You can’t play the game without a ball, and while many golfers don’t think they are good enough to tell one ball from another, all of them perform slightly differently.
The golf balls used by stars such as Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are multi-piece balls with urethane covers that reduce spin off the tee to maximize distance, but they spin like crazy for extra control on approach shots, chips and pitches.
However, with prices ranging from $45-$60 per dozen, tour-level performance doesn’t come cheap. Brands know those balls are out of reach for many players, so they offer alternatives at lower prices that cater to specific needs. Some are designed for pure distance, while others have soft feel or enhanced spin.
The best way to find your ideal ball is to think about what you need and how much you are willing to spend, then buy a few three-ball sleeves of a few brands and try them out. Play six holes of an 18-hole round with three different balls and think about how each performed off the tee, from the fairway and around the greens. Many shops also offer two-ball promotional packs of premium balls, which is a great way to see if a tour-level ball is right for you.
Below are many of the golf balls you can test now or that are coming soon in pro shops and golf specialty stores. This is a starting point in your journey to finding your perfect golf ball.
Bridgestone e6 (2023) golf balls (Bridgestone)
Price: $24.99 per dozen
Specs: Two-piece construction with Surlyn cover. Available in white and yellow
Who They’re For: Slow-swinging golfers who want soft feel and more distance.
The Skinny: Updated for 2023, the e6 remains a two-piece ball with a large gradient core that is softer in the center and grows gradually firmer toward the outside. This helps create a more efficient energy transfer with long irons, hybrids and woods. Read full review.
Bridgestone e9 Long Drive (Bridgestone)
Price: $29.99 per dozen
Specs: Two-piece construction with Surlyn cover. Available in white only
Available: March
Who They’re For: Golfers who want more carry distance and more overall distance.
The Skinny: Designed in conjunction with World Long Drive (WLD), Bridgestone says this is the longest ball in the company’s portfolio. It has a softer core than you might expect and was designed to optimize carry distance. Read full review.
Bridgestone…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golfweek…