do illegal golf balls make a difference?

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 have a diameter above 1.680 inches (no maximum size).

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.

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