It’s a little-known undeniable fact that there are over 750 totally different colored golf balls which can be allowed for use in competitors play. However out on tour, and likewise across the beginner sport, we see so few balls that aren’t white.
For no matter motive we solely play a yellow ball after we’ve misplaced our others or been given a sleeve of one thing totally different. The producers insist that there isn’t any distinction within the enjoying traits nevertheless it’s been a really sluggish transition in making an attempt one thing out of the unusual.
This 12 months we noticed Peter Malnati, who makes use of a Titleist Professional V1x, win on the PGA Tour with a yellow ball however his reasoning was not what the producers would have wished.
“I began utilizing it in Minnesota on the 3M Open final summer time, and the rationale I switched to it’s as a result of my, on the time, my three 12 months previous (Hatcher), who’s now 4, favored them, and so, he’s form of over it now, nevertheless it nonetheless makes me consider him, and that’s value a smile or two, which is value lots on the market for me.”
On the PGA Tour Champions we’re seeing extra yellow balls. Fred {Couples} famously used one to shoot a 12-under 60 within the closing spherical to win the 2022 SAS Championship and he claims that the change of color has been an asset for his visibility.
Likewise Ernie Els, who was second on the cash checklist and a winner 3 times, has additionally made the change and it’s clearly helped his sport.
On the 2022 Open Paul Lawrie made some form of historical past when he hit the opening tee shot with a yellow ball.
“I’m 53, not 23, so my eyesight’s not the very best. I simply see it higher when it’s flying. Additionally after I’m within the tough as a lot as I’m, it stands out like unbelievable. Even the marshals can see it.
“I by no means thought I’d play with a yellow ball, however I truly fairly prefer it,” he mentioned at St Andrews.
Nice to be enjoying one other occasion on the superb @carnoustiegolf course is trying improbable @CraigBoath pic.twitter.com/EaBrlVYDLb
— Paul Lawrie (@PaulLawriegolf) July 23, 2024
Why change to a yellow ball?
1/ So, as Lawrie says, enhanced visibility is one apparent constructive. Up towards a wide range of backgrounds yellow balls are simpler to trace.
2/ All of the main producers now produce at the very least a yellow possibility whereas others, eg TaylorMade, try very onerous to supply totally different visuals to assist together with your alignment.
3/ There’s additionally much less probability of shedding it which is a large bonus at the moment of 12 months. When you’ve ever tried a yellow ball then, no matter you consider the visuals or really feel, then it needs to be simpler to identify across the course.
4/ Gamers who do use a yellow ball will typically cite that it helps with focus and that it helps with confidence. And that may solely be a great factor, whether or not it’s psychological or not.
5/ A sense of individuality. Who is aware of, standing out from the gang may aid you strive one thing somewhat totally different. And pulling off memorable photographs is a large a part of what this sport is all about, proper?
There was as soon as a little bit of a stigma round yellow balls. They have been seen as a little bit of a novelty and a bit gimmicky however these days are lengthy gone and we’ll be seeing extra of them, both on TV or out on the course within the coming years.
You should purchase yellow balls within the sale right here.
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