#swing speed

Wondering if switching to a soft golf ball will give you more distance? Many golfers struggle with a lack of distance off the tee, and it's frustrating. The marketing claims about golf balls can be confusing, leaving you unsure which one is truly longer. The answer is conditional: soft golf balls go further for golfers with slower swing speeds, while hard golf balls go further for players with faster swing speeds. The myth that "soft is always longer" or "soft is short" is an oversimplification. The key factor is matching the ball's compression to your personal swing speed to optimize energy transfer. Based on our analysis of robot testing data and manufacturing specifications, this guide will settle the debate. You will discover exactly why swing speed is the critical factor. We will break down the science so you can choose the right golf ball to add yards to your drives. Key Facts Swing Speed is Decisive: The longest golf ball for any player is determined by matching the ball's compression to their swing speed, not just by how "soft" or "hard" it is. Compression Dictates Energy: Research indicates that golf ball compression is a measure of how a ball deforms at impact; for maximum distance, a player's swing must fully compress the core to generate the highest rebound effect. Slow Swings Benefit from Softness: For golfers with swing speeds under 90 mph, a soft, low-compression ball will almost always travel further, as it allows for optimal energy transfer that a harder ball would prevent. Fast Swings Lose Distance with Soft Balls: Independent testing consistently shows that high-swing-speed players (over 105 mph) lose significant distance with soft balls due to over-compression, which causes energy loss and increased spin. Cold Weather Favors Soft Balls: Industry analysis reveals that in cold temperatures, which make all balls firmer, a softer ball helps counteract the negative effects, preserving more distance compared to a hard ball that feels like a "rock." Do Soft Golf Balls Go Further? The Definitive Answer from Robot Test Data The answer is a classic "it depends," but the deciding factor is simple and measurable: your swing speed. The debate over whether soft or hard golf balls fly farther is full of conflicting claims. Some players swear that a soft ball gives them extra yards, while others find them to be shorter. The truth, backed by extensive robot testing, is that both sides can be right. The myth is that one type of ball is universally longer for everyone; the fact is that the optimal ball is the one that best matches your personal swing. To understand this, you need to grasp two core concepts that we will explore in detail: golf ball compression and your personal swing speed. Think of it like a spring – you need the right amount of force to get the most bounce back. A mismatch in either direction leads to lost energy and, consequently, lost distance. Before we look at the hard data, let's define exactly what "compression" means and why it's the engine behind your golf ball's distance. Do you know your swing speed? If not, you will soon understand why it is the most critical number in your golf bag. What Is Golf Ball Compression and Why Does It Matter for Distance? Golf ball compression measures the softness of a golf ball, rated from under 50 (very soft) to over 90 (very firm). This rating, determined by manufacturing specifications, dictates how much the ball deforms on impact with the clubface. To achieve maximum distance, you must match the ball's compression rating to your swing speed to create the most efficient transfer of energy from the club to the ball. An uncompressed ball (too hard for your swing) or an over-compressed ball (too soft for your swing) results in a significant loss of energy and distance. Think of it like a trampoline. A small child can't get much height from a very stiff, professional-grade trampoline because they don't have the weight to bend it. Likewise, a heavy adult would "bottom out" on a small, backyard trampoline, losing all their bounce.

