• Core: The core is the central component of a golf ball, typically made of rubber or synthetic materials. It determines the ball's compression and influences its distance and feel.
    • Compression: Compression refers to the degree to which a golf ball deforms upon impact. It is measured in terms of a compression rating, indicating the relative softness or hardness of the ball.
    • Cover: The cover is the outer layer of the golf ball. It can be made of materials such as Surlyn or urethane. The cover affects the ball's durability, spin, and feel.
    • Dimples: Dimples are the small indentations on the surface of a golf ball. They help reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance lift, allowing the ball to fly farther and with more stability.
    • Spin: Spin refers to the backspin or sidespin generated on the golf ball when struck. It affects the ball's trajectory, control, and ability to stop on the green.
    • Distance: Distance is the measure of how far a golf ball travels. Different golf balls are designed to optimize distance based on factors such as compression, core design, and dimple pattern.
    • Feel: Feel refers to the sensation experienced by a golfer upon striking the ball. It is subjective and can vary depending on factors such as compression, cover material, and construction.
    • Trajectory: Trajectory describes the flight path of a golf ball. It can be high, low, or somewhere in between, depending on factors such as loft, swing speed, and ball characteristics.
    • Launch Angle: The launch angle is the angle at which the ball takes off from the clubface. It influences the ball's initial trajectory and distance.
    • Control: Control refers to a golfer's ability to manipulate the ball's flight and trajectory. Higher spin rates and a softer feel can enhance control, especially on approach shots.
    • Aerodynamics: Aerodynamics refers to the study of how objects move through the air. Golf ball design, including dimples and construction, is optimized to improve aerodynamic performance and maximize distance and accuracy.
    • Cover hardness: Cover hardness refers to the firmness or softness of the outer cover material of a golf ball. It influences the ball's feel, spin, and durability.
    • Compression rating: Compression rating indicates the relative softness or hardness of a golf ball. Lower compression balls offer a softer feel and are typically recommended for golfers with slower swing speeds.
    • Spin rate: Spin rate is the rate at which the ball spins after impact. Higher spin rates create more backspin and enhance control but may reduce distance.
    • Swing speed: Swing speed refers to the speed at which a golfer's clubhead moves through the impact zone. It affects the ball's compression, distance, and trajectory.
    • Carry: Carry is the distance a golf ball travels through the air from the point of impact to where it first hits the ground.
    • Roll: Roll is the distance the ball travels along the ground after it lands. It is influenced by factors such as spin, launch angle, and ground conditions.
    • Wind resistance: Wind resistance refers to the effect of the wind on the flight of a golf ball. Dimple design and ball construction help minimize the impact of wind and maintain stability.
    • Green-side control: Green-side control refers to a ball's ability to stop or spin when it lands on the green. Golf balls with higher spin rates and softer covers tend to provide better green-side control.
    • Side spin: Side spin refers to the spin around a horizontal axis that can cause the ball to curve in flight. It can be intentional or unintentional, depending on the golfer's swing and impact conditions.
    • Backspin: Backspin is the spin applied to the ball that creates lift, increases carry distance, and helps the ball stop quickly on the greens.
    • Side spin correction: Some golf balls are designed to reduce or correct unintended side spin, helping golfers achieve straighter shots and minimize slicing or hooking.
    • Ball fitting: Ball fitting is the process of selecting the right golf ball for an individual golfer's swing characteristics, preferences, and playing conditions.
    • Durability: Durability refers to the ability of a golf ball to withstand impacts and maintain its performance over time. Different golf balls offer varying levels of durability.
    • Conforming: Conforming refers to a golf ball's adherence to the rules and regulations set by governing bodies, such as the USGA (United States Golf Association) or R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews).
    • Construction: Construction refers to the design and assembly of a golf ball, including the number of layers, core materials, and cover materials used.
    • Multilayer: Multilayer golf balls feature multiple layers, typically with a soft inner core and firmer outer layers. They aim to optimize distance, feel, and control.
    • One-piece: One-piece golf balls are typically designed for beginners or practice purposes. They are made of a single solid material and offer durability but limited performance.
    • Two-piece: Two-piece golf balls are the most common type and consist of a solid core and a cover. They provide distance, durability, and a firmer feel.
    • Three-piece: Three-piece golf balls have a soft rubber or liquid-filled core, an intermediate layer, and a cover. They are designed to offer a balance of distance, feel, and spin control.
