I hate to break it to you, but you’ve got a bit of trouble heading your way with the law on your tail.
Have you thought about how fast you were swinging back there after the 13th tee?
No, we’re not talking about your golf cart speed—we’re all about that swing speed of yours.
The issue is, the golf ball you’re using doesn’t sync with your swing. Your driver’s clocking in at 92 mph, but the golf ball needs a punch of over 105 mph to perform its best.
Consider this your warning—and enjoy a new sleeve of balls that better complement your playstyle—but don’t be so reckless next time.
The St. André crew is on your case.
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You’re probably aware of the lively group at St. André. Just last month, we chatted about this Atlanta-based comedy troupe that’s been making waves on social media with their laugh-out-loud sketches.
Their latest escapade involves teaming up with Bridgestone for a fresh, five-part sketch series dubbed “Compression Cops,” with episodes dropping every Thursday. The debut episode is already out today.
“Compression Cops” is a playful nod to Reno 911!, the early 2000s sitcom famous for its hilariously inept police officers sporting aviator shades and snug uniforms.
Although the outfits here aren’t quite that tight, the humor is definitely on point.
Leading the comedic patrol are St. André talents Aaron Chewning, Hannah Rae Aslesen, and Jonathan Pawlowski, who humorously nab golfers for using balls mismatched to their swing styles, offering Bridgestone alternatives instead.
Think of it as receiving a “speeding ticket” for your golf gear.
The series also stars Bridgestone’s own Jason Day and Fred Couples. In the opener, Couples humorously wonders if they’re being detained, to which Aslesen cheekily replies, “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
This series brings a light-hearted spin to the common golfer’s dilemma of picking the right ball. For a taste, check out the first sketch, “Speed Trap,” on the St. André Instagram feed at 1 p.m. Eastern.
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So you might be asking: Which golf ball should you be using?
As the “Compression Cops” series illustrates, swing speed is a major factor in choosing the right compression for your golf ball.
There’s a clear link between compression—a measure of how much a ball deforms when struck—and ball speed. Higher compression balls are firmer, while lower ones are softer. On a scale from 30 to 120, most players with lower swing speeds lean toward softer balls, while those with faster speeds usually go for firmer options.
Take the Bridgestone Tour B RX, for example—it has a compression rating of 65, suitable for lower swing speeds. The Tour B X, with a 98 compression rating, caters to higher speeds.
In general, except for the slowest swingers, firmer balls yield greater speed and softer balls tend to be slower. However, softer balls mean less spin. If more spin is your game, especially for approach shots, a low-compression ball isn’t your best bet. Look for firmer options instead.
Conversely, if you’re seeking straighter shots, low-spin balls can reduce curves. But remember, you won’t hit every fairway with a low-spin ball—or miss every one with a high-spin ball.
Lastly, faster swing players should steer clear of low-compression balls unless they need to counter excessive spin for longer shots.
Ultimately, we strongly suggest going through a proper ball fitting to make the most informed decision.
With any luck, this advice will keep you clear of the compression cops… at least for a while.
