The harder the hit, the deeper the compression of the ball. The deeper the compression, the more the core and inner layer come into play. According to the manufacturers of these new balls, the inner cover reduces the compression at impact so that the ball jumps off the face faster and with less spin when hit by a driver. Conversely, when the ball is hit by a wedge, the compression is not nearly as severe and that allows the softer, outer cover to pinch against the clubface and give the ball more spin. We'll be looking at it to see if it brings to the market any added value where the value previously did not exist.
Golf balls continue the trend toward custom fitting for every kind of golfer imaginable.
The beneficiary of all this competition and innovation is the consumer, but only if he or she can keep the various models straight and know what ball best suits his or her game. Top-Flite features seven different models including the Strata Tour. Bridgestone has four balls in its EV line in addition to the Precept Tour. For those of you scoring at home, that's 51 different models of golf balls. And don't forget that both Callaway and Cobra will soon become players in the ball market.