The same principle applies to your swing speed and the golf ball's core. Your swing needs to be strong enough to properly "bend" the core to get the maximum rebound effect. So, are you using a ball that's too much like a rock or a marshmallow for your swing? According to industry standards, compression ratings can be grouped into three main categories: Low Compression: Below 70 Medium Compression: 70 to 90 High Compression: Above 90 How Does Swing Speed Determine Which Ball Goes Further? Your swing speed is the most critical factor that dictates which golf ball—soft or hard—will go further for you. The energy you generate during your swing must be efficiently transferred to the ball, and this only happens when the ball's compression is correctly matched to your club head speed. Slower swing speeds need the help of a softer, low-compression ball to achieve full compression and rebound. Conversely, faster swing speeds require the resistance of a firmer, high-compression ball to prevent energy loss from over-compression. Find out which category you fall into below to understand what it means for your game. How Do Soft Balls Perform for Slow Swing Speeds (< 90 mph)? For golfers in this group, a soft, low-compression golf ball will produce more distance. If your driver swing speed is under 90 mph, your swing likely lacks the force to fully compress a firm, high-compression ball. Hitting a hard ball with a slow swing is like a glancing blow; the core doesn't deform properly, leading to poor energy transfer and lost yardage. A soft ball allows your swing to achieve full compression, maximizing the rebound effect for more ball speed. This is why brands often market 'Super Soft' balls directly to seniors and higher-handicap players—the physics works in their favor. The primary benefits for this group include: * ✅ Maximized Energy Transfer: You use all of your swing's power to launch the ball. * ✅ Higher Launch Angle: A softer ball often launches higher, helping players who struggle to get the ball in the air. * ✅ Reduced Driver Spin: Lower spin can help minimize the effect of a slice or a hook, leading to straighter shots. What Is the Verdict for Average Swing Speeds (90-105 mph)? In this range, the "best" ball often depends on a trade-off between maximizing distance and achieving a desired feel. This is the crossover zone where the answer becomes less definitive. A player at the lower end of this range (e.g., 92 mph) might still prefer the feel and performance of a softer ball. A player at the higher end (e.g., 103 mph) will likely get better results and more ball speed from a firmer, multi-layer ball with a urethane cover, like a Titleist Tour Speed. For this largest group of golfers, the decision comes down to priorities. Choose a soft ball if: You prioritize a soft, buttery feel at impact and want more spin and control on your wedge shots around the green. Choose a firmer ball if: Your only goal is maximizing every last yard of driver distance, and you prefer a more solid, responsive feel off the clubface. The best way to find out what works is to buy a sleeve of each type (for example, a Callaway SuperSoft and a Titleist Tour Speed) and test them. See which one provides the best combination of distance off the tee and control into the greens. Why Might Soft Balls Be a Bad Choice for High Swing Speeds (> 105 mph)? For this group of powerful players, a soft ball is shorter, less efficient, and a poor choice for maximizing distance. At high swing speeds, the force of impact completely overwhelms a soft ball's core. This is known as "over-compression." It's like jumping on a trampoline that's too soft—your feet hit the ground beneath it, and you lose all your bounce. Your fast club 'bottoms out' the soft ball's core, causing a dramatic loss of energy. You might love how a soft ball feels off your wedges, but that feel is costing you 10-15 yards off the tee—a trade-off most competitive players refuse to make. The negative effects of using a soft ball with a fast swing are clear:

