What golf ball works the best for one may not work the same for another

Modern golf balls have reached an almost outrageous level of quality in regard to providing a combination of feel, distance, durability and spin. Every golfer over the age of 25 remembers the days when you had to choose between golf balls that were hard, durable and long or those that felt soft and spun a great deal, but didn't go very far and went out of round easily. Clearly, those days are over for good, as today's spheres can seemingly do it all.

When it comes to getting the best golf ball for your game, understand that the most expensive model isn't always the best. In fact, most of the multi-layer, urethane-covered, high-performance models won't provide significant benefits for anyone who swings the driver less than 110 mph. These models are built with cores and mantle materials that require a lot of compression in order to create the desired high velocity.

The newest trend in golf balls is the production of models that utilize a three-piece design, but incorporate a slightly firmer Surlyn cover and a softer core. This allows the average swinger to activate the distance that the ball spin benefits of today's reactive centers. These models provide an excellent combination of distance (especially for the average swinger), durability and solid short-game performance.

Golf ball reviews

Hogan balls - The Hawk, named after Ben Hogan himself, is designed to provide a good combination of maximum distance and a soft feel with a sophisticated three-piece, multi-layer design. A 350-dimple design helps provide the lift required for maximum carry while the large, high-velocity core promotes energy retention for greater ball speed. Both work in conjunction with an ionomer mid-layer, designed to impart optimal spin for green-holding control. With a scuff-resistant urethane cover for enhanced durability and enhanced feel, The Hawk is long off the tee and consistent on the green.

Callaway golf balls - Callaway's HEX Aerodynamics eliminate flat areas on the cover that would normally occur between circular dimples. The result of this technology is more stability through the air and with less drag for what the company calls the ultimate in carry and distance. This design allows for a wider mid-layer section and a large, powerful and fast core—both elements being crucial to the production of distance and the overall performance of this outstanding golf ball.

The Nike One series has recently been re-tooled to satisfy the needs of all golfers. The new Nike One Black features a a unique two-cover construction and seamless dimple pattern to give better golfers reduced spin, a more penetrating trajectory and a crisper feel. According to an independent test, the One Black proved to provide higher initial velocity than all other Tour-level balls. For golfers who desire slightly more spin and a softer feel.

Dunlop Golf Balls - The original LoCo model was one of the first and most popular low-compression distance golf balls to be made available to the golfing public. Since then, several subsequent models have been introduced, allowing golfers to choose the LoCo that best suits their particular needs.

The new Dart takes the design one step further, as it's the first LoCo to feature a multi-layer construction. The result, according to the company, is a more penetrating ball-flight with significantly improved short-game performance.