Golf balls are one of the most important items in your bag.

There may be a debate when it comes to which part of the game should be prioritized, whether it be driving, approach shots or short game.
Some argue that half of our scores are made in and around the greens. That actually makes a whole lot of sense.

But the golf industry realizes that driving distance is what excites most golfers so development and marketing is commonly poured into that area.

When you really think about it though, there is only one thing that is part of the equation in every shot, from tee to green — the golf ball! What do we really know about the balls we play?

I got curious and tried to scratch the surface.

My curiosity with the ball I use came up when I watched a short clip on social media.

It showed an exchange during a Pro-Am where the amateur partner asked pro Patrick Reed what golf ball is the best.

Patrick answered that there is no best ball, period. There is only a best ball for a specific person, based on a number of factors. So a premium golf ball may work for touring pros but may perform worse than an average ball for certain players.

This got me thinking.

I've been playing Titleist Pro V1s for over a decade, maybe for the last 20 years. I'd use other brands when they're free, but only the top of the range models like Taylormade TP, Callaway Chrome, Srixon Zs, Bridgestone Bs and the like.

I always play what the pros play because I thought they would perform the best and feel the best. Even in the 1990s and early 2000s, I remember playing Titleist Professional 90 and 100 balls, and Balata models from Titleist or Royal Maxfli. Never have I thought about ball fitting or at least looking at possible alternatives.

I always chose the softest, highest spinning balls, which usually meant the range-topping models.