The modern golf ball is a pretty impressive, resilient piece of equipment. They are made to withstand high swing speeds, the sometimes unpredictable terrain of a golf course, and the errant shot. As long as they are not stored in harsh conditions like extreme cold or heat, a golf ball can last for years in your bag or stocked on the shelf. Not all golf balls are created equal and there are a variety of factors that affect durability. Let’s take a look at the important things to keep in mind when it comes to the life of your golf ball.
The Cover
Golf balls are typically made with two different types of cover materials: firmer ionomer material or softer urethane. Urethane is generally used on premium golf balls like the Titleist Pro V1 and Srixon Z-Star. Urethane is a softer material and often thinner because it is made for use in three, four, and even five-piece golf balls so it is more susceptible to scuffing and scratching.
Ionomer covers are harder and used to make distance-type golf balls like the Bridgestone e6 and Callaway SuperSoft. So-called “game improvement” golf balls utilize ionomer to withstand the impact of errant strikes and rougher terrain. Regardless of cover material, as long as a golf ball has no visible scuffs or cuts on the cover, it can easily last up to seven rounds.
The Core
Modern golf ball cores are made of extremely durable polymers. The core is designed to hold up swing after swing for all swing speeds. These golf balls are much more durable than the old wound golf balls of the past and are incredibly difficult to damage. Most modern golf ball cores hold their shape and works swing after swing to preserve the performance that draws you to your favorite ball.
When To Change Your Ball
Without visible damage, a golf ball can last up to seven 18-hole rounds without any loss of performance. In fact, you are more likely to lose a golf ball on the course before it just wears out. But as soon as the ball feels rough, you should replace it. Most golfers swap out golf balls far more frequently and there’s nothing wrong with that. Maybe you had a bad hole and want to make a switch or you like hitting a new ball every round. Just know that it takes a lot of swings to wear out a ball.
Long-Term Storage
An old golf ball myth once stated that storing your golf balls in the freezer would maintain their compression and “freshness”. If you have ever played golf in cold weather, you know the cold can cause you to lose distance. Storing your golf balls in a freezer has the same effect. If you keep them indoors at normal room temperatures, they will last for years without losing performance on the shelf. Don’t be afraid to stockpile your favorites, they will last you quite a while.
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As a teaching pro, I have always kept my golf balls and the supply of ball in a room that has a maintained temperature of at least 73. There is nothing worst than trying to sell balls that feel cold. The box that they are in being cold, no…not good. Even all my practice balls are cleaned and are in very good shape. Why teach a student with balls with scratches,cart path burns and dis colored balls? after all the student is your future markets.
I would like to respond to the question: How long do golf balls last? My response– until I hit it in the water or the woods or if some @##$%^&
removes it for the fairway when I’m not looking!
Ah Men Brother
I’m currently playing a ProV1 that I’ve played 187 holes over the past 3 months with no noticeable change in performance. My last round on it was an 80 on a 71.4/129 rated course. Seven rounds life is a low estimate.