Walking onto the first tee with the wrong golf ball feels a bit like watching Kiefer Ravena’s situation unfold—where he couldn’t suit up for his B.League team until proper clearance came through from the PBA. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the right tools and permissions make all the difference. In golf, your ball is your permission slip to play your best game. I’ve been playing for over a decade, and I can’t stress enough how much the wrong ball can hold you back, no matter your swing speed or skill level.

Let’s start with compression, because honestly, it’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of golf balls. If you’re a beginner or someone with a slower swing speed—say, below 85 mph—you’ll want a low-compression ball, something around 60 to 70 compression rating. These balls feel softer and help you get that extra yardage without needing to swing out of your shoes. I remember switching from a high-compression tour-level ball to a softer one early in my journey, and my drives instantly gained about 15 yards. On the flip side, if your swing speed is above 105 mph, a high-compression ball (90 and above) will give you the control and lower spin you need. I’ve tested this on launch monitors, and the difference in spin rates can be as much as 500 RPM between a low- and high-compression ball on driver shots.

Then there’s the cover material. Urethane covers are fantastic for better players—they offer that buttery feel around the greens and allow for serious spin control. I personally love the way a urethane-covered ball checks up on approach shots; it’s saved me countless strokes. But if you’re still working on consistency, a Surlyn cover might be your best friend. It’s more durable and reduces side spin, which can help keep those slices and hooks in check. From my own experience, switching to a Surlyn ball when I was averaging in the 90s shaved about 5 strokes off my handicap simply because it kept me in play more often.

Layer construction is another biggie. Two-piece balls are great for distance and durability—ideal if you’re just starting out or lose a lot of balls per round (I’ve been there!). Multi-layer balls, like three- or four-piece designs, offer nuanced performance. For instance, a three-piece ball can provide a nice balance of distance and feel, while four-piece balls, often used by pros, optimize each part of your game from tee to green. I’ve found that mid-handicap players, those in the 10–18 range, tend to benefit most from three-piece balls because they don’t sacrifice too much forgiveness for control.

Price is a factor too, and I’ll be blunt: you don’t always need to drop $50 on a dozen balls. In fact, some of my favorite rounds have been with mid-range balls priced around $25–$30. They perform admirably without breaking the bank. If you’re on a budget, consider recycled or refurbished balls—they can cost 40% less and still deliver solid performance. I’ve played with both, and while they might not have the pristine feel of a new ball, they get the job done, especially if you’re still refining your skills.

Ultimately, choosing the right golf ball is about matching it to your game, much like how Ravena needed the right clearance to perform at his best. Don’t just grab whatever’s on sale or what your favorite pro uses. Test a few types, pay attention to how they feel off the clubface, and track your results. For me, it made the game more enjoyable and lowered my scores. So next time you’re stocking up, think about what your game really needs—it could be the simplest upgrade you ever make.