Golf Tips & Quips

Since I started playing golf three years ago, I haven't really thought about what ball I should be playing. I usually buy whatever is cheapest in the pro shop, which is usually something from Pinnacle. But now that I am beginning to improve, I started thinking about finding a ball to suit my game.

The best way to find out what ball is right for you is to get fitted. You can attend an event like the Bridgestone Golf Ball Fitting Challenge which uses a launch monitor to evaluate a golfer's current ball versus one from the Bridgestone line. Golfers can also go to stores like Golf Galaxy and Dick's Sporting Goods to be evaluated.

The June 2010 issue of Golf Digest revealed the top 30 Hot List for golf balls. They evaluated these balls in the following four categories. Performance, innovation, feel, and demand. You can read the article here to find out exactly how they came to their decision for their picks.

After reading the article, I decided to try out the Top-Flite Gamer V2. It is the only three-piece ball in the $20 and under category. According to the article, "the thick and soft mantle aims to reduce driver spin, and the dimple-in-dimple pattern is designed to optimize carry." I could definitely benefit from a few extra yards off the tee and less spin will help to promote a straighter shot.

I am anxious to see how the balls reacts from 100 yards and in since this is where the majority of the shots during a round take place. For such a low price, this ball offers the most technology per dollar than any other ball on the list and uses the same core technology found in Callaway's Diablo. This is good because even with all that technology, it won't hurt so bad if I put one in the water.

I will be sure to do a follow post on my results after I play a few rounds. I'm very interested to see if there will be a big difference, or better yet, if I will even be able to tell that there is a difference. I plan on going to the next ball fitting event that comes to my area but until then, I have to rely on the gurus at Golf Digest.

Here's the evaluation of the Top-Flite Gamer V2 as seen in Golf Digest. Have a good one and always hit your target.

TOP-FLITE GAMER V2

PRICE: $20/dozen
WEBSITE: topflite.com

TECH STORY: The only three-piece ball in this category, the V2 has a low-compression core, a polymer mantle, and a slightly firmer ionomer cover than last year's Gamer to limit scuffing on iron and wedge shots. A thick and soft mantle aims to reduce driver spin, and the dimple-in-dimple pattern is designed to optimize carry.

WEDGE ROBOT TEST:
Launch: MID
Spin: MID

VERDICT: Last year's Gamer offered more technology per dollar than any ball in golf. That's still true, but this year's version offers improvements in ball speed (the same core technology found in Callaway's Diablo) and durability.