Are Premium Golf Balls Worth It? Plus Ireland's Hidden Links Gem

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Are expensive golf balls really worth the money? This week on Both Sides of Par, Ross and Colin dig into the differences between premium golf balls and cheaper alternatives, including Titleist Pro V1, Pro V1x, Seed, Vice and Kirkland. With robot testing data suggesting some surprisingly small performance gaps, could golfers be spending far more than they need to?

Colin's also back from an Irish golf trip, having played the spectacular The Island Golf Club near Dublin, with its towering dunes, blind shots and unforgettable links layout. He shares why it might be one of the best courses he's ever played, alongside a visit to Roganstown.

Meanwhile, Ross is putting in some serious winter short-game practice, hitting 200–300 chips per session as he works to rebuild confidence and consistency. There's also a new Odyssey Ai-One putter in the bag, a discussion about SuperStroke grips and some practical advice on improving your putting without spending a fortune.

In this episode:

• Premium vs budget golf balls – Pro V1x, Seed, Vice and Kirkland compared
• Golf ball robot testing – does spending more actually deliver better performance?
• The Island Golf Club, Ireland – Colin's experience of a spectacular links course near Dublin
• Roganstown Golf Club – affordable golf and challenging greens
• Winter golf practice – Ross's 200–300 shot chipping sessions and landing-spot drills
• Odyssey Ai-One vs Scotty Cameron – Ross's new putter and improved short-putt confidence
• SuperStroke putter grips – choosing the right thickness and changing grips yourself

Two golfers, two handicaps, one obsession. From scratch golf to the challenges of a higher handicap, Ross and Colin share their experiences, discoveries and plenty of laughs along the way.

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