BALL PLAYED: Callaway Speed Regime 1.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I’d like to know more about the differences between the three types of ball but I imagine the No.1 ball is the right one for me. It’s quite a good concept.

VERDICT: I quite like the Speed Regime. I found I got more height than usual, which was good, but I don’t believe I hit it any further than other balls, although we had some overnight rain on the course which might account for that. I drove the ball fairly straight today so the accuracy benefits were clear. I chipped the Speed Regime ball pretty well, too. I didn’t get much spin out of it but I rarely do; it was more a case of liking the crispness of contact around the greens and feeling comfortable, and gaining confidence as a result.

BALL PLAYED: Callaway Speed Regime 3.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I like the concept of having several selections within one brand of ball based on swing speed. It’s easy to match a player’s ability to a ball, and you don’t need a lot of knowledge about the product to be able to do it.

VERDICT: I loved the Speed Regime ball. I played quite well today, which probably helped, but overall I was very happy with the ball.

I used a new driver today for the first time as well, so it’s difficult to say whether or not I hit the ball further but I did hit every fairway so the accuracy was noticeable. A couple of my shorter pitch shots checked up really well, some of them spinning back several metres, which was great for control.

BALL PLAYED: Callaway Speed Regime 2.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Having three different ball types within the same brand is very interesting. You firstly have to know your own swing speed, but with three clear choices you can probably figure it out.

VERDICT: I didn’t notice any additional distance with the Speed Regime ball, especially in driver carry. Accuracy and flight were likewise similar to other balls I use. It did deliver around the greens, however, with chip and pitch shots. When you clip the ball nicely it really cushions off the clubface and responds with spin when you need it and releases when you don’t. What I wouldn’t mind doing now is trying the Speed Regime 1 or 3 to see if there was an appreciable difference.

FACTS & FIGURES

SUITABILITY: The Speed Regime line includes three balls designed to suit certain driver swing speeds. The SR1 is optimised for swing speeds 90mph and slower, the SR2 is for swing speeds between 90 and 105mph and the SR3 for swing speeds 105mph and faster.

HOW MUCH?: $60 per dozen.

CALLAWAY SAYS: “For the first time, Callaway has optimised its golf balls for every type of golfer because no golf ball is perfect for everyone. Part of that process includes optimising the aerodynamics of each ball for more distance at each swing speed.

“The Speed Regime 1 has a specifically engineered HEX aerodynamics cover pattern that provides the best aerodynamic performance for players with driver swing speeds of 90mph and slower, optimising low-speed lift to deliver a long, stable, penetrating ball flight. A new proprietary soft cover promotes Tour-level control on approaches and shots around the green while giving this ball incredibly soft feel.

“The Speed Regime 2 has a refined HEX aerodynamics cover pattern that provides the best aerodynamic performance for players with an athletic swing speed between 90 and 105mph, optimising lift and drag to deliver a long, stable, penetrating ball flight that holds its line in the wind and maintains distance. To achieve the ultimate in spin separation for golfers with a driver swing speed in this range, the SR2 has a soft inner core that generates low spin off the driver for long distance. It also has a firmer outer core that generates higher spin rates for more spin and total control.

“The Speed Regime 3 is specifically engineered for players with driver swing speeds of 105mph and faster, reducing high-speed drag and promoting a long, stable, penetrating ball flight at Tour-level swing speeds. The Duraspin cover features a proprietary formulation that yields the soft feel and exceptional short-game spin skilled players seek in a Tour golf ball.”

Contact Callaway Golf on 1800 217 777 or visit www.callawaygolf.com