How much performance do you lose............

[andiritchie]

I think your right about the pros changing balls every couple of holes.

I got 2 callaway tour ix's from Alastair Forsyth in a draw at home and its so hard to see whats wrong with them,just looks like a fraction of paint has come off them

 

[RGDave]

I think you're right about the pros changing balls every couple of holes.

I'm not surprised. I'd do this if I was a pro.

I always start with a new ball (par 3) and then pull out a 5 wood/hybrid or 3 iron for the tee shot on 2.

I never get used to "suddenly" getting more yards off this tee. It's a 320 yarder, and I like to leave 125...for a 9 iron. I frequently find my ball is more like 100 yards. Which is good. Later on (at the 9th, which is the same type of hole, next door) I've never got this close.

It's either the wind (which is either way), or my tiredness, or the ball. I know which one I reckon.....the BALL!!!

A ball degrades in time/use, albeit by almost immeasurable statistics over just a few holes.

Can you imagine a long-driver teeing it up with some old 36 holer from their bag!!??

 

[RGDave]

If every time you hit a ball with a driver, you squash it 50% flat, then it must shear inside terribly. 14 drives in a round, it must degrade inside beyond the point at which it recovers.

Yep....for sure.....

anyone seen a slo-mo of a ball being "crushed" by a golfer?
I'm surprised they even last as long as they do!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Dave,

At least your opening par 3 doesn't require 3 wood or driver!!!

 

[rgs]

Cant answer the original question but a ball will eventually lose its performance values.
I suppose it all depends on how hard you hit the ball and how well you strike the ball.