How to Identify a Low Compression Golf Ball

A golf ball with a low compression rating is ideal for golfers who have a slower, less powerful swing. The makeup of the inner core of the ball reacts in such a way that the ball can actually travel farther than when hit with a hard, powerful swing. The trade-off is that a low-compression ball is harder to control than a higher-compression ball. Compression ratings were more of a consideration back in the 1980s and 1990s, but developments in golf ball technology have made the rating less important. The compression rating on a golf ball can generally be found on the cover of the ball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look on the surface of the golf ball, where you see sets of numbers. A single-digit number is simply an identifying number for the players to use when playing withother players; a high three-digit number indicates the number of dimples on the surface of the ball; and a two-digit or low three-digit number (starting with a 1) indicates the compression number.

    • 2

      Look on the box the golf balls came in for the compression number, if not indicated on the ball (not all manufacturers list the compression number on the ball).

    • 3

      Determine the compression rating for your ball; if the compression rating is 80 or lower, it is at the high end of the low-compression scale, as some manufacturers make golf balls with compression ratings as low at 40, for average golfers who wish to hit the ball long distances.