Round and Dimples pt. 2

About 2 months ago I headed back to Vegas for a little vacation and to visit some friends. I lived there for about 5 years and just a couple of years ago, moved here to Seattle. Let me tell you, the change in performance of golf ball was DRAMATIC. Maybe you have had some of the same experiences. If you have not, here are some things to think about when you go on your next vacation.

In Vegas, the desert terrain and soil typically makes for firm and fast greens. Compare that to Seattle where we have very soft greens and you can see that playing the same ball in Vegas and I do here might not make for the best opportunity to score. Elevation is a big change as well. Vegas is at a much greater elevation in comparison to Seattle. Typically, elevation will change the distance a ball flies. As the air gets lighter (higher elevation) the ball goes further.

Temperature is a big change too. As the weather gets warmer, balls can be easier to compress and will go a bit further. This is why those of us that live in more dramatic climates will suddenly find the golf ball going measurably shorter during the cooler months. We can’t forget humidity either. The heavier, wetter air usually causes the ball to fly shorter distances.

So there I was in Vegas. 30 degrees warmer, lighter air, firm greens, higher elevation, and me with my “Seattle” ball, the Bridgestone E5+. What was I going to do? I knew I couldn’t play a ball that was designed for softer greens as I would have a tough time spinning it on the firmer Vegas greens. I also knew that all signs pointed to me hitting the ball further so I made a change. I went with a softer ball that was more “performance” oriented to increase my spin around the greens. My thought was that the distance gain through the conditions would offset any loss from the ball type.

I played the Bridgestone B330-S golf ball and had no loss of distance with a ton more spin to handle those firm greens. So the cover was softer and I did go through a few additional balls through wear. Alright you caught me, I hit about 7 out into the desert and was not about to go hunting through the rocks for a ball I was not going to be able to play anyway. But the change in ball gave me the help I needed around the greens to play my best.

Maybe you have a trip scheduled for Florida , Vegas , Myrtle Beach or over to St. Andrews. If you are that fortunate, do some quick checks and see if the conditions might call for a ball change. Maybe the wind at St. Andrews will effect your Pro V1 to the point that you might want to play a lower flying ball like the Pro V1X or the NXT Tour.

The adjustment in feel of the ball will be minimal in comparison to the scores it could yield. Remember, the difference between 80 and 79 is a couple of inches sometimes. Make sure that you have the proper equipment for the situations you will be facing.

HIT EM WELL!