Tell me honestly, how many times have you heard this? Drive for show and putt for dough. Once, twice, a thousand times? There are not many sayings in golf more popular than this one. Like it or not, I believe there is truth to it. Now, the golf ball is an integral part of good putting. To ensure you have the right one you should know how to test golf balls for putting.
Your golf ball of choice should give you confidence across the board, putting included. Nobody likes three putts, right? So, to avoid that you have to play the ball that listens to your putter the best. Let’s roll on.
Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Golf Balls for Putting
To set up a personal testing ground you just need the basics. Clear some space in your backyard or head to a favorite putting green. Alternatively, even if you have enough space inside your home will do. You want it quiet enough to focus, like a private lab for your game. Then, follow these steps.
- Grab all the balls you want to test, different brands and types. The goal is to assess differences in feel, sound, and roll. Start with short putts, maybe three or four feet, and dial in on how the ball feels off the putter. Is it buttery or a bit firm?
- As you roll a few putts, listen closely. Each ball will have its signature ‘click’ or ‘thud.’ This auditory feedback is like a quality check, letting you know when you’ve hit it just right.
- Next, line up some longer putts. This is where you determine roll consistency. You want a ball that keeps its promise from short putts to long strokes without going off course.
- If you are testing outside, take note of environmental conditions too, like grass moisture and wind. Sometimes even that morning dew can throw off the ball’s roll. Knowing how different conditions impact the ball helps you be prepared for any course.
- Keep switching back and forth between balls until you are happy with the outcome. Trust your instincts—when a ball feels right, it probably is. Note down your observations. You are creating a putting cheatsheet that will help your game.
Feel and Sound
I am sure there are feels and sounds you are not the biggest fan of. When it comes to putting, the right feel in your hands and sound in your ears can steer your game in the right direction.
Alright, let’s break it down. ‘Feel’ is that sensation you get when the putter smacks the ball. It’s an instant feedback loop that gives you a sense of control or sends you back to the drawing board. You want a feel that vibes with your style, adding a layer of confidence to each stroke.
Then there’s the sound—the signature ‘click’ or ‘thud’ that resonates as you make contact. Sound plays a subtle yet powerful role in judging your shot’s quality. Some players love a mellow sound, while others might like the clicky one.
It all comes down to the material. Urethane covers, for example, often offer a softer feel than ionomer ones. The core itself—be it soft rubber or a firmer material—affects feel and sound too. It is mixing and matching, as simple as that.
Consistency in Roll
Does the ball hold the line on the way to the cup? You want the roll to be as predictable as it gets. Granted, it is hard to see any differences between balls. However, it also has to do with your green reading skills and putting stroke.
The easiest way to test consistency in roll is to grab a few different balls and find a familiar green. Then, pick a spot for a long, medium, and short putt. Start from the long and work your way closer to the cup.
The more precise you are the better your data will be. Watch how the balls behave on every stroke. Try one after the other until you have a sample. Each distance will tell you something about the ball’s roll.
Additionally, do firmer strokes in one round and dying pace in another. You can replicate all on uphill/downhill putts or left-to-right/right-to-left bends.
Note down how each ball behaves on each type of putt and stroke speed. In the end, you will have an idea of what ball has the most consistent roll.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Putting Technique Using Different Balls
This testing routine can be beneficial for your putting technique. Specifically, practicing with different balls keeps things interesting and pushes you to adapt. Each ball has its unique feel and response, which means slightly tweaking your putting technique as you go.
Start by getting comfortable with your putter grip. It sounds basic, but a solid grip sets the foundation for better control. Test how different balls react to changes in your grip pressure and see which gives you the smoothest roll.
Alignment is another key factor. Testing with multiple balls can help improve your aim too. Line up a few balls and practice to see how alignment aids in driving the ball straight to the hole.
Control and follow-through are major players in achieving that perfect roll. Focus on your stroke to ensure it’s smooth and even. More importantly, observe how each ball reacts.
Don’t forget practice drills! Set up challenges for yourself, like hitting markers at different distances. This helps you to see which ball performs best and sharpens both your control and accuracy.
Compare Results and Make a Choice
After you gather all the data it is time to compare overall results and make a choice. Truthfully, there will not be a ball that performs best in all categories. With some, you will prefer feel and others will be more accurate on long putts.
What matters is that you find the perfect balance for yourself. Also, remember that putting is just one segment of your golf ball choice. Make sure the ball ticks multiple boxes besides performance on the green.
As you evolve as a player, your preferences might change along. That just means you might need to repeat the process down the road. But, hey, golf is all about repetition and going back to basics. It is a lifetime journey and as long as you enjoy it you are going to be fine.
Related
- How to Test Golf Balls for Performance
- The Ultimate Guide to Test Golf Balls For Distance And Trajectory
- How to Test Golf Ball Spin – Key Metrics for Performance
- How to Test Golf Ball Durability
