How to Tell If a Golf Ball Is Still Good (with Pictures)

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How to Tell if a Golf Ball Is Still Good?

Golf balls are one of the most important pieces of equipment in your bag, but they can also be one of the most expensive. That’s why it’s important to know how to tell if a golf ball is still good.

A golf ball that is no longer good will not perform as well as a new ball, and it could actually damage your game. Here are a few tips on how to tell if a golf ball is still good:

  • Check the cover: The cover of a golf ball is made of a durable material, but it can still wear down over time. If the cover is cracked or scuffed, it’s a sign that the ball is no longer good.
  • Check the core: The core of a golf ball is made of a soft material, and it can become damaged if the ball is hit too hard. If the core is cracked or damaged, it’s a sign that the ball is no longer good.
  • Check the weight: A golf ball should weigh between 1.62 and 1.68 ounces. If a ball is too light or too heavy, it’s a sign that the ball is no longer good.
  • Check the bounce: The bounce of a golf ball is the amount it will spring back after it hits the ground. A good golf ball should have a bounce of between 2.5 and 3.5 degrees. If a ball has a lower bounce, it’s a sign that the ball is no longer good.

By following these tips, you can easily tell if a golf ball is still good. This will help you save money and improve your game.

Criteria Description How to Test
Compression The ability of a golf ball to deform and return to its original shape after impact. Drop the ball onto a hard surface from a height of 18 inches. If the ball bounces more than 250 mm (10 inches), it is no longer good.
Cover The outer layer of a golf ball that protects the core. Inspect the cover for any tears, cracks, or other damage.
Core The inner layer of a golf ball that provides the majority of the ball’s weight and shape. Inspect the core for any cracks or other damage.

How To Tell If A Golf Ball Is Still Good?

Golf balls are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but they can eventually wear out. If you’re not sure whether a golf ball is still good, there are a few things you can check.

Visual Inspection

The first thing you should do is give the golf ball a visual inspection. Look for any cracks or damage to the ball’s surface. If you see any cracks, the ball is probably not good anymore.

You should also look for discoloration or other signs of wear. If the ball is discolored, it may have been exposed to too much sunlight or other elements. This can cause the ball to lose its performance.

Finally, inspect the ball’s dimples. The dimples help to create lift, which helps the ball fly farther. If the dimples are damaged or missing, the ball will not fly as well.

Weight

A golf ball should weigh between 1.62 and 1.68 ounces. If a ball weighs less than 1.62 ounces, it is considered too light and will not fly as far. If a ball weighs more than 1.68 ounces, it is considered too heavy and will be difficult to hit.

You can check the weight of a golf ball by using a scale. If the ball is not within the correct weight range, it is not good anymore.

Compression

The compression of a golf ball is a measure of how much the ball compresses when it is hit. The higher the compression, the harder the ball is. Harder balls are more durable, but they also fly shorter distances.

You can check the compression of a golf ball by using a compression tester. If the ball’s compression is too low, it is not good anymore.

By following these tips, you can easily tell if a golf ball is still good. If you have any doubts about the condition of a golf ball, it is best to replace it.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a golf ball:

  • Choose a ball that is the right weight for your swing speed.
  • Choose a ball that has the right compression for your swing type.
  • Choose a ball that is made from a material that you are comfortable with.

By following these tips, you can choose a golf ball that will perform well for you and help you improve your game.

How To Tell If A Golf Ball Is Still Good?

Golf balls are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, but they can eventually deteriorate and lose their performance. If you’re not sure if a golf ball is still good, there are a few things you can check.

Check the Date Code

Most golf balls have a date code printed on them. This code can be found on the side of the ball, near the seam. The date code is usually a four-digit number, with the first two digits representing the year and the last two digits representing the week of the year.

For example, a date code of “1812” would indicate that the ball was manufactured in the 18th week of 2012.

The date code can be a helpful way to determine how old a golf ball is. However, it’s important to note that the date code is not an expiration date. A golf ball can still be good to use even if it’s a few years old.

Check the Weight

Golf balls are typically between 3.62 and 4.68 ounces. You can weigh the ball on a scale to check its weight. A ball that is too light or too heavy may not perform well.

Check the Compression

The compression of a golf ball is a measure of its hardness. The higher the compression, the harder the ball.

Golf balls with a high compression are typically better for golfers with a fast swing speed. Golf balls with a low compression are typically better for golfers with a slower swing speed.

