When to change golf balls?

[ClemsonQB]

It's rare that I complete a round with the same ball, but I don't lose much more than 1 or 2 in a round...but my question is:

When should switch to a new ball? My ball gets tons of marks on it throughout one round of golf, even after washing it after each hole. Does this affect performance much? Does anybody attempt to play multiple rounds with the same ball?

[slickpitt]

Little marks and scrapes won't hurt anything. Big cuts and nicks will definitely screw with the ball flight. I have used a ball for more than one round several times no problem.

[floggerrushmd]

I choose when to change balls depending on the conditions. If it is a calm day with little wind then I will keep the ball in play a little longer. If it is high wind conditions or a course that forces you to work the ball around corners then I change it a little sooner, because I start to notice the change in flight characteristics a lot sooner. I know this doesn't really help too much, but you just need to keep watch for when you notice the change in the balls characteristics.

[Lefty_SnowBird]

Do not replace a golf ball that you haven't lost or that isn't badly cut. Because the first thing that will happen is you will shank your next drive OB...when a ball is bahaving good, don't replace it

On a more serious note, for 99% of golfers, it makes no difference (up to a point) how worn the ball is. Tour pros who rely a lot on spin might want to replace their ball after a few holes, but other than that, don't bother.

[eclark53520]

I lose them way too quickly to even worry about it..

[extremeVFT03]

they don't give them away so i use it as long as i can. something will always come up and it will find its way out of the bag.

[FATC1TY]

When I can rub my finger over it, and if I feel any large cuts or nicks, I usually will use it for a few more holes, or try and smooth them out a little.

Generally, I lose them before they wear out.

[Fourputt]

I'll use the same ball for 3 or 4 rounds if it doesn't get damaged. I've got a Pro V1x in my bag right now that's already got 36 holes on it. Still looks good as new.

[DaGris]

Little marks and scrapes won't hurt anything. Big cuts and nicks will definitely screw with the ball flight. I have used a ball for more than one round several times no problem.

...yep

[BrandonM7]

Do not replace a golf ball that you haven't lost or that isn't badly cut. Because the first thing that will happen is you will shank your next drive OB...when a ball is bahaving good, don't replace it

I had a TP Black last spring that was with me for 9 rounds. It was almost starting to feel like we were related. Dad was over at the house one night and we were talking golf and I showed it to him and told him how long I had been playing it. Obviously it went swimming on hole 4 the next day. :shark:

[Esox]

If a ball makes it 18 holes then its retired to my Daughter's bag. She loves playing the ProVs. I also retire them if they get tree or cart path rash. If they want to bounce off trees and cart paths, screw 'em.

I like to start the day with two fresh ProVs in my pocket. I also like it if only one sees action, which happens pretty often. I love the 5, 6, 7, and 8 numbered balls if I can find them. I bought three dozen with those numbers at a golf show last winter, and I still have a bunch left.

Kevin

[SolderJockey]

I'm a cheapskate so I use 'em 'til I lose 'em.

[ClemsonQB]

I ask, because I play well enough with balls that I normally find that aren't too bad. I have not bought many brand new balls ever, but love having perfectly clean balls. I need to know how much the balls I use with scuff marks on them to start the round could be hurting my score, and will it be worth it to buy new balls for 20 something bucks.

I am now around a 16 handicap and I usually strike the ball well, although somehow I have developed a pretty harsh draw in my last 2 rounds and have shot back to back 90's. I know the ball doesn't affect my game a whole lot to begin with, but I wonder if I could get more distance or spin on the green with a fresh ball.

[WMitch6]

If a ball makes it 18 holes then its retired to my Daughter's bag. She loves playing the ProVs. I also retire them if they get tree or cart path rash. If they want to bounce off trees and cart paths, screw 'em.

I like to start the day with two fresh ProVs in my pocket. I also like it if only one sees action, which happens pretty often. I love the 5, 6, 7, and 8 numbered balls if I can find them. I bought three dozen with those numbers at a golf show last winter, and I still have a bunch left.

Kevin

I was starting to think I was the only one. I start every round with a new golf ball. It has nothing to do with ball performance. If a ball gets scuffed or barked I replace it.

[nututhugame]

I replace my balls after watching them fly off the planet.