Golf balls can be expensive, so it's good to get as much use out of them as possible. But, when is the right time to pull a new ball out of the sleeve and into play? That's the answer Jim is looking for.
The fact that he's asking how long he can use a ball is a good sign because it means he's keeping it in play, which is what usually happens when you switch to the Peak Performance Golf Swing.
As a once-a-week amateur golfer on a limited income, I obviously cannot break out a new golf ball every few holes like the pros do. But, how long can I play a ball before I should break out a new ball so that it's not adversely affecting my game?
Jim
I always get students that tell me they've finally played 18 holes with the same ball while using the PPGS. Like I say at the end of most daily videos, this swing will help you hit the ball straighter and you are all proving it when you use a single ball in one round.
So, the question was how long should you play a ball before pulling out a new one? Well, your ball flight will be the best indicator to whether or not you need to take out a new ball. Anytime the ball hits a cart path or a tree, it will usually leave a big scuff on it. These imperfections will alter your ball flight negatively, so make sure you put the banged up ball in your shag bag and pull out a new one.
At the end of the day it's up to you, but ultimately your ball flight is going to provide you with the best answer. Inspect your ball after each hole and before every putt and you should be able to stay on top of it!
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Scrapes
Oh, what's a little scrape on a ball? ;-)
I remember the days of balata balls all too well. The major reason I played Top Flite back in my youth was because it was the only brand of ball I didn't tear holes through the cover of after three holes. It was like hitting rocks, but that was better than throwing away money on expensive balls.
Balls now can certainly take a lot more damage, so the only reason I change one out, usually, is because the one I just hit went somewhere it's not coming back from.
LOL
Robert:
I have hit a few of those :)
Jerry
new ball
once you start to hit the ball correctly, the grooves in the clubface will leave small cuts on the ball, properly struck shots will do this to virtually every ball...even the hard ones. So you also have to monitor how many of these groove cuts you can stand on your ball.
Just be very sure when you putt that you make sure the putter face is not going to strike one of these marks....it can be the difference between making the putt or missing it short or hitting it offline.
Cheers!
When to change golf balls
I know that my comment may be a little off the subject, but it is about golf balls,so here goes. This is directed at the higher handicapped players like myself. I was getting tired of paying store price or waiting for sales(seldom the ones you want) on golf balls. As an experiment, I went on the internet and found a few sellers of used golf balls, bought a few and haven't looked back. I have been purchasing mint condition used balls, for slightly less then half the price of the new ones. I even mixed new with the mint. At my level of play, I couldn't see or feel any difference. Since I am on a budget, this is saving me some $$ and I don't feel all that bad, if I lose one or plop it into the lake.
v/r
John Brennen
Used Golf Ballls
John:
Good post - I have done this in the past. 2 years ago at the drugstore CVS they had a dozen used Titleist SOLO's at $2.99!! I bought 3 dozen lasted me 2 years and they played well.
Hitem well friend.
Jerry - Warren, MI.
golf balls
Are golf balls effected by setting on the shelf for years and in a garage that
the temperature is freezing one month and very hot a couple of months later.
I purchased multiple dozens of balls, because of a good price break, and want to know if this was a mistake. Please respond. I have seen balls that are
left in the trunk of a car in the summer and the have actually melted and become misshaped.
Thanks,
Mike
New balls
Playing on my muni most of the time where the average handicap is likely well over 25, I rarely need to buy balls or tees. There is a weakly give-a-way (lol!!:) I have mentioned this before but I think it is more of a reflection of people who are financially careless than poor golf. While many likely play muni to save on costs of golf, it seems they don't care if they leave brand new quality tees often still pegged in the ground. Others are near by and would have been found with a quick look around. Balls? Some days I find a half a dozen balls. Yes some are too banged up and marked so I let them lay. Others are obviously still in play and I don't touch them. Most are clearly left behind and no ones looking for them. Poor balls:(. I haven't paid for a box of Titelist or other $45 50.00 box ever. However these same golfers that will play on muni to save cash will buy the 'best' balls and then leave them for me. So I do often find some of the most expensive balls that I am happy to play for free. Regardless of the original cost you better believe I search as long as possible till I normally find mine and often one more.
Type of ball? Round and in good shape are my only stipulation.Given a choice I do often play a harder ball in the in the warmer months and a softer lower compression ball in the winter.
24 laws of GOLF
Thought all would get a kick out of this one.
http://golf.swingbyswing.com/post/50524775052/24-laws-of-golf
24 laws of golf
Robert;
THAT was funny -- and too many of them are "nearly true" -- specially for high-handicappers!
Amos
Scrapes
Robert;
I too remember Balata covered balls -- I LOVED them. For a while, Wilson made a solid core ball with a Balata cover. It was my favorite ball for several years. I can never remember putting a "Smile" in one -- but a few big dints.
I do recall hitting a few SW from the fairway, and being amazed at the balata shaving in the bottom 2 or 3 grooves though. Inspection of the ball however showed no evidence of "getting a lotta balata"
Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG
Amos
When to change golf balls
I have 2 rules on changing golf balls - 1) when it is too far into the pond to retrieve 2) 100 or more holes played with it -- I retire them to a box on the shelf after about 100 to 110 holes. At they point, they invariably should small cuts and scuffs.
So far this year I retired 3 or 4 balls -- and a lot of others made 70 to 80 holes before meeting a watery grave.
Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG
Amos
What about black scuff marks
What about black scuff marks when your ball hits an asphalt-paved road?
Black marks
Cup of bleach and a little time.