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how often should you use a new golf ball

by Candida Koss Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.2 days ago

Full Answer

How often should you change your golf balls?

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.

How many new golf balls should you use per round?

Some believe there’s a performance benefit to be had by using at least a few new balls per round, while others, like 2019 U.S. Open winner Gary Woodland, are superstitious and prefer to change balls when a square goes on the card.

How long does a golf ball last?

Let’s take a closer look. How long does a golf ball last? The research says you can get seven rounds out of a golf ball before seeing a drop off in performance but obviously that will vary depending on what happens to it. If it catches a tree or path and gets scuffed, that number is going to go down.

When can you change golf balls in stroke play?

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.

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How long are new golf balls good for?

You can usually get about 10 years out of an unused golf ball, again, provided that it is stored properly. The best temperature for golf ball storage is around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should you use a new golf ball every round?

To maximize consistency and performance, you'll need to put a new ball into play every few rounds, according to experts. While there's nothing you can do to stop the aging process, you can slow it down. As a general guideline, store balls indoors at a moderate temperature.

Do pro golfers use a new ball every 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 long should you use the same golf ball?

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.

Do used golf balls lose distance?

Lab tests, including our own, show little or no loss in yardage compared to new balls, and most golfers report no appreciable difference in play. But most of this research is based on tests of mint-quality used golf balls pulled from water hazards with no understanding of how much time each ball spent underwater.

Does the brand of golf ball really matter?

The quality of golf ball you use definitely matters and impacts on your game. Higher quality, more expensive golf balls generally have a urethane cover, leading to greater 'feel' and spin control. Premium balls will usually perform longer and hold greens more consistently, helping you shoot lower scores.

Why don t pro golfers use colored balls?

As a whole pros don't use coloured golf balls because white balls are easier to see. Since pros depend on the game for their living it's vital they maximise their ability to see the flight and where their ball goes. Bubba Watson and Hale Irwin are examples of major champions who have used coloured golf balls at times.

Are you allowed to switch golf balls?

You can always use a new ball when starting a hole. You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand.

How many golf balls should you carry?

Most of the time, golfers have between 6 and 12 golf balls that they like to carry in their bags. What is this? This is more of a personal preference, and some golfers will look at it from a superstitious viewpoint, but right around nine is pretty standard for most professional golfers.

When should you replace 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.

How many rounds of golf does a ball last?

sevenWithout 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.

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.

How many rounds of golf is a golf ball good for?

sevenWithout 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.

Do golfers have to use the same ball?

In PGA Tour, most professional and high-level amateur tournaments, golfers are bound by the One Ball Rule, meaning they can only play a single golf ball -- same manufacturer and model -- throughout a stipulated round. So professional golfers can carry as many of the same golf ball in their bag as they'd like.

How many golf balls does the average golfer lose?

According to some digging in an article from GOLF's own Dylan Dethier, avid golfers lose 1.3 balls per round. If you're playing frequently, that can add up quick.

Can you switch balls during a round of golf?

You can always use a new ball when starting a hole. You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand.

What is the Z Star golf ball?

The seventh-generation Z-Star and Z-Star XV build upon the success of the 2019 iterations with a redesigned inner core for more ball speed, and a superpolymer compound that delivers enhanced greenside spin and control. BUY NOW.

Why do players stick to the same ball?

If you stick with the same kind of ball, you’ll develop a better sense for how far your shots travel and how much the ball spins around the green. Most competitive players stick with the same ball when they play because the rules infer that they have to.

What does it mean to switch golf balls?

Meaning if it’s not enforced, you can swap different ball models and brands freely between holes. 2. Gaming the system. Again, the one-ball rule is what’s called a “Local Rule,” meaning if it’s not upheld by your tournament committee, you can switch golf balls from one brand to another (between holes).

Is a premium golf ball good for handicap?

Let’s settle this here since we already touched on it: A premium golf ball can in fact be advantageous for a higher handicapper, especially around the greens where the soft covers really come into play. But you’ll never really know which ball is right for you until you try different models through a trial-and-error approach or go through a proper ball-fitting session.

Why do golf balls scuff?

However, golf balls can scuff when they come into contact with wedges during pitch shots. The sharp grooves combined with the length of time the ball stays on the face, can roughen the surface of the ball. Either way, a scuff mark is not a sign the ball needs to be removed from play.

