The Basics of What to Consider:

    The main tradeoff with golf ball design is workability versus reduced spin. To have workability, a golf ball must spin easily, allowing a good golfer to shape his or her shots by putting backspin or sidespin on the golf ball. However, if a ball spins easily, it is more susceptible to hooks and slices, which are caused by the spin generated from poor contact at impact. Therefore, a beginner would be ill advised to get a high spinning golf ball made for an expert because the beginner's miss hits will be even more pronounced. Those two very different needs -- advanced players needing spin and beginners needing reduced spin -- have resulted in a wide variety of golf balls. To pick the golf ball that is best for you, decide whether you need help controlling your errant shots or the ability to shape your shots.

A Golf Ball for a Beginner or Intermediate Player:

    If you are just starting out and learning how to play, you should buy inexpensive golf balls because you will most likely loose a lot of them (Wright). A two-piece golf ball is your best option because it is inexpensive and much more durable than other types (consumerreports.org). The durability will help your golf ball last through a few extra shanks. Also, many two-piece golf balls are designed for distance, which often includes great spin reducing features (Morelli). That reduced spin will lessen the ill effects of the hooks and slices that are all too common for beginners. Finding a golf ball with reduced spin will benefit beginners' games until they learn to hit more consistently (World Book). The lower price, durability and reduced spin make the two-piece golf ball the best for beginners and intermediate players.

A Golf Ball for an Experienced Players:

    As an advancing player, experienced golfers need more control over their shots and the ability to shape a golf ball's spin and trajectory. If you are an experienced player, look for a golf ball with lower driver spin but more iron spin. That will give you hook and slice protection and more control where you need it most. A three-piece golf ball will suit you well  (consumerreports.org). However, in general, three-layer balls are more expensive and less durable than two-layer balls (Morelli). So, if you still consistently loose your golf ball, you may want to consider a less expensive, soft, two-piece golf ball. It will still give you the control you seek, but save you a few dollars.
 

A Golf Ball for a Low handicap or Pro Player:

    If you have reached the point where you have a fast and accurate swing, you will want a four-layer golf ball that has a hard rubber core and a soft outer lining to soften the feel. Those golf balls are often used by the pros and have "tour" or "pro" in their names (consumerreports.org). They are the most expensive and least durable type of golf ball. However, they are the most accurate and provide the most spin and workability (consumerreports.org). They do sacrifice distance to achieve high levels of control and accuracy, but if you are swinging at this level, distance isn't your main concern (Wright).

    Ultimately, the only way to know which ball is best for you is to give several a try. The golf ball that feels the best and performs the best for you is the right golf ball for your game (Morelli). To test out balls for free, check around for demo days offered by various golf ball manufacturers. If you follow the general guidelines presented above, you can at least narrow the field significantly. Your personal preference will guide you from here.