You can check the compression of a golf ball by using a compression tester. Compression testers are available at most golf stores.

Check the Cover

The cover of a golf ball is made of a variety of materials, including rubber, urethane, and ionomer. The cover can affect the ball’s performance in a number of ways, including its feel, spin, and durability.

If the cover of a golf ball is damaged, it may not perform as well as it should. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or tears.

Check the Core

The core of a golf ball is made of a variety of materials, including rubber, plastic, and liquid. The core can affect the ball’s performance in a number of ways, including its distance, trajectory, and feel.

If the core of a golf ball is damaged, it may not perform as well as it should. Look for signs of deformation or cracking.

There are a number of ways to tell if a golf ball is still good. By checking the date code, weight, compression, cover, and core, you can determine whether or not a ball is worth using.

If you’re not sure if a golf ball is still good, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and replace it. A new ball will give you the best chance of playing your best golf.

How can I tell if a golf ball is still good?

There are a few ways to tell if a golf ball is still good.

  • Inspect the ball for damage. Look for cracks, dents, or other damage that could affect the ball’s performance. If the ball is damaged, it is not safe to use.
  • Feel the ball. A good golf ball should feel smooth and firm. If the ball feels soft or mushy, it is not good.
  • Bounce the ball. A good golf ball should bounce high and consistently. If the ball bounces low or erratically, it is not good.
  • Hit the ball. If the ball does not fly straight or far, it is not good.

How long does a golf ball last?

The average golf ball will last for about 50 rounds of golf. However, the lifespan of a golf ball can vary depending on the conditions in which it is used. Golf balls that are used in wet or humid conditions will deteriorate faster than those that are used in dry conditions. Golf balls that are hit hard will also deteriorate faster than those that are hit softly.

How can I extend the life of my golf balls?

There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your golf balls.

  • Store your golf balls in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent them from deteriorating.
  • Avoid hitting your golf balls in wet or humid conditions. This will also help to prevent them from deteriorating.
  • Hit your golf balls softly. This will help to extend their lifespan.

What are the signs of a bad golf ball?

There are a few signs that a golf ball is bad.

  • The ball is damaged. This could include cracks, dents, or other damage that could affect the ball’s performance.
  • The ball feels soft or mushy. This is a sign that the ball has lost its shape and is no longer good.
  • The ball bounces low or erratically. This is a sign that the ball is no longer performing well.
  • The ball does not fly straight or far. This is a sign that the ball is no longer good.

What should I do with old golf balls?

There are a few things you can do with old golf balls.

  • Recycle them. Many golf courses and sporting goods stores have recycling programs for golf balls.
  • Give them to a child. Old golf balls can be a great way for kids to learn how to play golf.
  • Use them for target practice. Old golf balls can be used for target practice in your backyard or at the driving range.
  • Throw them away. If you do not want to recycle or reuse your old golf balls, you can simply throw them away.

In this article, we discussed how to tell if a golf ball is still good. We covered the following topics:

  • The different factors that affect the performance of a golf ball, including age, wear, and compression.
  • How to inspect a golf ball for signs of wear and tear.
  • How to test a golf ball’s compression.

We also provided some tips on how to extend the life of your golf balls.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your golf balls are performing at their best and that you are getting the most out of your game.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • The age of a golf ball is one of the most important factors that affects its performance. Golf balls lose their performance over time due to wear and tear.
  • The wear on a golf ball can be seen by inspecting the cover for scuffs and tears. You can also test the compression of a golf ball to determine how much it has lost its resiliency.
  • Golf balls with high compression are generally more durable than those with low compression. However, high-compression balls are also more expensive.
  • You can extend the life of your golf balls by storing them in a cool, dry place and by avoiding hitting them into hard surfaces.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your golf balls are performing at their best and that you are getting the most out of your game.

Author Profile

Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

My journey with golf is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little twist of fate. Growing up in the picturesque town of Charleston, South Carolina, I found myself captivated by golf, a fascination that was partly kindled by sharing a last name with the legendary Tiger Woods.

This platform is more than just a website; it’s a culmination of my life’s experiences in golf. Here, I share in-depth analyses of PGA championships, personal anecdotes from my golfing journey, and tips for golfers at all levels. My aim? To make golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from eager beginners to seasoned players.

GolfPGAChampionship.com is a testament to my belief that golf is not just a sport, but a journey filled with learning, challenges, and personal growth. I invite you to join me in this journey, to explore the beautiful game of golf through my eyes and experiences.

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