* ❌ Reduced Ball Speed: Significant energy is lost as heat when the ball deforms too much and cannot rebound efficiently. * ❌ Increased Driver Spin: Over-compression often leads to higher, unstable spin rates with the driver, creating a "ballooning" ball flight that climbs too high and falls short. * ❌ Inconsistent Performance: The ball's flight can become unpredictable, especially on off-center hits. What Do Robot Tests Reveal About Soft vs. Hard Golf Balls? Independent robot testing consistently confirms that the longest golf ball is entirely dependent on swing speed. This scientific data cuts through marketing hype and anecdotal evidence, providing the definitive truth. Using launch monitors like Trackman under controlled lab testing conditions, these tests verify the physics of compression and energy transfer. The results are clear and repeatable, settling the "soft vs. hard" debate once and for all. Here’s what the data from recent tests reveals: At Slow Swing Speeds (e.g., 85 mph): Robot tests show that soft, low-compression balls produce greater carry and total distance. The robot's swing is able to fully compress the softer core, resulting in higher ball speed and optimal launch conditions compared to a harder ball. At Fast Swing Speeds (e.g., 115 mph): The same tests demonstrate that firm, high-compression balls are significantly longer. We're talking about a gain of 10-15 yards in total distance. The firmer ball withstands the high impact force, converting that speed into distance instead of losing it to deformation. At Average Swing Speeds (e.g., 95 mph): In this range, the distance gap between soft and hard balls narrows considerably. The data often shows only a few yards of difference, confirming that factors like feel and short-game spin become more important deciding factors for this group. Soft vs. Hard Golf Balls: A Head-to-Head Comparison To make your decision easier, here is a direct comparison of the key features of soft and hard golf balls. This table summarizes the trade-offs you make when choosing one over the other, helping you align a ball's characteristics with your performance goals. Feature Soft Golf Balls (Low Compression) Hard Golf Balls (High Compression) Best For Swing Speed Under 90 mph Over 100 mph Driver Distance Longer for slow swings Longer for fast swings Driver Spin Generally Lower Generally Lower (for the right player) Feel at Impact Soft, muted, "buttery" Firm, solid, "clicky" Wedge/Iron Spin Higher (especially with urethane covers) Lower (unless a premium multi-layer ball) Cover Material Typically Ionomer (durability) or soft Urethane Typically firm Ionomer or firm Urethane Primary Benefit Great feel, helps slow swingers get distance Maximum ball speed and distance for fast swings Common Complaint "Mushy," lacks feedback, short for fast swings "Feels like a rock," hard to control around greens FAQs About do soft golf balls go further Do soft golf balls go straighter? Yes, for many amateur golfers, soft golf balls can go straighter due to lower spin rates off the driver. A slice or a hook is caused by excessive sidespin. Because a low-compression ball tends to produce less overall spin with a driver, it can help reduce the severity of a slice or hook, leading to straighter shots for players who struggle with sidespin. Do pro golfers use soft or hard balls? Professional golfers almost exclusively use firm, high-compression, multi-layer urethane golf balls. Their high swing speeds (typically 115+ mph) require a firm core to maximize energy transfer and ball speed. While these balls (like the Titleist Pro V1x) are firm, they also have soft urethane covers that allow for tremendous spin and control on iron and wedge shots. Do soft golf balls go further in cold weather? Yes, soft golf balls tend to perform better and feel better than hard balls in cold weather. Cold temperatures make all golf balls feel firmer and lose some distance.

Using a soft, low-compression ball in the cold helps counteract this effect, as it's easier to compress the ball to get a decent feel and rebound, preserving more distance than a hard "rock-like" ball would. Can a soft golf ball help fix my slice? A soft golf ball can help reduce the severity of a slice, but it won't fix the swing flaw that causes it. The lower spin properties of a soft ball can lessen sidespin, resulting in a less pronounced slice. However, it's a "band-aid" solution. The best long-term fix is to address the underlying swing issues (like an out-to-in path or open clubface) with a lesson from a PGA professional. Is a 70 compression golf ball soft? Yes, a golf ball with a compression rating of 70 is considered to be on the softer end of the medium-soft spectrum. Balls under 70 are generally classified as soft, while those under 50 are often labeled "super soft." A 70-compression ball is a popular choice for average golfers who want a balance of feel and distance. Do soft golf balls spin more? It's a paradox: soft golf balls spin less with a driver but can spin more with wedges. The low-compression core reduces spin on high-speed driver shots, which is good for distance. However, many soft balls have soft covers (like urethane) that allow the grooves on a wedge to "grab" the ball more effectively, generating high spin on short approach shots and around the green. Will a soft golf ball feel better when I putt? Most golfers prefer the feel of a softer golf ball when putting. Hard, high-compression balls can have a "clicky" or "hard" feel off the putter face, which some players find difficult for controlling distance. A soft ball provides a more muted sound and a softer feel, which many golfers feel gives them better feedback and distance control on the greens. Are expensive golf balls always harder and cheaper balls softer? This is a common generalization but not always true. While many premium tour balls (like the Pro V1x) are high-compression, many others (like the Chrome Soft) are softer. Similarly, while many cheap two-piece distance balls are soft, some are very hard. Price is more closely related to the number of layers and the cover material (urethane is more expensive than ionomer) than to compression alone. What is the softest golf ball on the market? Brands constantly compete for this title, but some of the softest golf balls consistently have compression ratings under 40. Examples include the Callaway SuperSoft, the Titleist TruFeel, and the Srixon Soft Feel. These balls are specifically designed for players with very slow swing speeds who need maximum help compressing the ball. If my swing speed is on the line (e.g., 90 mph), should I choose a soft or medium ball? If you are on the borderline, the decision should come down to feel and short-game performance. A soft ball will give you a plusher feel and likely more spin around the greens. A medium-compression ball might give you 1-2 mph more ball speed off the driver but with a firmer feel. The best approach is to test both and see which one gives you the best combination of distance, control, and confidence. Key Takeaways: Do Soft Golf Balls Go Further Summary Swing Speed is Everything: The single most important factor is matching the ball's compression to your swing speed. Soft balls are longer for slow swings (< 90 mph), while hard balls are longer for fast swings (> 105 mph). Compression Equals Energy Transfer: A golf ball's compression rating indicates how easily it deforms. To maximize distance, you must use a ball that your swing speed can fully compress to create the most efficient rebound effect. Robot Tests Confirm It: Independent scientific data from robot testing verifies that the "soft is longer" theory only holds true for slower swing speeds. At high speeds, firmer balls consistently produce more ball speed and distance. There's a Feel vs. Distance Trade-Off: Soft balls provide a more pleasing, muted feel that many amateurs prefer, especially in the short game and putting.

