ArizonaLogan Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I lose a ball about every 27 holes (a round and a half). I have a ball (WS Triad) that I played for 45 holes (2 day match plus a 9 hole round) and it is super beat up. I almost stopped using it on the second day of the match because of the scuff marks, but I wanted to see how long I could use it. Merlin1313 1 Quote : 0311 Gen5 - Driver : Tight Lies - 3W I need an 18°-19° club. : CB - 23° 4 Iron : MT-Pro - 5-PW : TSW - 50°, 54°,58° : DF3 - Putter Link to comment
carter18 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 For me, it is more about whether I lose a ball or not. Often I will play a ball for a majority of a round. If it hits path or tree, I will evaluate on a case by case basis. I typically go through my bag every few weeks and evaluate ball count as I don't like when the bag gets too heavy. Balls with scuffs or clear wear go into the shag bag, while gently used balls go into the ball pocket to be recycled. I also generally have a 1 new ball per round policy. Sometimes this is extended to 1 new sleeve. If I have lost 3 new balls and am still in the middle of the round, the remainder is most certainly from the used ball pocket for me. Merlin1313 1 Quote GHIN 7.8 D Callaway Epic Flash subzero 10.5 down to 9.5 3W Callaway Epic Flash Subzero 14.5 3 sub 70 19.5 5 Srixon ZX5 6-AW Srixon ZX7 56 Titelist SM8 60 Titelist SM7 P Scotty Cameron 2014 Newport 2.0 Select Bag: BagBoy ZTF 2023 https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/59331-2023-forum-member-test-bag-boy-ztf-bag/ Link to comment
JCruz Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Well if I keep the ball in play.. I will play the same ball until it has damages on it. With my previous driver, (which I babied given the price), I noticed some scuffs on the face like I had hit it through the dirt or something. It was then that it occurred to me that a scuffed ball will ding the face of your driver/woods. So as long as the ball has no defects I'll keep driving it. After that I'll swap it for a new one. However it doesn't mean I toss the ball completely. A small ding in the ball or piece of the cover the size of a head of a tack sticking up I will just peel off and play on holes were I'd T up with an iron. But say it lands out of bounds, or hits a tree, it will usually be damaged to the point I wouldn't play it any more. Thats how I determine when a ball is ready for the bin, or a very intimidating water hazard hole Dweed and Merlin1313 1 1 Quote -JC golfs in AZ Link to comment
Ryan M Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 There is probably a direct correlation here as you improve as a golfer and the longevity of the ball going from "until I lose it" to "until it is scuffed". I am still improving. Starting to shoot lower 80's and losing balls less regularly. I think the question I have is when is a ball marred enough to replace? If there is a significant gash, I retire the ball to my wife's bag or the shag bag I take to the river. However, what about "minor" cover damage? What is "minor"? I know during the MyGolfSpy ball testing they also tested some balls with "minor" scuffs and saw significant performance impact. I am also a "value oriented" person. I think the question I am trying to figure out is when is "minor" cover damage sufficient for my handicap to be enough to change the ball? Like when I hit a ball with an iron or wedge, I will sometimes notice cuts in the cover. Or a small nick in the cover. What kind of % impact does that have with regard to distance/speed, launch, dispersion, etc. If I tend to draw the ball will this result in a significantly stronger draw? I kind of want numbers and percentages so I can determine if it is a large enough impact for me to change the ball. Merlin1313, Dweed and GPS111 3 Quote Driver: Paradym LS, 9* w/ Fujikura Ventus Black 6s Woods: M2 Tour 3W HL/16.5* w/ Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver 70g Hybrids: 0317 X GEN4 3H/19* w/ Aldila NV Green Hybrid NXT 85g Irons: GEN5 0311P 4-A w/ ProjectX LZ Wedges: RTX4 / Vokey SM7 50*, Vokey SM9 56* & 60* Putter: Studio Select Newport 1.5 Ball: Pro V1x (left dash) Bag: Sun Mountain C130 Link to comment
