Understanding How Compression Affects Golf Ball Flight

Golfers often focus on swing speed, club type, and ball spin when trying to improve their game. Yet, one key factor that significantly influences how far and accurately a golf ball travels is compression. Understanding compression can help players choose the right ball and make adjustments to their swing for better performance on the course.

What Is Compression in Golf Balls?

Compression refers to how much a golf ball deforms when struck by a club. When the clubface hits the ball, the ball compresses against the face and then springs back to its original shape. This deformation affects the energy transfer from the club to the ball, influencing the ball’s speed, trajectory, and distance.

Golf balls come with different compression ratings, usually ranging from about 30 (soft) to 120 (hard). A lower compression ball compresses more easily, while a higher compression ball resists deformation and feels firmer at impact.

How Compression Influences Ball Flight

Compression impacts several aspects of ball flight:

• Ball Speed: Higher compression balls generally produce higher ball speeds for players with faster swing speeds. This happens because the ball stores and releases more energy efficiently when compressed properly.

• Launch Angle: Softer balls with lower compression tend to launch higher, which can help players who struggle to get the ball airborne.

• Spin Rate: Compression affects spin, which in turn influences control and stopping power on the green. Lower compression balls often generate more spin, while higher compression balls produce less spin. However the modern golf ball has an improved ball cover and this has increased back spin across all golf balls.

• Distance:

  
  

Choosing the Right Compression for Your Swing

Selecting the right compression ball depends largely on your swing speed and playing style but more real world player thinking and not just the data

• Swing Speed Under 85 mph: Players with slower swing speeds benefit from low compression balls (30-70). These balls compress easily, helping maximize distance and reduce spin. Generally these golf balls retail under £22.00 dozen.

• Swing Speed Between 85-100 mph: Medium compression balls (70-90) suit most average players, offering a balance of distance, control, and feel. Generally these retail between £25.00 to £35.00 a dozen.

• Swing Speed Over 100 mph: High compression balls (90-120) work best for faster swingers, providing better energy transfer and control at high speeds. These are premium balls and retail £40.00 to £50.00 a dozen.

  
  

How do I choose the right golf ball for me?

Golf ball data and science are helping me as a coach and you as a golfer understand your game. The most common school of thought is matching ball compression to your swing speed is crucial for maximizing distance. A mismatch can cause energy loss, reducing how far the ball travels. As a golf coach with over 30 years experience I view this differently than just compression.

Choosing a golf ball is also about the conditions you play for example in the winter you will soft fairways, less bounce on the greens and swing speed could be affected by wearing more layers due to the cold weather. Conversely summer golf, firm fairways, firm greens and a wearing a polo shirt changes everything. Faster swing, increased bounced compared to winter golf therefore increased total distance.

My view as a golf coach, the golfer should play in the winter play an all rounder golf ball such as a Scrixon AD333, Titleist Tru Feel or Callaway Supersoft. These golf balls go far but also spin a lot less which whilst not ideal for summer conditions is perfect for winter greens and fairways.

When playing in the summer season where the student will normally experience firmer greens and firmer fairways greens I would encourage all my lessons of all abilities, during high season, to play a premium ball Titleist Pro V, Taylor Made TP5 or Scrixon Z Star. This will come as a surprise BUT your short game clubhead speed is the same as a tour professionals. Control around the green is harder in the summer. This means spin is crucial for control. So in the summer blow the budget on a premium ball to tighten up those vital scoring shots around the green.

Happy Golfing.

Nicholas Sharratt PGA Advanced Professional.