Golf balls are expensive, and most golfers lose several every round. It is no surprise that used golf balls are big business. Millions of balls are recovered from lakes, ponds and woods every year, cleaned, sorted and sold at a fraction of the price of new ones. For many golfers, especially beginners and those who lose a lot of balls, they are one of the easiest ways to save money. But not all used balls are equal, and it helps to know what you are buying.
Where do used golf balls come from?
- Lakes and ponds. Professional divers recover balls from water hazards under agreements with golf courses. These are often called "lake balls".
- Out of bounds and rough. Balls collected from woods, rough and boundaries.
- Driving ranges sometimes sell retired range balls, which are usually lower quality and marked with stripes or text.
Recovering balls from course lakes is a job for trained divers: the water is often murky, cold and deep, with hazards from rocks, debris and sometimes wildlife. Balls in a course's water also belong to the course, so only collect them with permission.
Recycled vs refurbished
| Type | What happens to the ball | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Recycled | Cleaned and sorted by brand, model and condition | Close to new in higher grades |
| Refurbished or refinished | Old paint and clear coat stripped, then repainted and restamped | Can be less consistent; repainting can affect the dimples and cover |
| Practice or X-out | Cosmetic blemishes or misprints, or low-grade used balls | Fine for practice and casual golf |
Recycled balls in a good grade are the best choice for most golfers who want to play used balls on the course.
Understanding the grades
Sellers use different grading names, but most follow a similar pattern:
| Grade (common names) | Condition | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mint or 5A | Like new, may have been hit only once or twice | Golfers who want new-ball performance at a lower price |
| Near mint or 4A | Very minor marks, discolouration or player logos | Regular play |
| Good or 3A | Visible marks, scuffs or small discolouration | Casual rounds and practice |
| Practice or 2A | Noticeable marks, cuts or discolouration | Practice, shag bags and the short-game area |
Read the seller's grading description and check whether balls may have personal markings, logos or alignment lines.
Do used balls perform as well as new?
It depends on the condition and how long a ball has been underwater.
- Water. Golf balls are designed to be durable, but a ball submerged for a long time can absorb a little water through the cover, which may cost a few yards on long shots. Good suppliers recover balls regularly and sort out older, waterlogged-looking balls.
- Cover damage. Scuffs and cuts change the airflow around the ball and can affect flight and spin, especially on longer shots. Avoid damaged balls for scoring rounds.
- Discolouration. Balls that have yellowed may have been in the water or sun for a long time. They are best used for practice.
- Model matters more. A near-mint premium model will usually outperform a brand-new budget ball around the greens, if spin matters to you.
For most club golfers, a good-grade used ball performs close enough to new that the difference is smaller than the variation in your own strike.
Who should play used balls?
- Beginners, who lose plenty of balls while learning. Read golf for beginners: the complete guide.
- Golfers on a budget. Read how to play golf on a budget.
- Golfers playing courses with lots of water or tight out-of-bounds.
- Practice. Used balls are perfect for short-game practice and the shag bag; read golf practice at home.
Low-handicap golfers who want complete consistency may prefer new balls for competitions, and keep used balls for practice.
How to buy used golf balls
- Pick a model that suits your game; read choosing the right golf ball.
- Buy the same model in bulk rather than mixed bags, so every ball behaves the same.
- Choose a sensible grade. Near-mint is often the best balance of price and quality for regular play.
- Buy from reputable sellers with clear grading descriptions and return policies.
- Inspect them on arrival. Set aside any balls with cuts, cracks or heavy marks for practice.
- Beware of fakes. Counterfeit balls exist; buy from established sellers.
Making new balls last longer
- Play smarter. Better course management loses fewer balls; read golf course management.
- Mark your ball so you can identify it and avoid playing the wrong ball.
- Use a ball retriever for balls you can reach safely.
- Rotate balls that become scuffed into your practice bag.
Selling or donating your old balls
If you have a garage full of old balls, you can sell them to used-ball dealers, donate them to junior coaching programmes or schools, or give them to a local range. Never put large numbers of balls in general waste: they last a very long time in landfill.
Frequently asked questions
Are lake balls any good?
Good-grade lake balls from reputable suppliers are very close to new for most golfers, and much cheaper. Lower grades are best for practice.
What is the difference between recycled and refurbished golf balls?
Recycled balls are only cleaned and sorted. Refurbished or refinished balls have been stripped and repainted, which can make their performance less consistent.
Do golf balls go bad in water?
Long immersion can let a small amount of water into the ball and cost a little distance. Balls recovered regularly and graded carefully are usually fine.
Are used golf balls legal in competitions?
Yes, provided the ball model is on the list of conforming balls and has not been altered. Refinished balls that have been restamped may not match the original model, so check before using them in competition.
What grade of used ball should I buy?
Near-mint (often called 4A) is a good choice for most golfers, giving near-new performance at a significant saving.
The bottom line
Used golf balls can save you a lot of money with little or no effect on your score. Choose a model that suits your game, buy recycled balls in a good grade from a reputable seller, keep the scuffed ones for practice, and never risk your safety to retrieve a ball from water. For more ways to make your golf budget go further, read buying golf clubs on a budget and essential golf accessories.