Randall Robbins Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Usually 2 or 3 rounds - depends on scuffs, then it's in the "practice box". GPS111, Merlin1313, CFreddie and 1 other 4 Quote Driver : Sub70 839D 3 wood Sub 70 pro Hybrid Sub 70 849 18* Hybrid Sub 70 839 21* Irons Sub 70 639 combo Wedges Sub 70 659 approach 50*, 286 full face groove 54* Putter FGP Ball Titleist AVX Grips: Best Grips std leather Link to comment
Ernie111 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 18 holes is the most. If there is a scuff on the ball, I replace the ball after the hole is finished no matter what the numbered hole is. Never reuse a golf ball on the next round. Dweed and Merlin1313 1 1 Quote Hit em long Link to comment
richk9holes Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Very dependent on the course. There are courses I know going in OB will be part of the day. I bring 8-10 balls that already have tree marks to those courses and usually leave with 8-15, not the same ones. When playing the courses I play most frequently I'll often have the same 2 rotating all day and I bring fresh if I have or the nicest looking used ones I have. I will consider a ball good to use in some capacity until it gets cut or the cover wears so much it feels weird. The local driving range let's me bring my really old ones and cut balls to hit out on their range no charge when they get to the point I won't bring them on course. Merlin1313 1 Quote Finding a way to turn birdies into bogeys since 1992. #TeamChunks '23 Forum Tester: Elixir Golf Ball WITB:TS2 10.5° @ 11.25° Tensei blue AV 55 R graph•917f2 15° @ 16.5° Diamana blue x5ct dialed 70 R graph•Stealth 22° Ventus red 6 (non-velo) R graph• 699u 2i 17° tgi 70 R graph•24° Tour v 90 black pvd R steel•699 6i-PW Tour 110 black pvd R steel• SM8 50°/08° @ 52°/10° SM8 stock steel• Jaws Full Toe 56°/12° DG Spinner TI steel • c series DW 2.0 slant neck stock steel•Phantom 2 gps•Tour v3 rangefinder•Elixir golf ball• Link to comment
Wicki Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 It all depends how the round is going. The goal is to make it through at least one round and start off the next round with the same ball, if the previous round was a good one. Sometimes would pull out a ball that has been to the war zone if the round is going BAD! This is to prevent from losing or using up a good ball. if the balls get scuffed up, they are making there way to be used as underlay for a patio that I am going to try to put in soon. Dweed, GPS111, Merlin1313 and 1 other 2 1 1 Quote Driver: Taylor Made Stealth 10.5* Mizuno Irons: JPX 923 Tour Irons: Proto Rose Wedges: SM7 52.08; SM6 60.04 Wedges: Zip core: 54, and 58 Callaway Golf Wedge: Jaws 50 Putter: Platinum S Odyssey putter: Jail Bird Link to comment
richk9holes Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 7 minutes ago, Wicki said: It all depends how the round is going. The goal is to make it through at least one round and start off the next round with the same ball, if the previous round was a good one. Sometimes would pull out a ball that has been to the war zone if the round is going BAD! This is to prevent from losing or using up a good ball. if the balls get scuffed up, they are making there way to be used as underlay for a patio that I am going to try to put in soon. That's cold. You dug their grave already and let them know where they're headed if they don't perform. Merlin1313 and GPS111 2 Quote Finding a way to turn birdies into bogeys since 1992. #TeamChunks '23 Forum Tester: Elixir Golf Ball WITB:TS2 10.5° @ 11.25° Tensei blue AV 55 R graph•917f2 15° @ 16.5° Diamana blue x5ct dialed 70 R graph•Stealth 22° Ventus red 6 (non-velo) R graph• 699u 2i 17° tgi 70 R graph•24° Tour v 90 black pvd R steel•699 6i-PW Tour 110 black pvd R steel• SM8 50°/08° @ 52°/10° SM8 stock steel• Jaws Full Toe 56°/12° DG Spinner TI steel • c series DW 2.0 slant neck stock steel•Phantom 2 gps•Tour v3 rangefinder•Elixir golf ball• Link to comment
