Tech Talk w/ Dean Snell - Episode #32 - Is Testing with a Driver the Best Way to Pick a Golf Ball?

Is Testing with a Driver the Best Way to Pick a Golf Ball?

Tech Talk Episode #32

When it comes to choosing the right golf ball, many golfers start by testing off the tee. After all, if the driver is the club you hit most often for distance, it seems logical that it should guide your decision. But is that really the best approach?

In this week’s Tech Talk, Dean Snell answers a question from Nate in Minnesota:

“Is testing with a driver the best way to pick my golf ball?”

Driver Testing Isn’t the Full Picture

Dean explains that while driver testing can provide some useful data, it’s actually one of the worst ways to select a golf ball. Modern drivers are adjustable—they let you change loft, lie, face angle, and even spin characteristics. That means the driver’s performance can be fine-tuned independently of the ball you’re using.

Because of that, results from driver-only testing don’t tell the whole story about how a ball performs across your game.

Why Short Game Testing Matters More

The most effective way to pick a golf ball is by starting from the green and working backward. Dean emphasizes that shots inside 100 yards—especially wedges, chips, and putts—reveal the most about how a ball truly performs.

This is where you feel differences in:

• Spin and stopping power

• Greenside control

• Softness and sound at impact

Once you’ve found a ball that gives you confidence around the green, you can then test it with longer clubs to ensure it performs consistently through the bag.

The Role of the Driver in Ball Fitting

That doesn’t mean the driver has no role at all. Once you’ve narrowed your options through short game testing, it’s important to confirm that the ball also delivers the right launch and spin off the tee.

The key is to view driver testing as a final step, not the starting point.

Final Thoughts

In Episode #32, Dean breaks down why relying on driver-only testing can lead you astray when selecting a golf ball. A driver can be adjusted to fit the ball—but your wedges and putter can’t.

So if you want a golf ball that performs consistently from tee to green, start your testing where it matters most—around the green.

Watch the full Tech Talk episode below to hear Dean’s complete explanation and practical tips for better ball fitting.