Category: Golf Balls

Hey there golf enthusiasts! Are you tired of playing with dirty, scuffed-up golf balls? Well, have no fear, because I’m here to teach you how to clean those little white balls and make them look as good as new.

Not only will clean golf balls look better, but they’ll also improve your game. Who doesn’t want that?

Materials Needed

Before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need. You’ll need some golf balls (obviously), a bucket or container, cleaning solution (I recommend a mix of water and vinegar), a brush, and a towel or cloth.

And if you’re feeling fancy, you can also grab some polishing solution and a polishing cloth.

Preparing the Golf Balls

First things first, let’s get rid of all that caked-on dirt and debris. Give your golf balls a good once-over and remove any big chunks of dirt.

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, this is a dirty job after all.

Once you’ve gotten rid of the big stuff, it’s time to start scrubbing. A toothbrush works great for getting into all those pesky dimples.

Cleaning the Golf Balls

Now that your golf balls are prepped, it’s time to give them a good soak. Fill up your bucket or container with your cleaning solution and drop in the golf balls.

Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. This will give the solution a chance to really get in there and break up any stubborn grime.

After the soak, it’s time to break out the brush again and give those balls a good scrubbing. Make sure to pay extra attention to any stained areas.

Once you’ve scrubbed them to your satisfaction, give them a rinse and you’re ready for the next step.

Removing Stains

Ah, the joys of stains. They’re like little souvenirs of your golfing adventures. But, don’t worry, they can usually be removed with a little elbow grease.

For tough stains, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub them away. For even tougher stains, you can try using a mixture of lemon juice and water.

Drying the Golf Balls

Okay, your golf balls are clean, but they’re also soaking wet. So, what do you do now? You dry them, of course.

The best way to dry them is by using a towel or cloth. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the balls.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also let them air dry. Just make sure they’re not in direct sunlight as this can cause discoloration.

Polishing the Golf Balls

The final step! This one’s optional, but if you want your golf balls to look extra shiny, it’s worth it.

Simply apply a small amount of polishing solution to a polishing cloth and give your golf balls a good rubdown. And just like that, your golf balls are ready for their close-up.

Storage

You’ve spent all this time cleaning your golf balls, now it’s time to make sure they stay that way.

The best way to store them is in a cool, dry place. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

You can also keep them in a container filled with a small amount of cleaning solution to keep them fresh.

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it folks, a step-by-step guide to cleaning golf balls. Your golf balls will not only look better, but they’ll also perform better.

And, who doesn’t love a good-looking golf ball?

Plus, you’ll be the envy of all your golf buddies when they see how pristine your balls are. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more satisfying than pulling out a shiny, clean golf ball from your pocket on the tee.

So, take some time to give your golf balls some TLC, and you’ll be sure to see a difference in your game.

No one likes dirty golf balls, and more importantly, dirt and grime on a golf ball aren’t good for your game or the longevity of the ball. Regular cleaning increases the lifespan of any golf ball, and it helps you achieve longer and more precise shots when you play.

The dimples on a clean golf ball are not obstructed by dirt and, therefore, deliver less drag for more distance and better airflow for precision shots. Hence, you should clean your golf balls after every match and prevent them from getting dirty or scratched.

When it comes to cleaning golf balls, one of the most asked questions is, “Can you clean golf balls in the dishwasher or washing machine?”.

Let’s answer this question with some detail and discuss alternate methods for cleaning golf balls that may come in handy for beginners.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Can You Clean Golf Balls in the Dishwasher or Washing Machine?

Yes, you can conveniently clean golf balls in the dishwasher or washing machine. Most avid golfers opt to clean large numbers of golf balls using a washing machine. They simply unload dozens of golf balls at a time and set the machine as though they are doing regular laundry.

However, when you clean golf balls in the dishwasher, you need to ensure that your golf balls are placed in the tooling area and nowhere else. This prevents the excessive impact of your golf balls, which may damage them during the wash.

Moreover, you should avoid washing dishes with your golf balls because the golf balls may easily pick up dirt, grime, or grease from the dishes. We recommend using the dishwasher if you want to wash fewer balls, whereas if you have 50 or more golf balls, you are better off using a washing machine.

Depending on its size, a washing machine can clean hundreds of golf balls at a time. The convenience of cleaning multiple golf balls in the dishwasher or washing machine makes it a far better option than a dedicated ball washer for most avid golfers.

While the ball washer may give better results, the excess time and effort required for cleaning golf balls in it simply aren’t worth it for regular golfers. Moreover, any stains left on your golf balls after cleaning them in the dishwasher or washing machine can be easily removed by rubbing them out. The wash cycle makes leftover stains weaker and easier to remove by hand.

But what if you aren’t a veteran golfer with dozens of golf balls to clean?

Alternative Cleaning

If you are a beginner without a dedicated golf ball cleaning machine or simply don’t have enough dirty golf balls to warrant a wash cycle in the washing machine or dishwasher, you can opt for manual alternative cleaning methods.

When cleaning a golf ball manually, all you need is some dishwashing liquid, a brush, a small sponge, cloth, or hand towel, and some warm water. You want to start by mixing some dishwashing liquid in warm water to create a cleaning solution for your golf ball.

