Recently had a conversation with some friends about whether golf balls expire. There were a lot of opinions on just how long a ball is good for. I decided to do some research and see what the experts have to say.
Studies indicate that golf balls can endure up to a decade when stored correctly, but various factors beyond storage impact their longevity. Analogous to a new car depreciating once driven off the lot, a golf ball’s quality diminishes after its initial use, particularly for avid golfers who may find a ball lasting only a few rounds.
Regardless of prior use, maintaining golf balls within a temperature range of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for optimal preservation. Exposure to extreme temperatures, whether in a hot car or freezing conditions, accelerates the deterioration of a golf ball, affecting its performance.
There are many factors that play a role in how long a golf ball should stay in play. Some are obvious and some not so much for determining when your golf ball expires.
Aging Golf Balls
Properly stored unused balls may still degrade over time due to rubber oxidation and plastic brittleness. Even if still usable, technological advancements make older balls outdated.
Lost Golf Balls
If you lose a ball, you no longer have any time left on that ball. But what about the person that finds the ball? I know we all get excited to find a Chrome Soft or Pro V1, but is it really a great find? That depends on when the ball was found and the conditions leading up to its discovery. A lost ball found after prolonged exposure to temperature changes and the elements is best used as a practice ball
Number Rounds played
A ball in play typically lasts around seven rounds, with each stroke potentially causing damage to the ball’s surface and core, such as dents, cracks, or scuffs. Someone like me that consistently has 100+ strokes per round will have their balls wear out faster.
Damaged Golf Balls
Besides normal wear and tear from just hitting the ball, there is other damage that can affect the life of a ball. Damage from hitting cart paths, trees, etc. All of these can affect the distance and how the ball travels.
Waterlogged Golf Balls
Golf balls are designed to be resistant to water, not waterproof. Small cracks or chips may allow water to seep in and affect performance. Balls that have sat in water traps for more than 12 hours will have break down of the outer cover. Extended exposure to water will not only affect distance, but how it rolls, spins and bounces. My balls love finding the water, I just leave them there for the next person who loves diving for balls (my son 😊).
Sunlight
I love playing when the sun is out and blazing hot. One of the reasons I love it so much is that my ball tends to go further for me. I do not know if it has to do with the ball being hotter or I am loving the sun on my face and driving better. But something about 90 degrees on the golf course and I can get about 25 more yards in my drive. But the sun is actually bad for the golf ball. Prolonged exposure to UV rays from sunlight can degrade the outer protective layer of a golf ball, making it more prone to cracking and chipping.
Quality of Golf Ball
Some balls may last longer than other depending on the material and construction of the ball. Higher quality balls are made with a urethane cover. This type of cover creates a good grip between the ball and club head generating a higher spin. But it is also more susceptible to damage. Cheaper balls are coated with an ionomer cover (plastic with elastic properties) and are more durable and less prone to scuff marks. The least expensive covering is Surlyn, it is a brand of ionomer polymer and is very strong and durable. Perfect for someone that tends to hit rocks, trees, cart paths, etc. Balls can also be made anywhere from 1 piece to 5 piece and all the different material will affect the life of the ball.
When to send the golf ball to the practice bag
Knowing when to retire a golf ball to the practice bag involves inspecting for visible cracks, scuffs, discoloration, changes in bounce, reduced distance, altered sound upon impact, and even conducting a float test in saltwater.
Visible cracks or cuts – the integrity of the ball has been damaged, and the flight and spin of the ball can be affected.
Scuffs or dents – the aerodynamics of the ball has been altered. This may have a moderate effect on distance and accuracy.
Discoloration or fading – the ball has been exposed to chemics or long exposure to UV rays. May affect the feel of the ball. This is more aesthetic than performance.
Bounce – compare the bounce to a new ball. If it still bounces about the same height, it is fine.
Distance – If you notice your drives are getting shorter, it may be time to replace your ball.
Sound – The pang, the sound you hear when you hit a golf ball. Is it still making the same sound? If not, time to make it a practice ball.
Sink or swim – Similar to an egg test, you can tell a good golf ball from a bad one by seeing if it floats. Golf balls will float in salt water. You can mix salt with water (should taste like the ocean) and see if it sinks or floats. It if sinks, time for the trash, not fit as a practice ball.
Bottom line
If you have a custom box of Pro V1’s that you received for your birthday and are holding on to them for that special round. STOP! Open them up, take them to the course and play them. At the point the special round happens, the ball will have deteriorated, and your round will not be so special.
For us high handicap golfers, the impact of a slightly worn ball may be negligible. If you have a special ball that you have been playing with round after round (good job not losing it!), I say continue playing with it. I think golf is as much a mind game as a skill game and if your special ball means you drive or putt better, then more power to you!
For me, the only thing that matters is that the ball is a Callaway. My clubs are Callaway’s and I believe that they know when I am trying to have them hit a different brand. I want my clubs happy, so I play with Callaway balls. I do not have a specific model I prefer; it just has to be Callaway. As I said Golf is a mind game and my little quirks can make a difference in my round.
Superstitions in sports are real! I have a specific spot in my living room that I used to stand and touch the wall when my team was doing poorly in football, and it seemed to make a difference. My husband did it one day and it worked for him as well, so he is now in charge of the “magic spot” to stand and touch the wall when my team is down. He did it too late in Super Bowl for the Forty-niners. ☹
Ultimately, individual preferences and superstitions can play a role in your game. Some golfers attribute success to brand loyalty or personal rituals. I think it adds a unique touch to their game.
Watch for our March 1 Newsletter
We dive into the history of Balata golf balls that started the whole do golf balls expire debate. If you do not know what Balata golf balls are, you are going to be surprised.