Do golf balls lose compression over time?
When properly stored at favorable conditions and are still unstrained, most golf balls don’t lose compression over time. One agent that affects compression is temperature. Since the environmental temperatures (at the golf course or in the storage shelf) aren’t always under our control, compression of golf balls will likely dissipate as time passes. Of course, the impulsive whacks they get every time is one main reason for their subsequent decompression.
Do golf balls go bad or expire?
The question that is asked first at the beginning of the article was ‘Do golf balls go bad or expire’? So the answer is yes, they go bad and expire after several years, depending on the factors discussed above. You can store the balls at cool and dry places for years, and they might not affect the performance too.
Do golf balls have a shelf life?
Golfing experts suggest that an older three-piece ball might have a shelf life of two to four years. The reason a three-piece golf ball has a relatively short shelf life is due to the nature of the elastic threading. After a balata golf ball has been used by a player a few times, it could begin to fall out of round.
How long do golf balls last on the shelf?
Shelf Life of a Golf Ball
- Two-Piece. Two-piece golf balls last a long time. ...
- Three-Piece. A three-piece golf ball, usually targeted at better players, features a solid rubber or liquid center surrounded by elastic windings and a Surlyn or balata cover.
- Storage. ...
- Considerations. ...
How can you tell if a golf ball is still good?
One of the simplest ways to check your golf ball's performance is by giving it a good, old-fashioned bounce using any hard surface like a tile floor or countertop. Your goal is to make the ball bounce as high as you can reasonably bounce it without damaging anything in your home.
Are old golf balls OK?
The answer, it seems, is very well indeed. In 2016 PluggedInGolf.Com conducted a comprehensive experiment testing several different grades of used ball against what it called the “4 Myths” – that used golf balls feel like new on impact, and also perform like new when hit with wedge, iron or driver.
How long should a golf ball last?
According to Golf Digest, unless there is visible damage to the cover, the average golf ball should last at least seven full 18-hole rounds without any degradation in performance.
How long will golf balls last in garage?
With proper TLC, some manufacturers say their golf balls will last five years or more, again so long as you don't subject them to the elements, excessive humidity and so forth.
Are 25 year old golf balls still good?
The golf ball researchers at Titleist state, "Today's Titleist golf balls can be safely stored for five years or even more, as long as they are kept away from excessive heat. ... Normal indoor conditions should be fine for storage."
Do golf balls lose distance as they age?
A wound ball which is approximately 10 years old, stored at room temperatures and low humidity, will have lost about 0.5 to 1.0 % of its IV (Initial Velocity) which will affect its distance by a couple of yards.
Do pro golfers use a new ball on each hole?
Professional golfers will change golf balls every five to six holes. The modern golf ball technology can last for quite some time as the materials used to make these golf balls are more durable and resistant to cuts.
How often should you replace your golf balls?
The most simple answer to the question of how often should you change your golf ball is that there are no set rules. Some Tour players change their ball after a certain number of holes, but the truth is, this is more based on superstition than the diminishing quality of the ball itself.
Does it hurt golf balls to freeze?
It is certainly not a good idea to hit a ball when it is at freezing temperatures, because this will not only cause damage to the ball but probably the club as well, never mind the potential damage to your body if you are not warmed up properly.
How should golf balls be stored?
Don't fall prey to myths such as storing your balls in the freezer to prolong longevity- extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold can have a negative effective. Instead, simply keep balls stored in a cool, dry environment, like inside your home.
What is the best temperature to store golf balls at?
Some experts suggest normal storage conditions of a golf ball are when the golf balls are stored in 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so can make the ball last forever.
Do golf balls go bad in the heat?
Golf balls stored at room temperature have a shelf life of around a decade or longer if they are brand new. However, if they are stored in extremely cold conditions or hot conditions, the balls will deteriorate more quickly.
How long do golf balls last?
Golf balls will last for 7 rounds before wear even begins to affect your game. You are more likely to lose the golf ball before you ever need to replace it. There’s no reason to use a different ball as long as there aren’t any deep gouges or cuts.
Where to store golf balls?
Storing Golf Balls In Your Bag. Many people elect to put a whole box of golf balls directly in their golf bag for storage. This is generally a fine place to store them as long as your bag is put inside a temperature-controlled area. This could be your home or office, as long as the temperature remains cool, and there’s no excessive heat or dampness.
What is the cover of a golf ball made of?
The cover of a golf ball is made of one of two materials: urethane or ionomer. These two materials are overwhelmingly used in golf balls’ production, and both have very different characteristics. But which is better for durability and longevity?
What happens when you hit a golf ball in a bunker?
Also, when you hit your shot, the sand particles between the ball and the clubface will add extra abrasion that can cause additional damage to the ball.
