Are Used Golf Balls Worth It? Performance, Cost, and What Really Matters
Short answer: yes, if they’re the right kind of used golf balls.
Long answer: not all used golf balls are created equal, and most of those horror stories you see come from poorly sorted, water-logged, or cosmetically altered balls (refinished). When used golf balls are properly cleaned, inspected, and graded, they perform nearly the same as new ones, but without the painful price tag.
Why Used Golf Balls Get a Bad Reputation
Most golfers have lost a ball that felt wrong. That’s usually because it was:
- Pulled from water and never tested
- Poorly sorted or mixed grades
- Refinished or repainted (to cover up poor quality)
Those balls deserve the side-eye. Properly recycled balls do not.
What Actually Affects Golf Ball Performance
Performance doesn’t care if a ball is new or used. It cares about:
- Core integrity
- Cover condition
- Water exposure
Light cosmetic scuffs don’t change compression, spin, or distance. Cracks, swelling, or deep cuts do.
That’s the difference between “used” and “unusable.”
When Used Golf Balls Perform the Same as New
Used golf balls perform nearly the same as new when they:
- Haven’t been submerged for long periods
- Retain their original cover and paint
- Are sorted and graded honestly
That’s where grading becomes important. Higher grade used balls are chosen for players who want performance that feels as close to new as possible. Here's a simple breakdown of what those grades mean:
5A balls play and feel like new, maybe with tiny marks.
4A balls feel like they’ve seen a few holes, but performance isn’t compromised.
3A balls are bargain players — scuffs and markings, still playable.
Most amateur golfers will never notice a difference, but they will notice saving money.
Who Should Buy New Golf Balls Instead
You may want new golf balls if you:
- Play competitively at a high level
- Demand identical feel ball-to-ball
- Lose fewer than one ball per round
Everyone else? Used makes sense.
Why Proper Grading Matters
A strict grading system ensures:
- No structural damage
- Consistent performance
- Clear expectations
That’s why grading matters more than whether a ball is technically “new.”
Used golf balls are absolutely worth it when they’re recycled, not refinished, and graded with honesty.
→ Blog: Recycled vs. Refinished Golf Balls