Do golf balls go bad? well, it depends.
The short answer is yes, they can.
Keeping your golf balls in good condition can be instrumental in your golf game, if your equipment isn’t in great shape, there is no doubt you will struggle.
A few different possibilities can turn your golf ball bad.
Lets mention a few…
- Your ball is waterlogged
- Your ball is heavier/lighter than 1.62 ounces (Why does this matter?)
- Your ball is 10+ years old
- Your ball is unbalanced
- Your ball has extreme wear and tear like scuffs and deep scratches
READ THIS IF YOU ARE IN A RUSH
Quick Answer:
do golf balls go bad?
Golf balls do go bad, but maybe not as often as you think. Most often you will see golf balls go bad by getting waterlogged, or coming unbalanced out of the box.
Another common possibility is extreme wear and tear from high use.
why?
Issues with the golf ball will effect the weight and the center of gravity.
Both of these factors can hinder your performance with ball flight characteristics that are out of your control.
FAQs On this topic
Do golf balls lose performance with age?
Yes, golf balls do lose performance with age. As a golf ball is used over time, the cover of the ball can become worn down, which can reduce spin and distance. The compression of the core may also decrease, and the dimples may become less effective. Therefore, it is recommended that golfers replace their balls on a regular basis in order to maximize performance.
How long can a golf ball be in water and still be good?
Golf balls typically will make it up to 12 hours before moisture begins to seep through the cover of the golf ball and into the core. Water hardens the core and makes the golf ball less playable.
Do golf balls lose distance with use?
Yes, golf balls do lose distance with use. The compression of the golf ball will decrease over time due to wear and tear, resulting in a decrease in distance.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into the subject.
How do you know when a golf ball is bad?
Most often, you will typically notice cosmetic damage to the cover and dimple pattern of the golf ball. You could grab a scale and see how much your golf ball weighs, anywhere north or south of 1.62 ounces is a sign the golf ball is bad.
A great tool you can use is your naked eye, if the cover of the ball has a dingy, off colored tint, then it has more than likely been in a body of water for some time.
Signs That you should look for:
- Dingy colored cover of ball
- noticeable scuffs and scratches
- The ball is heavier or lighter than 1.62 ounces
- Cracks in the cover
Golf balls are not invincible, you either lose them or they become unusable.
That is why you buy 1 dozen of them!
How often should you replace a golf ball?
I know it sucks, but golf balls don’t last forever, to keep shooting your best scores you will have to replace your ball every so often.
A golf ball can last you about 130 holes without loss in performance if kept in good condition.
In fact, your are more likely to lose your golf ball in a hazard than to make it to over 100 holes played with that golf ball.
However, if you take your finger and feel that the cover of the golf ball feels rough and scratchy, that is an urgent sign to swap your golf ball out.
Tips To Make your golf ball last longer
- Clean after every hole
- Avoid hazards at all costs
- Have good course management
- Stay away from concrete
Some people tend to replace their golf ball if they have a bad hole with it, so don’t be afraid to replace your golf ball often.
The scorecard will thank you.
Final Word
So, do golf balls go bad?
Yes they do, whether you scuff it up, leave it in water, or you get a bit unlucky and your ball weighs to much. There is quite a few ways that your ball can go bad.
Modern golf ball technology has combated this however, in 2023, the durability and resilience of a golf ball is much greater than its ancestors.
Bottom Line
It may be hard for you to notice whether your golf ball is bad or not, especially if your a beginner.
If your ball seems like it may be in rough enough shape to retire it, then do so. Golf balls are meant to be replaced after some time, not to mention you might just play better too.
I hope this article can help you enjoy this game that we all love even more. Cheers to more birdies!
8 golf ball facts you need to know
FeatureD Blog
Read about the 8 golf ball facts you need to know that will instantly help your game and lower your scores.