A general observation about my balls...

[bdcrowe]

Yah, how many views will this thread get?

I spent some time chipping on my den carpet. I had one of my son's ultra-hard ti-tichs, one Max-Fli Noodle, one Strata 3-piece and a Dunlop Tour 3-piece. I noticed something besides feel. The hard ball had absolutely no bite at all when it landed. Just a hard release. The Maxfli seemed to create a little more spin and control, and both 3 pieces landed soft, skipped a couple of times, looked like they would actually stop in their tracks and then released a few feet like beautiful little putts. I'm sure this is common knowlege, but was pretty noticeable to me in my uncontrolled little experiment. It appears, no matter how cheap they are, that a 3-piece should add some control to the short game and drop some strokes. It appears to me the hype has something to it.

If nothing else, it gave me an excuse to use the above title on a thread...

[nsherman2006]

I actually like to play rocks, as i have trouble controlling backspin and how much i put on the ball, and i find that low spin balls help. Plus, they fly straighter and longer, and they don't check up like other balls(which i find to be a good thing) JMO. Neal

[Rockford35]

This would be expected.

A 3 peice ball is usually a higher end ball and it's not uncommon to see better covers with better feel on these higher end balls. They aren't as durable, but they have better feel and spin.

I use the fingernail theory. An old timer showed me this once. He said you can tell a good ball from a bad one by sticking your fingernail into the cover. If you can't, it's a cheap ball. A word of thought tho, this was durin the balata days, but i still find it helps with todays softer feel type balls as well.

And if there's something I love, it's the feel of balls. (Beat that, Crowe! )

R35

[bdcrowe]

Originally Posted by rockford35

This would be expected.

A 3 peice ball is usually a higher end ball and it's not uncommon to see better covers with better feel on these higher end balls. They aren't as durable, but they have better feel and spin.

I use the fingernail theory. An old timer showed me this once. He said you can tell a good ball from a bad one by sticking your fingernail into the cover. If you can't, it's a cheap ball. A word of thought tho, this was durin the balata days, but i still find it helps with todays softer feel type balls as well.

And if there's something I love, it's the feel of balls. (Beat that, Crowe! )

R35

Very well put, R. I was particulary surprised by the feel, bite and quality of these particular 3-pieces. One was the Strata Professional Distance, the other the Dunlop TouJD-- both available at your friendly local Wal-Mart uner $15 a dozen. And both with great performance. This is a great find for anyone who has a habit of losing balls. And I hate losing my balls. (Back athcha! )

[Silver]

I've found that playing the higher spin 3 piece balls have led to an increase in slicing. For example, when playing with my Noodle, I might hit a fade, but when playing with the Hogan Apex Pro Tour (or whatever it's called), a gentle fade could turn into a nasty slice pretty easily.

Ergo, I prefer to play with my limp Noodle.

(I think I win! )

[Golfbum]

While we are on the subject of balls, did anyone else see the BLACK NikeOne Black that Stewart Cink used on the Par 3 17th at the FBR on Thursday? He played it for one hole, and damned if he did not birdie it off the fringe. That black ball looked funny rolling across the green and into the hole.

I can picture it now, guys will be painting their balls black this summer

I have played with Blue Balls in the past, but that is because it was damn cold and I don't have any long undies!

[DaveE]

One of the reasons I got hooked on 3 piece balls like the Blue is because nearly all of our greens are elevated. I'd like to learn the bump and run but approach shots at our course have to make it to the green and stop.

In addition to being elevated, the greens are also small. That keeps the number of 3 putts down but also makes GIRs more difficult. The ability to chip close is vital.

Also it's important to avoid cart paths because that can scratch your balls.

[Rockford35]

I like to keep my balls in my bag. I have soft ones, as I like to spin them. There's nothing worse in my mind than a hard ball.

I golf with my doctor. He's always checking my balls to see if i'm doing anything illegal with them. So far so good.

The only problem I have is getting my balls into that machine that putts the putting guide line on it. My bag always gets stuck.

R35

[Loop]

I'm pretty sure you need a stick to guide your balls.

[bdcrowe]

Um... I did learn last night that I didn't like the Ti-Tech, but then they were also Blue. So, I'm not sure if I hate to stroke with hard balls, cheap balls or blue balls. Of course we also have to take into account that this was on my carpet at home, with possibly different results than real play. We all know that it's better to roll your balls through the grass than have inconsistent results while rubbing your balls on the carpet. As to cheap balls, I could care less. I hope to keep my balls in my bag where no one can see them, as opposed to exposing my balls to scrutiny by taking them out of the bag, playing with them too much and possibly losing them in the bush. It all boils down to this... Balls are very personal. It pays to play with your own as opposed to eyeing the balls someone else play with. This can cause your putter or driver to lose their feel and then the balls will never make it to the hole.

[DaveE]

Also, if you happen to be in the woods looking for your balls, sometimes you might see someone elses balls. It's really best to leave other people's ball alone unless your absolutely sure they're done with them. Even then it's a personal decision.

[Rockford35]

Never pick someone's balls for them. It's considered rude.

Plus, you don't know what kind of game that they're into, so it's best that he who knows the balls, plays with the balls.

And never put an opponents balls into your mouth, not ever. There's a penalty for that, and depending on the opponent, it may cost you many, many strokes.

R35

[Loop]

Originally Posted by Rock

And never put an opponents balls into your mouth, not ever.

You're right. But you can consider putting an opponent's stick into your mouth, it'll actually give your opponent a relief.

[The master]

May I ask wtf why you ever consider putting your oppents ball in your mouth, what would persuade you to say that?

The master, have you considered changing your name here to "Crack Pipe?"

"Crack Pipe" would suit you much better here as a user name, with all due respect... but I digress...

bdcrowe, ... it is cool that you are practicing during the winter, but you need to get your boots on and get out there and play for real. (Keep it real, dog)...