Just remember to use minimal dishwashing liquid to keep a low detergent content in the solution. Using less detergent helps prevent harsh chemicals from negatively impacting the coating on your golf ball. For the same reason, it is best not to mix different detergents together in your solution.

Depending on how dirty your golf ball is, you may or may not need to use a small, soft brush to remove tough stains. However, if there are no tough stains, it is best to use a small towel, cloth, or sponge to clean your golf balls.

Cleaning using this method ensures you do not damage the coating, scratch, or corrode the golf ball surface in any way. A soft toothbrush is perhaps the best thing to use to remove tough stains from your golf ball. It is small enough to precisely target stains and dimples on your golf ball while soft enough not to scratch the surface.

Simply dip the ball in your cleaning solution and gently use the toothbrush to remove tough stains. Once the tough stains are out, you can wipe down the ball using a soft cloth, sponge, or hand towel to remove the remaining dirt.

Then rinse the ball and gently wipe it down with a dry, clean cloth. While rinsing, make sure that there is no soapy residue or solution left on the golf ball.

For light stains, you can practice this alternative cleaning method without the use of a brush or toothbrush. Often, golfers may use a ball cleaning solution or a stronger detergent mixed in warm water and leave their golf balls in it for a few hours to break down the tough stains.

This makes it easy to remove tough stains without scratching or harming the surface of their golf balls before they rinse and dry. Some golfers may also use a vinegar or ammonia solution for the same process.

Conclusion

If you have dozens of dirty balls, your best bet is to clean golf balls in the dishwasher or washing machine. However, alternative methods work just as well, but they require more time and effort. Besides these alternative cleaning methods, some others use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and other harsh chemicals.

While they can clean your golf balls, we do not recommend them because they can lead to scratches and damage the surface of your golf balls.

Large or deep scratches can reduce the effectiveness of your swing, whereas small scratches don’t make an impactful difference in the performance or quality of your golf ball. This is why you shouldn’t worry too much about small scratches.

Try the mentioned methods, and you will surely increase your golf balls’ life and eliminate any issues that come with dirty golf balls like misalignment, low ball flight, and increased drag.

The one golf accessory that is often ignored and yet essential for the game of golf is the golf ball. Undeniably, golf balls go through a lot on the golf course, from being hit continuously by the club, going through mud, grass, and water to being lost.

While golf clubs and associations spend tons of money on keeping their golf courses clean, it’s pretty common to find your ball muddied after a satisfying round of golf. In fact, if you take a stroll around your local golf course, you’re likely going to find hidden pockets of mud that will ultimately make your golf balls dirty.

So how do you keep your golf balls clean?

You can clean golf balls in many different ways including cleaning them with hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and vinegar.

It’s crucial to find the best possible way to clean your golf balls. So, in today’s post, I will share a comprehensive guide on how to clean your golf ball using any of these three methods.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Why Should You Clean Golf Balls?

Before I start discussing the best cleaning method, it’s essential to give you reasons why you should clean your golf balls. There are a few necessary things you need to remember in this regard. 

These are:

● On the course, golfers are required to play the ball in the state that it’s in. There is no time to clean the balls during the game, so it’s essential to clean your balls before the game begins.

● During the game, your golf ball comes into contact with all sorts of things on the course.

● Golf balls are explicitly designed with a surface that enhances performance on the course. So anything that sticks on the surface can reduce playability.

So always remember that a dirty golf ball can negatively affect your game and the shots you play. Additionally, a dirty golf ball will also affect how much distance you cover, the golf ball’s spin, and visibility level.

If you find that your golf ball has landed in the muck, will wiping it with a dry or a wet towel be enough? It can be, but it’s always best to clean your golf balls correctly and thoroughly.

How To Properly Clean Golf Balls

Before you embark on the cleaning journey, you will require a few materials. Below is a list of some of the things you’ll need to clean your golf balls properly:

● Liquid dishwashing soap: This is one of the most common cleaning detergents you’ll find in your home. It is gentle and one of the safest detergents to use on your golf balls.

● White Vinegar: Although acidic white vinegar is a relatively harmless but effective cleaning agent. It is an affordable and environment-friendly option.

● Bleach: Soaking dirty and discolored golf balls in bleach can thoroughly disinfect them and leave the golf ball looking whiter and brighter.

● Household Ammonia: Ammonia is a standard golf ball cleaner that can break down stubborn stains and remove dirt from the surface of the golf balls.

● Cleaning Equipment: You’ll need several abrasive cleaning items that you can use to gently scrub away dirt from the surface of the balls. Use specific soft-bristled brushes and nylon scrubbers; otherwise, you can damage your ball.

● Water and washing container.

● Acetone: It’s a cleaning solution that can remove severe marks and stains.

● Microfiber cloths: You can use microfiber cloths to dry your golf balls.

Golf Ball Cleaning Instructions

As I’ve mentioned before, there are three main methods for cleaning golf balls. You can choose any one of the methods that suit your needs. 

Let’s take a look at the following step by step process:  

Dishwashing method

A dishwasher is an amazing machine that you can use to wash your golf balls easily. The machine cycle is exceptionally gentle and can be an effective way to clean your balls.

