christmas Story isn’t one of them. When you are layering up for a game of golf, make sure that your layers aren’t hindering your golf swing. After you’ve dressed out in your thermal undergarments, your warmer outer layers and lastly a golf windbreaker, make sure that you can take a decent swing in the mirror before leaving the house. If you can’t, then you might want to consider shedding some layers.


  • Are your extremities protected?

    After you’ve covered your core, it’s time to focus on your extremities: your hands, your feet, and your head. Warm golf gloves that allow you to properly grip the club are crucial for your swing. Putting those low-top golf shoes away and wearing a pair of golf shoes that are well insulated and higher on your ankles will prevent intrusive elements from making their way in. Of course, it’s always important to keep your head properly covered with a golf hat while playing in the winter.


  • Don’t forget your accessories.

    What kind of accessories, you ask? Hand warmers are a good start. They’ll keep your fingers toasty between swings, which can ultimately save you strokes. The winter months also mean a lower sun on the horizon, which can be detrimental to your eyes. That’s why it’s necessary for you to remember your sunglasses when gathering your winter golf gear. Other essentials include a rain jacket and an umbrella – just in case the bottom decides to unexpectedly fall out. Getting caught in a summertime downpour is inconvenient, but cold temperatures can make winter weather downright dangerous.

Playing golf in the winter is all about being prepared; making sure that you’ve got the right amount of layers prior to leaving the house; keeping your hands and other extremities warm throughout your round; and ensuring that you can make it back to the clubhouse should the weather turn nasty are all vital elements of any wintertime golf strategy.

Rejecting the notion of letting an entire season negatively affect your golf game will also give you a leg up on all of your fellow golfers that sit the game out until spring. Following these winter golf tips will allow you to be a member of the dedicated group of golfers that refuse to let a little chilly weather put a damper on their golf outings during the winter season.

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How to Care for Golf Shoes https://www.golfballs.com/blog/how-to-care-for-golf-shoes/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/how-to-care-for-golf-shoes/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:50:42 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4253

Maintaining proper care of your golf shoes will not only ensure a sharp look on the course, but will also increase their longevity. Because this kind of footwear is meant for functionality, constant upkeep must take place in order to keep them in optimal condition. After all, no one wants to step onto the green with a tired pair of cleats.

How to Clean Golf Shoes

Most golf shoes these days are made with leather, synthetic materials or a mixture of both. Fortunately, this makes cleaning them an easy task. To simplify the process even more, you don’t have to buy expensive cleaners; just use soap, water and a soft cloth to wipe down any scuffs, dirt or mud on the outer material.

Avoid soaking your shoes in soap and water for an extended period, as the liquid will wear down the material and cause the cleats to come apart. Following this step, thoroughly wipe your footwear down with a dry towel and let them air dry in an open area for an extended length of time until fully dry. Furthermore, you can also finish them off with a leather shoeshine or gel for a fresh, shiny appearance. As an added bonus, the shine will also act as an extra layer of protection from unwanted markings.

Shoe Storage

When you’re packing up from a long round, remember never to throw your moist shoes in the back of the trunk of your car or straight into a gym bag. These places do not provide proper ventilation, which can cause bacterial build-up and smell.

Furthermore, when leather footwear goes from wet to dry and is not exposed to fresh air, they become brittle and will start to crack. To preserve your shoes’ condition, always let them dry in an open area before stowing them back into your shoe bag.

Protect Your Cleat Spikes

Since the bottoms of spiked golf shoes are important to your stability, you must only wear them on surfaces that will not damage the cleats. For instance, refrain from wearing your footwear on cement sidewalks and pavement. Hard surfaces like these will undoubtedly wear down the spikes.

The main purpose of the spiked sole is to provide stability on the green, so be sure to remove any excess mud and dirt that may build up in between the grooves. This could be done with a club or found twig, but should be done with a specially designed golf shoe brush.

