Are you really getting bang for your golf ball buck?

You’ve probably noticed that you’re paying more for golf balls than you were a few years ago – and inflation is only part of the reason.

Now ask yourself this:

“Has all that extra dough added any yards to my drives?”

Chances are, the answer is a resounding “NO.”

It’s hard to believe, given the massive gains we’ve seen among pros, but amateur driving distance has been basically flat since 2005.

Yep, flat. Since 2005.

When the USGA and R&A released their massive “Distance Insights” study, it showed amateurs averaging about 220 yards in 2005. In 2019, the average was 218. 

Meanwhile, the average price for a dozen golf balls has gone up and up.

Which means, in a nutshell:

You’re paying more for the same performance.

Consider this, too:

Many manufacturers claim to make “the longest ball.” Fact is, there’s very little difference from one brand or model to the next.

They’re all pretty darn long. 

So if distance is your No. 1 criteria when choosing a ball…

And there’s only a few measly yards separating the “really long” from the “average length”…

But there’s a BIG variation in price…

Then…

Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to give up a tiny sliver of distance if it saved you a whole bunch of cash?

If that idea hits you in the sweet spot, there’s a new metric that will help you get the most bang for your buck.

It’s called…

It’s incredibly simple.

And as you’ll see in a moment, we’ve already done the math for you.

Here’s the formula: 

Price Per 1 Dozen Balls ÷ Average Driving Distance = Cost Per Yard

In our study, we used driving distance data from San Diego-based Golf Laboratories – the game’s leading independent equipment testing firm.

The tests were conducted using a state-of-the-art swing robot, with data collected by a TrackMan launch monitor. Each ball model was hit 12 times with the same driver (9∞ loft) at a swing speed of 93 MPH, the average for male golfers. 

The results:

It’s no surprise that the Titleist ProV1 checked in with the highest CPY – an eye-opening 21 cents for every yard of driving distance.

It’s the No. 1 ball in golf despite being the most expensive. In fact, the ProV1’s CPY was nearly double that of the two balls with the lowest CPY.

Here’s the big takeaway:

The difference between the longest and shortest balls in the survey is just 7 yards – but the longest costs $10 more per dozen.

Put another way…

We’ll also note that the two least-expensive-but-still-plenty-long options aren’t rock-hard balls with lousy accuracy and poor greenside control.

They’re both multi-layer models with urethane covers – just like the pros play.

It begs the question:

In the case of the major brands, a big chunk goes to marketing – not just for their golf balls, but for vast lines of clubs, bags, apparel and other equipment.

Those companies pay a pretty penny for tour endorsements and representation, too. Then there’s massive salaries for their C-suite execs, plus distribution to retail stores around the world.

On top of all that, you pay a hidden premium for the brand name itself.

None of which does a darn thing for your game.

“Brand-Z,” on the other hand, is a direct-to-consumer company with a tiny fraction of the overhead the majors ball makers carry.

Which means most of your $24.95 is spent on the actual product.

Novel concept, huh?

Based on reviews of Brand-Z’s products, it’s money well spent. 

Its golf balls have won “Hot List” honors from Golf Digest, been featured in numerous national publications and won raves from a wide range of golfers.

Brand-Z also beats the competition where many would say it matters most – value.

Let’s face it: Golf balls aren’t getting any cheaper. And golf ball performance, which is already excellent across the board, probably won’t get much better. 

Maybe it’s time to stop worrying about a yard or two here or there… Time to stop spending a small fortune for the big brands and their bloated budgets.

It’s time to start using Cost Per Yard as your guide – and getting more bang for your buck.