Golf has changed quite a bit in the years since it was first conceived but nothing has evolved quite so much as the equipment used, especially the golf ball.

Though for some winter golf seems absolutely horrific, for others it's simply one of the best times to play the sport. With kind weather in the skies, there's nothing quite like playing on a crisp winter morning on your favourite course.

After explaining the key performance characteristics of golf balls, Leaderboard wanted to give some buying advice by comparing golf balls from the four key handicap/performance groups. It can be a bit of a mine field trying to find the right ball to complement your game, with an overwhelming variety to choose from. Here is a rundown of the four common golf ball categories, with a selection of balls for you to choose from.

The greatest advance in a golfer's performance is not the development of the clubs, but rather the balls we play with. We have come a long way since the crude 'Featherie' balls of the 1600's and now have an overwhelming choice in ball design and make up.

Leaderboard take a closer look at the key performance characteristics you need to concentrate on when choosing the right ball for you.

To mark a golf ball properly we usually use a marker, but it can be a coin or anything similar. Andrew Wild explains the process.

It's always important to make sure that you can identify your golf ball on the course. Andrew Wild explains why.