    • Four-piece: Four-piece golf balls feature a dual-core design, an intermediate layer, and a cover. They are designed for advanced players seeking maximum distance, spin control, and feel.
    • Urethane cover: Urethane is a type of cover material used in higher-end golf balls. It offers a soft feel, increased spin, and improved control around the greens.
    • Surlyn cover: Surlyn is a durable cover material used in many golf balls. It provides distance, durability, and a firmer feel compared to urethane.
    • Low spin: Low-spin golf balls are designed to minimize spin, especially off the tee. They aim to reduce side spin and enhance distance.
    • High spin: High-spin golf balls generate more spin, particularly on approach shots and around the greens. They provide increased control and stopping power.
    • Distance balls: Distance balls are designed to maximize distance for golfers with slower swing speeds. They typically feature low compression and a focus on reducing spin.
    • Tour-level balls: Tour-level golf balls are designed for advanced players seeking optimal performance, including distance, control, and feel. They often feature higher compression and multi-layer construction.
    • Soft feel: Golf balls with a soft feel offer a pleasant sensation upon impact and are often preferred by golfers who prioritize feedback and control.
    • Firm feel: Golf balls with a firm feel provide a more solid sensation and are preferred by golfers seeking a more responsive and powerful impact experience.
    • Low trajectory: Low-trajectory golf balls launch lower in the air and tend to produce a more penetrating ball flight. They can be advantageous in windy conditions.
    • High trajectory: High-trajectory golf balls launch higher in the air and offer greater carry distance. They may provide an advantage when trying to carry hazards or hold firm greens.
    • Control-oriented: Control-oriented golf balls are designed to provide exceptional spin control and stopping power on approach shots and around the greens.
    • Distance-oriented: Distance-oriented golf balls prioritize maximizing distance off the tee while still offering a reasonable level of control and feel.
    • Swing-specific: Some golf balls are designed for specific swing characteristics or swing speeds, catering to golfers with slower or faster swings.
    • Alignment aid: An alignment aid is a visual feature on a golf ball that helps golfers align their putts or shots to their intended target.
    • Personalization: Many golf balls allow for personalization, such as adding custom text, logos, or player initials, to enhance identification and customization.
    • Matte finish: Some golf balls feature a matte finish instead of the traditional glossy finish. Matte-finish balls can reduce glare and provide a unique visual appearance.
    • Oversized: Oversized golf balls have a larger diameter than standard balls. They are primarily used for novelty purposes or in specific training drills.
    • Practice balls: Practice balls are typically cheaper and designed for practice sessions or driving ranges. They may not meet the same performance standards as regular golf balls.
    • Novice balls: Novice golf balls are designed for beginner golfers, offering forgiveness, distance, and durability. They often feature a two-piece construction.
    • Water balls: Water balls are golf balls designed specifically for use in water hazards. They typically float and have a bright color for easy retrieval.
    • Distance markers: Some golf balls have distance markers or arrows printed on them, aiding golfers in aligning shots or gauging distances.
    • Flite technology: Flite technology refers to specific design features in golf balls aimed at optimizing aerodynamics, reducing drag, and increasing distance.
    • Green-reading features: Certain golf balls have alignment aids or markings that assist golfers in reading greens and determining the line for their putts.
    • Recycled balls: Recycled golf balls are used balls that have been cleaned, restored, and graded for resale. They offer a cost-effective alternative to new balls.
    • Refinished balls: Refinished golf balls undergo a process that restores their original appearance and performance. They are often sold at a lower price than new balls.
    • Value packs: Value packs contain multiple golf balls bundled together, offering golfers a cost-saving option compared to buying balls individually.
    • Multi-color balls: Multi-color golf balls feature vibrant colors and patterns, making them visually distinct and easier to identify on the course.
    • Tour logos: Some golf balls feature logos of professional golf tours, such as the PGA Tour or European Tour, adding a sense of connection to the game's elite level.
    • Standard balls: Standard golf balls refer to the most common and widely used balls that meet the regulations set by golf's governing bodies.
    • Restricted-flight balls: Restricted-flight balls are designed to travel shorter distances, often used in practice or driving range environments with limited space.
    • Novelty balls: Novelty golf balls come in various fun designs and shapes, such as animal prints, sports team logos, or cartoon characters. They are popular for gifts or recreational play.
    • Srixon, Titleist, Callaway, Bridgestone, TaylorMade, Pinnacle, Wilson, Vice, and Mizuno are examples of well-known golf ball brands.