Trying out a bunch of different golf balls is a great way to improve your game. You might be surprised by how much difference the right ball can make!
If you're struggling to add distance to your drives, we recommend trying these five balls, all of which are optimised for maximum distance off the tee...
Golf balls are relatively inexpensive compared to other golf gear, and losing the odd ball every now and again is par for the course.
That said, if you're losing multiple golf balls every time you play, the cost of buying new balls can really start to add up! So it's worth retrieving those lost balls if you can – but with the long grass of the rough and the fact that most golf balls look more or less the same, how are you supposed to find yours?
In this blog, we compare two popular Srixon golf balls: the Z-STAR and the Z-STAR XV.
At first glance, the Z-STAR and the Z-STAR XV have a lot in common. Both are premium balls designed to deliver tour-level performance, boasting a reformulated FastLayer DG Core and Spin Skin+ coating.
However, each ball has been designed with several unique characteristics that make them better suited to different skill levels and playing styles. Let’s get into it.
When participating in any sport, it’s always important to ensure you have the right equipment for the task at hand. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or complete novice, when playing golf, it’s important to ensure you’re playing with the right balls.
One primary factor to consider when selecting your golf balls is what material the balls are made out of. There are two primary materials used in the creation of golf balls, either urethane or Surlyn (ionomer) – but which is right for you?
There’s an old saying that goes ‘a bad workman always blames his tools’. If that’s true, then it could definitely be said that a bad golfer blames their balls!
While it is true that success isn’t made or broken by the quality of your equipment - buying the most expensive golf balls on the market won’t make you Tiger Woods – it’s still important to make sure you have the best equipment for you.
Golf ball construction can greatly impact your game. An important factor to consider when choosing golf balls is the number of layers/pieces. Golf balls can be made of up to 6 layers, although your average ball will likely feature just 2 or 3 layers.
Keep reading to find out the difference between 2 piece and 3 piece golf balls to help you choose the right ball for you.
2 piece golf balls have a large core or mantle with an outer layer that tends to be made from materials such as urethane or Surlyn. The cover material will determine how hard or soft the ball feels - and in turn, how much spin you can get on the ball.
Urethane has a softer feel and offers more spin control, whereas Surlyn tends to be harder and reduces spin.
A two-piece Surlyn covered ball is great for beginners and high handicappers who haven't yet mastered the skills needed to control spin and shape. These balls are also significantly cheaper, making them a wise choice if you're not yet ready to invest a lot of money in high-end golf equipment.
A 2-piece urethane ball will suit mid-level handicappers who want more control over spin, in particular with iron shots, but don’t want to spend more money on 3-layer balls.
3 piece golf balls comprise 3 layers: a cover, a mantle (middle layer) and a core. These balls are good for mid-low handicappers who want good spin control, prefer a softer feel around the greens, and don’t lose balls often.
Using a 3 piece ball means sacrificing distance, as it’s softer and tends to have less compression. This ball will travel less distance through the air than a 2-piece golf ball.
Here are some pros and cons of 2 piece and 3 piece golf balls:
2 piece golf balls tend to be more durable than 3 piece balls, and therefore offer better value for money.
A 3 piece golf ball is a more complex ball in its construction, and thus more expensive. It is also softer and doesn’t have the same level of durability as a 2 piece ball.
A common misconception is that 3, 4 or 5 piece balls have greater distance, but this is not true. A 2 piece ball travels further through the air when hit dead straight, but offers less control over spin/shape and feels hard to hit.
The additional layer in 3 piece balls allows for a softer feel, more spin and improved control.
Here at gimmeballs, you can filter our balls by number of layers to make it super easy for you to find the right balls for you. Simply click the link below and use the Product Filter for a more concise search.
Numbers on golf balls are usually either there to help players identify the ball, to demonstrate compression-rating, or to show dimple pattern. But how do you tell which is which? This simple guide will explain the different meanings behind golf ball numbers, and how to know what your golf ball is trying to tell you.
These numbers can be very important. In fact, the number printed on your golf ball might even impact your game!
More often than not, if there is a number printed on your golf ball, it’ll be either a one-digit number, a two-digit number or a three-digit number. Let’s take a closer look at what these numbers mean.
If there’s just one, single-digit number printed on your golf ball, then the number itself doesn't have a meaning. It’s just there to make it easier to identify on the course. For example, if everyone you’re playing with is using the same golf balls as you, the different numbers printed on the balls will help you to determine which ball belongs to which player. Your Pro V1s might say 2, when your competitors' balls all say 3!
Golf ball identification is pretty important. In match play, hitting the wrong ball will incur a loss of hole penalty. In stroke play, hitting someone else’s ball results in a two-stroke penalty.
Sometimes numbers aren't enough, so to make them even easier to identify, golfers will mark or personalise their balls. Purchasing personalised golf balls makes golf ball identification simple, without having to get right up close to read a tiny number.
So, if you find yourself squinting to find your ball on the course, you might want to consider purchasing some personalised golf balls.
