Do golf balls degrade?

[Biggleswade Blue]

I tend to buy golf balls in relative bulk, store them in the dark, and they will last me a year or two. Is there any evidence that the insides will degrade over time? I'd not have thought so, but just wondered as I have just made a purchase.

 

[DaveL]

I don't tend to have them long enough to find out

 

[srixon 1]

I doubt it, unless you keep them for a hundred years or so

 

[duncan mackie]

in the past the materials used for both the internal cores (wound rubber), covers etc were subject to the effects of temperature, time, UV and water.

most modern balls aren't to anything like the same degree although extremes of temperature and UV will have some impact.

 

[One Planer]

in the past the materials used for both the internal cores (wound rubber), covers etc were subject to the effects of temperature, time, UV and water.

most modern balls aren't to anything like the same degree although extremes of temperature and UV will have some impact.

Like being sat at the bottom of a lake?

 

[ScienceBoy]

Like being sat at the bottom of a lake?

I think water protects balls from both extremes of UV and temperature. Water is pretty good at retaining heat, water (and the things in/on it) are good at reflecting light...

In water is the permeation of water and other chemicals that I think would be more of an issue.

Yes of course a certain amount of photo-degredation will occur but it will be far less than if you left the ball in an open field with plenty of sunlight all day but cold temperatures at night. I guess there must be some sort of chemical degradation as the water is just one big solvent full of lots of potential reactants.

Correct me if I am wrong here please!

 

[duncan mackie]

Like being sat at the bottom of a lake?

whilst I understand that some cover materials still act as semipermeable membranes it's not as much of an issue as it was.

lake balls are now such big business they are also harvested more regularly and aren't left sitting in silt for long periods!

 

[duncan mackie]

I think water protects balls from both extremes of UV and temperature. Water is pretty good at retaining heat, water (and the things in/on it) are good at reflecting light...

In water is the permeation of water and other chemicals that I think would be more of an issue.

Yes of course a certain amount of photo-degredation will occur but it will be far less than if you left the ball in an open field with plenty of sunlight all day but cold temperatures at night. I guess there must be some sort of chemical degradation as the water is just one big solvent full of lots of potential reactants.

Correct me if I am wrong here please!

good summary

 

[drewster]

Golf balls and water was discussed in great detail on the "darkside" and I really hope that they don't jump on this thread as it could be a nightmare. One particular inidividual who I believe also contributes on here had an awful lot to say !!!

 

[Andre Linoge]

Golf balls and water was discussed in great detail on the "darkside" and I really hope that they don't jump on this thread as it could be a nightmare. One particular inidividual who I believe also contributes on here had an awful lot to say !!!

The darkside ???????

 

[srixon 1]

The darkside ???????

HDID forum is often referred to as The Dark Side. They say the same about Golf Monthly forum.

 

[chrisd]

There was a write up in GM recently by, I think, the inventor, of Pro V1 and I remember he said that they are playable even when they are discoloured and scuffed etc. He said that unless they have bounced off rocks that they can be used for ages

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I can understand why people buy lake balls but personally I dislike them and wouldn't use them under any circumstance, even for practice (just me). Plenty of decent new balls around these days at a price for all pockets

 

[ScienceBoy]

I can understand why people buy lake balls

Usually price, it does seem strange to put an unknown variable on the actual ball you are playing with.

I do buy them and never had an issue, could I play better with new balls? Who knows!

I think I have greater variables in my game to fix before I will notice the difference.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I use them and it is all price related. I am currently playing Titleist balls, mixed types, that are a mixture of A and pearl. I may lose 1-3 a round, partly due to a tight course and, currently, leaves masking balls. At 40p a pop I don't get stressed. I would if I paid new ball prices. If I join a club that has a course that is more forgiving, or I improve significantly, then I would start to buy new as a new golf ball is a lovely thing.

 

[NorfolkShaun]

I have thought this myself but cannot see them degrading.

I never bought second hand balls but recently bought some of ebay, normally work out about £10 a doz cheaper (just under half price). I an not so good I can tell the difference I will keep buying them.