CFreddie Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I'm with the general consensus here, although I've started a bucket of practice balls that consist of balls I've played during previous rounds that have any scuff / damage (but still playable) - usually just use those for chipping practice out back. Dweed and GPS111 2 Quote Driver: Paradym with Ventus TR Blue 60 Stiff Fairways: Aerojet Max 3W & 7W with Hzrdus Smoke Blue RDX 70 Stiff Hybrid: King TEC 5H with KBS PGI 95 Stiff Irons: Forged TEC 5-PW with KBS Tour Lite Stiff Wedges: Haywood Signature Raw Wedges (50 / 54 / 58) Putter: L.A.B. DF3 (aka "Chewie") Ball: 2023 Maxfli Tour Reviews: L.A.B. DF3 Cobra 50th Anniversary Member Testing Callaway Paradym Titleist White Box Testing (2023) Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 Link to comment
Chad Parmer Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 16 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said: I am good for 1 lost Ball per round. Of course some rounds I am better or worse than others. It has become more common than a ball will end up staying all round, but usually after it's pretty beat up and I'll use it for a practice Ball or the first few holes behind it being required to be switched out. Uhhh. Til I hit it in the woods!! invee123 1 Quote 28 years coaching. From 1st graders to college athletes! Build the PERSON, automatically get a better player…. Goes hand in hand! Link to comment
Bang60 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Till it’s lost Wicki, Chad Parmer and invee123 1 2 Quote I’m a hacker who loves nothing more than to change how I play, be that grips shafts and heads its all fair game lol… Link to comment
Wicki Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 3 hours ago, richk9holes said: That's cold. You dug their grave already and let them know where they're headed if they don't perform. These are only golf balls that have seen their days or don't fit my golf game! invee123 and Chad Parmer 2 Quote Driver: Taylor Made Stealth 10.5* Mizuno Irons: JPX 923 Tour Irons: Proto Rose Wedges: SM7 52.08; SM6 60.04 Wedges: Zip core: 54, and 58 Callaway Golf Wedge: Jaws 50 Putter: Platinum S Odyssey putter: Jail Bird Link to comment
Wicki Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 1 hour ago, Chad Parmer said: Uhhh. Til I hit it in the woods!! I hear ya on that! Depends on the day and course attitude towards me! Chad Parmer and invee123 1 1 Quote Driver: Taylor Made Stealth 10.5* Mizuno Irons: JPX 923 Tour Irons: Proto Rose Wedges: SM7 52.08; SM6 60.04 Wedges: Zip core: 54, and 58 Callaway Golf Wedge: Jaws 50 Putter: Platinum S Odyssey putter: Jail Bird Link to comment
RoverRick Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 We have OB on 8 holes. We have 2 island greens and 2 island tee boxes. We have water on 14 holes and forced carries over water on 3 holes. And woods opposite all the other hazards. We often have 20-30 mph winds. I have lost balls on every hole on the course, not in 1 round. I have played several rounds with the same ball also. I played the same ball for over 2 rounds, but I lost 3 balls today. GPS111, Chad Parmer and invee123 3 Quote A.I. Smoke TD 9° on T P T POWER 18 Hi Driver G430 Max 15° on T P T POWER 18 Hi Fairway iCrossover 3i on T P T POWER 18 Hi Hybrid iCrossover 4i on Graphite Design ADDI 7S i525 5-U on TGI 90 S SM9 54° & 58° on Wedge DF2.1 on White LINK1on T P T Putter (on order) ProV1 Precision Pro NX7 Pro All Iron grips are BestGrips Micro-Perforated Mid Link to comment
Golfizit Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 I have gotten good enough with our courses here i play 4-6 rnds with the same ball i look for changes in distance and control. When that stats to change i change balls. Im 69 but still average driver carry over 240 yds. And thanks to lessons last yr much straighter so don’t normally loose balls. But yes it happens have water on every course i play and thats probably where i loose them the most. But also play with 20-30 winds so expect more lost balls. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Chad Parmer 1 Quote Richard father of 7 and ex army enlisted then officer. Love outdoors Link to comment
