What do we mean by golf ball compression?
The compression of a golf ball corresponds to the hardness of its core and influences feel, control and distance.
The core contains all the technology of a ball; it is partly what determines the ball's behaviour.
Other factors also have an impact on performance, such as the golfer's swing technique, the club, and the number of layers (two, three, four or five).
Core functions:
- Distance: A harder core allows for more efficient energy transfer at impact with the club, promoting longer shots.
- Feel and control: A softer core offers a softer feel at impact, which can improve control, particularly in the short game around the greens.
The different types of core compression
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Low (60 and below)
- Characteristics: Low-compression golf balls have a core compression between 30 and 70. Having a low compression allows players with a fairly slow swing speed (below 90 mph) to gain distance despite a reduced swing speed.
The main advantage of this type of ball is the soft feel, so appreciated by golfers.
The Wilson Dx2 and the Srixon Soft Feel are two excellent low-compression balls.
- Characteristics: Low-compression golf balls have a core compression between 30 and 70. Having a low compression allows players with a fairly slow swing speed (below 90 mph) to gain distance despite a reduced swing speed.
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Medium (60 to 90)
- Characteristics: Between 70 and 90 compression, we consider a golf ball to have medium compression. A large proportion of players will find their match playing medium-compression balls, as they are ideal for players with an average swing speed of 90 to 100 mph.
This type of ball offers better control for approach shots and putting, as they are often 3-piece balls with a urethane cover.
Among these balls, you will find the magnificent Taylormade Tour Response, which is the softest ball on tour, and the essential Titleist Pro V1.
- Characteristics: Between 70 and 90 compression, we consider a golf ball to have medium compression. A large proportion of players will find their match playing medium-compression balls, as they are ideal for players with an average swing speed of 90 to 100 mph.
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High (90 to 120)
- Characteristics: For players with a swing speed of 100 mph and above, high-compression core balls are recommended. They fall within a compression range of 90 to 120+.
A fast swing requires a firm ball that will not deform too much at impact, which would result in a loss of distance.
In this category of balls, we can find the Titleist Pro V1x and the Taylormade TP5x, both of which have a compression of 97.
These two golf balls will have more spin than their Pro V1 and TP5 counterparts, giving them a better trajectory and greater penetration through the air.
- Characteristics: For players with a swing speed of 100 mph and above, high-compression core balls are recommended. They fall within a compression range of 90 to 120+.
To summarise, a golf ball compression between 70 and 80 is suited to beginners and female golfers. A compression of 90 is better suited to men and more experienced players.
Comparative compression table for 7 golf balls
Here we have compared the compression of the most popular golf balls on the market. A mix of hard and soft cores to help you choose the ball that matches your golf level and playing style.
