Golf Balls For 2009

We all use them, but which one is the best for your ability and your swing speed?

2009 Golf Balls Test

Gear News

05 March 2009 14:30

How we did it

We invited four golfers with different swing speeds to test the balls: Malcolm Mackenzie, a former European Tour player, and three golfers from Hertfordshire - Mark Self, Edward Jones and David Edwards.

we divided the balls into three categories: Tour Calibre - balls that suit players with faster swing speeds (100mph+); Performance - balls that suit medium swing speeds (85-100mph); and Distance - balls that suit slower swing speeds (under 85mph).

In each category, two of our golfers tested the batch of balls with a wedge and a driver.

- Malcolm is a pro and Mark plays off 11. Both have swing speeds around the 100mph mark and tested the Tour Calibre balls.

- Edward plays off 14 and has a swing speed around 85-90mph. He and Mark tested the Performace balls.

- David's swing speed is around 80mph and he plays off 19. He tested Distance balls, along with Edward.

Spin and distance statistics were recorded for each ball, as well as comments from the testers and manufacturers. Our testers' comments were recorded before they viewed the statistics, so their remarks are based on how they felt the ball performed for them.

Finally, its worth pointing out there was a one-to-three club headwind and it was a fairly cold day when we tested.

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TOUR CALIBRE GOLF BALLS

Designed for better players with high swing speeds looking for a ball with loads of feel...

NIKE ONE TOUR

£45 (12 BALLS)

Details: 0800 056 1640, www.nikegolfeurope.com

NIKE ONE TOUR GOLF BALL

Read review

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SRIXON Z-STAR

£39.99 (12 BALLS)

Details: 01420 541 709, www.srixon.co.uk

Read review

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SRIXON Z-STAR X

£39.99 (12 BALLS)

Details: 01420 541 709, www.srixon.co.uk

Read review

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WILSON TX4 PRO

£31.96 (12 BALLS)

Details: 01276 404 800, www.wilsonstaff.com

WILSON TX4 PRO GOLF BALL

Read review

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Our verdict on the Tour Calibre balls

Loads of spin and feel with decent distance – great for strong players

Many of us assume if we pay upwards of £40 for a dozen balls, you’re going to get a product that not only finds the fairway with Garcia-like accuracy but also offers ultimate forgiveness around the greens. If you’re a handy player, this is probaby true. The majority of pros use Titleists and their balls are obviously excellent ammunition for strong amateur golfers.

But it doesn’t mean these balls are best for the normal club player who, on a good day, can get it round in the low 80s. So if you have a bad shot shape that you can’t control, these softer, higherspinning balls may well accentuate the problem.

These balls may suit if you’re a ‘Steady Eddie’, and you don’t mind losing a little distance off the tee because you gain ‘feel’ around the green. But it’s important to find a ball that you can control. Get on a flight monitor and you won’t believe what a difference using the right ball for you can make.

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* Key for graphs: MS (Mark Self) MM (Malcolm Mackenzie)

* The ideal spin rate for a driver is 2000-4000RPM. With a wedge, it’s between 7000 and 8000RPM

Performace Golf Balls |

Distance Golf Balls