Depending on the make, model, size, and brand, a standard golf ball usually has between 300 and 500 dimples, with each dimple being at a depth of 0.010 inch. They are incredibly important, because if the golf ball was smooth it would only travel half the distance that its dimpled counterpart could achieve.

When setting up with your longer clubs such as one of your fairway woods or a driver, you’ll want to make sure your hands line up with the club in a straight line so the ball is positioned closer to your lead foot. With each golf club you use and the closer you come to the hole, your stance will change, so make sure you keep addressing the ball as each club calls for. Once you’ve set yourself up with the correct stance and ball placement, it’s time to focus on your backswing. Keep your arms straight as you pull back for the beginning of your swing, keep your shoulders fluid, and begin the flex at the wrists. As you pull backwards, don’t bend your dominant arm, and instead twist your dominant knee down towards the ball. Follow this grounded but fluid motion by turning your hips and shifting your weight onto your back foot’s heel. Now begins the downward swing. After a successful backswing, you now need to unwind the tension you’ve set up in your straight arm, strong shoulders, and coiled lead leg. Shift your body weight back onto your lead foot as you turn at the hips, letting your shoulders and straightened arms follow through in one fluid, sweeping motion. Make sure you don’t take your eyes off the ball to ensure full contact on your downswing. By shifting your weight from your back foot to front, you’re rolling your body along the momentum of the swing and following through with power to the ball.

Depending on how confident of a player you are, how fast your swing is, and what your budget is. For beginners and senior golfers who tend to have slower swing speeds, a low compression golf ball will help drive more distance and be kinder on your body. For those more confident golfers who play regularly, high compression golf balls are better suited to the characteristic faster swing speed. Low compression golf balls aren’t easy to control after your swing because they’re lighter, so your shot may be less direct. High compression golf balls do fly straighter, but they do need a confident steer on them too.

Golf balls are typically made of rubber at their core because it is light and bouncy. The rubber absorbs the energy from your swing to get that ‘pop’ off the clubhead, giving it lift and flight. It’s coating is either made from plastic, a resin called surlyn, or urethane, depending on your price range and the brand you’re looking to purchase. Each brand will have different specifications, so make sure you’re choosing the right one for your level of confidence and ability.

Cleaning your golf balls is essential to making sure their performance isn’t hindered, as dirt in the dimples will result in less flight and drag. Mix up some warm soapy water in a large bowl and drop your dirty golf balls into the water to soak. Give them up to 20 minutes and jostle them around once or twice to gently worry away the dirt. If any mud persists, take a soft-bristled cleaning brush and gently work away at their surface. Lay them out the day on a towel in a well-ventilated room so they’re ready to play their next round.

Your highest chance of hitting a much sought-after backspin are on long-distance shots using your wedge. You need a good, confident, high clubhead speed to successfully master the backspin, because this creates better drag and a higher spin rate whilst the ball flies. To create higher loft for your backspin, you need a sharp attack angle, so the clubhead is travelling and hitting downwards on to the ball. As well as this dynamic loft, you also need good friction for backspin, and this is where the terrain you’re playing on becomes important to consider. The more friction generated on your shot, the greater backspin you’ll create. The best conditions for backspin are therefore using a wedge with fresh, clean groove and a premium golf ball on short grass in dry conditions.

With the cost of living rising, you may be considering opting for a ball that provides value for money rather than choosing the best in class that will leave a larger dent in your bank account. Choosing the best budget golf balls depends on your swing speed, what the ball is made of and whether or not you want more distance off the tee or a better feel around the green. Some of the best budget balls include the Titleist TruFeel, Rife RX5 Tour Feel Bonus, and Wilson Deep Red.