If your golf ball is consistently getting wet, it might be time to call a halt to the game and take it to a pro. You can check for waterlogged balls by taking them outside and hitting them against a tree or post – if they sink in more than an inch, you’re going deep.
A waterlogged golf ball will cause trouble on the course as well – hit too many high-percentage shots with one that’s been drenched, and you’ll be penalized severely. Luckily, removing waterlogged balls from the course isn’t difficult at all; follow these tips and get back out there quick.
Make sure you always pack your green bag properly before teeing off so you don’t have any issues during play.

Can Golf Balls Get Waterlogged?
Cause of a waterlogged golf ball: Playing in wet conditions. Signs that your golf ball is wading in the deep end: noticing it keeps bouncing higher and lower on each hit, spinning less than usual, feeling heavier than normal when carried around.
How to remove a watered down golf ball from the course quickly and easily: by hitting it into some gravel or sand where it will sink to the bottom, then picking it up and putting it back into play.
Will waterlogged golf balls dry out?
If you waterlog your golf ball, it’s important to dry it as quickly as possible to prevent permanent damage. Even if you dry the golf balls at high temperatures, evaporation won’t remove all of the moisture from the inner layers.
The U.S Army Research Laboratory found that even if you try to evaporate the moisture from a waterlogged golf ball, it’ll leave scars on its surface. It’s important not only to dried Golf Balls quickly but also use a suitable storage container so they don’t get damaged in the first place.
How do you tell if a golf ball is waterlogged?
After hitting the ball, inspect it to see if there is any water on or inside of it. If there is water present, allow it to cool for a few minutes before checking its buoyancy again.
If your golf ball does not rise after some time has passed, then it is most likely wet and needs to be dried off immediately. Be careful when handling a wet golf ball – accidents can happen quickly.
Keep in mind that even though a golf ball may look dry, if moisture still collects near the surface, rain could fall and potentially ruin the ball.
How long does it take for a golf ball to be waterlogged?
The process of waterlogging a golf ball can take up to 12 hours, depending on the weather conditions and type of ball you are using. If you’re looking for an accurate estimate, check out HJGT’s guide on how long it takes for different types of balls to get waterlogged.
While golf balls may not be totally waterproof when wet, they will remain playable even after being submerged in water for several hours. Keep in mind that this slow progress happens because the materials used in golf balls aren’t completely resistant to moisture absorption; however, they are still functional after being soaked up.
Soaking your favorite toy isn’t going to cause any major damage- but it might make it a little less appealing when you finally have time to play with it again.
What happens when a golf ball is wet?
When a golf ball is wet, the water reduces friction on the club face and causes the golf ball to slide up slightly producing higher launch, less spin, and higher overall height.
The landing of a wet golf ball will tend to run out more because of lack of spin which can be attributed to water on the golf ball’s surface.
Can you use 20 year old golf balls?
If you’re looking for a cheap way to add some extra ballast to your golf club, 20 year old golf balls may be just the thing. Make sure that you keep your older golf balls away from heat or cold as they could potentially deteriorate over time.
Titleist researchers state that they can last up to 10 years if stored properly and out of the reach of heat or cold. As long as your golf ball doesn’t get too hot or cold, it should be safe to store them for an extended period of time- even up to 20 years.
Now is a great time to stock up on old golf balls- prices are usually low right now and there’s no need to worry about them going bad anytime soon.
How long can you soak golf balls?
Soaking golf balls in a vinegar or bleach solution can help to clean them and remove dirt and debris. The process should take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the golf ball.
Afterwards, you can use a pressure washer to clean the balls properly. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight while cleaning as this could damage the balls aesthetically. Finally, store your golf balls in an airtight container for future use.
When should you throw away a golf ball?
If the golf ball has a noticeable crack, it should be thrown away and replaced. A micro-fracture in the skin can cause the ball to fly differently and affect how it responds to a clubhead – if this is done internally, it means you need to replace your golf ball.
Balls with visible wear and tear are also candidates for being discarded; these will usually have obvious tears or cracks that would make them unsightly on the course or during play. Lastly, if there’s any doubt as to whether or not a golf ball should be tossed out, test its buoyancy by dropping it into water – if it sinks then it needs replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do new unused golf balls last?
To keep your golf balls fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. The best place to store golf balls is at a garage or closet where they can be accessed regularly.
How long should a golf ball last?
If the ball feels rough, it’s time to replace it.
How many hits can a golf ball take?
A golf ball can take a maximum of 100 hits before it breaks.
How long can you hit the same golf ball?
According to Golf Digest, the average golf ball should last at least seven full 18-hole rounds without any degradation in performance.
Do pro golfers use different balls?
There are many different types of golf balls on the PGA Tour and pro players use them depending on their needs.
How much does rain affect a golf ball?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to how much rain affects a golf ball. However, consistent rain will create an increase in air humidity which will decrease the flight distance and resistance of the golf ball. It is generally safe to assume that if you’re playing in wet weather conditions your average carry distance may be decreased by around 3-5 yards.
How much rain is too much for golf?
Can You Play Golf in Heavy Rain? Yes, you can play golf in heavy rain, as long as there has not been a lightning strike in the area within the last 30 minutes. Make sure you have extra towels in your golf bag to help keep you safe and dry.
Does a wet golf ball go farther?
When playing in wet conditions, try to keep the ball as dry as possible. If you can’t or don’t want to play in water, Earl’s golf balls are specifically designed for this type of weather.
To Recap
Golf balls can get waterlogged if they are submerged in water for a prolonged period of time, so it is important to remove them from the water as soon as possible.
If you’re playing on a wet course, try to avoid putting your ball in areas that will be flooded by rain or melted snow.
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