BadAsp Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I typically keep a new ball until I have a pretty definitive scuff mark. I’ve played a whole round a few times with the same ball and shot in the high 70s low 80s. Sometimes I’ll switch the ball if I see it fly funny or act differently than how the shot felt. But in most cases I keep the lucky ball until I lose or it’s damaged. invee123 1 Quote Just a Texas dude chasing white balls Link to comment
invee123 Posted April 19, 2023 Author Share Posted April 19, 2023 Wow guys - definitely didn't expect so much participation in this thread! Thank you for all of those who responded and I really appreciate the wide range of handicap players AND range of locations. I was surprised to read how much fall came into play and am personally a little worried once that time comes around this season out here in Colorado. I have read all of your responses (at least from before I posted this message) and will definitely use the aggregate of your experiences towards my testing for the OnCore X2 balls. Also, welcome to all of the newer members who commented! BigJohnB78 1 Quote Rogue MAX LS 9° (set to +1°) Rogue Max 3W 15° Apex UW 19° p770 w/ Project X 6.5 (4-AW) Jaws Full-Toe Black 54° & 60° Spider GT 35" TP5x Link to comment
TitleistMike Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 In my balata days, 3 or 4 holes max. For Discussion later is why spell check on a golf forum wants to autocorrect to blatant. Current, on a good, normal day, one ball, whole round. Maybe 1/3 of rounds I lose a ball or two according to water hazards in play or how deep leaves are along tree line. Yes, I find more (TM Cway Srixon) than AVX lost. invee123 1 Quote Driver FW - Titleist 917 Irons 4 to 8 - Titleist T300 2° flat Irons 9 to wedges - George Nicoll Royal musclebacks 70s vintage Putter - Scotty Cameron Select blackout Link to comment
BigJohnB78 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 A ball last me maybe 3 or 4 holes if I’m lucky. Lol. In all seriousness when I do have a ball that makes it through a round I normally will keep using it. Quote WITB: Driver - Titleist 917 D2 3W - Titleist 917 F2 3H - Titleist 818 H1 4-PW - Callaway Mavrik Max 52/56/60 - Callaway Mack Daddy CB Putter - Taylormade TP Red Ardmore 3 Bag - Nike Air Hybrid Ball - Trying out different ones Link to comment
Madden B Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I will use the ball until it gets some scuff or cut marks on it. It does affect the flight when the ball has some external damage to it and I need all the help I can get. But usually I can play a ball for most of a round before switching it out. Quote TaylorMade Stealth Plus 9Deg, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX TaylorMade SIM2 3 Wood 15 Deg TaylorMade SIM2 Rescue - 3 19 Deg Callaway Rogue ST Pro 4-PW Vokey SM9 Wedges 48, 52, and 58 Deg Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 1.5 ( Still have my Fastback No. 1, it is in time out for a bit!) All carried around in a customized Ping Hoofer Carry bag! Check out my YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@maddenbarnes My swing in slo-mo: 224.mov Link to comment
Gopokes14 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I think 3 rounds is about the most I can get out of a ball before it just gets too beat up looking and I donate it to the First Tee barrel we have a the club. It's either that or I lose it before that point. I primarily use Bridgestone B XRS or Vice Pro Balls. The Vice seem to be a bit more durable and last little longer but 3 rounds is about it on average for me. Quote Cart: Electric Cart Tek 1500 Driver: G430 LST 10.5 Ping Tour 65 stiff 3 wood: G430 15 Ping Tour 67 stiff 3 &4 hybrid: 0311 Gen 5 Mitsubishi MMT 80 stiff Irons 5-GW: Ping I530s Dynamic Gold 115 stiff Wedges: Vokey SM 6’s gw 50.8, sw 56.8, lob 62.8) Putter: O-Works Red Versa #7S slant neck Ball: Vice Pro RXS Link to comment
Wakit300 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 As far as lost balls are concerned, I don't keep track or fret over it. Some rounds are better than others and when they're gone it's on to the next shot. I think it's inevitable that the difficulty and/or amount of hazards are definitely a factor but each course is different and each day I'm different so as they says "Que sera sera" I never think about changing a ball due to a hole with a hazard, OB, etc., I just play them all the same. Lastly, I will play the same ball as long as the cover is good. If there are no scuffs or anything marring the cover it's in play till that happens or I lose it. Today's balls are not like the balata balls of old which would lose their shape after a certain number of shots or holes. ACalling 1 Quote Aerojet LS 9° / Brava BGT SE F/4 Stealth FW 5 / TPT 16 MK/MT/SW M3 3/19° Rescue / Fujikura Ventus Red 7-S iCrossover 4 / Fx200H M4 ZX7 (5-AW) - ProModus3 Tour 120 T20 56° & 60°/ ProModus3 Tour 125 Wedge Royal GRIP V Sand Wrap MEZZ.1 / L.A.B. Tour X Link to comment
