Beginner needing advice

I have been reading up on this great game and I hear that the ball makes a big difference in how play goes. I am wondering when should I start hitting the same ball. Currently I use whatever I can find (buying or finding literally). Any suggestions. I don't know how to establish a handicap but on a par 36 course, I score about a 54 on nine. I have only been playing for about a year and have been on a course about fifteen times.

the ball makes about 5% maybe 10% of the golf. technique is huge, probly 90%! i would say if you are hitting 54 on a 36 i woudl worry about your technique. your hanycap is bout 30+. i would try to take some lessons from your local pro.

Lower handicapp players like balls that have a softer surface because they can spin and control their approach shots and shots around the greens more accurately. They also provide a better feel for putting. However a softer ball can mean less distance for the higher handicapp player. You really have to experiment around and see which ball provides you with the best combination of both distance and feel. One ball suggested on this site which provides a good combination of distance and feel at a reasonable cost is the Maxfli revolution.

My feeling is that when you get to the point you are hitting your Irons consistently solid, and want to fine tune your yardages (the exact carry/distance within 5 yds of a 7 iron for instance) you should look to playing one golf ball.

When you get to a point you are consistently hitting greens with your irons (and they run off the back) and/or you want to work the ball left to right etc. you need to give up playing the hard golf balls and start playing either softer golf balls or more performance golf balls.

Until then there is nothing wrong with just playing with what you find, just realize that certain types of golf balls perform diferently. You may be able to hit a hard Top Flite or Pinnacle 10-15 yds longer then soft noodle, on the other hand a perfect wedge may hit and go over a green with the hard one while the soft one may stick.

Bob