Wondering at what point in your round you should change your golf ball?
If you’re a PGA Tour professional, you might swap out your ball every few holes or after bogeys or birdies – and that’s absolutely fine. However, there’s no harm in playing your golf ball until you lose it or spot noticeable damage, ensuring you get the most out of it.
Here the team at Clarkes’ Golf Centre outline how long golf balls last on average and when you should think about swapping them for new ones.
How long do golf balls last?
Modern golf balls are a lot more durable than they used to be. They can withstand high swing speeds, unpredictable terrain, and even poor shots.
Research suggests that you should be able to get at least seven 18-hole rounds out of a golf ball before noticing a decline in performance. Of course, if you hit it into the rough or it catches a tree, it’s bound to end up scratched and scuffed – meaning you’ll need to replace it sooner.
3 signs you need to replace your golf balls
If you store your golf balls correctly, at room temperature, they could last for as long as 10 years.
But here are just a few reasons why you should consider changing your golf ball:
1. You’ve lost it
It’s not uncommon to lose a golf ball out on the course. In fact, you’re more likely to lose it before it wears out naturally.
When a ball goes missing mid-way through the round, you will take a stroke and distance penalty which adds a stroke to your score. You’ll need to take a new golf ball from your bag and go back and start from where you last played the ball before it went out of bounds.
2. It’s visibly damaged
It’s always good to check your golf balls for damage before you start using them or put them away in your bag – keeping an eye out for scratches and scuffs.
If you spot a mark that’s bigger than a 5p piece, you’ll want to swap it for a new one. This is because it will impact the dimples and compromise the aerodynamic performance of your ball.
Although you might not want to use a damaged ball when you’re playing a match or a casual round with your mates, you could still use it to practice afterwards.
3. It feels rough
It depends on the type you use, but if you notice a change in the texture of your golf ball, it’s worth swapping it for a new one.
Usually, premium golf balls have a urethane cover that’s soft and thin, which means they are more susceptible to scuffing and scratching. Game improvement balls, on the other hand, use ionomer covers to withstand rougher terrain and mishits.
Stock up on your favourite golf balls
Whether you’ve only got a couple of golf balls left in your bag or you’re looking for a ball that will help you to shoot lower scores and improve your game, Clarkes’ Golf Centre can help.
As a leading golf superstore in the North West, we supply an extensive range of golf balls from renowned brands, including Bridgestone, Callaway, Mizuno, Srixon, TaylorMade, Titleist and Wilson.
We regularly update our stock to ensure you have access to the latest equipment, and pride ourselves on offering some of the most competitive prices around – allowing you to purchase the best golf balls for your game without spending a fortune!
If you’d like to find out more about the products we provide, you’re welcome to get in touch with us at any time. And if you have any questions or queries, give us a call on 01744 885 294 or visit us at our superstore in Rainford, St Helens. Our friendly team will be more than happy to assist.