Used Golf Balls: Are They Worth It? The Pros and Cons Every Golfer Should Know
Golf can be an expensive game. Between greens fees, equipment, lessons, and travel, costs add up quickly. One of the easiest ways golfers try to save money is by purchasing used golf balls. Companies now sell millions of recycled and refinished golf balls every year, often at a fraction of the cost of new balls.
But are used golf balls really a good deal?
The answer depends on your skill level, budget, and expectations. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of buying used golf balls.
The Advantages of Buying Used Golf Balls
1. Significant Cost Savings
The biggest benefit is obvious: used golf balls are much cheaper than new ones.
A dozen premium golf balls such as Pro V1s, Chrome Tours, or TP5s can cost $55 to $60 per dozen when purchased new. The same balls in mint condition can often be found for 40% to 60% less.
For golfers who lose several balls per round, the savings can be substantial over an entire season.
2. Great for Higher-Handicap Golfers
If you’re shooting in the 90s or above, the performance differences between a brand-new premium ball and a high-quality used ball are often negligible.
Many mid- and high-handicap golfers lose enough balls during a round that paying full retail prices simply doesn’t make financial sense.
Used balls allow you to play premium models without feeling the pain of every water hazard or out-of-bounds shot.
3. Access to Premium Golf Balls
Many golfers want to play premium balls but don’t want to spend $5 per ball.
Buying used allows players to experience balls like:
- Titleist Pro V1
- Callaway Chrome Tour
- TaylorMade TP5
- Bridgestone Tour B
- Srixon Z-Star
without paying premium prices.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Purchasing used golf balls helps reduce waste.
Millions of golf balls are lost each year in ponds, woods, and rough areas. Recycling and reselling these balls extends their useful life and keeps them out of landfills.
For environmentally conscious golfers, used balls can be a more sustainable choice.
5. Ideal for Practice
Used golf balls are perfect for:
- Chipping practice
- Backyard practice
- Practice rounds
- Water-hole-heavy courses
Many golfers save their new balls for tournaments and important rounds while using recycled balls for casual play.
The Disadvantages of Buying Used Golf Balls
1. Potential Performance Loss
Not all used golf balls are created equal.
Golf balls that have spent months underwater can absorb moisture through microscopic imperfections in the cover. This may reduce:
- Ball speed
- Distance
- Compression consistency
- Overall performance
While the average golfer may not notice significant differences, serious players often prefer new balls for consistency.
2. Inconsistent Quality
Used golf balls are typically graded by condition:
- Mint (5A)
- Near Mint (4A)
- Good (3A)
- Practice Grade
The grading system is not standardized across sellers.
One company’s “mint” ball may look noticeably worse than another’s. This can create inconsistency from purchase to purchase.
3. Refinished Balls Can Be Problematic
Many golfers don’t realize there’s a difference between recycled and refinished golf balls.
Recycled Balls
- Cleaned only
- Original cover remains intact
Refinished Balls
- Sanded
- Repainted
- Logos reapplied
Refinished balls may not perform exactly like the original product. The refinishing process can alter aerodynamics, spin characteristics, and feel.
Whenever possible, golfers should choose recycled balls over refinished balls. Personally, I would stay far away from refinished balls I’ve seen too many examples of balls refinished with a different name on them. Typically balls will say they are Titleist PV’s but will actually be lower quality balls.
4. Cosmetic Imperfections
Even high-grade used golf balls often have:
- Minor scuffs
- Faded logos
- Marker lines
- Slight discoloration
These imperfections rarely affect performance but may bother golfers who prefer a pristine look.
5. Less Consistency Round-to-Round
Competitive golfers often prefer every ball in their bag to be identical.
When using used balls, you may unknowingly play:
- Different manufacturing years
- Different compression levels
- Different cover wear conditions
This can lead to subtle differences in feel and performance.
Who Should Buy Used Golf Balls?
Used golf balls make excellent sense for:
Buy Used If You:
✓ Have a handicap above 15
✓ Lose multiple balls per round
✓ Play casual golf
✓ Want premium balls at lower prices
✓ Practice frequently
✓ Are on a golf budget
Who Should Buy New Golf Balls?
New golf balls are often worth the investment if you:
✓ Play competitively
✓ Have a handicap below 10
✓ Value consistency
✓ Rarely lose balls
✓ Want maximum performance
✓ Play tournaments regularly
My Recommendation for Mid-Handicap Golfers
For golfers trying to break 90, used golf balls can be one of the smartest purchases in golf.
Look for:
- Mint or 5A condition
- Recycled (not refinished)
- Premium models from reputable sellers
The money saved can often be better spent on lessons, practice, or greens fees—areas that will improve your scores far more than a brand-new dozen golf balls.
At the end of the day, a golfer who loses four balls per round won’t score better simply because those balls were fresh out of the box.
Final Thoughts
Used golf balls offer tremendous value for most recreational golfers. While they may not provide the exact consistency of a brand-new premium ball, the cost savings often outweigh the minor performance differences.
For mid- and high-handicap golfers, buying quality recycled golf balls can be a practical way to enjoy premium performance without paying premium prices.
If you’re looking to lower your golf expenses while still playing reputable brands, used golf balls are absolutely worth considering.