Increase your smash factor for longer drives

Most golfers when they reach a certain age notice that their swing speed starts to diminish and as that starts to happen the ball does not travel as far.

If this is of concern to you there are different approaches you can take to try and improve your distance.

The first and most obvious is that you can try to increase your swing speed to bring it back up to where it once was.  Some golfers try to…

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How the correct golf grip for driver affects your Golf Swing

Golf grip pressure

How you position your fingers on the golf club and the pressure you impart has a significant impact on your golf swing especially when using the driver. If the grip is too strong the ball is more likely to hook, if the grip is too weak then the ball is more likely to slice. It is important to develop a habit of taking a comfortable stance above the ball and applying a regular grip to the club which will lead to longer drives and more consistency with direction.

While club grip is often overlooked by amateurs just content with having fun, you should seriously consider it if you want to improve your score and eliminate the frustration of lost golf balls. A mistake generally made by beginners to golf is thinking that you need to hit the ball harder to make it go further. It is the club head speed through the swing that produces the power so the hands just need to be the guiding force.

Accordingly, you should always remember to take care of how you position your hands and fingers on the club before every swing. Give the process proper consideration and you will begin to enjoy the game better and have a swing with more force. To help you further, here are some grip tweaks you can try and their resultant effects.

Related article : Shorten the backswing

The Correct Neutral Golf Grip for Driver

With the neutral grip, both your hands are placed around the center of the club grip, without leaning on either side of the club. Take a comfortable stance with knees flexed ensuring the club head is square to the ball. All that is needed from the hand pressure is to make sure the club head remains square to the ball. Practice at the driving range to see how a grip feels when impact from the ball.

If right handed use your left hand to grip the club first and ensure the clubface squares on the target. If you can see only two knuckles – the top knuckles’ of your middle and index fingers – when looking down, then your grip is perfect thus far. Remember, to achieve consistency, a golfer needs to be relaxed as possible keeping stress and tension away from the grip.

Then, with the left hand perfectly placed, proceed to place your right hand below. This should be in such a way that it is directly opposite the left hand with both palms facing each other. If placed perfectly, your index fingers and thumbs should form V’s that point just slightly to the right side of the nose. As the name suggests, this grip favors no particular side. It is perfect for achieving a straight flight trajectory with your ball.

See also : How beginners can gain distance

The Correct Strong Golf Grip for Driver

A strong grip will see both your hands lean to the right of your club grip. This is in contrast to the grip being more or less at the middle with a neutral grip. Although called a strong grip it is for the individual to consider. The main thing to achieve better scoring at golf is via consistency and being confident of your swing when you have a particular shot to perform.

