Menu
Even the slightest design changes between golf clubs can result to a world’s worth of performance differences. But can you say the same thing about golf balls? According to general consensus, it seems golf balls perform almost the same across the board. So, what does that mean for you? Simply put, you probably don’t need to be spending so much on premium tier balls.
With the golf ball business becoming more and more competitive, lots of manufacturers are marrying high-grade performance with attractive price tags. Not to mention the rise of the recycled and refurbished golf ball market, there’s really no reason for you to shell out so much on something you’re bound to lose.
Scan the market and you’ll find that the best cheap golf balls can be around 30% to 80% cheaper than their high-end counterparts. How is that possible without sacrificing performance? Well, it all depends on who made them and where they come from.
It will typically come from a reputable manufacturer hoping to tap into the budget golfer market. These are usually two-piece golf balls that are made to pretty much the same specifications as more expensive picks available. The main difference is in the brand. More often than not, you’re actually paying for the name slapped across the balls which doesn’t really affect performance at all.
It can be as affordable as 20¢ a piece or less, despite coming from high-end, reputable brands. Don’t worry - they’re not counterfeits. These balls are usually used, recycled balls that are collected from golf courses, washed, and then sorted.
They sell cheap because they’ve been used before. But if you can get your hands on a batch of balls that have been cleaned and inspected for good quality. Then you stand the chance to play with premium, branded balls at a fraction of the cost.
These are sandblasted and repainted, these balls can be made to look completely new despite being used. The downside with a refurbished ball however is that there’s no way to tell whether a manufacturer simply stripped away the paint and slapped on a higher tier brand and model across the surface.
Another point to consider when buying refurbished balls is that because the paint is different from the original, it might not hold up as well against wear, tear, and the elements. More often, a refurbished ball will crack and chip more readily than recycled balls.
That really depends. Some experts assert that mid-priced golf balls can be a suitable choice for mid to high handicap players who rarely lose their balls. Sure, the performance differences have been described as ‘marginal’. But if you feel that you need to improve your game, there’s nothing wrong with leveraging any opportunity to play better. And that includes a set of good quality, brand new balls.
The same goes for people who intend to play in an area where losing a ball might not be likely. For instance, if you’ve got a nice open space with few hazards all to yourself, it becomes easier to collect your balls after play.
For individuals who are golfing in public spaces with lots of other players and absolutely no chance of retrieving a ball, then refurbished or recycled might be the way to go. Practice and casual play can also be sufficiently satisfying with the help of a bunch of used golf balls in hand.
So what exactly are you getting yourself into when you buy cheap vs mid-priced balls? Of course, they’ve got their fair share of benefits. But just like any other purchase, there are a few downsides that you might want to consider.
A mid-priced golf ball can be a suitable investment for any player across the various levels of expertise. Easy on the pocket yet reliable in performance, these golf balls help to maximize your potential on the green.
On the downside, there’s always the risk of losing them. And because there are over 300 million golf balls lost annually, it makes you wonder whether buying a new batch of balls and adding to that surplus can be a wise, environmentally conscious choice.
With prices you can’t beat, cheap golf balls are the way to go if you’re not sure whether you’d actually even be able to get your balls back after play. Available in a range of brands and models, buying cheap balls also means that you can get your hands on premium golf ball picks at just a fraction of their original price.
The downside of course is that there’s no way to tell how the previous use might have impacted the ball’s structure and performance. Plus, there’s also the risk of buying a refurbished ball that’s made to look like a brand and model that it actually isn’t.
Looking to save up on your next golf ball purchase? Keep these tips in handy to get a good deal on value golf balls without shaving down quality.
You’ll notice that top tier brands tend to price their balls significantly steeper even if they don’t outperform the competition. Don’t be swayed by fancy marketing and popular brand names. Even budget-friendly golf balls perform just the same.
Before you buy that fresh batch of golf balls, shop around. You’ll be surprised how playable a set of recycled balls can be, especially if you’re buying grade A’s or B’s.
Golf balls are much cheaper when you buy them in bulk. If you’re the kind of person who’s always losing a ball at the course, then you might want to consider buying more balls in one go to shave down the total and save up on delivery costs.
Known as one of the best golf equipment manufacturers, TaylorMade has cemented itself as a premier brand in the industry. But despite offering some of the most reliable golfing essentials, TaylorMade also offers cost-effective golf balls like the Distance Plus. Available in packs of 12, these golf balls help maximize distance without complicating your play. At less than a dollar a piece, these golf balls are well within any player’s budget.
The Recycled Callaway Golf Balls from Reload aren’t exactly brand new. But washed and sorted, these golf balls can be just as good as a new batch fresh from the shop. Touting premium Callaway specifications and finish. The Reload Recycled Callaway Golf Balls can be a smart way to get your hands on high quality balls without spending a fortune.
With 15 pieces in a pack, the Wilson Ultra 500 Distance Golf Balls are less than a dollar per ball. But even with their cost-effective price, they deliver long-distance performance that’s perfect for players trying to maximize their average drive. And because they’re painted neon yellow, it becomes easier to locate and retrieve these golf balls for repeat use.
Looking to buy premium golf balls in bulk? The Wilson Prime Distance Golf Balls come in boxes of 36, giving you more than enough balls to see you through the entire season and beyond. Touting spin reducing dimple patterns and low compression technology. These golf balls can help improve your performance on the green without costing you more than you’re willing to spend.
At just a fraction of the cost of brand new balls, the Pinnacle Mint Recycled Golf Balls are sold in packs of 36, but come at the average price of a dozen brand new golf balls. Letting you get your hands on substantial savings, these recycled balls offer Pinnacle performance minus the guilt of adding to the millions of lost balls in circulation. Washed and sorted for quality, you can be certain that these golf balls will look and feel close to brand new, with minimal blemishes and no pen marks.
There’s no need to spend a fortune on golf balls. With literally hundreds of pocket-friendly picks on the market, you can still execute professional level performance with cost-effective balls that won’t put a dent on your wallet. So don’t think that a budget golf ball will dampen your game. Save up on your spending and perform like a pro with the best cheap golf balls on our list.