However, before you throw in a load full of dirty golf balls in your dishwasher, ensure that you pre-clean them from dirt and any visible debris. I advise that you rinse them under some water first to get rid of this superficial dirt.

Step 1:  Pour a good amount of dishwashing liquid into the detergent compartment of your machine.

Step 2: Place the golf balls into the dishes compartment.

Step 3: Make sure that you place the temperature on medium to hot and keep the dishwasher on a presoak mode for about three minutes so that the golf balls get a good soak. Now allow the cycle to finish and take the balls out of the dishwasher.

If you notice that the balls are still dirty, you can repeat the process. Using the dishwasher is a suitable method if your golf balls are too filthy.

Soaking Method

This is perhaps one of the simplest methods on my list. All it requires is a bucket, tub, or kitchen sink so you can soak your balls.

Step 1: Pour some lukewarm water into your bucket or container of choice.  

Step 2: Pick any cleaning solution you like, whether white vinegar or ammonia; either one can clean the balls thoroughly.

Step 3: Pour your cleaning solution into the water and allow the balls to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Step 4: Transfer the golf balls into another container with clean water and rinse them thoroughly. If there is still any visible dirt, use a brush to remove the dirt on the golf balls.

Step 5: Rinse the golf balls and towel dry them using microfiber cloths. To ensure that your golf balls are completely dry, you can sun dry them for a few minutes.

Scrubbing Method

How do you clean golf balls that have been lost for a while or got stuck either in ponds or mud pockets? Balls that have been stuck in the dirt for a while tend to have caked mud, slime, and other sticky substances. 

The scrubbing method is perfect for getting the stubborn dirt off the surface.

Step 1: Use a water hose to loosen the dirt from the surface of the ball.

Step 2: Use a scrubber of your choice to remove any stuck particles. Make sure that you’re gentle so that you don’t damage the protective layer of your golf ball.

Step 3: Rinse the balls and soak them in a container with water and your cleaning solution for an hour.

Step 4: Rinse the golf balls in clean water, and towel dry them. Allow the balls to sun dry for a couple of minutes.

Stain Removal Method

It’s pretty common to find golf balls that are marked with paint or permanent markers for identification. This can make the golf balls look discolored and cause some nasty stains due to constant exposure to external elements.

These golf balls will need extra TLC and treatment to get them looking clean and new again. So depending on the kind and amount of stain on the ball, you can use the following steps:

Step 1: Dip a piece of cotton in acetone and rub it thoroughly on the stains. Let the solution sit for a minute or two, and then use a scrubber to brush off the stains.

Step 2: Rinse the balls with clean water and pat dry with microfiber cloths.

Step 3: Leave the golf balls to sun dry before storing them.  

Using Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Golf Balls 

Hydrogen peroxide is a very effective way to clean golf balls. It kills any bacteria that may be on the ball, and that’s why I recommend using it, especially if you don’t want to use bleach. It is odorless, color-safe, and non-toxic. 

Ensure that you use gloves because the detergent may irritate the skin.

Instructions:

● Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 cups of water (distilled if possible)

● Soak the golf balls for 10 to 15 minutes

● While wearing gloves, use a soft brush to scrub the golf balls.

● Rinse the balls with clean water and allow them to dry.

Some Pro Tips For Cleaning Golf Balls 

I’ve gathered a few pro tips you should consider so that you find the best way to clean golf balls. These tips will make cleaning easier and faster.

● Soaking your golf balls in lukewarm water is an excellent first step when cleaning. Just remember not to soak your balls for too long, as this may damage the protective layer of the ball.

● Remember to sort out the balls according to how dirty they are. This is because all the balls may not need the same cleaning process.

● Try not to leave your golf balls unclean for long periods. Cleaning dirty balls frequently will make the process faster compared to balls that are caked with dirt.

● Try not to use acidic detergents frequently as frequent use could damage the golf balls.

● Always use gloves when using hydrogen peroxide, acetone, or any other harsh chemical to prevent damaging your hands.

● Try not to clean your golf balls on the green as there are strict rules against this, and you could be punished for it.

Final Thoughts

In this article, I’ve gone through some of the methods you can use to clean golf balls properly. The above cleaning processes are easy to follow, so you should do them as frequently as possible. 

Now you can enjoy your next round of golf with spotless, clean, functional golf balls.

It is a common misconception that if a golf ball stays on the shelf or in the bag, it will become faulty. This concern becomes a lot more pressing if the ball has spent some time underwater. 

A common question people have is whether their golf balls will lose distance with age. 

Two piece golf balls will last up to a decade without losing any distance. Three piece golf balls will last 2-4 years without starting to lose distance. 

After extensive tests and a few balls that we had to dust out from deep corners of our attic, we’re here to give you a definitive answer, “No, golf balls do not lose distance with age.”

Now that is assuming that the golf balls have simply been sitting in your bag or on a shelf. If they have been sitting in the snow, rain, etc. for years then they will absolutely have worse performance than a new ball. However if the ball has been sitting inside on a shelf then even a decade shouldn’t degrade the performance of the ball. 