Chad Parmer Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 35 minutes ago, RoverRick said: We have OB on 8 holes. We have 2 island greens and 2 island tee boxes. We have water on 14 holes and forced carries over water on 3 holes. And woods opposite all the other hazards. We often have 20-30 mph winds. I have lost balls on every hole on the course, not in 1 round. I have played several rounds with the same ball also. I played the same ball for over 2 rounds, but I lost 3 balls today. Golf is such a humbling sport!! Bad shots with a few good ones sprinkled in. My experience at least. Lol. Don’t keep me from coming back though!! Love the punishment I reckon! GPS111 1 Quote 28 years coaching. From 1st graders to college athletes! Build the PERSON, automatically get a better player…. Goes hand in hand! Link to comment
Tincuptim Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 Usually multiple rounds with the same ball. Just had my first hole in one and I am almost embarrassed at how the ball looks in its display case. Almost. After 58 years of trying I was finally blessed and am off the snide. Ryan M, ParFore74x, MuniGolfer and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment
cnosil Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 7 hours ago, Tincuptim said: Usually multiple rounds with the same ball. Just had my first hole in one and I am almost embarrassed at how the ball looks in its display case. Almost. After 58 years of trying I was finally blessed and am off the snide. Congrats on the hole in one. Chad Parmer and invee123 2 Quote Driver: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven Fairway: Paradym AI Smoke Max HL 16.5* w/MCA TENSEI AV Series Blue Hybrids: 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype 915H 24* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype Irons: TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite Wedge: 54/12D, 60/8M w/Accra iWedge 90 Graphite Putter: Render w/VA Composites Baddazz Backup Putters: Sacks Parente MC 3 Stripe, Milled Collection RSX 2 Member: MGS Hitsquad since 2017 Link to comment
BKervin Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 I use the same ball until I lose it usually! Unless it gets badly scuffed. Two different scenarios for me though - In South Carolina in the winter there are lots of water hazards to get over that is where I lose them. I keep oldish/scuffed balls to hit over (or into) the water. (My brain just won't let me swing normal when it sees the water). Besides, I like my fingers so I prefer to feed the gator golf balls instead of fingers! In Northwest Pennsylvania/Northwest New York there are more heavily wooded outlying areas and when I get that errant shot, that we all get, I can't sometimes find them. Definitely go through more balls in South Carolina!! Chad Parmer and invee123 2 Quote B Link to comment
Grinder48 Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 I start with a new ball and play until I see any significant appearance deterioration. On most models I use, that will usually be (unless I lose it) 1-1/2 to 2 rounds max. Chad Parmer 1 Quote Grinder Rules Official with FSGA Link to comment
sabramFL Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 (edited) I'm a straight, short hitter off the tee which means I don't lose many balls. I'd say I lose about one ball per round. I keep a ball in play until I lose it. Yesterday on a cape hole with water down the entire right side of the hole, I pushed my tee shot and lost the ball I had used for 30+holes. I re-teed and hit the exact same shot, so lost that one in one shot. I took a drop and used that ball for the rest of the round (12 holes). Hopefully, it has at least another round in it. I have shelves full of new balls, so I really don't know why I like to play a ball for so long or why it bugs me to lose one. My wife thinks I'm crazy for buying and trying out new golf balls and then leaving them on the shelf to try out a new model or brand Edited April 20, 2023 by sabramFL Correct typos BKervin, Chad Parmer, Merlin1313 and 2 others 3 2 Quote Ping g 430 irons & hybrid Taylor Made Stealth 2 HD driver &fairways Link to comment
Don Figgins Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 During the summer, I’ll play the same ball until it gets scuffed, scratched and or have been played >2-3 rounds. During winter play, I’ll play balls that are imperfect until I loose them or get tired of them and put them in my used golf ball bucket. richk9holes, Merlin1313 and Tincuptim 3 Quote Don Figgins Link to comment
