Two-Piece Golf Balls
Two-piece golf balls are the less expensive of the two but can still be a good choice, especially for beginners. They are made from a large solid core and a cover. The cover is normally a surlyn/ionomer cover. The hard cover makes the ball more durable — it is less prone to abrasion than the urethane cover used on more expensive balls. Very helpful if you are bouncing your balls off of every tree and cart path in sight!
This construction gives a two-piece golf ball a harder “feel” than more expensive balls. On shots around the green a softer ball is easier to hit; it will have more spin and be less likely to go flying across the green.
Two-piece golf balls typically have less spin off the tee as well. This can benefit a golfer who has trouble with hooks or slices. The low spin helps a golfer hit a straighter shot.
Budget Considerations: Two-Piece golf balls are cheaper and a good choice if you are still losing more than a sleeve or two balls per round and/or bouncing off of more concrete, tree bark, or fences than is ideal.
Some popular two-piece golf balls for 2022:
Three-Piece Golf Balls / Multi-Layer Golf Balls
Multi-layer golf balls are ideal for mid-to-low handicappers with faster swing speeds. The additional layer/layers elevate control, feel and shot sculpting. The thinner cover further enhances spin control and provides soft, crisp feel. A three piece ball adds an extra layer, called a mantle, between the core and the cover.
Most, but not all three part balls have a Urethane cover which enhances “feel” and improves performance around the green.
Three, Four and Five piece balls will have more spin than a two-piece ball. For a golfer that tends to slice or hook the ball, this can make those problems worse.
Budget Considerations:
Two-Piece golf balls are cheaper and a good choice if you are still losing more than a sleeve or two balls per round and/or bouncing off of more concrete, tree bark, or fences than is ideal.
Choosing the best ball for your game
See our Ultimate Guide to Golf Balls to select the perfect ball for your game and budget