Product Recommendations

Softspikes
Black Widow Golf Spikes – PINS

Champ Golf
Two-Pin Spike Wrench

Softspikes
Pivix Golf Spikes – Fast Twist 3.0

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What is golf ball compression and how does it affect me? https://www.golfballs.com/blog/golf-ball-compression-how-does-it-affect-score/ https://www.golfballs.com/blog/golf-ball-compression-how-does-it-affect-score/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:32:58 +0000 https://www.golfballs.com/blog/?p=4117

Guide to Golf Ball Compression

When it comes to the game of golf, several elements have to come together all at once to deliver the power that makes for great shots. Both swing speed and accuracy play a key role in ensuring that balls hit their intended targets in as few strokes as possible, but if a high-handicap golfer is playing with the wrong golf ball, then the results may be detrimental.

This is where ball compression comes into play. Of the many elements that athletes consider when shopping for golf balls, this particular facet is often wrongly overlooked. Failing to evaluate your golf ball compression needs can mean the difference between saving a few strokes or hitting triple digits after eighteen agonizing holes, so staying informed is the key.

What is High and Low Golf Ball Compression?

Golf ball compression is a measure of the density of the inner core of a particular model. The higher the density – or compression – of a golf ball, the harder the inner core is, meaning that it will not condense as easily upon impact. A low-compression golf ball, however, has more room to squeeze when the clubface makes contact, thus producing a spring-like effect that can assist golfers with slower swing speeds in covering more distance with each stroke.

Golf ball compression is measured by numerical values that denote the amount of compression in particular brands and lines of golf balls; a compression rating of 70 is on the low end of compression golf balls available, and a rating of 110 is on the high end. So which golf ball compression rating is the right one for you? Let’s take a look at how different compression ratings can line up with different golfers to provide optimal results for a wide range of golf enthusiasts.

Golf Ball Compression Comparison

When determining which golf ball compression rating is the one that fits your needs the best, it’s important to evaluate the key elements of different compression ratings before applying them to your specific game. Try matching the statement below that sounds the most like your golf swing to find out which golf ball compression rating is right for you.

Golf Ball Compression and Swing Speed

  • I am a senior, junior, or woman golfer. These aforementioned golfers, on average, tend to have slower swing speeds. Golfers that aren’t as fast off the tee should consider utilizing a golf ball with an 80 or below rating. These golf balls provide the right amount of compression that matches up perfectly with slower swings to deliver superb results while providing optimal control and feel.
  • I am an average golfer with an average swing speed. This statement usually applies to a middle-of-the-road drive off the tee for a male, or an above-average drive for a female. Your swing speed is moderate, thus warranting a moderately rated golf ball. Consider using a golf ball compression rating of 90 if you fall into this category.
  • I swing fast and drive long. If you consider your swing speeds to be above average, and you’re always outdriving your peers, then a golf ball compression rating of 100 or above is the right choice for you. A higher rating warrants greater density, which is necessary to accommodate your faster swing speed.

When you are shopping for clubs, you don’t expect to just grab a driver off the rack at your local retailer and call it a day. Odds are that you’ve put serious time into choosing the right clubs for your bag, and choosing the right golf balls to suit your game should be no different.

What Compression Golf Ball Should I Use?

When evaluating which golf ball compression rating is right for you, always remember that a low swing speed usually correlates well with a low compression golf ball, and that a high swing speed is perfect for high-speed club swingers. With a wide range of golf balls available in a variety of compression ratings, you’re sure to find the carefully engineered golf balls that are seamlessly matched for your game.

Low Compression Golf Ball Recommendations

Titleist
TruFeel Golf Balls

Callaway Golf
Supersoft Golf Balls

Srixon
Soft Feel Golf Balls

High Compression Golf Ball Recommendations

Titleist
Pro V1x Golf Balls

Srixon
Z Star XV Golf Balls

Bridgestone
TOUR B XS Golf Balls

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