Of all the different areas of golf that influence our game, which golf ball is best for us is the most confusing for me. When choosing a golf ball, the options are endless. I have played around with different golf ball to use over the years, but I have never focused on anything specific or the reasons for choosing any specific ball.
This is an interesting video on what is inside a golf balls.
I am sure many of you have yearly golf traditions. Recently, you read one of mine when I played my final round at Trillium Woods Golf Club. After my last round, my next tradition is to clean my golf ‘stuff’ and put them in a safe, warm place for the winter!
First, I clean out all my pouches. There is nothing worse than finding a half eaten anything in your bag next spring.
I take all my clothes and wash them. This generally includes my rain suit and other outer wear.
I remove my towels and throw them in the wash. I generally carry two towels and replace at least one each year. This year, my beloved Nipissing University Towel will be recycled for greener pastures.
I take all the broken ‘stuff’ and bin them. Then scour the sales to replace what needs replacing. This year I need to find a new pair of brown golf shoes.
I remove all the golf balls that I will not need next year and replace them with Titleist ProV1 and Srixon. I like to prepare for next year by marking them with my TGG logo! (still working on exactly what it looks like, but I am getting close)
I wipe my bag clean.
Lastly, I clean my clubs. I fill the basement sink with warm soapy water and let my irons soak for about 3 minutes. Then, I take a soft brush, scrub clean, and dry them off. Next, I dip my woods in the water for about 10 seconds, scrub clean, and dry off immediately.
Lastly, I take a wet cloth and wipe off the grips and let air dry. This entire process takes about 30 minutes to an hour. After air drying the grips, I place my clubs in my clean bag and anxiously wait for spring!
Cleaning my clubs is an important yearly tradition. I believe that it is important to take care of my equipment. Most of us have a fair bit of money invested in our sport and this is one way of making my kit last longer.
Do you clean your clubs at the end of each season? Do you have any other tips to make your equipment last?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Happy Halloween!
Does a golf ball really make a difference to your game? Is there any significant difference between the top-of-the-line manufacturers’? After some research, I would suggest there is a big difference. Through the years, I started off with Canada Cup (Spalding), Canada Club (Acushnet), Ultra (Wilson), Slanzenger (Slanzenger), many varies of Titleist and Callaway. Each change was driven by my increase in skill level.
For the past 3 years, I played Pro V1 and Pro V1x. However, I have found that I do not have the same feel or touch or something from them, so I have looked for another ball. At the end of last year, I won a dozen Srixon Q Star golf balls at men’s night and decided to give them a try. I really like them. So, I think during the upcoming season, I will start using the Q Star as my primary ball; with the right to change if needed.
Choosing a ball is difficult. Deciding which ball is best for you is no easy feat. Really, it comes down to personal preference. You can use a ball selector from Global Golf, which I did an ended up being directed to Q Star (go figure), or do research with the criteria at Golf Smith. Galaxy Golf has a great chart to compare all the golf balls and more importantly why the ball was designed. It provides an overview of most golf balls and is a good resource.
Even Jack Nicklaus has a newly released system for choosing a golf ball to simplify the entire process. On a side note, his golf balls are sold to support his and Barbara’s charity: Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Jack’s efforts to simply the ball selection process is something that most manufacturers try to accomplish, but their advertising hype seems to get in the way. I like Jack’s simple approach and would be interested to hear of anyone has played his golf balls.
Regardless of how you choose your golf ball, ensure it feels right for you. I have played with scratch handicappers who use inexpensive balls and those who play the top-rated balls. I could provide lots of advice, but unfortunately it would only apply to my game.
If I was to provide any advice it would be this: try different types and do not be afraid to change. Once you find the ball you like, stick to it for a bit to make sure. The choice is all yours and the right ball for your game will build confidence and ultimately lower your score. Which ball do you use?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 