Nothing lasts forever. The same applies to your golf ball. You can go on to enjoy the best performance of your golf ball while it lasts. But, bear in mind that golf balls do wear out over time. 

Though golf balls are built with durable materials to withstand every pressure on the course yet, wear and tear are inevitable. 

Meanwhile, that does not mean that golf balls can’t longer. I have seen some old golf balls dated as far back as the 90s that are still functioning well on the course. That is to show you that golf balls are long-serving. 

However, if you are a type of golfer that plays frequently, there would come a time that your golf ball will start to depreciate in functioning. What makes it somewhat challenging is that you cannot predict the time. 

Hence, the best thing you can do to preserve your ball is to ensure that you adhere to maintenance rules and regulations. Though that doesn’t guarantee that your golf balls will last for eternity, that remains the only effort you can make to keep them as fresh as possible. 

Nevertheless, when your golf balls become damaged, the best thing to do is change them immediately. You wouldn’t want all your expertise to bring you little result due to a wrong golf ball.

Most times, when you couldn’t hit a long-distance, or your shots become weaker; it might be a sign that your golf ball is faulty. 

So how do you know that your poor performance on the course results from your damaged golf ball? It’s simple. Use the below simple test to determine whether your golf ball in the proper condition or not.

Are you ready to try the simple tricks? Here you go.

1: Test the bounce 

This test is as simple as taking a new golf ball and bounce it side by side with an old golf ball. What makes it simpler? You can do it on any hard surface, including a granite countertop, a tile floor, and other surfaces that can make the golf ball bounce and move through the air. 

Meanwhile, you are not just going to watch the ball as they bounce. There’s something more technical to it. Make sure that you monitor the way the golf balls move closely.  As expected, the newer ball will have some more bounce than the older one. That is because you have never used it before. However, the older golf ball should not be too far behind. 

So, if both the newer and the older golf ball bounce at almost the same height, it means your older golf ball is still suitable for use on the course.

If you want to do this test, make sure that you take proper account of the size of the drop. Try to set the balls off at the same time on a hard surface. It will also be better if you bounce them from the same distance from the floor. That way, you will get an accurate result.   

The last thing you bear in mind is not looking down directly down as the two golf ball bounces. That will protect your eyes from a hit. 

2. The Audible Pang

You can do this with a shooting range with a golf net. If not, you should be ready to run after the balls. You cannot compare the acoustics of steel on the golf ball cover indoors to the result you have outside the building. So it might be better you do it outside for better results. 

You will need your driver for this test. Hit the ball with your driver and listen carefully to the sound. Let me ask you this question. Can you recognize the sound a brand new golf ball makes when you hit it out of the package?  If you can, that’s good. 

If you can hear that sound when you hit the ball, it can be one thing. There is a microfracture somewhere on the surface of the cover.

At that juncture, you cannot seal it. Or, maybe you could, but the ball’s compression will be affected. So putting epoxy resin would be a waste of time (and money). Once the cover cracks, it is useless to you.

At times, the noise can fade. When that happens, it means your golf ball is gradually going to its last days. 

At this juncture, if you are a recreational player, you might continue to manage it since you are just playing for pleasure. But if you are a pro golfer, you should change the ball immediately.

3. Float 

You will need saltwater in this test. Now, the goal is that your golf ball has to float on the saltwater. Based on the law of buoyancy, golf balls will sink inside a freshwater lake on the course. But, if the same happens on saltwater, something wrong with your golf ball.

Now, how do you get saltwater? Well, you can either go and get some cups from seawater or try to make your own. Use a beaker and measure out salt to make the same content as seawater of the same amount.

After you have gotten your saltwater ready, put your golf ball on it and walk away for about a minute or two. When you come back, check if it will sink to the bottom or not. If it sinks, it means that there’s a leakage somewhere on your golf ball surface. If it floats, then you can still play the ball. 

4. Check if they can travel faster

Of course, that is the dream. The easiest way to test this is to go to the driving range or the greens and mark the balls you are considering eliminating.

Hit them with the driver, then cart them out to go and get them all. Identify where they are how hard you hit the balls. If possible, you can use a laser rangefinder before hitting them to determine how far you want them to go.

If they went as far as you needed them to, and you didn’t have to throw your back out to send them this way, then they’re good enough to continue playing.

Finally 

It is good to find a way to test your golf balls to know whether they are still in perfect condition or not. You can take any of the above tests to be sure whether there’s a problem with your golf ball or you need to blame something else for your unimpressive performance.  

June 29, 2021 — Ben Breckenridge