TaylorMade TP5

Spin Rating describes the spin performance of the ball (High, Medium or Low) when struck using a driver and a short iron. “Low” means a low spin rate; “Medium” means a medium spin rate; “High” means a high spin rate. Typically you want a “low” spin rate off the tee for longer drives, and a “medium” to “high” spin rate off your short irons for more control.

The main purpose of dimples is to provide the lift needed to get the ball airborne, reduce drag and help the ball fly farther. Dimpled golf balls experience about half the drag as those with no dimples. 336 dimples is common but dimples can number between 300 – 500, and there is no rule/regulation on how many. Only the depth of the dimples is regulated by the USGA. Although testing has not proven an optimal number of golf ball dimples yet, it demonstrates that the depth and shape of dimples can change the impact on lift and drag of the golf ball.

Urethane: A softer, more elastic cover material than Ionomer and more expensive to manufacture. Used mainly on tour-level/multi-layer balls. Promotes more spin on the golf ball for better control around the green.

Today’s golf balls are constructed to provide for 3 things: distance, spin and durability. Some balls can provide all three while others are constructed to provide for only one or two of these characteristics. The number of core and cover combinations is nearly unlimited based on the types of materials used to create golf balls. The way a golf ball is constructed/put together and the materials used can dictate what performance characteristics a golf ball has. There are basically two types of balls:

1. Two-piece Golf Balls: This type construction provides maximum distance and durability because they are made with a single solid core and a hard cover (i.e. typically Surlyn). The solid core is usually a high-energy acrylate or resin and is covered in a tough, cut-proof cover that gives the two-piece ball more distance than any other ball. These balls are typically low-spin, and the hardness of these balls provide long roll distances. Two-piece balls are the most economical, and the most popular among average golfers. They are great for beginners and high-handicap golfers because of the durability factor.

2. Multi-layered Golf Balls (3-piece, 4-piece and 5-piece): Multi-layered balls are designed to address every type of shot. The core is designed for driver distance, mid layers for full iron shots and the cover for feel and spin in half shots, chips and putts.