Modern golf balls are pretty impressive and are a sturdy piece of equipment. They are more durable than those of a few years ago. Today’s golf balls can withstand higher swing speeds.
As long as you are not storing your balls in extreme conditions, your balls can last for years. However, durability varies with types of golf balls. Also, a variety of factors are responsible for the durability of the balls.
How Long Do Golf Balls Last?
The lifespan of a golf ball can be an eternity. There is no exact expiring date for a golf ball. As long as you are not storing your golf ball in extreme temperatures, it will last for years. If you ask about reasonable storage conditions, it is safe to say that under 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is more likely to last forever.
There goes a saying, if your golf ball survives an 18 hole round of golf, you are fortunate and an excellent player. Usually, a golf ball lasts up to 7 rounds (having 18 holes per round) of golf before demanding to be replaced. The majority of the golfers have a high performing golf ball for seven rounds before noticing any difference.
However, a golf ball can last for a longer time and yet perform at a high level.
The Longevity of Two-Piece Golf Ball
Generally, a two-piece golf ball lasts longer. It has a durable rubber core and a more hardened outer layer. This hardcover is less prone to scratches and cuts. Experts usually recommend it for beginners.
You can rarely see any changes in performance in five to seven years of using it. So you can say that it has a life expectancy of 7 years or more. However, you can store it for a lifetime.
Longevity of Three Piece Golf Ball
A three-piece golf ball has less life expectancy than a two-piece golf ball. Professional players usually have this ball. It comes with a solid rubber outer covering; the balata cover makes it tighter and firmer.
However, the materials give it a softer feel. This means that the ball experiences more wear and tear and leads a shorter life than the two-piece golf ball. This ball lasts for a couple of years.
Does Longevity Depend Upon How You Store It?
The way you store your golf balls directly impacts the performance and, thus, on the balls’ longevity. If you can ensure the ball storage under room temperature and don’t keep it in the scorching heat, your golf ball will go a long way.
There is a myth that storing golf balls in the refrigerator increases its longevity. However, a cold golf ball inevitably lessens the standard distance drive. If you want a cold ball, you can store it for some time and then use it. But, you should not store it in the long run.
Keeping your balls in a cool and dry place will lengthen the ball’s lifetime. You should keep the balls at normal cold room temperature. As long as you keep the golf balls away from excessive heat, the balls will easily last for five to seven years. Normal indoor conditions are excellent for storage.
Why should you keep your balls away from extreme conditions? When the ball is exposed to heat or cold for a long time, it begins to expand or contract and change the ball’s compression. This impacts on their performance. And consequently, you change your golf balls.
However, if you keep the balls under room temperature or less, say approx. 12-18 degrees Celsius, your ball won’t have any risk of deformation or change of other properties. And thus, there is no chance of reducing the lifespan of the ball.
You can store the balls in golf ball storage boxes, pouches, racks, or buckets. And you must agree that longevity depends on properly storing the balls. And imagine the amount of money you can save!
Does the Durability of Golf Balls Depend on Its Cover?
The durability of a golf ball depends on the type of cover you choose. Usually, golf ball covers are made of two different materials—a softer urethane or a durable ionomer material (surlyn).
The covers made with ionomer materials cut and wear-resistant. These are used for distance type golf balls. Balls with this cover can withstand the effect of tough strikes and rough terrain. It protects the ball from bad shots or contact with any hard surface. These balls are usually more durable.
You can find urethane covers on premium multilayer balls. These are also cut resistant. However, these are not that resistant to scratching and scuffing. The covers are softer and thinner.
These fragile covers can suffer from surface damage from sand traps, cart paths, or irons’ sharp grooves. It is not that durable as the former one. Skilled golfers prefer this material made ball as it creates more spin.
In a nutshell, you can say that the ball made with Surlyn cover is more durable than that of urethane cover. However, if you want more spin, you should go for the urethane cover. If you want more durability of your ball, then purchase the ball with surlyn cover.
Surlyn is ahead in the durability and distance departments.
Does the Durability of Golf Balls Depend on Its Core?
The core of a golf ball is the most powerful and most significant portion of the ball. The core is the engine of your golf ball. It is responsible for one thing, and that is power.
The cores of modern golf balls are made with extremely durable polymers. These golf balls are not damaged that easily. Balls are more durable than the older ones.
In the past, golf ball cores were made with liquid centers and rubber bands. Modern golf ball cores filled with polymers can endure repeated high-speed strikes and perform swing after swing.
Now the cores primarily consist of synthetic rubber. This element returns most of the energy put into the ball. In recent times, this material is the first choice for golf ball core construction.
If you purchase new golf balls, then you don’t have to worry separately about the core for its durability.
When Should You Change Your Golf Ball?
It takes a lot of swings just to wear out a golf ball. The ball is expected to survive at least seven 18 hole rounds. You should not see any loss of distance in your drive or face problems with ball control.
Many golfers change their balls frequently. Maybe because they had a bad hole or like to play with a new ball every round, some players play ball with scratch marks and cut because they cost a lot. Many experts recommend sticking to one golf ball to get more consistent shots and better scoring.
It is a personal preference when you want to change it. However, if you feel a worn-around edge of the ball, there is a good chance that your ball needs replacement. You can gauge the health of your ball by rubbing your hand over the ball’s cover.
If you notice a loss of paint or marks like paint stains, there is no need to worry. But as soon as your golf ball feels rough or there is any damage, you should change it. You can use that ball for your practice sessions.
You are more likely to see damage in the cover after seven 18-hole rounds. Slight damage can impact your whole game. So, it’s better if you change it. If money is an issue here and you are okay with a slight impact on your game, you can continue with the older one.
Check Before You Replace
You can try a simple test. Take both your present golf balls and the ones you haven’t hit yet to the range. Make drives with the unused balls and measure how far each shot goes.
Take similar shots with your present golf balls. Gauge the distance. If you notice a loss of a yard, you should think of replacing it.
Now, if the loss is a yard or two, then you don’t have to worry. However, in case your drive drops by ten or more yards, get rid of them.
Conclusion
Even if you have your golf balls for years without any loss of performance, you might still not be so satisfied with their performance. Because the manufacturers are continuously looking for cutting-edge techniques and are dedicated to improving their ball’s performance.
So, if you are playing with the balls manufactured years ago, you are probably missing out on the technological improvements in new balls. However, many like to stick to one ball and play it for years.
Moreover, the golf balls are quite expensive. A durable ball can save you a lot of money!
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