SPHERES OF INFLUENCE

Choosing the right golf ball has more effect on your performance than you think. Finally, a step-by-step guide to finding the one you've been searching for.

-  KRIS MCCORMACK

How to Be Your Own Ball Fitter

Choosing the right ball isn't just for Tour pros or gear junkies. It can have a huge impact on how you play. We're talking more control, better distance gaps, improved feel and lower scores.

We've found that there's a solid 10 things to consider when finding the perfect fit.

So without further ado...

1. Start from the green, not the tee

Scoring happens around the green. You don't shoot 79 instead of 85 because you gained five yards off the tee. You shoot 79 because your chips stopped two feet closer, or you made that tricky downhill putt because the ball felt just right coming off the putterface.

2. Embrace spin

Want to hit that one-hop-and-stop wedge shot? (If you said no, you've never seen the shot react on a green in person.) You need a ball that actually spins, not a rock-hard range ball that skids across the green like it's late for a flight.

3. Feel good on putts

A softer ball gives you better feedback off the putterface. It's like using a pen instead of a markerit's more precise.

4. Keep distance in mind, but don't make it a priority

Don't get me wrong-distance still matters. Nobody wants to give up 15 yards off the tee. But here's the good news: Most modern golf balls, even the soft and "spinny" ones, are pretty long. You might lose a little distance going from a low-spin rocket to a 4- or 5-piece Tour ball, but the trade-off in control is usually worth it. Think about it this way: Would you rather hit it 180 and hold the green, or hit it 195 and have it roll off the back into a bunker or worse?

5. Don't try to fool Mother Nature

Yes, weather conditions actually change how your ball performs.