How long do balls last?

[sunshine]

Balls definitely last longer in winter, they are landing on soft ground, no bounce or roll. I've been using the same AVX for at least 4 rounds now and it's in perfectly good condition. Obviously I've cursed it now, I'm bound to lose it next time I tee it up.

I find that balls get more scuffed up on links courses. The ball spends more time bouncing and rolling and the sandy soil is more abrasive.

 

[sunshine]

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

Now that is a random irritation.

I consider it a badge of honour if I need to reapply a line on my ball. It's a sign I'm playing well.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

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,

I’m a bit like that…so when my ball is in the vicinity of others I can usually tell from a distance which is likely to be mine..

And I do occasionally have to freshen up the unique ID I have applied to a ball (though oft I can’t be bothered)

 

[patricks148]

i cant remember which ball it was now but a mizuno soft cheap ball that only lasted a round at most, because at the time it was off a mat i got a clean connection and how the course was set up in winter a lot of wedge shots, scuffed to bugger. in summer a Prov1 one medal round and maybe 3 or 4 casual rounds, then either chucked it on the range or put in my practice bag.

 

[3 jabber]

Round 5 completed. New red line applied. Put it through the washer, ready to go again. Still looking decent.

 

[3 jabber]

Round #6 completed today, it is starting to get a bit scuffed up now so I have decided to retire it gracefully.

If anyone wants to buy it please let me know.

 

[jim8flog]

As soon as my golf ball gets any sort of scuff it is discarded. There was a time when I went through about 3 balls a round but I no longer hit is as hard.

If I get 2 rounds out of a ball (3 piece urethane) I am happy. I do notice that might get to 3 with a ProV1.

 

[Voyager EMH]

When October comes, I play with foundlings only.
Completed 4 rounds with a Callaway Supersoft. Reached its retirement now. No idea how many holes its previous owner racked up.

This year has been a very bad one. I think I lost more than 5 balls.

I still have 9 Chromesofts from a dozen I won last year and another dozen Mizunos unused from a prize this year.
Mine picks up scuffs if it hits a tree or lands first bounce in a bunker. I feel very peeved if it looks unfit after only 2 rounds.

Durability of balls and the differences between them is going to vary greatly between players and courses.
Everyone really needs to make their own assessment.