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Do Golf Balls Lose Distance With Use?

The next thing you consider is whether golf balls will start to lose some distance after being used for a while. But even this really depends on what you mean by ‘use.’ 

Golf balls that are slightly scuffed or discolored shouldn’t lose any distance. However if the ball has become deformed or has started to tear then it will lose distance. 

If it’s been a few months and the ball only has a few scuff marks and discoloration, your ball won’t lose distance with that kind of use. However, if the ball is starting to tear or has deformed, you may find that your shots may start to get inconsistent in terms of angle and how many yards it will travel. 

That is not to say that you don’t have to take care of your golf balls. Many golfers often keep their clubs shining, but let their balls deteriorate. When they eventually do get around to using the old ball, it might seem that your performance is being affected. 

However, this is probably just your mind playing tricks with you. There is virtually no impact on golf balls’ distance with age or use as long as the ball was taken care of. 

Let’s take a closer look at the concept to help you understand the idea better.

Do Golf Balls Go Bad With Use?

Professional players usually use a new ball every day; this is purely a matter of personal preference and they have no regard for cost-saving. Unfortunately, the idea seems to have caught on with others who aren’t making a professional golfer’s salary. 

Many players who follow professionals closely start believing there is a difference in the distance of a new ball vs. an old one.

Based on our research, we found that on the same course, the same weather conditions, and same time of day:

• A new ball traveled 225.6 yards

• A ball that was used with reasonable care for 1 month traveled 224.2 yards

• A ball used for 2 months with reasonable care managed to travel 221.9 yards

• A ball used for 5 months with reasonable care covered a distance of 227.4 yards.

The difference between the distances at the different times is very insignificant and can be attributed to human error. After the 5-month mark, the ball was scratched (not too badly) and had a lot of scuff marks on it but still managed to fly just fine. 

There are no changes in trajectory except the wind’s impact or the distance.

All this is to say that it is okay for you to use a golf ball for multiple rounds – in fact, it is recommended if you want to save money! Yes, the ball itself is fairly cheap, but the costs eventually add up.

The damage from your club isn’t enough to damage your ball. The only reason we couldn’t test beyond the 5-month mark was that someone drove on top of it. At that point, the ball was disfigured and of course, could no longer give us a fair reading and couldn’t be classified as a ball kept under ‘reasonable care.’

What Is Reasonable Care For A Golf Ball? 

Golf balls are very robust by default; however, if your ball goes onto the cart path, hits a tree trunk directly, or any other hard surface on your first shot, the impact may cause the resin to crack. Once or twice – or even 10 to 20 times – may not be enough, but each time the ball hits a hard surface, its chances of getting damaged increase.

Even if you are using the wrong club or using your club wrong (holding it at the wrong angle, for example), you can expect the ball’s spin, distance, and roll to be affected. This problem is fairly common for beginners.

Reasonable care means you do what you can to make sure the ball doesn’t get damaged. This doesn’t mean that if the ball hits a path or a tree once, it means you are not taking care of it. Of course, you are playing, and this will likely happen.

Still, hitting hard targets on purpose or using the wrong club would constitute carelessness on your part. You should note that a ball that sinks into the pond can also survive if you manage to fish it out quickly. If it was left in the pond for days it would hurt the ball’s performance. 

Don’t let the ball sit underwater for more than 12 hours. Any longer, and you can expect the inner core to get soaked, leading to damage. 

If you pull the ball out and wipe it up with a dry cloth, you are good to go.

During our tests, we had our ball land right into the pond quite a few times. One of us also managed to hit the ball right into the pond when trying to get it out of the bunker!

As long as you wash your ball regularly, clean scuffs off them, and keep them dry and in a cool spot until your next tee time, you can extend your ball’s life considerably. By keeping the ball in good condition, you can keep using the ball for years, and it still won’t lose yardage!

Tips For Storing Unused Golf Balls To Make Them Last

Obviously you want your unused golf balls to last as long as possible. For that to happen you need to make sure that you are storing your balls in the right place and at the right temperature. 

As a general rule, you should try to keep the golf ball from being exposed to direct heat for too long or from being in freezing temperatures. The inner core is usually made out of rubber, which means that the ball expands and contracts with temperature changes.

The optimal temperature for storing golf balls is at room temperature, i.e., 68° to 80° Fahrenheit (21° to 26°C). At this temperature and 0% to 85% humidity, your golf ball can keep its properties for at least 10 years. Other than temperature, there isn’t much that can impact your golf balls’ performance if left unused.

As I mentioned earlier, I found a few golf balls in the corner of our attic, which has stayed in said corner for at least 3 to 4 years, based on our estimates and the dust/cobwebs on top. Even then, the balls were completely fine for use.

Unless the balls are exposed to any extreme conditions, be it temperature, pressure, or abuse, your golf ball should stick with you until you lose it to a pond or the bushes. 

With years of mileage on each ball, we recommend you avoid the popular belief that new balls are the best ones or that you have to change them out every few months. 

Happy putting!

Everyone wants to be the best golfer possible on the course, whether you’re playing with your friends or professionally. However, most people don’t consider that golf ball storage plays a vital role in helping improve your game. 

