Golf balls may seem like a small piece of equipment but their longevity can impact both performance and costs. So, how many rounds should a golf ball last? In general, a high-quality golf ball should last for around seven rounds, with the ball’s durability depending on different factors like the ball construction, playing conditions and the player’s skill level.
Let’s take a closer look at how long a golf ball should last…
Typical Lifespan of a Golf Ball
In general, golf balls are pretty hard wearing thanks to their multi-layer constructions and tough cover materials like urethane and ionomer. Professional quality golf balls are designed to last several rounds and on average, a golf ball typically lasts around seven rounds of golf before it starts to lose distance and spin.
Unlike other sports balls, golf balls don’t lose much performance from regular use. However, surface scuffs, scratches and other damage can affect aerodynamics which may reduce accuracy and distance over time. It is a general rule of thumb for golfers that as long as the scuff or paint loss is smaller than the size of a dime (or 5 pence piece), your ball should be good to go!
While you may see professional golfers change their balls more frequently (often after every hole), this tends to be due to performance demands and sponsorships.
Factors That Impact a Golf Ball’s Durability
While golf balls are built to last several rounds, there are some factors that may shorten their lifespan:
Faster swing speeds and greater impact forces compress a golf ball more intensely, leading to faster wear. This is why professional or advanced golfers with high swing speeds may see signs of damage sooner than the average golfer.
Hitting a path, rock or tree branch can damage the cover on your golf ball, leading to scratches, cuts and abrasions. Playing on particularly sandy or firm terrain can also cause more wear than games played on softer grass.
Water exposure, particularly long-term, can cause damage to a golf ball’s core structure, impacting its performance.
Extreme cold or hot temperatures can also affect a golf ball’s structural integrity. Extreme heat can cause materials to expand whereas extreme cold can make them brittle, both of which play a factor in shortening a golf ball’s lifespan.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Golf Ball
- Minimise contact with hard surfaces like cart paths, trees and rocks as these can cause quick damage to the ball cover.
- Regularly clean your golf balls to remove any dirt, sand or grass that may degrade the ball cover or affect the aerodynamics.
- Store your balls properly in a temperature-controlled environment. Avoid leaving them in your car or exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Check out our blog on Golf Ball Storage for more tips!
- Rotate your balls during play, allowing each one a chance to ‘rest’.
Are your golf balls reaching the end of their lifespan? Don’t fret! Here at gimmeballs, we carry a huge selection of golf balls and accessories so you’re sure to find a top-quality replacement in our collection!
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