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 – but which is right for you?
Urethane vs Surlyn
They say “a poor workman always blames his tools” but the cover on your golf ball, be it urethane or Surlyn, does actually make a difference to your game. The cover is the part of the ball that makes contact with the club, so these different materials will have different effects on your shot. This is particularly important on short game shots around the greens like chips, pitches, and putts.
So, what are the benefits of each type of golf ball cover?
Urethane Covers:
- Spin and control – more friction with the clubface means higher levels of backspin which provides more control over the shot, its trajectory, and its shape, as well as stopping power on the green
- Soft feel – overall softness comes from the core and the cover, but having a soft feel to the cover affords golfers better shot feedback, helping them make more precise shots
- Good greenside performance – urethane covers help stop the ball quickly and give more spin on chips, pitches, and bunker shots, making them a great choice for golfers who rely on short game prowess
These features combine to make urethane covers the preferred choice of seasoned pros and advanced amateurs who want the distance and control urethane golf balls provide. Examples of a urethane golf ball include the Titleist Pro V1.
Surlyn Covers:
- Durability – Surlyn covers are resistant to scuffs, cuts, and abrasions, making them ideal for golfers with less accurate contact with the ball
- Distance – Surlyn covers maximise distance with a lower spin rate off the tee, and lower side spin too, both of which mean longer drives and straighter shots
- Affordability: Surlyn golf balls tend to be cheaper, making them a favourite among more recreational golfers
All of these attributes make Surlyn golf balls a good choice for amateur golfers, particularly those with slower swing speeds, or beginners who are just starting out and need a straighter/longer ball flight. Here at gimmeballs, we offer free customisation with our X1Bird Surlyn golf balls!
Which Golf Ball Cover is Right for You?
Whether you choose a urethane or Surlyn golf ball cover is down to the kind of golf you’re playing.
If you have a high handicap (most likely if you’re a beginner), a Surlyn golf ball will help ensure you have more chance of hitting the fairway more often. A Surlyn golf ball is also more likely to survive those shots that hit trees and other obstacles.
As your handicap improves and gets lower, you will eventually want to transition to a urethane ball, which will improve your touch and control around the greens and approach shots. A urethane golf ball also helps produce a lot of the best kinds of shot for more advanced amateurs and professionals.
Personalised Golf Balls
If you’re having any difficulties finding the right golf ball for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll help you find the right one for your game.
