Premium balls: Do they mean us?

Are these balls for Mr Average golfer?

When Tiger Woods and the other big-hitters on Tour started blasting the golf ball over 300 yards with the new technology at their disposal, there was talk that Augusta National Golf Club would be insisting on the development of a uniform golf ball for a forthcoming US Masters.

We've got news for you...that elusive ball may already be in play, now that Titleist is introducing a 'new and improved' Pro V1 and Pro V1x - the most used balls on Tour.

Technology experts claim there's so little to choose in the performance of Titleist (Pro V1 and ProV1x), Callaway (HX Tour), Nike (Platinum One), TaylorMade (Red and Black) and Srixon (Z-URS and Z-URC) in the hands of the Tour professionals that there's no need for the men in green jackets to insist on 'a ball for all.'

The only difference, perhaps, is in the confidence and loyalty of the professional players who use different balls and in many cases are paid a king's ransome to do so or benefit from a bonus scheme for winning with a particular brand or model.

The ' new and improved' Titleist Pro V1

Their features and claimed benefits include: 'Staggered Wave' parting line for longer distance from enhanced ball flight, higher coverage 392 dimple design (392 for Pro V1; 380 for Pro V1x) for penetrating trajectory for long, consistent distance and integrated alignment guide (for lining up putts).'

There's no doubt that 28-handicappers can use these premium-priced, high-tech golf balls, currently used on the world's professional Tours. But they are designed, very specifically, for the lower handicapper who hits the ball a long way and has the technique to spin the ball from whatever lie.

Tiger generates 130 mph clubhead speed

At the last count there were about 1,000 male golfers who make a fair living playing competitively, compared to 40 male golfers with an average handicap of 16 or 17 who drive the ball around 190 yards off the tee (Woods, for example, develops a clubhead speed of 130 mph sends the ball flying at 180 mph at an average distance of over 300 yards).

And though we don't hit the ball anywhere near as far as the pro (though we like to think we can on occasions!), we're prepared to pay top dollar (around £40 a dozen; approximately £3.83 each) for a premium ball. In addition, it's unlikely to deliver the distance or launch angle we desperately need without the appropriate high swing speed the ball demands to perform at its best.

Furthermore it's unlikely to give us more than a round of durability, not to mention ten feet of back spin from 100 yards! And how many of us have the correct technique to deliver that in even perfect conditions, anyway?

Staggered wave technology on the ProV1x

As one great sage wrote recently: "What the average golfer should be concerned about is how can I become more consistent, how can I improve my game and what technology out there is going to do that for me.

Certainly the new square drivers will help you hit the ball straighter by keeping the clubface squarer at impact but because the world's best golfers can hit towering shots and drop and stop the latest balls on a 10p piece from 186 yards with an 8-iron, don't believe it's within your capabilities.

By all means use the 2007 premium balls from the top manufacturers but also try the ones with a firm feel and more explosive core that you can use for two or three rounds. Most are made by the leading manufacturers anyway and WILL improve your golf.