The weather plays an important part during a game of golf. It can be bright and sunny, slightly damp, cold, or even windy. As such, the balls matter a lot. Let's have a look at the ones that can be used when it is cold.
Playing golf in fall is often unpleasant, and many times you can hear the golfers grumbling that their drive isn't what it used to be, and the ball isn't getting the range it should, because the air is too thick. This is because of the effects of cold weather. Yes, the weather affects the kit as much as the player. But, a player can warm himself up, while heating the kit continuously on the course is unfeasible. Hence, manufacturers continuously research on the different materials that can make playing golf in cold conditions almost normal. The main area of focus is the balls in use.
Important Basics
- Golf balls, like any other solid matter, contract when cooled. This causes compression in the ball.
- A golf ball has to be soft and hard at the same time. It has to be soft in the sense that, when the club strikes it, the force compresses the ball for a split second. This is because the energy is transferred from the golfer's body to the club head, and to the ball, disfiguring it. The ball goes back to its normal shape immediately, and this transfer of energy is what makes it soar through the air.
- The ball should be hard, because the harder it is, the more energy it will store.
- If the ball is too soft, it will not get the range the golfer wants.
- And, if the ball is too hard, the energy transfer won't be efficient, resulting in the same issue―less range.
In cold weather, the ball undergoes compression, making the transfer of energy inefficient. Also, cold air is denser than warm air. This cold air puts more resistance on the ball when it is airborne, increasing the drag on it. Hence, special balls are needed for cold weather conditions. The materials used to make these balls need to retain their original behavior even in cold weather. Here are some of the best.
Callaway HX Tour Series X-Out Golf BallsThe HX Tour Series X-Out golf balls belonging to the Callaway clan are well constructed with a rubber core made from
polybutadiene, and a cover made of cast thermo set
polyurethane. These materials help the balls perform extremely well in cold weather. For speed and flight, you have the 322-dimple design that augments the trajectory and offers great speed. For $27.95, you get a great pack of 12 golf balls. An excellent deal, to say the least.
Wilson Staff Fifty Elite Golf BallsAvailable for just $17.95 per pack of 12 balls, Wilson Staff Fifty Elite golf balls are one of the best around, for the simple reason that they are well constructed with a nano-tech rubber core with cover ionomer in nature. Note that, it is because of the ionomer that these balls deliver great performance, since ionomer is a polymer, and it reacts with different temperatures. In other words, when the temperature drops, these balls still fly well, as ionomer reacts well with the chills, laying no harm to the flight and speed. The Fifty Elite golf balls own a 302-dimple design, and accompany the wind quite well, which lets them cut through any storm on the course.
Titleist Pro V1 Golf BallsThough they are an expensive bet ($45.95 per pack of 12 balls), Titleist Pro V1 golf balls are one of the best golf balls for cold temperatures, for the simple reason that, similar to the Callaway HX Tour Series, they too are manufactured with a polybutadiene rubber core and an elastomer cover. What's more, the 392-dimple design that these own allows them to enhance the performance of the balls even in the coldest of temperatures. What's more, each ball owns an alignment integrated marker, which is stamped on the side in order to aid players' performance in any weather condition.
Prices are approximate and for reference purposes only, and will vary according to location and offers available.
Useful Tips
- Do not use a golf cart when it is cold. Walk around the course. It will get the blood flowing and keep you warm. Stiff muscles result in stiff swings.
- Store the balls in warm water at home. When you are getting out to play, dry them and take them to the course in an airtight food container. Do not store them in the car trunk.
- Needless to say, golf is played best in slightly warmer conditions.