JerryB Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I've gone through several balls on the same hole so durability has never been a concern for me. I've gone about 30 holes with the same ball once and it was holding up well before I topped it straight into the water. Quote Cobra Aerojet Max driver Cobra Aerojet Max 3 wood and 7 wood Cobra Aerojet 4/5/6 hybrids Cobra Aerojet 7-PW, GW Cobra Snakebite 52° and 58° wedges Cobra King Stingray 20 putter Link to comment
William Gothard Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I’ll play the same ball until either I lose it, or it has visible damage (bad cut or scuffing). That can be three or four rounds. I’m playing OnCore balls as well and they are just as durable as the Titlist and Calloway balls that I was playing. Quote Link to comment
Mr. T Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I generally play the same ball until its scuffed or lost. The longest a ball has ever lasted, was 99 holes (a noodle long & soft which I love). The shortest, one swing and it’s normally a brand new Titleist. Quote Link to comment
Richard D. Shows II Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I have used a ball for as many as 4 rounds, it all depends on the durability. No cart path hit, no bunker shots or other damages. I don't usually lose a ball, so that is not an issue. Oklahoma does get very windy, so sometimes the elements play a part. Quote Richard D. Shows II Driver: PING G400 Max, 9.5* Fairway woods: PING 425, 14* and PING G Series, 16.5* Hybrids: PING G Series, 3H (19*), 4H (22*), 5H (26*) Irons: PING 425, 7-SW Wedge: Cleveland RTX ZipCore (58*) Putter: YES! Callie or TaylorMade Spider GT(New) Bag: Sun Mountain CX1 cart bag (Red, White and Blue) Balls: Titleist ProV1, Srixon QStar (&Tour), Callaway ERC Soft, TaylorMade TP5 Rangefinder: TecTecTec! Link to comment
HEL Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Depends on the make of ball. Titleist Tour and Callaway Chrome soft usually lasts 4/5 rounds, barring losing them but Srixon, cut-blue etc usually only 2/3 rounds. Probably also helps that as a senior golfer I don't thrash the ball with every shot. Quote Link to comment
WashedUpCollegeGolfer Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Sometimes I will end up using the same ball for 4-6 rounds, other times I am using 3 balls a hole multiple times in a round. Consistency is not my strong suite. Quote Link to comment
Divescribe Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I don’t loose many balls. Some balls (pro v, and avx), chrome x, can last me 3-4 rounds unless I get a bad scuff. I am one of the that play Kirkland balls as well. However, they seem to degrade in playability after two rounds. Quote The Big Man Link to comment
flsw19 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Until I loose it. Since the courses I play the most - have water that must be carried on at least 3 holes, I often happy to get by with 2 balls in a round. Some of the more difficult courses I play do not have water that is in play so I may be able to get through with one ball. Generally my drives are in play - just not long, so I don't worry about running out of fairway. Quote Link to comment
Baci123 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I usually play the same ball until it is too scuffed. This would typically be a couple of rounds or until I lose it. Quote Big Bertha B21 Link to comment
MadisonGolfbum Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I change as soon as there is any sort of damage. Rarely use the same ball more than 2 rounds.Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy Quote Madison bats - Driver - Callaway Mavrik 10.5*, Reg 55 gram Riptide 3W - Taylor Rocket Ballz 15* R 5W - Taylor Rocket Balls 19* Hybrid 22* Rocket Balls R, 25* Hyper Speed R Irons - 6-P Titleist AP2 712 S TT Gold Hi Launch W 52, 56, 60 Vokey SM6 Link to comment
Willie T Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Typically 3-4 rounds, if not lost in the woods or dunked in the water. Minor scuffs are not a major issue as my game is recreational by choice. Most rounds the same two I pull from the bag are the same two I put back at the end of the round. I experiment a lot with brands (found balls) and am currently trying some Kirkland Signatures. Quote WITB? G400 SFT w/Aldila NXT GEN NVS 55 Aflex ; G410 3w; G400 3h(19), 4h(22), 5h(26) - stock Ping Alta CB R-Flex; SMS 6i, 7i - KBS TourLIte 95 R-Flex; Maltby TS1 8i-9i-PW w/Apollo Acculite 85 R flex; INDI FLX-S wedges (50, 54, 58) w/Recoil graphite shafts -R-Flex and AI-One 7T BD Milled (aka Millie), ball choice tends to be Pro-V1 or simliar 3pc urethane balls. Link to comment
