Do Illegal Golf Balls Make a Difference?
February 3, 2023
Yes, but not as much as you might think. There are many factors that contribute to every golf shot and the ball that you choose to use is just one of those factors. While certain golf balls may be better suited for a pro or low-handicap golfer, others can be the better choice for a beginner, high-handicapper, or senior. For example, a softer low-compression golf ball will generally travel further for golfers with a slower swing. Conversely, someone with a faster swing might get more distance from a high compression ball.
Although you might squeeze a few extra yards off the tee box by matching a ball’s dynamics to your swing speed, it isn’t as important as many golfers might think. In fact, several Tour professionals hit a mid-compression ball with a softer feel for better spin qualities when hitting wedges around the green. Nonetheless, the problems you are having off the tee with distance and accuracy are more likely due to using a driver that doesn’t suit your swing.
According to Lance Reader, the founder of Krank Golf, “The problem is that only one percent of golfers swing a club 115 mph or faster, and unless you do, you cannot take advantage of the latest technology. Golfers with a slower swing speed should not be forced to hit the same driver face thickness as golfers with much faster swing speeds. The face of your driver is like a trampoline and the proper face thickness should be matched to your swing speed.”
What is a USGA conforming golf ball?
According to the USGA Equipment Standards, manufacturers have to submit two-dozen golf balls for all styles to be tested each year by the USGA and R&A (Royal & Ancient Club) to ensure compliance with the most current rules. Fortunately, the rules regarding golf ball regulations are straightforward and include:
. Golf balls cannot be asymmetrical in shape.
. Golf balls are forbidden to weigh more than 1.620 ounces (no minimum weight).
. Golf balls must have a diameter above 1.680 inches (no maximum size).
. Golf balls must adhere to specified measures of distance and velocity.
Centuries ago the first golf balls did not have dimples. Dimples create a thin, turbulent layer of air that clings to a golf ball’s surface and reduces the wake of air for less drag and more lift. Although dimples can greatly affect a ball’s trajectory, there is no rule regarding the number of dimples allowed.
The general rule regarding golf dimples is related to the requirement for a symmetrical shape. About fifty years ago, designers created a self-correcting golf ball that reduced slices and hooks by having deeper dimples around the circumference and shallower dimples elsewhere, but that resulted in an asymmetrical ball.
So, why do they manufacture illegal balls?
It’s simple. Golf manufacturers sell millions of non-conforming balls every year to recreational golfers who do not play in events governed by the USGA’s approved golf ball list. Whereas golfers are supposed to police themselves, recreational golfers tend to loosely follow the Rules of Golf, such as agreeing on mulligans or gimme putts. Most illegal golf balls are marketed to fly farther with a longer roll-out due to their aerodynamic design or to be self-correcting to help reduce a dreaded slice.
The problem is most of the illegal golf balls sold over the years that made big claims about distance and accuracy totally ignored the inherent lack of playability around the greens. Simply stated, you may get better distance and control off the tee but hitting an illegal golf ball will never let a causal golfer develop his or her game. In the long run, this results in money spent without significant improvements that could allow a recreational golfer to truly enjoy the game.
Ready to Make a Difference in Your Game?
Krank Golf drivers are some of the straightest hitting drivers on the planet with a dual-weight port system that lessens the angular spin to naturally reduce the curve of the ball. By creating a precision micro-milled face that matches your specific swing speed, our FORMULA FIRE drivers can average 20 to 40 more yards off the tee box depending on how much roll the course allows.
It is not magic... it is pure science. Longer, straighter drives come from the added ball speed and reduced spin.
For over twenty-one years, we have continued to push the boundaries of what makes a driver hit straighter and longer down your local fairway as well as on the world's professional long drive grid. From 26 World Long Drive Championships to making the undisputed longest hitting drivers for the medium to slower swing speed golfers, Krank has every golfer of every age and every swing speed covered.
Virtually every driver manufacturer today builds drivers with one face thickness for all swing speeds, all ages, and both sexes. Krank drivers increase face trampoline effect, which is especially important for the middle and slower swing speeds. To start designing the driver that is right your swing, click here now and schedule a custom fitting, so you can stop giving away distance and accuracy off the tee.
