Golf Ball Basics
Learn the key terms like spin, compression, and feel, then use our guides to pick the right ball faster.
Golf balls come with a lot of info. Compression, spin, “soft,” layers… and suddenly you’re 47 tabs deep. Use the dictionary below to understand what the terms mean, then jump into the guide that matches your swing speed and what you want to improve.
Golf Ball Dictionary
These are the terms you’ll see everywhere when looking at golf balls
Compression
How much the ball “squishes” at impact. Lower compression often feels softer and can help slower swings launch the ball easier. Higher compression can feel firmer and can work well for faster swings.
Feel (Soft vs Firm)
How the ball feels off the putter and wedges. “Soft” can feel smoother and quieter; “firm” can feel clickier and faster. Feel is personal, but it can affect confidence and touch.
Spin
How much the ball rotates in the air and on landing. Spin affects distance, curve, and stopping power.
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Low spin: often straighter flight and more rollout
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High spin: often more stopping power, but can increase curve for some golfers
Driver Spin vs Wedge Spin
Not the same thing. Some balls are designed to be low spin off the driver but still have good spin on wedges for control.
Launch / Flight Window
How high the ball tends to fly. If your irons land flat and run out, you may need a higher flight window. If your ball “balloons” or struggles in wind, you may want a lower, more stable flight.
Carry vs Total Distance
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Carry: how far the ball flies in the air
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Total: carry plus rollout
Some balls win on carry, others win on roll.
Greenside Control
How predictable chips and pitches are. Balls with urethane covers usually provide more bite and consistency around the green.
Cover (Urethane vs Ionomer/Surlyn)
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Urethane cover: more greenside control and “grab” (usually more expensive)
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Ionomer/Surlyn cover: more durable and often straighter/longer for many golfers (usually less greenside spin)
Construction (2-piece / 3-piece / 4+ piece)
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2-piece: durable, simple, often value-friendly
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3–5 piece: layers help tune speed, spin, and feel (often more control)
Alignment Aids (Stripes / Patterns)
Markings that help you aim putts and tee shots. Some are just fun, some genuinely help alignment.
Dimple Pattern / Aerodynamics
Dimples influence flight stability and how the ball performs in wind. You don’t need to memorize dimple counts, but know that “flight” differences are often aerodynamic.
How to Pick a Golf Ball Fast
Step 1: Choose your swing speed guide
Step 2: Decide what matters most
More distance
Straighter flight
More stopping power
Better value
Step 3: Stick with one ball for a few rounds
Try one ball for 3–5 rounds before switching. The goal is fewer variables and clearer feedback.
More to explore
Your perfect ball awaits
Best for slower swing speeds
Best for average swing speeds