How many rounds can you get out of a golf ball?
You should be able to get at least seven rounds out of a golf ball, at least according to Golf Week and Golf Digest. This assertion is just a generalized average, and many factors could contribute to it being longer or shorter than that.
Do golf balls have longevity?
If you are playing on a well-manicured, top-notch golf course, your golf ball will have increased longevity. The ball will roll across perfect, luscious fairways and greens, and you don’t have to worry about any nasty tree roots or hardpan.
Can you play golf with recycled golf balls?
If the recycled golf balls you find have marks on them, discoloration, or scratches that aren’t rough to the touch, they are perfectly fine to play with generally. If you can feel the scratches, scrapes, or cuts, the golf ball will not perform as well as a new ball.
Cover Material
Every golf ball has two physical components: the material of its cover and the core. The cover of a golf ball is usually made of ionomer, which is the tough one, or urethane, which is the soft one.
Core Material
Most modern balls have a polymer core that withstands all swing speeds. Compared to the ones made in the past, these are extremely durable and can maintain their shape and help golfers maintain their performance. Their lifespan makes them a hot favorite among professionals.
How Long Do 2-Piece Golf Balls Last?
If you lose a 2-piece golf ball to a water body, you will lose a distance of about six yards if it’s not retrieved for a week. And if you let it be for three months, you can expect it to drop three additional yards.
Do Golf Balls Go Bad In Water?
If a 3-piece ball stays in the water for about a week, it also loses roughly six yards, and if you leave it there for three months, you can expect to lose 12 yards.
Storage Considerations
When you are not using golf balls, you must store them safely in a place that has a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, golf balls will last for about 10 years.
Are 20 year old golf balls still good?
Under correct storage conditions, golf balls only last about 10 years before they start to degrade. For golf balls over 20 years, it is probably best to consider a newer one. A lot of technology changes in 20 years as well, so you will best be served with a new golf ball.
Final Thoughts On How Long Do Golf Balls Last
Typically, an average golf ball does a pretty good job for seven rounds. If you don’t see any visible damage, you can keep playing seven rounds. We’re talking about 18-hole rounds here, by the way.
How long does a golf ball last?
Without visible damage, a golf ball can last up to seven 18-hole rounds without any loss of performance. In fact, you are more likely to lose a golf ball on the course before it just wears out. But as soon as the ball feels rough, you should replace it.
What is a golf ball?
The modern golf ball is a pretty impressive, resilient piece of equipment. They are made to withstand high swing speeds, the sometimes unpredictable terrain of a golf course, and the errant shot.
Do golfers swap out their balls?
Most golfers swap out golf balls far more frequently and there’s nothing wrong with that. Maybe you had a bad hole and want to make a switch or you like hitting a new ball every round. Just know that it takes a lot of swings to wear out a ball.
Do all golf balls have the same durability?
Not all golf balls are created equal and there are a variety of factors that affect durability. Let’s take a look at the important things to keep in mind when it comes to the life of your golf ball.
Can you store golf balls in the freezer?
Storing your golf balls in a freezer has the same effect. If you keep them indoors at normal room temperatures, they will last for years without losing performance on the shelf. Don’t be afraid to stockpile your favorites, they will last you quite a while.
Shelf Life of Golf Balls
Let’s talk about unused golf balls that have been stored away. These balls will be safe and ready to use as long as they are stored at room temperature, around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. In such conditions, golf balls can actually last up to 10 years!
Do Golf Balls Go Bad Over Time (If Used)?
Asking if a golf ball goes bad over time is like asking if your teeth will rot if you do not brush them. Just like any other material in the world, is susceptible to damage the more it is used. While modern balls are longer-lasting, it does not make them immune to damage or scuffing.
Do Golf Balls Go Bad In Water?
First of all, let’s talk about having water on your club’s face or playing with a damp club in general. Suppose there is some water on your clubface. In that case, it has the potential of making any existing scuffing or damage on the golf ball even worse, as it manages to tear off some of the paint too.
How Long Should You Use Your Golf Balls?
The time it takes for a typical golf ball to wear off depends on the material, design, and conditions it is stored. It is typically thought that one ball can be played for the duration of at least 7 complete 18-hole rounds without sacrificing any of its performance or layering.
Do golf balls lose compression over time?
When properly stored at favorable conditions and are still unstrained, most golf balls don’t lose compression over time. One agent that affects compression is temperature. Since the environmental temperatures (at the golf course or in the storage shelf) aren’t always under our control, compression of golf balls will likely dissipate as time passes.
Should you store golf balls in a freezer?
