The scale of compression ranges from 0 to 200. Golf balls are loaded with a standard weight of 890 Newton (approx. 90 kilograms). A ball with a value of 0 deforms by about half a centimetre under this load. A golf ball with a value of 200 does not deform at all. Meanwhile, the value has almost no influence on the length of the tee shot. Tests with automated tee-off robots showed a difference in length of less than two metres.

Conclusion
Personal feeling can play a role here. If you like softer golf balls, golf balls with a lower value and the title "soft" are recommended.

A golf ball has between 300 and 450 dimples. Dimples are the characteristic dimples on the surface of the golf ball and optimise the trajectory of the ball. The number and arrangement of the dimples varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The air resistance of the golf ball is reduced by up to 50% by the dimples, whereby the ball covers greater distances. Without dimples, a golf ball would only fly up to a quarter of the distance. The following illustration shows the difference between a smooth and a dimpled surface.

Dual Dimple (Bridgestone Tour B XS and e12 Contact)

Dual dimples are smaller dimples inside the golf ball that are designed to improve aerodynamics. The outer dimple provides more height and speed off the tee, the inner dimple provides more roll on the fairway.

Tri-Balanced Construction (Wilson Staff Triad R)

Triad's patented Tri-Balanced construction shifts weight from the core to the other layers so that each layer has the same material density. This eliminates errors due to manufacturing tolerances, so Triad effectively functions as a one-piece ball for pinpoint accuracy and consistent putting.

1-Piece Golf Balls (Durability)

One-piece golf balls are typically made from a solid piece of Surlyn, which is then machine moulded and dimples pressed into the ball. Due to their longer durability, you will only find them, if at all, at driving ranges. 1-Piece golf balls have become very rare these days.

2-Piece Golf Balls (Distance)

The two-piece golf ball consists of a solid core that sits in a cover. The cover is what your golf club comes into contact with, while the core gives the ball weight and distance.

The cover is made of a durable and resistant material. When you think about how often your wedges and clubs hit the cover, it's no wonder golf balls look battered after a round of play.

The two-piece golf ball is built for distance. So when you see ball manufacturers advertising "long distance" golf balls, check the features and see if it is a two-piece ball. For example, the TaylorMade Distance+ is a 2-piece ball.

As already mentioned, a 2-piece golf ball focuses on distance. Accordingly, the dispersion is higher than a 3-piece, 4-piece or 5-piece golf ball. With a driver, the golf ball will be 4-5 metres further left or right than if you had hit it with a 5-piece golf ball.

3-Piece Golf Balls (Balance between Distance, Feel and Spin)

When we start to broaden the spectrum, you will find three-piece golf balls consisting of a core, a second layer and the cover (third layer).

The core is usually a solid piece of rubber or some golf balls use liquid cores. However, liquid cores are less common today.

The second layer is a reinforced rubber layer to allow some separation between the cover and the core. This creates a softer golf ball that helps you create more spin and control, which is needed in short game situations.

The cover or third layer is usually made of surlyn, urethane or balata.

Three-piece balls try to balance distance, feel and spin.

4-Piece + 5-Piece Golf Balls (Special combinations for distance and feel).

Four-piece golf balls add another layer to the golf ball.

The core (1), usually rubber, is built for distance so you can hit longer golf shots with your drivers and woods.

The inner face layer (2), which sits around the core, is used to transfer energy from the club to the core to create distance.

The middle layer (3) improves the spin of your driver and iron clubs so the ball can fly higher and be more forgiving.

Finally, the outer layer or cover (4) is usually a urethane cover that helps create feel on your wedge shots in the short game.

Five-piece golf balls feature a faster core and an extra layer to help with spin separation, making the ball best suited for different club types.

Four and five-piece balls are relatively new to the market and aim to provide the complex combinations of distance and feel.