How long do balls last?

[3 jabber]

I've played 4 rounds with the same ball. It has a couple of minor scuffs but nothing to worry about. Feels fine, seems to still play as normal.

How many rounds do you think a ball lasts? Assuming the cover isn't too scuffed, do you keep using it? Or bin it off for a new one after a certain amount of use?

 

[RichA]

Considering a scuffed foundling sometimes lasts a few rounds and a brand new premium ball sometimes allows itself to be sliced into oblivion and lost on the first shot, I've concluded that it's irrelevant at my level of golf.

 

[Arthur Wedge]

Can last one shot for some

 

[Backache]

I don't think I have worn out a ball before it has been lost if it has only been hit by my clubs onto turf.
Hitting onto road or stones can damage a ball beyond use from one unlucky hit.

 

[Mel Smooth]

No way can I make a ball avoid all the agua on our course for 4 rounds. 30 holes is probably my record.

 

[srixon 1]

I’ve used a pro-v1 for six rounds before. It was a bit tatty and scuffed by then so its last hit was down the driving range.

 

[Bobthesock]

I’ve used a pro-v1 for six rounds before. It was a bit tatty and scuffed by then so its last hit was down the driving range.

I don't care how tatty it is, if I find a pro v in my range bucket it's going in my bag

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I keep using a ball until it is visibly damaged - scuffing I'm not that bothered about. In time they look very tired - and that's when I usually decide that it deserves it's retirement from more serious rounds - but will still quite possibly be brought into action when out for a few holes by myself.

 

[Imurg]

I once used an original Chromesoft for 200 holes before retiring it
To be fair it was a bit scuffed up but it worked.....

 

[D-S]

Have any of the testers done studies on ball degradation over time and/or number of hits?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I've got 4 rounds out of a ball and it's still been pretty decent. Beyond that they start to look a bit scraggy. Whacking it somewhere between 86-95 times per round.

Cost per ball doesn't always equal better lasting imo, or the difference is so marginal as to not matter.

 

[GreiginFife]

I've got 4 rounds out of a ball and it's still been pretty decent. Beyond that they start to look a bit scraggy. Whacking it somewhere between 86-95 times per round.

Cost per ball doesn't always equal better lasting imo, or the difference is so marginal as to not matter.

Cheaper surlyn or Ionomer covered balls tend to last longer as they are harder. Softer urethane covers tend to pick up more scuffs, dirt and general mankiness.

5 rounds I’m at with a yellow Pro V1 at the minute and it is starting to look really grubby.

 

[kp17]

Would have no idea exactly at a guess a few rounds, what I have noticed since having a few sleeves of Titleist AVX as opposed to proV1/v1x, the AVX definitely last longer before cutting up or scuff marks appear

 

[Bunkermagnet]

In all the time Ive been playing, Ive probably retired about a handfull of balls and no more. Most are either planted in a field or in the undergrowth, or drowned in one of the ponds we now have.

 

[KenL]

Yellow balls “appear” to wear quicker than white balls.
ProV1 is very durable, probably best of good quality balls.
If anyone knows different please advise.

 

[hors limite]

Once a ball gets scruffy, it goes in the bag. It reappears on the two long par fives where a watery grave threatens. A pal who is not long but wonderfully straight, plays his ball to the point when it's so horrible that it can be difficult to find on the fairway,

 

[PaulMdj]

Had a Callaway Chromesoft triple track for 3 rounds now!

 

[3 jabber]

I was going to use a new ball today but might just carry on with the same one.....round #5

I'll treat it to a new red line though

 

[Orikoru]

Back in winter of 2017 I somehow managed to use the same ball for ten consecutive rounds. Despite being crap I guess because it was winter and I was a short-hitter, I just had a spell of form where I was hitting it short and straight that time. Eventually I was playing a par 3 with a PW, came up 30 yards short, looked at my ball and I'd put a massive crack through it. It was a Wilson Staff DX2 I believe. It was never lost, but forcibly retired. I kept it so it might still be at home somewhere.

Now that I'm 'better' at golf I lose a ball or two every other round. Go figure.

 

[GreiginFife]

I was going to use a new ball today but might just carry on with the same one.....round #5

I'll treat it to a new red line though

Yeah this is what annoys me, a ball outlasting its sharpie markings!

Now that is a random irritation.