Yes, research has shown that your golf balls must be in great shape for you to become a winning player on the course and off it.

Golf balls should be stored in boxes/ containers to keep them protected and clean. They should be stored at room temperature to allow them to last as long as possible. 

If you’re someone who struggles with golf basics, learning how and where to store your golf balls could give you the edge on and off the green. 

In this article I will go over the basics of golf ball storage and how it helps you become a better golfer. 

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

What’s Important About Golf Ball Storage?

Ask golf pros, and they will say that storing your golf balls correctly plays a vital role in helping develop your game. It improves your performance on the golf course, but why is that the case? 

Let’s dig into the basics of golf ball storage and go over why you must store your golf balls correctly.

The main advantage you gain by storing golf balls correctly is that you will be more organized and lose fewer balls. It is advised to store your golf balls in storage containers and cases when you’re not playing with them. 

Golf balls aren’t cheap either. When you store them in the right place, you will save money and time. Golf isn’t only a physical but a mental game as well.

When you are organized on the golf course and your golf balls are in excellent shape, you will gain an edge in your golf game; lining up birdies and making shots becomes easier for you. 

There will be less time wasted searching for golf balls as you will find them in the place you stored them.

To become the best golfer possible, you must limit your distractions, become organized, and ensure your mind is sharp and alert. That’s why correct golf ball storage makes a big difference to your game. 

You will not only gain an edge over your competition but will have more confidence in the course.

Most golf ball storage containers and boxes are made from wood, plastic, or cardboard and are relatively inexpensive. There are also designer pouches that you can carry on the golf course and golf buckets to store your balls once you’re done playing with them.

How To Choose The Best Storage For Golf Balls?

There’s an extensive range of storage options for golf balls available to players, and the best one for you would depend on the quantity of the balls and the way you play the game. 

The display and location of your golf ball containers have to be considered as well. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on golf ball storage, you can grab a plastic container, cardboard box, or a bucket and keep them safe that way. 

However, if you want something stylish and classy, you can get a custom engraved golf ball storage box or wooden container that matches your memorabilia or garage. 

The good news is that there are multiple golf ball storage options on the market, including the following:

• Boxes For Storing Golf Balls

Storing your golf balls in plastic or cardboard boxes is the most popular option as you can easily keep them in your garage or home. You can fit a large number of golf balls in these as well. 

• Pouches For Storing Golf Balls

Pouches are perfect for when you want to bring your golf balls onto the course as they are compact and easy to carry. They can hold around three golf balls each and will fit into your pockets nicely.

• Racks For Storing Golf Balls

Racks are an excellent option for storing golf balls in your home and give you easier access. Golf ball storage racks are ideal if you love showcasing your golf balls and want to add some style to your room.

• Buckets For Storing Golf Balls

Buckets are perfect for use on the field or at home. They can carry a large volume of golf balls and are available in leather or metal casings.

How To Maintain Your Golf Ball Storage Solution?

Once you have picked a golf ball storage solution, you need to look after and maintain it. That’s necessary to ensure that your golf balls are in good shape when you take them out to play. 

Here are some tips for maintaining your golf ball storage solutions:

1. Thoroughly clean your golf balls before placing them inside the storage container, box, rack, or bucket. All you need to do is rinse them in soapy water and dry them before storing them.

2. Don’t overload your golf ball storage container because if there are too many balls, the casing might be damaged due to the weight.

3. Always take fewer balls out with you on the golf course, making it easier to store them.

4. It’s advised to store golf balls at room temperature, as the cold and heat will affect the ball’s condition and affect your shots negatively on the course.

When buying golf ball storage containers, it’s advised not to go for the cheapest options because golf pouches, buckets, and containers undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years of use. 

Final Thoughts 

I have gone over all the basic golf ball storage solutions available to people who play golf regularly. If you have a large collection of golf balls and want them in great shape to play with on the course, storing them properly in a container, bucket, or rack is the best way to go. 

Shopping for golf ball storage options shouldn’t be difficult as you can easily order online and have them delivered to your home.

Storing your golf balls correctly in one place will give you an edge over your competition. If you don’t know which storage option is best for you, think about your playing style, the location you want to store the balls, and the number of balls you use. 

Good luck. 

There is always something new to look forward to in the world of golf. The sport’s popularity has endured over the years, and in this time, both the ball and the clubs have changed a lot due to the use of different materials and innovation. 

However, there has always been a certain mystery revolving around the ball. Those who have mostly seen the sport being played but never played it themselves have even wondered if the golf balls are made of metal. 

Normal golf balls are not made of metal.; they are made out of layers of rubber. This can be either one layer or three; however, there usually isn’t much of anything else inside of them. 

However, the golf ball’s exterior is made out of thermoplastic resin or urethane. The ball’s weight should ideally be 1.62 ounces (45.93 g), which is why adding metal isn’t a viable option.

A golf ball’s density is 1.26 g/ml, meaning that a lot of weight is concentrated in a small area. Since metal is much denser than rubber, it would make the ball even heavier, impacting the flight distance and trajectory of the ball. While the USGA is open to new golf ball manufacturers, it upholds a certain standard and, therefore, may not allow such balls.

