Last week one of the guys I regularly play with tossed me another pink ball he pulled from the pond.
Normally, I'd be thrilled.
Free golf balls? Yes please.
But I recently learned something that completely changed my opinion...
As it turns out, a golf ball that's been sitting in a water hazard isn't necessarily the treasure we think it is.
In fact, once a golf ball has been submerged for about 12 hours, water begins working its way through the cover toward the core. And once that happens, the ball's performance starts to change.
As the core absorbs moisture, the compression changes. The ball doesn't rebound the same way at impact, meaning it transfers less energy and simply doesn't travel as far.
Industry research shows that after several days underwater, a golf ball can lose up to six yards. Leave it there for several months and that loss can grow to 10–15 yards, depending on the type of golf ball.
The surprising part?
It can still look absolutely brand new.
Unfortunately, once water reaches the core, there's no drying it out. The damage is permanent.
So yes...if you hit your ball into the water and can fish it out right away, go ahead and keep playing it.
But that "free" golf ball you've just discovered sitting at the bottom of a pond?
It may end up costing you far more than buying a new one.
My new motto?
If I can't rescue it while it's holding its breath...I let it go. 😊
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