Differences Between Miniature Vs. Regular Golf Balls

Golf has made a name for itself as one of the top sports an athlete can play. The game really picked up momentum over the past century and a half, gaining in popularity and even spawning recreational "for fun" versions, such as miniature golf. Today, golf balls have become a science. While miniature golf uses cheaper, harder two-piece balls, many golf balls use three -- and even four -- pieces, with a rising price tag to match.

  1. Two-Piece Golf Balls

    • Traditional golf balls consist of two-piece balls, including a cover and core. The balls generally have an extremely hard feel when struck on a golf course. Because the core is denser than the three-piece ball, an increase in compression causes two-piece balls to travel farther. These balls are generally reserved for driving ranges and amateur golfers because of their low cost. Miniature golf courses also use two-piece balls, usually not labeled and featuring a variety of colors.

    Three-Piece Golf Balls

    • If you see a hefty price tag on a ball, chances are it's a three-piece golf ball. The three-piece golf ball, like its two-piece counterpart, also contains an external cover and core, but in between the two, it also features a long rubber winding that stretches completely around the core several times over. The winding creates a soft feel to the ball when struck, compromising little distance for control and spin. They are easier to putt, which would make them ideal for miniature golf. However, since miniature golf is a for fun, three-piece balls will remain on the shelves.

    Cover Compositions

    • Modern three-piece balls can contain more sophisticated coverings to match. Usually a urethane covering is used. These coverings are relatively soft and also easy to damage, and therefore they are generally kept away from environments with amateur golfers, such as miniature golf courses. Many two-piece balls contain urethane covers as well. However, miniature golf balls, as well as range balls, generally have a surlyn cover, which is harder and more durable.

    Other Types

    • Golf technology has rapidly advanced in recent years. New hybrid balls have become a creation of top brands, such as Titleist and Callaway. Hybrid balls feature a regular core, but the core has an additional layer as opposed to a winding. Four-piece hybrid golf balls do the same thing, but they have an additional thin piece covering the inner core sections. The reasoning behind these designs is to improve spin and control.