higherplane Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Depends how scuffed a ball is, not that picky. Where I live during Covid courses took out ball washers, so after rounds washing balls will decide if becomes practice ball. Quote Driver - 2023 Callaway Paradym 9.0, 3 Wood -2022 Rogue ST Max, 3 Hybrid Mavrik, 2017 X-forged 4-PW, Wedges Callaway 50-56-60, Putter Odyssey Toulon Chicago Link to comment
Gunslinger4u Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Until I lose it, or it becomes too damaged, but I seem to average about 1 ball every 3 rounds. Quote Link to comment
Dpersad Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 This is tough to answer as it varies wildly from one day to the next. Some days my game is on and I would say I lose 1.5 balls a round. Some days my game is off and I use lose 4 balls meaning I put 5 into play that round. Difficulty of course also comes into play. It doesn't happen often that I am removing a ball from play due to wear and tear. I usually lose them before that happens. But I would say last year I had maybe 3-4 balls ALL SEASON that lasted long enough to have to be discarded due to gouges and scuffs. Great question though. Merlin1313 1 Quote 40 year old Canadian golfer. Driver swing speed 113mph. All distance no accuracy. WITB: Driver - Callaway Rogue LS 9° stiff 5W - Ping g430 5h - Ping g430 Irons - TaylorMade p790 bent 1° weak and 1° upright with KBS $-Taper Chrome T 120 gram shafts (5-AW) Wedges - Titleist SM9 56° 114F, SM8 60° 10S Putter - Odyssey White Hot #5 Link to comment
Swood1994 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 My answer to this would be based under the assumption that I don’t lose any balls throughout the round, which is rare. But I usually try and use a fresh ball after 18-27 holes given there are no major scuffs from the bunkers, cart paths, or trees. Merlin1313 1 Quote Current WITB: Driver: Paradym 10.5 Ventus Black 6S (currently Testing AI Smoke) Fairway: ST-Z 230 3-Wood (15°) HZRDUS Smoke Black 6.0 60 Official Test Hybrid: ST-Z 230 Hybrid (19°) Ventus Blue HB-8 Official Test Irons: MP-18 MMC (4-9) Wedges: Vokey SM8 (46.10F, 50.12F, 54.14F, 58.12D) Putter: Select Squareback 2 34.5 Ping Corded 88G PP58 grip double taped Ball: Pro-V1 Reviews: 2023 Red Rooster Sussex Glove Official Forum Test 2023 Mizuno Long Game Official Forum Test 2024 Skytrak+ Official Forum Test Link to comment
funkyjudge Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 23 hours ago, invee123 said: I know there are so many different skill levels of golfers out there so I'm genuinely curious how long you guys play/don't lose golf balls while playing. Do you notice more lost balls on harder courses? Do most of you play the same ball when there's little to no hazard on the course? If you do play the same ball for multiple rounds, how many rounds do you end up keeping it? I am curious to know as I am doing the MGS OnCore X2 ball testing and I am curious to know how others value each individual ball not only from a performance perspective but a longevity one, since I assume most people aren't the most concerned with the durability of the ball after ~72+ holes of golf. As for me, my local municipal courses provide just about 0 water and wide fairways, so I can usually get through 18 with 1 (maybe 2) balls. However, if I do make it a full 18 with the same ball it usually finds it's way in the shag bag after one round. As long as the ball does not become damaged by a tree, cart path, etc., I will play it as long as I have it in my bag. That could be 2 or 3 rounds, 2 weeks, or in some cases a month or two. invee123 and Merlin1313 1 1 Quote DR - Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Max, Newton Motion 4-Dot shaft 4W - Titleist TSR2, Newton Motion 4-Dot FW shaft HYB - Sub 70 949X 21*, original HZRDUS Black 85-S shaft 7W (if played) - Titleist TSR, ACCRA TZ6 7S Irons - Cobra King Forged Tec X, KBS TGI graphite shafts Wedges - Edison 2.0, 47* (bent to 48*), 53* and 57* (bent to 58*), KBS TGI 100 Tour S Putter - Evnroll ER10 ""Outback” Mallet Ball - Maxfli Tour-X CG (2023) or Vice Pro Plus Bags - Vessel / Ghost stand bags Cart - MotoCaddy M7 Remote (without the remote) Spoiler Lots of short game practice has made this a strength; now the driver is causing problems! Link to comment
