What is the Best Golf Ball for Putting?

Putting is a precision art that requires great touch and feel on the greens. For many golfers, using a ball engineered specifically for putting can provide an edge through enhanced visibility, better roll, and consistent performance.

But with so many choices available, how do you determine the best golf ball for putting?

Let’s examine the key factors that influence putter performance, review some popular putting ball models on the market, and explore what to look for in the ideal ball for sinking more putts.

Why Use a Specialty Putting Ball?

Before getting into specific products, it’s helpful to understand the motivation behind using a designated putting ball versus just sticking with your normal scoring ball. Here are some potential benefits of a specialty putting ball:

• Softer feel that provides better tactile feedback and control
• Rolls smoothly and consistently on the putting surface
• High visibility colors that contrast against the green
• Alignment lines, markings, or graphics that aid in the setup
• Dimple-less surfaces that reduce skidding
• Specialized constructions like magnetic or weighted
• Improved confidence and feel compared to a regular ball

While not imperative, the right putting ball can optimize feel and performance on the greens for many golfers. This can lead to sinking more putts.

Key Factors in Putting Balls

When evaluating golf balls for putting, here are some of the most important characteristics to look for:

• Feel – The softness or firmness of tactile feedback at impact.
• Roll – How smoothly the ball decelerates and rolls end-over-end.
• Consistency – Minimal variation in performance across temperatures.
• Visibility – Bright colors and markings are easy to align and track.
• Feedback – How the ball audibly, visually, and tactilely reacts to putts.
• Durability – Withstands repeated use and practice without scuffing up.

Keeping these criteria in mind, let’s explore some top-performing putting balls.

Popular Putting Ball Options

While personal preference plays a big role, here are some well-reviewed putting balls to consider:

• Polara Golf – Self-correcting ball promotes straight roll through dimple asymmetry.
• OnCore ELIXR – Perimeter-weighted layered core improves stability and consistency.
• TaylorMade TP5 Golf Ball – Though pricey, provides a tour-quality feel and roll if you putt well with your scoring ball.

Testing different models to compare visibility, feel and roll can help identify which is optimal for your game.

Selecting the Best Ball for Your Putting Stroke

When selecting a putting ball, consider your own preferences and putting stroke:

• Softer balls with more tactile feel fit slower, more finesse-based strokes.
• Firmer balls provide more consistent rolls if you have a faster tempo and impact.
• Textured covers like surlyn grip better on fast greens.
• Urethane-covered balls offer a superior feel but are less durable.
• Brighter markings assist alignment if you struggle with aim.
• Heavier balls train a smoother tempo and pace.

While personal testing is best, starting with balls aligned to your putting stroke style maximizes potential.

Tips for Practicing with Your Putting Ball

Once you’ve selected a putting ball, keep these tips in mind:

• Practice specific drills and games to build skills like distance control, green reading, and alignment. Don’t just randomly putt.
• Switch between your putting ball and regular ball to get used to differences in feel and performance.
• Putt on actual greens whenever possible, not just artificial putting mats. Learn how your ball rolls on real surfaces.
• Practice uphill and downhill putts to improve touch and accuracy when faced with breaking putts.
• Develop consistent pre-shot routines like ball placement to build confidence through familiarity with your ball.
• Use alignment lines and markings to perfect your setup position and aim.

Dedicated practice creates true putting mastery, not just the ball itself. But the right ball builds feel and reinforces optimal stroke technique.

One Ball to Rule the Greens

Sinking more putts requires dialing in all facets of your short game – reading greens, matching pace, and striking putts pure. While your favorite scoring ball can work, a putting-specific ball optimized for feel and visibility provides an edge.

Test popular models to find the ball that aligns with your preferences and putting stroke. Pair it with purposeful practice aids and drills. Soon you’ll have the keys to conquering those knee-knocking short putts when they matter most.