What causes cut marks on a golf ball?

Cut marks. Cut marks, usually caused by thinned iron shots, are more problematic. The good news is, this is very rare. Thinned chip or pitch shots usually come away unscathed. Again, the damage might not be as bad as it first seems. Clean the ball and then give it a very close look.

Can a scuff mark be removed from a golf ball?

Either way, a scuff mark is not a sign the ball needs to be removed from play. Our advice would be to clean the ball and then see how bad it looks. Play with it for a hole or two and you are likely to find the scuff mark does not affect the performance of the ball.

Do you change your golf ball after a certain number of holes?

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. The chances are you don’t do this and instead keep your golf ball in play for longer than the players on Tour.

Does golf make a difference in performance?

The truth is, the vast majority of imperfections that can occur during a round of golf make no real difference to performance. We all like to use a fresh ball that’s come straight from the pack but golf is played on a natural landscape and the look of your ball will change during the round. If you manage to keep the same one in play ...

new ball

once you start to hit the ball correctly, the grooves in the clubface will leave small cuts on the ball, properly struck shots will do this to virtually every ball...even the hard ones. So you also have to monitor how many of these groove cuts you can stand on your ball.

When to change golf balls

I know that my comment may be a little off the subject, but it is about golf balls,so here goes. This is directed at the higher handicapped players like myself. I was getting tired of paying store price or waiting for sales (seldom the ones you want) on golf balls.

Used Golf Ballls

John: Good post - I have done this in the past. 2 years ago at the drugstore CVS they had a dozen used Titleist SOLO's at $2.99!! I bought 3 dozen lasted me 2 years and they played well. Hitem well friend. Jerry - Warren, MI.

golf balls

Are golf balls effected by setting on the shelf for years and in a garage that the temperature is freezing one month and very hot a couple of months later. I purchased multiple dozens of balls, because of a good price break, and want to know if this was a mistake. Please respond.

New balls

Playing on my muni most of the time where the average handicap is likely well over 25, I rarely need to buy balls or tees. There is a weakly give-a-way (lol!!:) I have mentioned this before but I think it is more of a reflection of people who are financially careless than poor golf.

24 laws of golf

THAT was funny -- and too many of them are "nearly true" -- specially for high-handicappers!

Scrapes

I too remember Balata covered balls -- I LOVED them. For a while, Wilson made a solid core ball with a Balata cover. It was my favorite ball for several years.

How durable are Dunlop balls?

The balls are now considerably more durable – as well as going a lot further than the old Dunlop 65 used to. The ones I use currently are actually made of 5 layers of technologically advanced polymers and other materials – able to withstand mishits without cutting or deforming.

What is a ball with a rubber band?

A ball that had a rubber sphere as its core, with rubber band type winding around it and a soft cover – which I assume was a rubber of some sort also – that was very easy to cut.

How many rounds can a golf ball be used for?

In terms of the actual mechanics – I would estimate that a golf ball can be used with very little loss of performance – for at least 7 to 10 rounds.

How old is Alex Chiarella?

In an era where most professional golfers change golf balls at least a handful of times per round, 25-year-old Alex Chiarella did something truly remarkable at the Lethbridge Paradise Canyon Open when he opted to play the same Titleist Pro V1x for all 72 holes en route to his first Mackenzie Tour victory.

How many holes can Alex Chiarella play?

If Alex Chiarella can use the same ball for 72 holes in a competitive event, you can do the same thing without sweating performance. That’s assuming, of course, you can keep it in play for four-plus rounds. To receive GOLF’s all-new newsletters, subscribe for free here. Video Player is loading.

How many bogeys did Chris Woodland have?

But with only four bogeys during the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, Woodland went extended stretches with the same ball in play, never once considering the thought of swapping for a freshie. “I love the durability,” said Woodland, who currently plays the Pro V1.

Is a golf ball bigger than a dime?

However, that changes when the ball, for example, catches the cart path or ricochets off a tree and incurs a scuff larger than the size of a dime. “Our normal rule of thumb for regular golfers is as long as paint loss, a scuff or defacement of the golf ball is less than the size of a dime, it should be good to go,” the representative said.

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.

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