balls

Question
Is there a way to tell if "used" balls are ok to play?  they look shiny like new ones.  
How can you tell when you need to use new ball?  Will a $4 ball actually help me,
I am 12 hcp, 68 yrs. old.  senior clubs, drive 200 in the air, use $2 balls (gamer)?  
Thanks. gene

Answer
Hi Gene,

Most balls on the market today or very durable and long lasting. If the cover doesn't have any cracks of discolouration (perhaps indicating that it was sitting in water for a while), then the ball should perform well. If a ball is past its prime, you'll notice less distance with it. However, since you probably don't hit the ball consistently well, a lack of distance due to your swing.

I'm an advocate of using premium balls ($4 and up each) because one is able to impart more backspin on them, thus you can stop the ball more quickly. As well, they tend to feel softer so your will have better feel with your short game (100 yards and in), in which you hit more than half of your shots. The drawback, of course, is losing them with your errant long game. If you tend to not lose many balls, I would encourage you to use premium balls for better scoring.

Hope this helps.

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www.probablegolfinstruction.com
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Best regards,
Ken Tannar