Place your left hand, firmly grip the club making sure that as you do the clubface is square on the target and you can only see three knuckles – those of the ring, middle and index fingers.

With the left hand in position, place the right hand in a way that, it’s directly below and with both palms facing one another from opposite ends of the grip. If the V’s formed by the thumbs and index fingers face each other from opposite ends of the grip then you’re perfect.

Among other things, a strong grip promotes the hands to actively release on impact. As such, the hands fully roll with impact. This gradual release favors a more closed clubface on impact and the right to left side-spin is transferred onto the ball making the ball hook or draw.

Closing Thoughts

How you grip your club determines how easy it will be to square the club at impact. This is among the first lessons you learn when you set out to learn golf and is an important part of controlling swing speed. It is the most essential part of a golf swing and doing it wrong will only frustrate your game and reduce the follow through. So start today and reduce the frustrations of the game by increasing consistency in your golf swing.

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Shorten the backswing to achieve greater accuracy and distance

It is easy to see why novice golfers feel that to shorten the backswing will result in shorter hitting distance. This in most cases is the opposite of what actually happens because most power from the golf swing is generated in the two feet before impact and the subsequent follow through. Swing speed is increased once the basic movement of shoulder turn has been mastered.

The impression of having to take a full swing comes from watching the tour professionals who have spent their lives developing their craft, gaining fitness and achieving optimum swing speed. Unfortunately, the average person starting to take up this game has to expect to put in practice on the driving range if they hope to become more proficient. If you feel you would like a system to work within, click here for a perfect swing.

Controlling the length of the backswing is a common problem for golfers especially beginners when they first take up the game. It can be very daunting to be told that you have over swung the club when it feels to you to be at horizontal. Telling yourself not to do something just hi-lights the problem which gets the subconscious mind to do the reverse.

The main thing to avoid with your golf swing is to have a massive turn which will make you long and the club will feel loose at the top. In this case as the club descends back towards the ball there are too many moving parts for the brain to cope with and the club will be offline at impact. A tiny degree out at this stage produces a spin on the ball which can send it miles offline as it flies through the air. Need a step by step guide, click here.

Tips to shorten the backswing

There are several methods that you can try to shorten the backswing but the most important thing is finding one that you can make mechanical without too many thoughts running around your mind. Every movement we make is controlled by the brain and as the golf swing is made up of multiple independent body movements the brain kicks in and tries to take control of the unnatural movements. Purposefully focusing on one thing is the key.

Grip and shoulder turn

The position that works for me as a right-hander is closing my left hand nearer to my right. This slightly tightens the grip keeping my left arm straight. The speed of the backswing should be slow so that balance is maintained. As I start my turn I focus on my left shoulder turning to touch my chin then I know that my backswing is at horizontal. As you turn back in the follow through allow the swing to do the work. Don’t try to hit the ball! A simple swing is for life, click here.

Practice with a seven iron.

Getting used to the feeling of the shoulders turning is something that takes practice. Most beginners start by tensing their muscles and swinging their arms, but this has the adverse effect of creating distance as well as accuracy. Find an open piece of ground where you can practice hitting a seven iron safely. Start by taking the club back a few inches before following through. Then gradually increase the length of the back swing by keeping your left arm straight and feel the shoulder turn.

Conclusion

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How to grip the club when driving the golf ball

Gripping the golf club

Golf grip pressure is a feeling through the hands on the shaft which gives confidence of a good take away at the start of the swing and ensures the club is free to perform at its best. It is recommended that a person learns the basics of golf, such as holding the club correctly and positioning of stance before actually hitting the course.

This may seem unnecessary and time-consuming when you are excited and want to get started, but getting the basics right from the off will avoid having to clean out bad habits later. The following tips will help you understand why it is important to hold the club in a way that allows the golf swing to achieve its full potential. If you would like to work with a complete system that guides you step by step to develop a perfect swing and transform your game click here.