BMDubya Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 3 rounds is my limit, unless I lose it of course! I think with the amount of shots a ball takes, within in your round, it could vary. Of course, if it gets nicked/scuffed, then I replace it, no matter the time. I’ve noticed while practicing into my net, a new ball will last around 270-280 shots. Of course it will last longer, but cosmetically I can notice a difference in it. I hit 10 shots, with every iron in my bag when practicing. So that’s 90 shots each session. That’s how I came up with my numbers. On days that I play, I typically try to hit the amount I think I might take on the course. (Play it out in my head) Now, when you’re playing, it could last longer. You may not have many wedge shots a round, fewer wedge shots is probably going to extend the life of your ball. Also, take into account that you’re probably taking anywhere from 25-34 putts per round. That stress free on a ball. Guess it really depends on your skill level/HC. If you’re a high cap, that averages 95+, you may want to change it more often. But then again, you may not be able to tell a difference?! invee123 and Merlin1313 2 Quote Cally Epic Flash 3 / HZRDUS 1100- 6.5/tipped 1.5” TM M3 3wd HL/ Rogue 80x Srixon 785/ DGTI x100s Bridgestone Tour B/ 52°&58°- DGTI s400 Scotty TEI3 Long Neck Link to comment
Beakbryce Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Play the same ball until it doesn't fly right or I lose it. I play desert courses so not a lot of water and we can usually find them in the desert terrain. I haven't bought balls with my own money in years. Without even trying, I have 2 shoe boxes of found Pro V and Vice balls that we find while looking for our balls. One in three out is a good ratio for us. We catch and release all other balls back to the wild. Well, not Kirkland or Srixons that our buddy hits. But everything else. It is not unusual for me to play the same ball for 6-10 rounds. I lost a ball to a lake trying to stretch a shot yesterday that you couldn't see the number on one side, because it had been hit so much. Ball still played just fine, well, until it went in the water. I don't feel bad chancing a shot with a found ball that I have more than 4 or 5 rounds on. Dweed 1 Quote Driver: Callaway Epic 9 degree, stiff (set at 10 degrees with the movable weight in the center} FW: Callaway Epic 3,5, heaven wood w/ regular shaft (driver shaft in 3 wood, 3 wood shaft in 5 wood, 5 wood shaft in heaven wood, all three set at neutral plus 1 degree) Hybrids: Callaway BB19 4,6,7 (4 set at neutral plus 1 degree and 6 and 7 set at neutral minus 1 degree for gapping purposes) Irons: Callaway Rogue ST Max 8, 9, PW Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM6 50,54,58 Ball: Titleist Pro V1, 1X, Vice Pro Plus or anything I find that day and try out for the fun of it (I haven't bought balls with my own money in at least 10 years) Link to comment
Merlin1313 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Till I lose it or 3 rounds (whichever comes first) Dweed 1 Quote ALL Paradym 10.5*(11.5*) (Hzrdus Gen 4 Silver 60/KBS TD) Apex UW 17* (Tensei AV Blue 75) Apex Pro 21 Hybrid 20*/23* (KBS Hybrid) Paradym 6-PW (Nippon NS Pro Modus 3 Tour 105X) Jaws Raw Face Chrome 48* (Nippon NS Pro Modus 3 Tour 105X) Jaws Raw Chrome Full Toe 54*/ 58* (Nippon Pro Modus 125 Wedge) Jaws Full Toe Black Wedge 64* (DG Tour Issue Spinner 115) WHOG #5 Chrome Soft X Link to comment
Geno 220 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Until it disappears Merlin1313 and GPS111 1 1 Quote Link to comment
golfnfool01 Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I usually play the same ball for as many rounds as I can till the marks get to the point that I feel it effects my game! Dweed and Merlin1313 2 Quote Link to comment
Bill Hendry Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 Until I lose it. I find that scuffs and marks make no difference to ball flight, and balls are too expensive to be ditching them to the shag bag if there is a minor imperfection. Exception - hitting a tree at speed (off the tee at fairly close range) or the cart path, which can put quite a scar on a ball; otherwise I will use it for the round and if I am lucky, more rounds. VernL4, Dweed and Merlin1313 3 Quote Titleist TSR3 Driver - 9.75 degrees Taylor Made Mini-Driver 13.5 degrees Ping G30 5 Wood Ping G30 4 hybrid Mizuno MP20 - MMC irons 4-PW - Nippon Stiff shaft, Z-grip grips Titleist SM7 Wedges 50, 54 Ping Cadence TR B65 Putter Link to comment
RonW Posted April 19, 2023 Share Posted April 19, 2023 I play courses here in SE Queensland (AUS), slope rated from 123 to 135, so yes, plenty of water and other "penalty areas". Generally it's considered a good round if you can finish with the same ball as you started with. Playing close to 200 rounds a year, I estimate to go through approximately 20 dozen balls. I would love to play top-tier models regularly, but it's just price prohibitive, so 2nd tier models it is. (TM Tour Response, Titleist Tour Speed, etc) Merlin1313 and Dweed 2 Quote SIM2 Max-D Driver @ 10.5° 3-wood F-Max @ 16° 5-wood F9 @ 19° 6-hybrid T-Rail @ 23° F-Max Airspeed 7 - PW Irons RTX Zipcore Wedges 48°, 52° & 58° White Hot OG #1 Putter Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.