Why do new multi layer balls used on tour spin less than the old tour balls off the driver but spin the same as the old wound balls off the wedge? Ryan Dees, Gainesville, Fla.
There is an average force of 1,500 pounds being applied to the ball during the driver and ball collision, which lasts for less than half a millisecond, 200 times faster than you can blink your eye. The ball is compressed to nearly two-thirds of its original diameter by this violent contact. Although the cover’s thickness is less than 3% of the ball’s size, it has little impact on how this collision plays out.
The soft, wound balata balls that were used on tour until five years ago have been replaced with two-piece balls, which have been available on the market for many years. The only circumstance in which the hard-core two-piece ball will spin similarly to the wound ball off the wedge is when it has an incredibly soft and comparatively thick cover. However, a cover like that shortens the ball’s distance from the driver. The key is to get a ball to spin similarly to a wound ball off the wedge while spinning less than a wound ball off the driver. Because it contains a soft core (for speed off the driver face) encircled by a firm mantle and a thin soft cover, a multi-layer ball will do this. The cover is too thin to affect driver launch conditions, but it is soft enough to have a large impact on the spin off the wedge. The mantle lessens spin off the driver. More spin is produced by the impact between the wedge and the soft cover, which is less forceful and more oblique than one with a driver. In order to build a more effective multi layer ball, designers coupled novel materials with a deeper understanding of the interaction between ball and club.
Could you please shed some light on how to determine the proper driver length and what the average driver length is on tour? Chuck Mooney, Davenport, Iowa.
On the PGA Tour, drivers are typically 44 1/2 inches long. I advise keeping it to no more than 44 inches for the majority of players. In comparison to the lengthier driver, this will provide you better control. You’ll become more self-assured and improve your swing. This will typically result in longer, more precise drives. With an occasional testosterone-inspired long drive, you won’t gain any bragging rights, but you will drop less balls and have a lot more fun playing golf. While shaft length is crucial, you should also consider how comfortable you are with the shaft’s flex. Remember: How on earth are you going to use a 3-wood or your hybrids, which are far shorter, if you think the 44-inch driver is too short?
Is there a published report that gives a true count of equipment used by PGA Tour pros? B.C., New Orleans
Every tournament’s Thursday is dedicated to the Darrell Survey, which examines each competitor’s bag to make sure the pros are utilizing the gear they or the makers claim they are. It has been carrying out these surveys for over 60 years. The manufacturers buy the data, and the counts are used in their advertising. For the first day of the competition, at least, the information is regarded as accurate. After the competition starts, players might switch their gear, which could result in their making the winning putt with a club that wasn’t listed on the survey.