Like any sporting equipment, golf balls need to be in optimal condition in order to perform at their best. Although they don’t have a specific expiration date like perishable goods, golf balls can deteriorate with age and use. This blog will dive into how golf balls are affected by a range of factors including age, storage and the environment.
What Causes Golf Balls to Deteriorate?
Environment
Golf balls are exposed to a variety of environmental conditions that can speed up their deterioration. For example, UV radiation from sunlight can break down the polymers in the golf ball cover, leading to cracking and discolouration and reducing the ball’s durability and performance.
Extreme heat can cause the inner core of the golf ball to soften, decreasing the ball’s rebound and distance off the clubface. Extremely low temperatures, on the other hand, can cause the core to harden, making it more difficult for the ball to compress properly when struck.
Other environmental factors like moisture, dirt and debris can also deteriorate golf balls overtime and affect their flight and spin characteristics.
Storage
Golf balls stored in direct sunlight, fluctuating temperatures or damp environments will deteriorate far quicker than those stored elsewhere. To help prevent your golf balls from deteriorating, store them in a cool, dry, temperature-controlled environment, ideally in a storage case or container.
Age
Over time, the materials used in the construction of golf balls naturally degrade. The rubber in the core may harden and lose its elasticity and the cover can become cracked and worn out. The rate at which a golf ball deteriorates depends on factors like the type of ball, how it is stored and how often it is used.
However in general, a high quality golf ball should last around 7 rounds before it starts to lose its original characteristics and performance. Even an unused golf ball can begin to gradually degrade if stored for more than a few years.
How to Tell if a Golf Ball Has Deteriorated
1. Cracks or visible damage
Any cracks or cuts on the ball’s cover can negatively affect the ball’s performance and is a clear sign that your ball is deteriorating.
2. Loss of compression
If your ball feels hard or doesn’t compress well when hit, it has likely deteriorated and lost some of it’s core elasticity.
3. Discolouration
If your ball has changed colour, particularly to yellow or brown, it has likely been exposed to UV radiation and the cover has degraded.
4. Decreased distance and control
If you’ve noticed a loss of distance or control in your shots, it might be time to retire your ball.
While golf balls can last for several years, the performance can deteriorate with age and use. If you’re playing with balls that show signs of wear and degradation, it is probably worth investing in a fresh batch to help better your performance.
At gimmeballs, we stock a wide range of golf balls from top brands, so you’re sure to find the perfect replacement in our collection!
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