If you have been a golfer for a while then you will have read the usual hype associated with every new product that is marketed. Every single one can make you hit the ball longer and further and straighter, I am sure you have seen it all before! . Of course if that were true then we would see most golfers averaging 500 meter drives and the game of golf would not be that difficult anymore. This is where the USGA and R&A come in. As the ruling bodies of the game of golf no product can be used for any offical handicapping, tournament or competition play unless it has their stamp of approval.

Over the last few years we have seen many changes in the rules for golf equipment with a special focus on drivers. In the early part of the last decade drivers started to get bigger and bigger with the widespread use of titanium. The ruling bodies were quick to act and a limit was placed on the maximum size a club head could be, 460cc. Several other measuring techniques have been developed since which enable the ruling bodies to limit the distance a driver will go. These are the COR and the MOI. COR essentially measured the amount of spring off the club face (trampoline effect) and MOI (read about here) which would take too long to explain.

Now you may be wondering what all this has to do with golf ball technology and the simple point is, as the ruling bodies enforce more and more limits on golf equipment companies have slowly moved their focus to the golf ball. Hoping that technology will assist, they may be able to squeeze a bit more distance out of the ball and therefore gain market share.

Golf Ball Technology

One of the leaders and innovators during 2011 has been Taylormade. Their R11 driver has sold extremely well and their Penta golf ball has been developed using a rapid advancement in manufacturing technology with this being the first 5 layer ball ever produced. Titleist have made some tweaks to their most popular ball, the Pro V1 with the Pro V1 X. Taylormade claims the Penta has one layer to help with each shot characteristic, so far, users have only good things to say and it seems this ball will become more popular over time.

USGA and R&A on Golf Balls

One of the hurdles faced by large companies is the way to innovate without breaking the rules. The ruling bodies have also caught on to this new focus on ball technology and have set some parameters to ensure no major advantages are given by using a particular golf ball. In order to have a ball approved for play it needs to be submitted for testing (last time I looked I think they require 24 samples of each ball!). Currently measured are spin, velocity, distance and quite a few other performance criteria. Bottom line, if the ball outperforms those specified benchmarks it will be declared illegal. This leaves manufacturers trying out new ball technologies and ideas to improve player feel and more importantly accuracy, with less focus on distance.

Here is a quote directly from the USGA’s website:

“Golf ball distance has been regulated since 1976 and golf ball rebound characteristics have been regulated since the 1940s. In 2004, the USGA updated its testing methodology to more closely reflect the athleticism and clubs of today’s Tour pros. All golf balls played on Tour and the vast majority of golf balls sold have passed the USGA’s distance limit test.”

As you can see the chances of a brand new golf ball being launched to the market that will go significantly further is unlikely.

How to find A Good Golf Ball

If you are on a constant mission to improve your golf then selecting the correct golf ball can make a huge difference. Some of the more advanced golf retail shops and driving ranges have adopted BLM technology. BLM stands for Ball Launch Monitor and is used by a qualified person to analyze your swing and work out which golf ball is the best suited for your game. BLM uses complex radar tracking tech and high speed cameras. Sensors are able to capture your distance, spin rates and launch angles. Using this information a recommendation is made and this in theory should help you to get the most out of your ball. If you have the time I would highly recommend you find one of these facilities and check it out.

Golf Ball Trends in the Future

It will be interesting to see in the coming year what sort of advances with ball technology we are likely to see. We have the PGA merchandising show coming up soon and this is often where all sorts of new products are launched.

Do you have any theories on golf ball tech? Leave your comments below.