Winter Ball

[JohnSmalls]

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?

 

 

 

 

 

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[tony@CIC]

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.

 

 

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[JohnSmalls]

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.

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That's interesting. Any plans for trying out other low compression balls or sticking with the ProVs?

[hckymeyer]

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.  

[matchplay66]

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.

 

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[Kenny B]

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!!

[AH1980MN]

Is any of this perceived difference due to the hands being cold? I definitely remember the sting of pounding nails in cold weather.

[revkev]

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.

 

 

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[Peejer]

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.

[Trout Bum]

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.

[BigtazzGolf]

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

 

 

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[ole gray]

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.. 

[PMookie]

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....

 

 

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[tony@CIC]

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.

 

 

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[silver & black]

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.

[JohnSmalls]

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.

[JohnSmalls]

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

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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!

[Kor.A.Door]

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.

[JohnSmalls]

.

 

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.

[JohnSmalls]

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.

[tommc23]

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.

 

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