JohnSmalls Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Cooler weather is finally here and I am gearing up for my first fall/winter out on the course. I keep seeing people talk about switching to a softer compression ball during the cooler months. A few questions to kick things off: -Do you switch golf balls during the cooler months? -What do you look for in your winter ball? -What are the performance benefits of changing? -Is a change to softer compression ball better for your clubs? Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony@CIC Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 So I was out the other day (45 deg, sunny and little wind) and decided to try an experiment. The course was empty so I played two balls - prov1 and my wife's Callaway super soft. Quite frankly I was surprised that there was very little difference between the two in distance. I decided to stay with the prov1 since I can tell by the sound if I miss hit it off the tee. Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy Left Hand orientation SIM 2 D Max with Fujikura Air Speeder Shaft Cobra Radspeed 3W/RIptide Shaft 410 Hybrids 22*, 26* Cobra Speed Zone 6-GP/Recoil ESX 460 F3 Shafts SM7 54* Wedge Glide 3.0 60* Wedge O Works putter V3 NX9-HD - 4 Wheel EZGO TXT 48v cart - too many shoes to list and so many to buy And BAG Boy Golf Balls: Vice Pro Plus 2020 Official Tester Beginning Driver Speed - 78 2019 Official Tester 410 Driver 2018 Official Tester C300 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSmalls Posted November 10, 2017 Author Share Posted November 10, 2017 So I was out the other day (45 deg, sunny and little wind) and decided to try an experiment. The course was empty so I played two balls - prov1 and my wife's Callaway super soft. Quite frankly I was surprised that there was very little difference between the two in distance. I decided to stay with the prov1 since I can tell by the sound if I miss hit it off the tee. Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy That's interesting. Any plans for trying out other low compression balls or sticking with the ProVs? Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hckymeyer Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 This topic comes up all the time, I don't believe there is truly any performance benefit to playing a softer ball in cool weather. The best thing you can do is keep your balls warm. (go ahead, get the snickering and comments out of the way for that statement) But the best thing you can do is keep your golf balls inside where it's 70 degrees. Keep them in the warm car on the way to the course. Then when you play use one ball and keep another in your pocket and rotate them every hole. It takes several hours for the core of the ball to cool down enough to start affecting performance. Doing all of these tricks will slow that process even further. If you want to take it a step farther get some hand warmers you can keep in your pocket with your ball. It's not USGA approved but it will help. So I don't think there is any reason to change from your gamer ball. And even if your gamer ball is already a lower compression, softer ball these tips will still be helpful. Driver: SLDR w/ Fujikura Ventus Black 3w: '16 M2 hl w/ Diamana D+ 82 5w: Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Yellow Hybrid: 22 deg. Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Black Irons: 5i - gap Launcher CBX w/ Nippon Modus 3 125 Wedges: 54 CBX & 58 Zipcore w/ Nippon Modus 3 125 Putter: Red 7s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matchplay66 Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I played 18 holes today in 40 degree temps with a chrome soft. I usually play prov1x. I gotta tell ya that chrome soft seemed to react better in the cold temps. Could have something to do with compression I suppose. Sent from my VS980 4G using MyGolfSpy mobile app Sticks: Titleist 915D3 8.5 Graffaloy Pro Launch Red 65X Titleist 915F Aldila NV 95 S Flex 3 Wood Titleist 915H Aldila NV 105 S Flex 21 degree hybrid Mizuno MP69 Dynamic Gold S300 Standard Length 2 up 3-PW Cleveland RTX 54, Titleist SM4 48, Mizuno MP-T4 58 Odyssey 2 ball cs Superstroke 3.0 slim Callaway Chrome Soft (2016) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Given that all your balls are warm, there may not be much difference in distance performance but to me the softer balls feel better on contact. Also, the ground gets quite firm here (sometimes frozen) and it makes no difference what ball you use around the green; it's not going to spin much, so land short and expect roll. When winter comes, everyone plays golf like us old dudes!! “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AH1980MN Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Is any of this perceived difference due to the hands being cold? I definitely remember the sting of pounding nails in cold weather. WITB: Adams 9064LS 9.5* (until I cracked the face) Adams Super LS 17* Adams XTD Ti 23* Wilson Staff Ci7 4-PW Adams wedges: 52/7 56/13 60/7 Wilson Staff Infinite Southside putter/Odyssey DualForce 660 putter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revkev Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 When I saw “winter ball†I thought college hoops. Since that may be shut down or played only in international prisons this year you could count me in as someone who changed balls in the fall/winter season when we live up North whether that was CT, MA, NY, IN or WI. