Choosing a golf ball can feel overwhelming, but for senior golfers, one word makes all the difference: compression. Finding the right compression for your swing speed is the most direct path to hitting the ball farther and enjoying the game more. This guide will walk you through exactly what compression means, how to find the right one for your game, and suggest some of the best options available today.
In the simplest terms, golf ball compression is a measure of how much a ball deforms or "squishes" against the clubface at impact. This is measured on a scale from around 30 to over 100. A lower number means the ball is softer and easier to compress, while a higher number means it's firmer and requires more force to compress.
Think of it like trying to squeeze two different rubber balls. One is very soft and easy to mash in your hand, this is a low-compression ball. The other is much harder, almost like a solid core, and takes a lot of effort to squish, that's your high-compression ball.
The magic of a well-struck golf shot happens when the ball compresses properly. A good compression acts like a spring, storing energy from the impact and then releasing it to propel the ball forward. This is where swing speed comes in.
“That all sounds great,” you might be thinking, “but I have no idea what my swing speed is.” Don’t worry, most golfers don’t. You don't need to be perfectly exact, a good ballpark estimate is all you need to make a much smarter choice. Here are a few ways to get a good idea:
This is the easiest at-home method. Be honest with your average carry distance (how far the ball flies in the air), not your once-in-a-lifetime "downhill, downwind" shot.
The most accurate method is to get numbers from a launch monitor. Most major golf retailers and many modern driving ranges have them available. It only takes a few swings with a driver to get a precise reading of your swing speed. This data takes all the guesswork out of the equation.
Buy a sleeve of a very low-compression ball (like a Callaway Supersoft) and a sleeve of a mid-compression ball (like a Titleist Tour Soft). Head to a familiar par-4 or the driving range and hit several shots with each, paying attention to two things:
This simple test often makes the right choice immediately obvious.
While compression is the main ingredient, it's not the only thing to consider when choosing your next sleeve of balls.
The cover is the outer skin of the golf ball, and it dramatically influences spin and durability.
Don’t underestimate the simple benefit of being able to easily find your golf ball. As we age, tracking a small white fleck against a cloudy sky becomes more difficult. Ball manufacturers have responded with a huge variety of high-visibility options like bright yellows, oranges, reds, and matte finishes. A yellow or orange ball is dramatically easier to see in the air and locate in the rough or fallen leaves, which speeds up play and reduces the frustration of lost balls.
Armed with this knowledge, here are some of the best golf balls organized by the type of player they fit best.
(Swing speeds under 85 mph)
These golfers need the softest, lowest-compression balls to maximize their anemic swing and get yards back.
(Swing speeds from 85-95 mph)
This C|player wants a ball that is long but also offers a bit more feedback and performance around the greens without breaking the bank.
(Swing speeds over 90 mph)
These players still have enough speed to compress a more premium ball and want the high-spin performance of a urethane cover for their short game.
Picking the best golf ball doesn't have to be a guessing game. By understanding what compression really does and getting a sense of your own swing speed, you can confidently choose a ball that is engineered to help you hit it farther, straighter, and with a more satisfying feel.
Once you've settled on the right ball, making smarter choices during your round is the next step to lowering your scores consistently. Knowing when to be aggressive and when to play safe can make a huge difference, but having an expert opinion in those moments isn’t always possible. That's why we built Caddie AI. Our app puts a 24/7 golf coach right in your pocket, ready to give you strategic advice for a particular hole or help you decide on the right club for a tough shot. You can even take a photo of a challenging lie in the rough and get simple, clear instructions on the best way to play it, removing the doubt so you can swing with confidence.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