sporter Posted April 21, 2023 Share Posted April 21, 2023 I will play a ball until I lose it if it is just a relaxed round. If it is a tournament, I will go with a sleave of new balls. Most of the balls I take out of play are due to cuts on the cover from my wedges. The longest I ever played a ball was 22.5 rounds, I wore just about all of the logo and writing off the ball be for I hit an errant shot with it and put it in the water. richk9holes, Tincuptim and Merlin1313 3 Quote Link to comment
FIRSTSHIRT Posted April 22, 2023 Share Posted April 22, 2023 (edited) I might get 27 holes in on average using the same ball. Average drops on more difficult courses obviously. Edited April 22, 2023 by FIRSTSHIRT wrong word richk9holes and Merlin1313 2 Quote IBO Link to comment
richk9holes Posted April 22, 2023 Share Posted April 22, 2023 (Rodney Dangerfield voice) Gee I never knew I'd show so much interest in a conversation about someone's balls... Quote Finding a way to turn birdies into bogeys since 1992. #TeamChunks '23 Forum Tester: Elixir Golf Ball WITB:TS2 10.5° @ 11.25° Tensei blue AV 55 R graph•917f2 15° @ 16.5° Diamana blue x5ct dialed 70 R graph•Stealth 22° Ventus red 6 (non-velo) R graph• 699u 2i 17° tgi 70 R graph•24° Tour v 90 black pvd R steel•699 6i-PW Tour 110 black pvd R steel• SM8 50°/08° @ 52°/10° SM8 stock steel• Jaws Full Toe 56°/12° DG Spinner TI steel • c series DW 2.0 slant neck stock steel•Phantom 2 gps•Tour v3 rangefinder•Elixir golf ball• Link to comment
Stevenhp Posted April 23, 2023 Share Posted April 23, 2023 I am currently using primarily one ball. During the time of the year that the temps.,drop I carry 2 balls and rotate each hole and stretch out the rounds as most of the time it’s just practice. When it warms up I change balls more often and depending upon the type of damage done but the odd cart path,trees or any other obstacles I might make contact with I will pull it. The game is hard enough so I will take any advantage possible. Merlin1313 1 Quote Link to comment
GPS111 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 Great timing to go with this post. On line today: https://golf.com/gear/golf-balls/golf-ball-performance-issues-round/?amp=1 Addresses exactly what we've been talking about. And one ball for all 72 holes on tour? Bonkers. Merlin1313 1 Quote GPS111 Link to comment
Fore67 Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 I'm pretty fortunate. I work on the grounds crew at one of the 3 public golf courses in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I find my share of pristine Pro V1's & V1X's, simply because I know where to look for them. I tee up a new found ball every round. Sometimes they last the round, sometimes not. There are 14 holes with water hazards on them, so a round without a penalty for one in the water is a good day! I find plenty of other pristine balls on the course, but thanks to the MGS ball findings, I will only play Titleist and Pro V1 & V1X. Mostly V1's! BKervin and Merlin1313 1 1 Quote Played this wonderful game for 54 years now. Still love it! Driver - Callaway Rogue Reg shaft 10 degree (Circa 2018) 3 Wood - Callaway Big Bertha 3 Metal (2014) Hybrids - Callaway X-Hot Pro 16 and 20 degree (2014) Irons - Callaway Apex Pro Graphite Shafts 4-A (2014) Wedges - Callaway Mac Daddy 56 (2014) and 58 (2019) Putter - Kayson Mallet 34" (2023) Bags - Carry: Sun Mountain (2005) Cart: BagBoy Easy Rider Lite (2019) Pull/Push Cart - BagBoy Compact3 (2019) "Can't birdie them all if you don't birdie the first 2" Link to comment
PIJoe Posted April 25, 2023 Share Posted April 25, 2023 It obviously depends on the condition of the ball, but if I check up on concrete, I change it. If I can keep it clean and non-scuffed, I'll keep playing it until I can't. I just don't like the scuffs. I don't usually change to a junk ball on tight or water holes as I think the negative thoughts do more harm than good for me. BKervin 1 Quote Dr: Epic Speed Max 3W: LTDx Hy: ST200x 23 Irons: Z745; NS Pro 980GH GW/SW: Edison 2.0 KBS 610 Wedge LW: Edison 2.0 KBS Rev 2.0 Putter: HB SOFT Milled 8 w/ UST All-In Ball: Tour B RXS Link to comment
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