Types of golf balls

Golf is a sport that hides great complexity behind its apparent simplicity of play. There are multiple factors that come into play when making this sport one of the most sophisticated of all that can be practiced. And one of these factors has to do with the types of golf balls that we have at our disposal.

Before going into detail with the types of golf balls and the function of each one, we explain some curiosities about them:

Why do golf balls have holes?

Surely on some occasion you have wondered why golf balls have those mini dimples on their surface that makes them so characteristic. The truth is that the reason why golf balls have holes is much more complex than you imagine. The reason golf balls have dimples is a story of natural selection. Originally, golf balls were smooth; but golfers noticed that older balls that were hit with deck bumps and cuts seemed to fly farther. At some point, an aerodynamic engineer realized that the nicks and cuts act as "turbulators": they induce turbulence in the layer of air next to the ball. In some situations, a turbulent boundary layer reduces drag, causing the golf ball to travel further.

How are golf balls made?

Today's golf balls are made with solid core construction and are made up primarily of plastic and rubber materials. The manufacturing process begins with a molded core that is injected with a hot plastic that cools to form a shell. The cover is stamped with a pattern of dimples that, as we have already explained, will reduce the impact of the air on the ball in flight.

What types of golf balls can we find?

Double Layer Golf Balls

Double-ply golf balls are ideal for beginners and high handicap golfers with slower swing speeds. These balls are designed to fly straighter and spin less than multilayer balls. Spin less, can also throw higher Contains a soft core, as opposed to a tougher shell.

3 ply golf balls

The third layer in a 3-piece ball is the layer that sits between the core and the cover and provides additional performance for the golfer. These balls also tend to have a softer cover which helps impart more spin to the ball at impact. It is a more suitable ball for a medium level handicap, since it allows a higher control. They consist of a soft core but covered with a layer of urethane.

multilayer golf balls

A multilayer golf ball features a thin outer layer that is usually made of urethane. This soft material provides ample spin in the short game by allowing the clubface to grip the ball better, while the intermediate layers between the core and outer allow for more spin and control on hard-hitting iron shots. The more layers you have the more golf ball will increase the drive and the better the control over them.