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I recently received an interesting request from a devoted southern California reader.

Hey. How about discussing some criteria for selecting a golf ball to match one's game. I am tempted to buy the name brands but my game is so not worth the 35 bucks, particularly since I am a woman and don't have the same swing speed as the male bigger hitters like you. So, I'm interested in your opinion before I lay my money down on new balls for the upcoming season. How's that for noise?

First let me say... Forget the swing speed/male big hitter baloney. Everyone is entitled to there own game and getting a golf ball fitment can be as important for you as it is for the great Tiger Woods. As golf is a game built on confidence, I would submit that if it's important to play the ball that matches your game, then set your sites on finding it.

Ask at your next lesson. Any teacher worth his/her salt should be familiar with the latest golf ball technology. You may also want to inquire at your local golf discount store. Be advised that their motivation is to make a sale, however. And what about your regular golfing friends? Let them test the snazzy balls and you reap the benefits of their hard research.

When your ready to shop, start right here at Golfnoise's Top 5 Golf Balls. These babies are the cream of the crop. For an expanded list, hop over to Golf Digest's Hot List 2008. You'll find a tricked-up rating system with color-coded indicators for outstanding, very good and good. Included are actual user comments and a variety of price points. There's enough info to satisfy players at every level.

A few of my inside-the-ropes lady friend golfers swear by the Precept MC Lady, Callaway's HX Pearl and Volvik's Crystal Soft Pink. Nike's Karma is also gaining popularity with a few well-turned female players.

So there you go. Your mission now is to step up and test fly a few until you find one that works. Then, let me know if this golfnoise put you on the right path because, frankly, I think your game is worth a bit more than 35 bucks!