redhillaz

I wouldn't say that I really feel a big difference between balls but I have found a real tangible scoring difference. I was wondering the exact same thing and at the beginning of this year ran an experiment for the season. I belong to a private course and play almost everyday during the summer. Three days a week I play by myself. During those rounds, I played two balls independently for the entire round. I used a TP5x and a ProV1, different manufacturers and different styles of balls. After playing 30+ rounds in this manner, I found that I played the ProV1 to a handicap index of 10.2 whereas the TP5x played to a 11.5. That is significant. I'd been playing TP5x for the last couple of years, I've switched exclusively to ProV1 now. In looking at my data, I see that the biggest difference was on approach shots. I'm not a big hitter, 7 iron carries 160, but I do hit it straight. I just seem to get more consistent distance with a ProV1 off my irons.

After reading "7 Reasons why range balls shouldn't be part of your next fitting" I'm questioning the value of obtaining a launch monitor for myself. Sounds like it would only be useful if I had the space to set up a practice area at home and hit off a mat. I was hoping to pick one up this spring but I'd be using it at the driving range with range balls. After reading the article I'm now doubting this would provide me with any useful information. What to people think? Do you use a launch monitor at the range and find it to be useful?

I mostly play at a private country club. I can get a round in less than 2 hours if playing by myself, if playing in a foursome normal play is just over 3 hours. If you play on weekends it can extend to 4 hours which seems like an eternity. I do play public courses as well just for the variety or when traveling. Whenever I go public, it is a real wakeup on the pace of play and the course conditions. I find public courses also have worse green conditions, especially in unrepaired or poorly repaired ball marks.