There is also a risk of the metal in golf balls being attracted to magnets or magnetic fields on the course, which may bring up accusations of fraud or cheating. However, that is not to say that there are no golf balls made out of metal. 

Let’s take a closer look at these balls and what they entail.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Are Golf Balls Metal? A Closer Look

Golf balls have been made out of a wide range of materials throughout history. A wide variety of materials have been used to make golf balls, including feathers, rocks, and animal bones. 

However, the idea of a metallic golf ball is still new. To keep the balls from weighing too much, metallic balls will either need to be hollow or have a very small metal content within.

OnCore is a golf ball brand that has introduced a golf ball with a hollow metal core. It has three patents to its name to maintain a stiffness of 200 to 400 GPa, hence reducing the hook and splice experienced by the ball. However, making sure this ball is legal took a lot of back-and-forth with the USGA, and over the course of a few years, the MA 1.0 was finally added to the “conforming” list.

Impacts of a Hollow Metal Core on a Golf Ball

Ideally, the metal core should reduce the spin off your wood club as you hit it off the tee, helping you reduce the rate and intensity of slices by 30%. OnCore suggests that the heavy inner core helps the ball maintain equilibrium while it flies, especially with the wood club.

If you decide to use an iron club, you can expect an added spin in the shot with more control. The ball has been extensively tested and they found that the MA 1.0 has a relatively lower flight. However, the added spin does give it more roll on the greens and fairways.

As you can imagine, the hollow core means that when hitting the ball, it makes a hollow metal thwack, which is likely to catch you or bystanders off guard. 

I will go into more detail about this company a little bit later in the article. 

Which Ball to Use – Are Metal Balls Better or Worse?

Whether you are choosing a ball for practice or to play, the ball’s internal construction is a very important factor to consider. Metal balls tend to roll much better but need a lot of power to fly long distances. 

If you have a hard swing and are sure you can get the ball there, metallic balls may suit you better than traditional ones. They fly straighter and roll better, making it an excellent option for at least an eagle.

At the end of the day, your golf ball should reflect your playstyle best. While metallic balls do tend to make things easier on the fairway or the green, they might not be as suitable for beginners as they are for experienced players.

You are also much more likely to hit shots shorter with a metal ball as opposed to a normal golf ball. So you have to decide if the reduced slice is worth the reduced distance the ball will travel. 

A Bit More About OnCore, The Metal Golf Ball Company

The idea for OnCore came to two friends, Bret Blakely and Steve Coulton, in 2008. Both of them were affected by the bad economic conditions and were considering their next move. 

Mr. Blakely’s father was also an entrepreneur, and the two men shared an entrepreneurial spirit as well.

Mr. Blakely had a startup nanotech firm in Buffalo, NY, that focused on creating cell-pore water filters, solid oxide fuel cells, and carbon nanotubes. The two introduced their idea for a ball with a hollow metal core, which was concerning at first. However, when its performance was tested, things changed.

Unlike other golf balls, the metal core increased its perimeter weighting, making the ball stand out. Furthermore, this increased perimeter weight increased the ball’s Moment of Inertia or MoI, i.e., the rotational inertia of an object. As a result, the ball flew much straighter than competitors. 

Furthermore, this golf ball also rolled much better near the end, allowing for more precise shots.

Unfortunately, the ball’s flight time wasn’t as long as normal balls, nor did it fly as high. The loss of extra yards meant that this ball may not be adopted by people as quickly as the rest. 

Since the founders didn’t have any marketing experience, their idea didn’t take off as well as they had wanted.

There were some friends and family members they asked to try their ball to ‘record data.’ However, not all of them liked it so even that didn’t go very well. So, they continued to look for a market for the metal golf balls. 

This time around, the ball found local use, but it still wasn’t enough for the founders. By 2012, they managed to raise funds and find some curious venture capitalists, who wanted to learn more about their capabilities.

The metal balls also had a new dimple design and some other tweaks to boast. Things were well underway, and the company’s trajectory seemed upwards until 2013 when the USGA felt the ball did not adhere to the official rules for the golf balls. 

In their opinion, the biggest issue was that the ball was, in fact, substantially different from the traditional, customary form that was used for the sport across the US. This claim was appealed and then long meetings, negotiations, and appeals process began.

According to Blakely, the ball did conform to the five quantifiable metrics set by the USDA:

1. Weight

2. Size

3. Spherical symmetry

4. Initial velocity and

5. Distance standard

By 2016, the ball was finally included on the list that promised conformity. From then on, several benefits have been highlighted for metallic golf balls, and the answer to ‘are golf balls metal’ became, it depends on which brand you buy.

The idea of having magnetic golf balls has a lot of controversy surrounding it, with some being strongly against the concept (as it could introduce newer ways of cheating). The positive aspects of having magnetic balls far outweigh the cons in my opinion. 

The convenience offered by the idea of magnetic golf balls is something that golfers around the world have always been looking for.

However, are golf balls currently magnetic? Will a ball be attracted to a metal flag pole or a magnet inside a putter? 