Setting up for the swing for a right-handed player

Place the clubhead behind the ball, feet approximately 18 inches apart. Allow your arms to hang loosely without bending forward. Bring your hands together at the end of the club. This will allow an unrestricted turn of the shoulders.

Grasp the club handle gently in the palm of the left hand with an inch of the end of the shaft protruding. Close your fingers around the shaft with your thumb resting on top pointing down. Bring your right hand onto your left so it is covering the fingers with both left and right thumbs pointing down the shaft. It is important to feel that the fingers are holding the club rather than the hands gripping.

The above is a description of the standard golf grip but as you progress and feel more confident you will be able to make minor adjustments to suit your style. Most teaching professionals focus on lessons that are standard for tour players. However everyone does not have the ability and physical attributes to master the golf swing at this level. For more tips on developing your simple golf swing.

It is important to learn the basics and then adjust so that you can build a confident repetitive swing that suits your standard. Most novice golfers never progress because they are trying to emulate the swing of a famous professional and have too many thoughts going around their heads as they are trying to play.

Ideal golf grip pressure

The ideal golf grip pressure is a learning process that develops on the practice ground along with the simple golf swing. So many beginner golfers go out on the course, grasp the club in a vice-like grip, and then try to hit the ball as hard as they can, thinking that this creates distance. In fact, trying to hit the ball like this has the opposite effect.

The golf grip pressure is applied by the fingers which need to be firm enough to hold the club to control the shot. The back of the left hand is the guiding factor aiming at the target which will allow the club to generate the distance. By relaxing the grip on the shaft and rotating the shoulders from the waist will generate the swing speed required.

The Bottom Line

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Mastering the technique of chipping a golf ball

Introduction to chipping golf technique

On the face of it, the chip shot seems a much easier option for a golfer to learn compared with driving a golf ball from the tee. However, learning a proper chipping golf technique to perfect the chip shot will take a lot of practice, because it is more about feel. Unlike the drive where the swing is paramount, the chip shot needs to be played more as a delicate push shot with the minimal backswing. To learn about the simple golf swing click here.

A chip shot is usually played from around the green pitching up to the hole. It can be played with a variety of different clubs depending on the distance from the pin, the contours of the green as well as the speed of the green. For instance, a pitching wedge shot is going to be more lofted and more likely to stop within a couple of feet, whereas an eight iron with its lower trajectory is a chip and run shot.

Chip or chip and run

Pick the spot: The first thing you need to do is choose your target which is the spot you are going to land your ball on. You need to assess the pin position to allow the ball to pitch and then run out. If the green is slow and the ground soft the ball will not run far, so a pitching wedge may stop close to the hole without running.

Visualize the shot: Try to imagine the shot in your mind’s eye before hitting it. Even though the chip shot seems simple it is vital to focus to get the best result. By visualizing the shot and concentrating on where you want the ball to land you will rid your mind of any negative thoughts and nagging doubts about club selection.

Practice shot: Always have a couple of practice swings to feel in your mind how the club will cut through the fringe on impact. It is surprising the different feel you will experience between the different lofts of the club face. Swing speed control is vital to good contact with the ball.

Posture: There is no need for a huge backswing on this shot once you have taken your stance as the control will come from the follow through. Keep your body weight on the front foot so that your arms and shoulders can move in unison. The ball will be positioned more towards your back foot to allow the club to lift it on impact.

Point of Impact: Maintain your regular grip on the club, firm but flexible keeping hands ahead of the club head. You have to hit the bottom of the ball to propel it into the air and accelerate at the point of impact to avoid quitting on the follow through. To discover the secret of a perfect golf swing click here.

Conclusion:

Chipping and putting are the areas of the game where most shots are lost with novice players. There can be nothing more infuriating than to be on the edge of a par five hole in two shots and walk off with a six because the chip was too long or nowhere near the hole. Follow the guidelines above and practice different chipping shots as often as possible and you will soon shave shots off your score and lower your handicap. There is a video at the bottom of this page that you can refer to which will help to imprint the techniques when you are next on the course. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference and also follow this link for tips to becoming a master putter, click here.