Keeping your golf equipment in top condition is key to playing your best, round after round. We know why it is important to clean your golf clubs. But what about the golf equipment you use most? That’s right. We are talking about your golf ball. Can a dirty golf ball affect your play? Are you cleaning your golf ball enough? In this post, TGW will teach you some of the basics of taking care of your golf balls on the course and getting the most out of every shot.
When To Clean Your Golf Ball
Simply put, you should clean your golf ball after every hole. The dimple pattern on golf balls has been specifically designed to provide the best flight and performance. Any type of debris and blemish can affect the flight of the ball. That can mean reduced distance, diminished accuracy, or even extra strokes. Keeping the cover clean of dirt and mud, grass marks, or other surface scuffs allows the dimples to properly channel airflow and keep your ball flying the way it was intended to.
When you are at the golf course, golf ball cleaning stations are placed at nearly every tee box. Some courses have cleaners attached to their carts. We recommend using these before every hole so you start with a golf ball that is as clean as possible. These tools along with a towel or nylon-bristled brush allow you to get your golf ball in its best possible condition. If you do happen to be in a situation where a golf ball cleaner is not available, a towel with a wet side and a dry side will do in a pinch.
When You Are Allowed To Clean Your Golf Ball
Yes, there are a couple of rules in the game of golf that govern when you can and cannot clean your golf ball. There are two times where you can clean your golf ball at will on the golf course. The first is before you are about to tee off on a hole. The second is on the green once you have properly marked your ball. Feel free to wipe down your golf ball at these times so you can get your best flight off the tee or best roll on the greens.
The rules of the game state you are not allowed to clean your golf ball when it is in the fairway. If you get mud on your ball, you are going to have to play it that way out of the fairway. Even if you need to lift your ball in the fairway to check for damage or see if you qualify for relief, you are not allowed to clean your golf ball.
There is one exception to this rule. That is the lift, clean, and place. This is a contentious rule among many golfers because it is not actually in the rule book. Golf courses usually only allow this behavior during the offseason when conditions may not be the best or after particularly heavy storms where the fairways may be waterlogged and muddy.
When A Golf Ball Cannot Be Cleaned
Eventually, that golf ball’s life span is going to come to an end. There will come a point where each golf ball needs to be replaced. Keeping your golf balls clean can keep them performing at their best, but they will wear down after many shots as well as contact with other things on the golf course. Once you discover a scuff that cannot be cleaned off or your golf ball gets a nick or scratch, it is time for a new one. Something as simple as a scuff can cause you to lose 3 to 5 yards of distance so while you are cleaning your golf ball, examine it for any further damage.
TGW has golf balls from the best brands in the game like Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Srixon, Bridgestone, and many more. With the proper care and the latest high-performance models, you can start shooting lower scores during your next round. Be sure to visit TGW.com when you are ready to stock up.
Lift clean and place is also allowed for all golfers 75+ along with the “two cart length drop.” I thought these rules was ridiculous – then I turned 70 four years ago.