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60 Aldila R flex - 42.25 inches SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft Ping G410 7, 9 wood Alta 65 R flex Srixon ZX5 MK II 5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex India 52,56 (60 pending) UST recoil 75's R flex Evon roll ER 5 32 inches It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peejer Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado for 13 years, playing year-round golf. I managed to play at least once, every month of the year, for an entire time. Granted, at times, I'd have to drive an hour south to Pueblo to get my round in - but it counted as a round played in Colorado. The ground freezes from December until at least mid-April, so I typically switched to a "winter" ball during that time. For me, it wasn't a softer ball, but more so a mid-range ball, such as a DT Solo, NXT Tour, QStar, Snell's 'Get Sum' or Bridgestone E-series. Basically, it was because they were more affordable and since the ball wouldn't spin much on a hard green, no point in using up the more expensive balls. Now that I'm in Florida, year-round golf is the norm - I stick with Snell MTB's, Bridgestone 330's, the occasional ProV1x's and TaylorMade TP's. Although I did pick up an 'ammo-box' of TaylorMade's older 'Lethal' balls for a steal on RockBottomGolf.com last month - so those will be my 'winter' balls for some time. So, I switched to winter balls due to economical reasons, vice softer balls performing better in cold weather. -- P.J. Stealth Driver ZX 3W RadSpeed 3-hybrid P790 (2021) irons (4-PW) CBX-2 GW, SW & LW ER7 Putter Q-Star Tour DIVIDE / Tour - Revolver XL 1500Li Cart NX9 HD Pro Rangefinder / S20 GPS Watch + Launch Monitor Denver, Colorado Home Course: Eisenhower Golf Club, USAF Academy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trout Bum Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I never really gave it any thought, I have a bunch of low compression balls laying around and I may just do a comparison next weekend while I'm out playing. Ususally when the leaves start falling I play balls with minor scuffs and stuff because the leaves seem to eat balls pretty quick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigtazzGolf Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I'm part of the group that changes to a winter ball once the temps get below 40 on a regular basis. I go to a softer ball for feel off my clubs and playability. I'll keep my clubs and balls inside during the winter to keep them warm. Think I read somewhere that the balls core takes 24 hours to reach the outside temp. But I don't hit the core I hit the surface of the ball lol. That's why I change. Hope this helps. Tazz Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Grip n Rip it Chicks dig the LONG ball In my staff bag King F7+ Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 60 - Graphite Tour X-Stiff CBX 13.5 3 Wood Atomic Irons 4-AW (reviewing) CG16 Satin 52* 588 RTX 2.0 56* and 60* Sentio Sierra 101-M Putter Proud tester of the Tommy Armour ATOMIC Irons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ole gray Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I never really gave it any thought, I have a bunch of low compression balls laying around and I may just do a comparison next weekend while I'm out playing. Ususally when the leaves start falling I play balls with minor scuffs and stuff because the leaves seem to eat balls pretty quick. Yep the old leaf monster can swallow em before you get there. My senior group puts a "Leaf Rule" into affect if we know it went in at a place where you could normally find it. Now if it goes deep in the woods it's a no deal.. Ping G430 Max Driver 10.5 Degree Titleist TSR1 4, 5, & 6 Hybrids Titleist T350 Irons 7 - W48 Cleveland CBX ZipCore 52 56 & 60 Degree Wedges LAB Mezz Max Broomstick Putter / TPT Shaft (Platinum @ 45/78) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMookie Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 There was a “non scientific†study on this not long ago, and it was show there wasn't an advantage to a “softer†ball. To me, a soft ball gets just as cold as a “harder†one.... Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Driver: Ping G430 Max 9*, Ping Tour 70X Fairway: Ping G425 15*, Ping Tour 70X Hybrid: Ping G425 22*, Ping Tour 80X Irons: Ping i230 4-GW, TT DG X100 Wedges: SMS 50D/54V/58DModus 130 stiff, +1” Putter: EAS 1.0 Ball: Titleist 2023 AVX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony@CIC Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 That's interesting. Any plans for trying out other low compression balls or sticking with the ProVs? John I'm just going to stick with the pro v. Probably all mental but I can tell from the sound if I hit it well. And I'm use to it around the green. Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy Left Hand orientation SIM 2 D Max with Fujikura Air Speeder Shaft Cobra Radspeed 3W/RIptide Shaft 410 Hybrids 22*, 26* Cobra Speed Zone 6-GP/Recoil ESX 460 F3 Shafts SM7 54* Wedge Glide 3.0 60* Wedge O Works putter V3 NX9-HD - 4 Wheel EZGO TXT 48v cart - too many shoes to list and so many to buy And BAG Boy Golf Balls: Vice Pro Plus 2020 Official Tester Beginning Driver Speed - 78 2019 Official Tester 410 Driver 2018 Official Tester C300 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver & black Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Winter ball? That happens rarely in Ohio...lol. As far as what ball I use? I put away the "good" balls and I play Noodles. I don't mind losing them in the leaves at $12 a dozen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSmalls Posted November 13, 2017 Author Share Posted November 13, 2017 The temp has really been dropping here in SC, I think we skipped fall and headed straight to winter. I haven't been able to get back on the course in a couple of weeks---I don't see how you guys up north can make it for months out due to the weather. Thankfully the leaf monster isn't too bad on my home course. Only lost one a few weeks ago in the leaves. Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSmalls Posted November 13, 2017 Author Share Posted November 13, 2017 This topic comes up all the time, I don't believe there is truly any performance benefit to playing a softer ball in cool weather. The best thing you can do is keep your balls warm. (go ahead, get the snickering and comments out of the way for that statement) But the best thing you can do is keep your golf balls inside where it's 70 degrees. Keep them in the warm car on the way to the course. Then when you play use one ball and keep another in your pocket and rotate them every hole. It takes several hours for the core of the ball to cool down enough to start affecting performance. Doing all of these tricks will slow that process even further. If you want to take it a step farther get some hand warmers you can keep in your pocket with your ball. It's not USGA approved but it will help. So I don't think there is any reason to change from your gamer ball. And even if your gamer ball is already a lower compression, softer ball these tips will still be helpful. Given that all your balls are warm, there may not be much difference in distance performance but to me the softer balls feel better on contact. Also, the ground gets quite firm here (sometimes frozen) and it makes no difference what ball you use around the green; it's not going to spin much, so land short and expect roll. When winter comes, everyone plays golf like us old dudes!! I'm part of the group that changes to a winter ball once the temps get below 40 on a regular basis. I go to a softer ball for feel off my clubs and playability. I'll keep my clubs and balls inside during the winter to keep them warm. Think I read somewhere that the balls core takes 24 hours to reach the outside temp. But I don't hit the core I hit the surface of the ball lol. That's why I change. Hope this helps. Tazz Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Thanks guys. I'm gonna give it a shot keeping everything warm. I didn't think the cores would stay warm that long. Nor did I think about the reduced spin. But having flashbacks to playing baseball this time of year (and in Jan/Feb) I'm definitely going to keep a marshmallow ball or two warm and ready for play. Kenny--you older guys rule the course and whip my butt. I could use to learn a thing or two! Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kor.A.Door Posted November 13, 2017 Share Posted November 13, 2017 The temp has really been dropping here in SC, I think we skipped fall and headed straight to winter. I haven't been able to get back on the course in a couple of weeks---I don't see how you guys up north can make it for months out due to the weather. Thankfully the leaf monster isn't too bad on my home course. Only lost one a few weeks ago in the leaves. . It was about 35 when we started play on Saturday morning, it was chilly. By the back nine it was comfortable. Lefties are always in their Right Mind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSmalls Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 . It was about 35 when we started play on Saturday morning, it was chilly. By the back nine it was comfortable. That doesn't sound bad at all. I am looking forward to getting out for a morning round but it looks like I am on hiatus for one more week. I think I am having withdrawals. Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnSmalls Posted November 15, 2017 Author Share Posted November 15, 2017 Winter ball? That happens rarely in Ohio...lol. As far as what ball I use? I put away the "good" balls and I play Noodles. I don't mind losing them in the leaves at $12 a dozen. Was placing an order on RockBottom and came across a double dozen of Noodles for $10. Ended up being a great add because I was already paying for shipping. Gameday Vessel Sunday 2.0/ Ogio Silencer Dynapwr Carbon | Hzrdus Smoke Black Mavrik 3w | Evenflow Riptide FG Tour F5 Hybrid(20,23) | MCA Fubuki Staff Model CB 5-PW | DG 120 Vokey SM7 (50, 54, 58) | DG 120 Studio Stock 15 -ProV1x (left dash) Romans 10:9 Classic Bag Jones Collegiate Clemson Stand Bag Eye 2 Laminate 1973 Staff Dynapower 4-PW Anser DUO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommc23 Posted November 15, 2017 Share Posted November 15, 2017 I played a prov1x, vice pro, and Callaway super soft my last round and all played well in the 40 degrees no issue the prov1x had the most backspin out of them all and sometimes a little too much. Sent from my SM-G950U using MyGolfSpy mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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