KEY TECHNOLOGIES
The golf ball can be constructed many ways, but the ball is primarily structured out of 4 elements that can be changed to affect performance. They consist of the core, mantle, cover, and dimple pattern. Here is a an explanation of the key technology elements of the golf ball:
CORE:
The core is the engine of the golf ball. It is the largest mass and volume of the ball, and is used to help control the driver spin rate. Lower core compressions will generate lower driver spins, which are preferred for longer drives. The core also plays a key role in the overall ball speed of the golf ball. There are limits per the USGA on ball velocity, and we use the core formulations to control the speed to deliver the maximum allowable speed. The core also plays a role in the overall ball compression, as well as the overall feel of the ball. Typically, when core compressions get softer, the ball speed gets slower. We have developed a core technology that allows the cores to be soft, low compression, BUT maintain the fast speed needed to increase distance. Cores are typically made from polybutadiene Rubber along with several chemicals and fillers to control weight, compression and speed of the core.
MANTLE:
The multi-layered balls came out in the mid 90’s, where layers were added between the core and the cover to help change the way the ball performs tee to green. The mantle layer plays a key role in controlling the amount of iron spin, and works with the core on drivers and long shots to help keep spin low, but then works with the cover on short iron and chip shots to help increase spin and improve control and accuracy. The mantle layer is developed to help maintain fast ball speeds, and also has an influence on the final ball compression and feel. Typical materials used in mantle layers are various hardness Surlyns and ionomers, as well as some thermoplastic materials and polybutadiene rubbers. Surlyn is a tradename of Dupont.
COVER:
The cover of the golf ball is the visible part of the ball, and usually ranges in thickness from 0.030” to 0.070” depending on materials and processes used in manufacturing. The covers are typically made of Surlyn® or ionomer material blends, thermoplastic urethane, or thermoset cast urethane. Typically ionomer blends are used on cheaper balls, while thermoplastic and thermoset cast urethane materials are used on higher end tour balls.
DIMPLES:
The final stage of any development is the dimple design. Once the ball development is complete, and the spin rates of the balls are known, then the aerodynamics are created to help control the flight. We vary the dimple sizes, depths, edge angles and shapes around the ball to control the lift and drag coefficients on the ball. Too much lift will create ballooning and shoot up into the sky and be short, while too much drag will make the ball fall out of the sky. So controlling the two will create the best carry and roll and maximize distance. The numbers of dimples don’t really control the ball flight, but most balls today run between 300 and 400 dimples.
DEAN SNELL GOLF BALL FITTING PHILOSOPHY
Selecting the right golf ball is a critical step toward better golf. Unlike the rest of the equipment being used, the golf ball factors into every shot.
So which ball is best for you?
There are many golf balls in the marketplace and all are being marketed differently. “This one is soft, this one is hard, this one is long, this one is better for slow swing speeds or high-spin or low trajectory.” In an instant gratification world, it’s understandable why the majority of golfers just grab a sleeve of balls at the course based on the golf staff’s recommendation. Instead, let’s review how Tour professionals test/fit their golf balls:
PUTTING GREEN
Except for the time John Daly haphazardly “tested” (and approved) my only five MaxFli Black Max prototypes by driving them all into a lake, elite players all start on the putting green. Start by bouncing a few different types of golf balls off the face of your putter. By doing so, you will feel/hear how soft each one is. Today, there are a lot of 2-pc balls that are actually made softer than tour balls. A Tour-caliber ball with a thin cast urethane cover will be quieter and softer. It’s important to choose a ball that sounds & feels right. After all, more than 30 percent of your strokes will come off the putter face.
RECOVERY ZONE (INSIDE 40 YARDS)
I call this the “recovery zone,” because if a golfer is off the green 40 yards and using a wedge, he/she has missed the green in regulation and now needs to recover by getting up and down for par. Since an average 15-handicap golfer only hits about four greens per round, a lot of time should be spent in this zone. Using the club you prefer on short pitch shots, hit a series of small chips, flops to evaluate the ball’s behavior. Did the ball stop immediately? Bounce once and check? Run out? This can be an arduous process, but will be one of the biggest determining factors in choosing the ball right for you.
SCORING ZONE (INSIDE 100 YARDS)
This is the distance where players are the most accurate. It is also where performance differs from ball-to-ball. In my experience with Tour pros and average players, the better player will spin the ball with their wedges twice as much and as a result, are able to zip the ball backward. Having a ball that will stop faster and reduce roll out may eliminate additional strokes from long range. As a general rule, if the ball is settling near the pitch mark (and not running out), it is a good fit.
APPROACH SHOTS (INSIDE 165 YARDS)
The final step in finding the right golf ball is with mid and long irons shots to test the ball’s performance into a headwind. Which ball travels at the highest peak trajectory? If a ball is consistently shorter, it may be spinning too much.
OFF THE TEE
All golf balls today travel the same distance, so I don’t advocate ball fitting with a driver. The proper loft, shaft selection, and strength are the best ways to add extra distance!