Stale Golf Balls.

[West Coast Duffer]

I was trying to search some old threads for something on old balls but couldnt find anything. anyways I have a ton of new and used AAAA balls and was wondering if anybody has heard of balls going bad. Everytime im in the damn store and see some balls onsale I buy them. Im guessing as long as they are indoors they should be ok.

[warbirdlover]

No, the cover seals in the goodies. I've had some 10 or more year old balls that worked just find. Of course the older balls can't hold a candle to the new stuff.

[limpalong]

Golf Digest or Golf Mag have done studies as to the effects of "aging" on golf balls. Some years ago, when many of the premium balls had liquid centers and/or were wound balls, the effect of water logging and age was measurable. Newer technology, however, has allowed the ball industry to evolve to materials both in the cover and the ball sectons to be rather innoculus to age and/or water effects. Today, the most damaging effect is the subjection to excessive heat. The balls will not be damaged by any ambient temps we encounter. The balls can, however, see some degradation if left in direct sunlight inside a vehicle, or some environment, where temps can reach close to 200 degrees F.

As WBL points out, evolutions in technology can quickly "age" balls long before the effects of time and weather. Yet, we have been blessed for the past few years with some phenomonal ball technology. I readily admit I do not have the game that will be adversely effected by using yesterday's ProV vs today's ProV. No matter what the ball, the challenge is still getting that ball... any ball... to strike up an intimate relationship with the center of the clubface.

[Rockford35]

I've read first hand from both Titleist and Bridgestone that golf balls have a shelf life of 3 years.

Keep in mind where this is coming from - the two largest ball manufacturers. It's obvious that they have an agenda, but from the sounds of things, they have done the research.

For what it's worth.

R35

[EddieC]

[quote=limpalong;196408]. Today, the most damaging effect is the subjection to excessive heat. The balls will not be damaged by any ambient temps we encounter. The balls can, however, see some degradation if left in direct sunlight inside a vehicle, or some environment, where temps can reach close to 200 degrees F. [quote]

Interesting, I've never heard that before. I'll have to start removing my back yard finds before the dishwasher gets to the heated drying cycle from now on just to be safe

[limpalong]

Interesting, I've never heard that before. I'll have to start removing my back yard finds before the dishwasher gets to the heated drying cycle from now on just to be safe[/quote]

Never did it cross my mind that one would use the dishwasher to clean their golf balls. Marvelous idea!!! Yes, I would be cautious about too hot of water or a hot drying cycle. Yet, there should be a rinse cycle you could run them through that would not subject to extremely hot water for a long period of time.

My wife would have a hissy fit if I made any attempt to add golf balls to a load of dishes. Think there is some way I can convince her that the dimples on the golf balls have some agitation effect on the soap and will give her cleaner dishes? Come on... give me some good "story" that will help convince her!!! LOL

[eclark53520]

I have never put golf balls in the dishwasher, but i utilize the dishwasher as a bowling ball washer quite often, the heat and water draw the lane oil resedue out of the coverstock of reactive bowling balls and makes them almost as good as new!

Good idea though, too bad mine is too small to fit my clubs in after a round on soggy ground...

Million dollar idea right here! Automatic golf club/ball washer...hey, it worked for cars and dishes...

[West Coast Duffer]

Originally Posted by eclark53520

I have never put golf balls in the dishwasher, but i utilize the dishwasher as a bowling ball washer quite often, the heat and water draw the lane oil resedue out of the coverstock of reactive bowling balls and makes them almost as good as new!

Good idea though, too bad mine is too small to fit my clubs in after a round on soggy ground...

Million dollar idea right here! Automatic golf club/ball washer...hey, it worked for cars and dishes...

Ive tried the old dishwasher trick with my bowling equipment, also baked them in the oven. I guess I have to many golf balls as it is and should use what i have.

[EddieC]

The wife will get use to it, took mine a few times to see that the dirt didn't get on dishes and it does a bang up job as well. In the summer when the balls really start landing in the back yard I'll toss in 15 Pro v's a week and then put 'em in a milk crate in the basement for later use or give away. I've also tried the washing machine with cloths in it, works well but a bit noisey. And if I could fit my sticks in, I'd give that a whirl as well.