I'm wondering if anyone has practiced much with sponge balls (Either Pelz type or whimpier indoor sponge types)..If so, are there any adjustments with aimpoint due to the sponge balls compression or aimpoint with slow motion and low compression?..I'm pretty sure the aimpoint is supposed to move down plane the slower on swings...or any other adjustments to consider?
I ask this because my two closest driving ranges have shut down and I'm sure others are probably in this same boat..or sponge ball backyard practice is not recommended when leaning TGM?
If you have a 20-30 yards in your backyard, then why not use regular golf balls for basic motion ? If you have 50 then that even good for aquired motion with a lob or sand wedge.
Good question..I've got 45 yds before the woods and hit the real ball with basic & acquired motion all the time...However, this chews up the grass pretty fast balls and don't feel like using mats...
Also with a slow motion total swing with an 8-iron, I can see the tight draws or fades that I can't practice with a real ball..Plus the Pelz ball sits up a little bit and don't need to beat up the grass as much..
Also I've got 9 ft. ceilings and can go at full speed between rooms inside with the lightest sponge balls..Here I can see draws and fades as well...
Well there you go. If you can practice draws and fades with the alternative balls, then I don't think Homer would have objected to using them. The only difference is the compression feeling you get using the real thing.
I'll echo this. Birdie balls feel far more like regular golf balls than any other limited flight practice ball I've used. The ball flight is a bit exaggerated (no big deal), and it doesn't take much wind before they are unusable.
I also like the Pelz "almost golf" balls, but they still go quite far and I tend to lose them.
I don't adjust my swing for either of these types of practice balls. If I hit the really light, foam, squishy practice balls, weird stuff happens - usually a big hook.