Golf balls currently aren’t magnetic, as they mostly have layers of rubber, covered with a tough layer of plastic, Surlyn, or urethane. Golf ball designs vary, but metal has never been used in golf balls, meaning there is no way golf balls can be magnetic. 

Yet.

In this article, I will go over why the idea of having magnetic golf balls is so appealing to some and equally unappealing to others, along with some alternatives that golfers can use.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Are Golf Balls Magnetic – A Quick Overview

Golf balls aren’t magnetic, but some tees are. The concept of magnetic golf markers has been around for quite a while and has proven to be particularly handy, especially for beginners, learners, or people with back and/or knee problems. 

These tees are magnetized and are therefore usually called “magnetic markers.”

However, it’s not the tees that are magnetic. However, there is a strong magnet that goes into your grip that attracts the small clip on the tee. It has no bearing on the ball itself or the trajectory.

Some players believe that having metal inside balls can reduce the frequency of slices by 30% and will pave the way for golf balls to be made magnetic. However, the metal within would also mean an imbalance of materials, impacted flight time, and an overall change in the ball’s performance.

Then again, the balls themselves won’t be magnetic as this would mean that the ball would get impacted in-flight by other metallic objects. The ball’s trajectory would become impaired, which, in turn, will lead to inconsistencies and increased room for error.

Metal strips inside the ball also present a similar problem, but magnetic fields in golf courses are extremely rare because of the greens.

The Potential Benefits of Magnetic Golf Balls

The goal of a magnetic ball would be to allow the users to track and pick up the ball easily – especially from the green. Sometimes, there are some very small holes in a less-used part of the course. The magnetic golf balls are supposed to help with that. 

In theory, the ball should snap firmly to another magnet or magnetic object – preferably your club – and can be pulled out or picked up easily.

Magnets would also help players find the ball when it hits the shrubs or enters a pond. All you’d have to do is stick your club in there and wave it around in the bush until you hear or feel a snap (the ball connecting) to your club. 

Golf balls are pretty easy to lose in shrubs and water. 

Around 300 million golf balls are lost every year in the US alone. Although the balls aren’t that expensive, the costs can add up over time.

Illegal balls have ferrous (magnetic) material in them. Not only does the metal make the ball go farther, but its trajectory can also be controlled with strong enough magnets pointing towards the ball. The change is just a few millimeters horizontally, but as you know, it can make a very prominent difference nearing the end. 

This is precisely why magnetic testing of a ball is among the primary tests for a ball to qualify as ‘ready for competition’.

For Example, the Maxfli Magnetic Golf Ball Putter Attachment

The device simply screws on the butt of your putter grip and can be used to pick up the golf ball once inside. You simply insert the putter’s back end into the hole, and the magnet + foldable arms secure your golf ball in between. 

It also allows you to pick up other clubs around the green easily.

It is useful mostly for people who have a bad back, but not for those in a hurry. The concept is similar to what you would expect from a magnetic ball. However, with this attachment, the ball doesn’t necessarily have to be magnetic.

Now, a question arises. Despite there being pros and cons of both sides, why haven’t any magnetic balls been produced yet?

There’s a Patent for That…

Two major magnetic golf ball patents are worth your attention.

The German Patent for Magnetic Golf Balls

This patent claims protection against the combination of a golf ball and a magnet. A neodymium magnet is proposed for the ball which is relatively lightweight and smooth, thus giving it maximum contact with the rubber inlay of the ball.

The construction would allow the golf ball to adhere to magnetic surfaces easily, and at the same time, not impede the industry-accepted weight, flow, aerodynamics, and other properties of the ball. 

For production, an already produced golf ball would be taken, a hole drilled into it, and a magnet will be placed therein, or the magnet would be placed mid-manufacturing to avoid drilling the hole.  

According to the patent holder, this ball wouldn’t be for normal day-to-day use, but for decoration purposes, as a collector’s item, giveaway, or as an advertising medium.

The “Smart Golf Ball”

Another patent for a magnetic golf ball (with several other technologies to boast) is for the Smart Golf Ball. The idea is to use ferrofluids (magnetic fluids) and elastic magnetic material to give the golf ball an adaptive set of features.

The ball includes a similar principle as the one described above, many layers around an inner magnetic core, such that the layers are magnetic as well. 

According to the patent, it involves the use of a “ferrofluid, a magnetorheological fluid, an inverse magnetorheological fluid, and/or a magnetorheological elastomer” in its construction.

The Future of Golf Balls

Nothing is ever perfect, and there is always room for improvement. There are some issues with the golf ball in its current form, but including magnets in it is not something that the world needs – or wants, for that matter as of now. 

Yes, some golfers suggest that magnetic golf balls would be an amazing breakthrough. However, the same results, i.e., ease of finding it, can be achieved by other means. Currently, golf balls are NOT magnetic, and despite the patents, the world doesn’t seem to want to go that route, either anytime soon. 

According to Healthline, playing golf can be healthy. Despite being slow-paced, it encourages regular aerobic activity and has even been linked to a lower death rate. 

However, while golf may be good for your heart, it’s not really that good for the environment. With hundreds of thousands of golf balls being found in both freshwater and saltwater sources, there’s clear evidence that the answer to the question, “Are golf balls bad for the environment?” is a resounding yes.