But what's the meaning of Two-digit numbers on golf balls? These numbers have a very specific meaning: they’re typically a representation of the compression rating.
Though you won't often see two-digit number on golf balls any more, you should stay aware of this, as compression ratings are very important for golfing. Compression ratings can range from low to high and different ratings are better suited to different skill levels. Golf ball compression, put simply, refers to how ‘soft’ the ball is. Low compression equals a ‘soft’ feel and high compression equals a ‘hard’ feel.
As a general rule, balls with a lower compression rating are best suited to players with a high handicap and high compression balls are better suited to more advanced players with lower handicaps. For example, low compression balls require less energy transfer from the club head to travel further. Beginner golfers and players with high handicaps often have a slower swing speed, so a low compression ball will enable them to exert the energy of their swing into optimal distance.
Therefore, the two-digit number printed on your ball has a pretty important meaning! Keep an eye out for them next time you purchase golf balls - it could have a big impact on your game.
What do three-digit numbers on golf balls mean? These are the number of dimples on your golf ball!
All golf balls feature unique dimple patterns that can affect the ball’s performance in different ways. A three-digit number on a golf ball tends to signify how many dimples that ball has.
The number of dimples and the dimple pattern will vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, a golf ball will have between 300 and 500 dimples. So, you’ll likely notice a number in this range printed on your ball.
Golf ball numbers not enough for you? Personalise your golf balls. Here at gimmeballs, we stock a wide range of high-quality golf balls from top brands like Srixon, TaylorMade and Titleist. Simply choose a brand, choose a ball, then add a custom image, text or alignment line to help you identify your ball with ease or to help line up your putts.
Christmas is right around the corner, which means it's nearly time for Secret Santa gift exchanges! Whether it's an office draw or an exchange among friends, Secret Santa is a fun and exciting way to put a twist on traditional gift-giving. If you're looking for the perfect Secret Santa gift for a golfer in your life, we're here to get you inspired!
Golfers are known for their passion for the game, and there's a wide range of thoughtful and funny gifts that can make their golfing experience more enjoyable. In this blog post, we'll explore five fantastic, budget-friendly Secret Santa ideas for golfers that are sure to put a smile on their face.
(If your Secret Santa has a strict budget, you might want to check out our golf gifts under £10)
Personalised golf balls are a fantastic way to make any golfer's day! There are endless customisation options available – you can have their name, a witty message, or even a special date printed on their golf balls. Not only does customisation add a personal touch, it also gives them a totally unique set of balls that they can quickly and easily identify on the course.
Personalised golf balls are a thoughtful and functional gift that any golfer will appreciate. We at gimmeballs offer a range of customisable golf balls that make perfect stocking fillers – or golf Secret Santa gifts! We have an extensive range of customisation options, including seasonal holiday designs, photos, monograms, alignment aids, and funny messages, so it's easy to find the perfect customised golf ball design for your Secret Santa golf gifts. We also have lots of popular golf balls, like the TaylorMade golf balls shown above!
Golf gift sets are great for larger Secret Santa exchanges, like those you might have with your family members. They are big, memorable gifts with plenty of great golf balls inside! These are premium gifts for the golfers you love most, to show them how much you care. If you aren't sure which golf balls to include in the gift set then you can just go with our pre-selected choices - they're all great!
A golf towel is another perfect Secret Santa idea for golfers in your life. Golf towels are a versatile tool, ideal for wiping away sweat and dirt, or keeping the sun off your face when it's a sunny day out on the green. At gimmeballs, we stock a range of premium-quality golf towels from a selection of top golfing brands, so you're sure to find the perfect gift for your golf Secret Santa in our collection.
You can use golf ball markers to mark the position of your ball on the putting green, or use a marker with an alignment aid for better lined-up shots. Plus, gimmeballs golf markers can be personalised! These are the perfect Secret Santa gift or stocking filler for a golf lover, because they are small and practical. Help your Secret Santa stand out on the green and treat them to a new golf ball marker today!
Does a golf ball marker not feel like quite enough? Here at gimmeballs, we think one of our best Secret Santa presents for golfers is our range of ball marker golf caps! All of these golf caps from top brands come with a small magnetic ball marker on the peak, ideal for quick and convenient retrieval during a heated game. Click the link below to explore our collection...
Head covers are a wonderful Secret Santa gift, particularly if you are a golfer looking to get something for a fellow golfer. Any golfer knows that a fun head cover can be really exciting. Plus, this practical golf accessory can help protect any new clubs that they might get for Christmas - coordinate with others to make this the most golf-tastic Christmas ever!
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And there you have it: five of the best Secret Santa gifts for golfers! Finding the perfect gift can be an enjoyable task when you have such a wide variety of creative options to choose from. Whether you opt for personalised golf balls, a ball marker, or something else, your thoughtful gesture will be greatly appreciated.
Remember, it's the sentiment behind the gift that counts the most, and these golf-related presents are sure to bring joy and excitement to any golfer's holiday season. We hope that you're feeling inspired and are ready to share the joy this Christmas. Happy golf gifting!
