Golf balls can get waterlogged, but not for months or even years. It takes a long time for a golf ball to have enough water damage to interfere with its performance and useability. However, it is possible that it can happen sooner, based on a few factors.
You’re out on the golf course with your friends on a nice sunny day, and on the 4th hole, you realize you left your sleeve of brand-new golf balls outside in the rain yesterday. Could this be the reason your game hasn’t been so good today?
If you’re out on the golf course and hoping to get that hole-in-one, how can you be sure that your golf balls are up to standard? Read here to see tips on keeping your golf balls water-free and performance-ready.
What is Inside a Golf Ball?
All golf balls are covered in a protective waterproof coating. Usually, this coating is designed to prevent cracks and breaks in the golf ball, which has been created to take a large beating during a game without losing its useability and potential. The game would be quite unfair if every ball were different, so most golf balls are created the same way. What exactly is inside?
The inside of a golf ball usually consists of a mixture of rubber materials and plastics, or polymer, which is heated and shaped into a ball core. After being shaped, the ball is painted and dried. The final step is adding the protective coating.
You’re probably wondering how the ball can become waterlogged with the core and the outside being so strong and hard-packed. It is possible.
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How Does a Golf Ball Become Waterlogged?
Several different factors can change whether a golf ball becomes waterlogged or not. Here are some of the most common ways it can happen.
Cracks or Damage
If the golf ball was damaged or cracked during a hit, it can cause the inside of the ball to be exposed to the elements. According to HGJT, golf balls can become waterlogged if submerged in water for more than 12 hours if the outside is damaged.
Prolonged Time in the Water
If your ball fell in the water while playing and you go to retrieve it quickly, no damage has likely been done. However, if you’re picking up someone else’s ball from the pond that potentially has been in there for days or weeks, there’s a larger chance that the ball has been damaged.
It is better to just buy a new ball than looking in the water.
If the ball hasn’t been damaged at all and has no cracks, it can take months or years to become damaged. You can take your chance with a ball like this, but you might want to weigh it along with some of your newer balls to see the difference in weight. Every bit of difference in the ball can make a difference in the game.
Age of the Ball
If you’ve had your ball for a few years, it can be safe to assume that your ball might be a little waterlogged or have other damage to it. According to Golfweek, golf balls can last up to 7 full 18-hole rounds before there is a change in performance. Of course, this is if no cracks or major scuffs appear on the ball.
If the ball feels rough and damaged on the outside, it’s time to choose a new ball.
How to Prevent Waterlogging
If you’re looking to prevent your golf balls from getting waterlogged and causing a problem in the performance of your games, there are ways to keep your golf balls safe.
Purchase Waterproof Golf Balls
Currently, it is easier to find any type of golf ball you’re looking for than you might have found in the past. Some companies market balls that are completely waterproof and have a stronger coating against water and elemental damage. Just make sure to check out online stores for some options and reviews on these products before throwing money down yourself.
Dry Your Golf Balls
It may seem silly but drying your golf balls after they get wet is a good way to ensure they do not become waterlogged. Balls become waterlogged over time, and therefore the water slowly seeps through microcracks to get inside.
If you’re drying your golf balls every time you play, the water will most likely not have time to reach the core and affect the performance of the ball.
Keep Your Golf Balls Safe
When you’re not using the golf balls, do not leave them outside in a bucket or somewhere where the outside elements can touch them. It may seem that it has no effect, but if you live somewhere where there is a lot of rain, keeping your balls inside may protect them for a lot longer.
A well-stored golf ball can last years, especially if it was high quality to begin with.
Evaluate Your Golf Ball for Cracks
Did you know, there’s a test you can do to see if your golf ball has cracks that you’re unable to see? All you need is some saltwater. If you do not have spare ocean water lying around, that’s fine. You can create your own.
Cherry Wood Golf Club suggests creating a seawater solution with tap water and 35 grams of salt. It should be 1,000 grams in total mass. Do not try this test with freshwater, as golf balls do not float in freshwater.
Once you’ve got your saltwater solution, all you must do is see if your balls float. If a ball sinks or has bubbles coming out of it, you will be able to tell that the ball has some cracks and is more likely to be waterlogged. Throw that ball out before starting your next game.
Make sure to dry the balls after doing this test, so that they do not become waterlogged or damaged from the salt.
How to Tell If Your Golf Ball Has Gone Bad
With all this information being said, how do you know when your golf ball has lost performance? How do you know it’s not just your game?
Several factors might clue you in that your golf ball has gone bad and it’s time for a new one:
- Your golf ball doesn’t bounce as high as a new golf ball.
- You don’t hear a sound anymore when you hit the ball.
- There are cracks on the surface.
- The ball is visibly scuffed.
- The ball feels rough when you touch it.
- You’ve done the saltwater test and your ball doesn’t float.
- Some of your balls do not fly as far as others.
Tip: Buy all your golf balls new from stores or golf clubs instead of picking up abandoned balls from around the course.
Conclusion
Your golf balls can get waterlogged, and it’s important to take good care of all your balls to have the best chance of winning in a game. Golf balls are one of the most important tools of the game, and if you’re taking care of your tools, you’re guaranteed to succeed.
It is also possible that your golf balls are fine. Waterlog damage can start years after purchase in a normal and well cared for ball. There are many different solutions to keeping your balls safe from water, and there are also many ways to check if your golf balls are damaged before the damage even happens.
Keep these ways in mind when you’re getting ready for your next game and have fun.
Sources Used
https://www.hjgt.org/news/gear-talk-how-to-take-care-of-golf-balls
https://golftips.golfweek.usatoday.com/long-can-play-golf-ball-1443.html