An old golf myth states that storing your golf ball in the freezer would maintain its compression. Myths are myths, after all. Have you ever played golf during cold weather? You know it can cause you to lose distance. Playing with cold golf balls weakens the impulse of their supposed range.
Storage Temperature for Golf Balls
Storing your golf balls in an environment with extreme temperatures can bring about unfavorable effects. Whether you store them in a freezer or in a sunny space, you will regret it either way. As long as they are kept away from excessive heat or cold, they are safe.
Shelf Life of a Golf Ball
A golf ball, in reality, won’t last forever. Maybe it can last for a few decades, but no scientific studies can determine its accurate shelf life. However, keeping your golf balls on a shelf for long-term storage will make them last quite a while without effacing their current performance.
Types of Golf Balls
The two-piece golf ball has a soft ionomer cover (used to withstand the impact of errant strikes and rough terrain) and a solid rubber core (which is difficult to damage). It is a distance-type golf ball designed for players with higher handicaps. This ball usually lasts a long time.
When To Change Your Golf Ball?
Golf balls are impossibly impressive if they do not wear out at all. Besides the speedy swings and forceful blows they take, they may land on tough grounds and unfriendly surfaces, taking impacts that may later lead to damages.
Bonus Tips
Its height of bounce is lower than usual. Purchase a new golf ball. Compare its height of bounce to the older one you suspect is flawed. Their level of release should be equal, so expect an equal height of bounce, too. If the bounce height of the old golf ball is relatively low, it’s time to replace it.
Golf Balls And Their Shelf Life
Interestingly, golf balls have a shelf life, surpassing which they’ll start to degrade. The results will be in the form of ugly appearance, reduced performance, etc. So what’s the shelf life?
More Important Golf Ball Details
A myth (as stated previously) suggests storing a golf ball in the freezer. Please note that doing so won’t retain the compression and freshness. Instead, playing with a frozen or cold ball will result in a changed performance. The ball won’t drive properly, you may expect changed direction when hitting the ball, or the launch won’t be as expected.
How Air Temperature Affects The Performance
Cold air means increased density, which means thicker air. The ball will require extra speed to cut through the thick air. As a result, the friction will increase, which slows down the ball. Moreover, it’ll expect the golfer to input more energy into the ball through the club.
Selecting The Stock
Now that you know how temperature affects the ball’s performance, the ball and club selection will differ accordingly.
Selecting The Right Ball
Playing in cold weather will demand a very soft compression ball because the softcore will harden slightly in the cold weather, becoming suited to playing in a cool environment. Playing with a hardball will further make the game challenging in cold weather.
Selecting The Right Club
Using the same club in different weather conditions will give different results. For a reduction of every 10 degrees, you’ll lose 2 yards of coverage. Cold weather demands a 7-iron club, while hot weather is suited for 8-iron clubs.
Golf Ball Warmers
Considering that warm golf balls perform well, several manufacturers have launched their golf ball warmers intended to warm a freezing or cold ball. The device becomes ideal during winter seasons when the ball tends to get cool quite often.
The Best Way To Store Golf Balls
There are many different ways to store golf balls, but the best way is to find a dry place that isn’t too hot or humid.
Why is it important to store golf balls properly?
If you store your golf balls in the wrong environment (hot and humid), it could cause damage to your golf ball’s structure.
How long do golf balls last in storage?
Golf balls can last forever if they are stored in the right environment. By forever, we mean 5-10 years.
Does freezing golf balls damage?
The short answer is yes, freezing golf balls can damage them. It will make the balls lose performance and shorten their lifespan.
How To Store Golf Balls – Final Thoughts
Golf balls are sensitive to heat and humidity, so you must store them in the right environment.
How cold should golf balls be stored?
Consequently, it is recommended to store golf balls at room temperature or less (approx. 12‑18°C). In this temperature range, there is no risk of ball deformation or other changes to the properties of the balls.
Why does a golf ball expand?
THE TRUE REASONS FOR CHANGE IN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GOLF BALL. Long periods of exposure to heat or cold, due to storage in a car or garage, for example, cause a golf ball to expand or contract and alter the compression of the ball.
Why do golf balls deform?
The hard rubber core and the outer polymer layers are susceptible to temperature and can be deformed in case of protracted exposure to heat or cold. And after deformation, they will never return to the original form.
What temperature do golf balls melt?
High temperatures will affect the covers of golf balls which in many cases are made of an ‘ionomer’ which is a thermoplastic which starts melting and deforming at temperatures above about 170 Degrees F.
Is it bad to hit a golf ball in freezing weather?
It is certainly not a good idea to hit a ball when it is at freezing temperatures, because this will not only cause damage to the ball but probably the club as well, never mind the potential damage to your body if you are not warmed up properly.