White golf balls have been the norm for most of the game's history, but coloured balls, particularly yellow and orange, have become popular. Many golfers find them easier to follow in the air and find on the ground. Here's whether they're worth trying.
Visibility
| Colour | Strengths |
|---|---|
| White | Classic; easy to see on green grass |
| Yellow | Bright against the sky; good in low light |
| Orange | Stands out in leaves and frost |
| Pink, red, green | Distinctive; varies by background |
Visibility depends on your eyes, the background and the light. Try several.
Matte vs gloss
- Matte finishes reduce glare and can make colours appear more vivid.
- Gloss finishes are traditional and may look brighter in some conditions.
When coloured balls help
- Autumn leaves. Read autumn golf.
- Frost and snow. Read winter golf.
- Low light and fog. Read playing golf in fog and twilight golf.
- Golfers with eyesight concerns. Read golf with glasses.
Performance
A coloured version of a ball model performs like the white version. Choose the model for your game first. Read choosing the right golf ball.
The rules
The rules don't specify ball colour; the ball must conform. Read conforming golf equipment.
Which colour works best?
| Colour | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| White | Traditional, contrasts with green grass and sky | Hard to see on snow, frost and against white clouds |
| Yellow | Very visible in the air and on the ground | Can blend with autumn leaves |
| Orange | Stands out on green grass, snow and frost | Can blend with autumn leaves |
| Pink | Highly visible on grass | Hard to see in some flowering areas |
| Green | Distinctive look | Can be hard to find in long grass |
| Red | Easy to see on snow | Can look dark in shade |
Coloured balls for different golfers
- Older golfers: many find yellow or orange easier to follow as eyesight changes. Read golf with glasses.
- Beginners: a highly visible ball helps reduce search time.
- Winter golfers: orange or red stands out on frost and snow. Read winter golf guide.
- Juniors: fun colours keep children interested.
- Fourball partners: different colours make it easy to tell balls apart.
Myths about coloured golf balls
- "Coloured balls go shorter." Not necessarily. Performance depends on the ball's construction, not its colour. A coloured version of a ball model typically performs the same as the white version.
- "Only beginners use coloured balls." Many skilled golfers use them, especially for visibility.
- "They're not allowed in competitions." Colour isn't a factor in conformity; the ball must be on the list of conforming balls if the competition requires it.
Matte or gloss: a closer look
Matte finishes reduce glare in bright sunlight and can make the colour look more vivid. Gloss finishes can reflect light and look shiny in flight. Neither is better for performance; it's purely about what you find easiest to see.
Tips for using coloured balls
- Mark your ball anyway; others may play the same colour and model. Read golf ball numbers and markings.
- Try two or three colours in different conditions before deciding.
- Consider the season: switch colours in autumn when leaves cover the ground.
Frequently asked questions
Are yellow golf balls easier to see?
Many golfers find them easier to track in the air and find on the ground.
Do coloured golf balls perform differently?
Not if they're the same model as the white version.
Are coloured balls legal in competitions?
Yes, if the ball conforms.
Which colour is best?
It depends on your eyes and conditions; try a few.
Do coloured golf balls cost more?
Usually not. Many models are available in several colours at the same price.
Are coloured balls easier to find?
On grass and in the air, often yes. In autumn leaves or flowering rough, sometimes not.
The bottom line
Coloured golf balls can make it easier to follow and find your ball, especially in leaves, frost and low light, with no loss of performance. For more on balls, read golf ball numbers and markings.