Waterlogged Golf Balls: When and How They Hurt Your Game
Whether you pulled a handful of golf balls from a pond or purchased a dozen recycled balls, you don’t really know what they've been through. More specifically, you don’t know how long those golf balls were submerged in water. Waterlogged damage to golf balls might not be visible on the outside, but it creates problems on the inside that hurt your game. Let’s take a look at the effects of waterlogged golf balls.
How Water Affects Golf Balls
You can't tell with the naked eye, but golf balls are slightly porous. A golf ball sitting in water over a short period of time, just 12 hours, will absorb water into the outer layer (cover), and eventually into the core.
After one week submerged in water, water reaches the core of the ball entirely.
Performance
Water hardens the core of a golf ball, which affects the energy transfer of the golf ball, compromising performance. Three and four piece golf balls typically suffer greater performance drop-offs from being waterlogged than a two-piece distance ball.
When you hit a golf ball, it is designed to compress a certain amount. When the core is hardened, it becomes more difficult for the ball to bounce back to its original shape.
Appearance
Waterlogged golf balls are usually more yellow or off-white in color tone than new golf balls. The more off the color is, the more likely you have yourself a damaged golf ball.
Another tell-tale sign is the ball's branding. The more the logo is faded, the worse condition the ball as a whole is likely in. Some noticeable damage to the outer cover, including small cracks or paint flaking, may also be visible.
Refurbished Golf Balls
Today, there are a bunch of companies out there claiming to sell the best refurbished golf balls. In fact, many assign letter or number grades and the lower the grade, the cheaper the price. Some of the methods used to bring golf balls "back to life" include bleaching and even sandblasting them.
We cannot express enough how far to stay away from making these types of purchases. We know the price is appealing and golf balls can be expensive. But you have to ask yourself if the money you save is worth sacrificing your driving distance, because reclaimed golf balls can lose up to 20 yards in distance, depending on how long they’ve been swimming.
The Best Cheap Golf Balls Actually Worth Playing in 2024
We highly advise any recycled golf ball be used only for chipping in the backyard or perhaps some light putting around the house.
Better Golf Ball Deals
Instead of dumpster diving for golf balls, check out direct-to-consumer golf ball brands such as Piper or Vice. Both companies offer quality, brand new golf balls at a player-friendly price.