Golf balls are essentially litter that can be found in both fresh and saltwater so they are bad for the environment and those bodies of water. These golf balls will eventually leach plastic into the water causing issues for it and its ecosystem. 

So, how exactly has this wonderful sport of golf become associated with so much pollution? Why are golf balls dangerous for the ocean, and what is being done to remedy this problem? 

In this article, I will try to tackle all these issues and more.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Into the Ocean Instead of Into the Hole

While we have known about plastic in the ocean for years, there wasn’t a particular emphasis on golf balls and their impact on marine life until a 2019 research paper was published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. 

According to the research paper, the team collected 39,602 golf balls from coastal environments associated with five golf courses in California from May 2016 to June 2018.

When efforts were helped by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Pebble Beach Corporation, this came to a total of 50,681 golf balls until the paper was published. 

This equalled approximately 2.5 tons in debris. The researchers have estimated that almost 62lbs of material eroded from the balls they recovered.

Of course, while the incident at Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most popular ones, it is by no means the only instance of golf balls being littered throughout our waters. 

This was highlighted in Scotland when researchers were examining Loch Ness to find evidence of the loch’s mythical monster. Instead of this, they discovered hundreds of thousands of golf balls at the bottom of the loch.

Arcadia Bluffs, a golf course overlooking Lake Michigan, even encouraged its members to launch golf balls into the lake in 2019, saying, “Go ahead and do it, everyone does.” While the course removed this from the website after significant backlash, past employees have deemed it a common practice.

The Dangers That Golf Balls Pose To The Environment

Despite the ever-increasing scale of the problem, people continue to ask, “Are golf balls bad for the ocean?” because they don’t fully grasp how these synthetic objects can cause damage. The answer is simple: golf balls don’t sit in one place. 

They get moved around, and they corrode, causing environmental damage and even endangering marine life.

Are Golf Balls Biodegradable?

Research from the Danish Golf Union has shown that golf balls take about 100-1000 years to decompose naturally. With 300 million balls lost in the U.S. alone and plenty of these ending up in our waters, this means that the golf balls will be sticking around for a long time.

Normal golf balls are not biodegradable and since they last for 100-1,000 years they will stay in the ocean, lake, or woods for long after the player that put them there is gone. However you can buy golf balls that are biodegradable if you choose to do so. 

Traditional golf balls contain not only plastics like polyurethane but also synthetic rubber polymers and resins. Instead of degrading like other substances, all these golf balls do is break down and spread plastics and other waste deep into the ocean or lakes. 

Some golf balls found in the ocean are more than 15 years old. This is known because of their wound-style construction that hasn’t been seen since the late 1990s. Because the rubber threads in these balls are buoyant, they tend to float and get tangled in kelp, and end up hurting marine life.

Are Golf Balls Toxic?

Many people don’t understand the problem since they don’t think of golf balls as toxic. However, they don’t understand that the decomposition process involves golf balls being dissolved and thoroughly breaking down. 

During this process, the balls leak petroleum and high levels of heavy metals such as zinc which can then attach to the ground and poison marine life and plant forms.

Golf balls aren’t toxic to humans but as they begin to break down on land or in water the plastic and chemicals that they give off can harm marine life. 

Therefore, in addition to worsening the microplastic problem, golf balls in the ocean also leak chemical pollutants.

The Golf Ball Threat to Marine Life

For every 1000 golf balls in the ocean, multiple pounds of microplastic contaminate the ocean and threaten marine life. These particles can disturb cellular function and disrupt the behavior of different organisms.

In addition to being found in the stomachs of dead gray whales, golf balls have also been seen in bird stomachs. 

Sometimes, golf balls can enter birds’ reproductive tracts and can be found in the eggs they lay. One popular instance was that of a Canada goose laying an egg with a golf ball inside.

The Golf Ball Microplastic Problem

Golf balls may seem fairly durable, but this changes over time when they’re underwater. Even if we don’t factor in the heavy metal pollution, golf balls still release microplastic into the ocean. 

This ends up in the stomachs of marine animals and humans when we consume seafood. 

According to a study by the University of Newcastle, the average person could be ingesting as much as 5 grams of microplastic a week – almost as much as eating a credit card! 

Every week! 

Final Thoughts

Despite clean-ups taking place, golf balls are accumulating in the water faster than they’re being removed. 

According to Hakai Magazine, the planet has over 32,000 golf courses, with many of them situated next to the ocean. With approximately one billion golf balls lost every year, a lot of this plastic (almost 100 million pounds worth) is bound to end up in the ocean.

It’s up to golf courses, regulatory bodies, and individuals to make an effort to reduce this massive littering problem. 

Sometimes bad shots happen, and you lose a ball or two. However, if you’re playing near bodies of water and can’t keep your balls on the fairway, we would suggest investing in biodegradable golf balls so that you can minimize your environmental footprint.

Some biodegradable golf balls dissolve in the water after a few minutes, while others are constructed to contain ingredients to feed wildlife and safeguard the environment. 

Whichever ones you choose, you’re helping to do your part in preventing the spread of toxic chemicals into the ocean.