Many years ago, when doing my PGA training, I asked a player what ball he was using. Being genuinely interested because while he was playing amateur pennants golf, he had represented New Zealand at the world long drive championships. So, curious to to know what a big belter uses, I asked.
He quipped, “The white one that first comes out of the bag.”
Not much thought has been given to that masterful piece of commentary over the years but of late, with a brand like Little White Balls, it has plagued my waking moments. Not really, that’s merely for dramatic effect. It does, however, concern me with my players that they use a ball that suits them and helps them get the most out of their equipment.
Pro V1’s have been around 20+ years now and have been the subject of many a gleeful moment finding a stray in the trees that you get to keep. They have been dished out for pennants teams and representative sides but, of course, they may not be the ball suited to the player. The Pro V1, for example, is a lower spinning tour ball which for players who don’t generate a lot of spin may be totally at odds with optimising their ball flight. The remedy may be the Pro V1x. Those who don’t compress the ball because of low swing speeds, which happens to us all as we get older, may benefit from a lower compression ball which will maximise distance. Everyone can benefit from NOT using refurbished balls!!
The thing is, use a ball that is suited to you and your pro will know what that is. Please, for goodness sake, don’t use the same ball for 20 rounds!!!!
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