There are countless numbers of golf balls in the world, and each one is typically made in the same fashion. You don’t need to understand all the logistics of golf ball manufacturing to know when it’s time for a new set of balls.
As with replacing your clubs or grips, how often should you change your golf balls will depend on a number of things.
The Lifespan of a Golf Ball
The golf ball lifespan can be an eternity. As long as the ball continues to be round and without severe cuts and scrapes, it should fly and roll for a very long time without any problems.
Golf balls do not come with an expiration date, so they will stay in exceptional condition for as long as you keep them in the sleeve.
The covers of some golf balls are made of a material called balata. This type of material is usually softer and may not be last as long as others because of the softer cover. Up until the turn of the 21st century, these balls were popular among low-handicappers and tour professionals.
Some manufacturers then came up with a new type of material that was a little softer. But it still gave players the edge needed to drive the ball farther.
This urethane material is used to make golf balls in a variety of compressions, and it typically provides a softer feel around the greens.
Players at practically every level can find these types of golf balls available. As technology increases, the balls will be made to last longer and still be gentle around the greens.
How often should you change golf balls?
A quick visual inspection of the ball should be enough to let you know if the ball is going to perform properly for you once it is hit. Many of the world’s greatest players hit the same ball for a few holes before trading in for a new one, so you should be able to do the same.
Is the Ball Round?
It is possible that the ball can lose its spherical shape after you have crushed a lot of drives. There are items available that will allow you to test the roundness of the ball before you play it, but you can usually see how uniform it is by looking at the ball or moving it around in your hand.
Is the Ball Damaged?
A ball can get cut in a variety of ways. You may hit a cart path, tree, or other hard object and notice that the ball is no longer as blemish-free as it once was.
How often should you change golf balls? Scrapes and gashes can cause the ball to fly irregularly which isn’t a good thing especially if you’re playing for some big stakes. Once you hole-out, take the time to survey any damage to the ball and trade it in for a new one if necessary.
18 Holes with One Ball
As long as you don’t lose the ball and avoid hitting majorly hard surfaces, you can expect the ball to last through all 18 without any problems. As the round progresses, you may begin to see some slight discolorations, but that is still not very common.
Finders Keepers
If you find a ball that isn’t yours, you may be able to play it without worry. Again, it is important to do a visual inspection before teeing it up, so play what you find because you could realize some untapped potential with a new brand of ball.
You may want to reconsider this idea if you have unearthed a ball that is now multicolored because of the mud.
For the Love of Golf
Some pranksters love to set up their fellow golfers by using exploding golf balls or ones that float in the water. Unlike traditional balls, these will not usually last for very long, but the memories can last a lifetime.
You can count on using your ball from tee to green for an entire round. It is important to remember that you can only change balls once you have finished the hole. If you notice a major scuff on the ball do not exchange the ball because it is a two-stroke penalty in a stroke play event.
You should also make sure to tell your playing partners when you change golf balls. Everyone in the group should know the type of ball you are playing to prevent any possible cheating during the round.
Golf is a game of passion, skill, and enjoyment, so make sure that you find the right type of golf ball for your game.
Although new balls can be expensive. They are worth every penny when you watch them fly through the air with the greatest of ease and roll on the greens like hot butter on a knife. Stay in tune with your game to increase the golf ball lifespan.
I hope we answered correctly about how often should you change golf balls and hope to see you again soon.
Sources and References:
- Golf ball –Â wikipedia.org
- Changing balls during the game –Â wgt.com
Nick Lomas is the founder of GolfSpan, an avid golfer, not quite a pro but has over 15-years of experience playing and coaching golfers from all over the world. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience then it comes to choosing the right golf gear, and finding the right set up for your game.
