How often should you change your golf ball per round? 

We see the pros do it on a regular basis, but how often should you change your golf ball per round? 

No matter your level of golf, you’re always going to get a bit of wear and tear on your golf ball. 

It’s a very common occurrence when we’re watching tournament play. We see pros change ball every few holes.

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But, it’s not just because they are supplied with lots of golf balls, it’s because they want their ball to perform to the highest level of consistency.

The main reason for the change is performance. When there’s a small mark on the ball from hitting shorter irons or wedges, it won’t actually hinder the performance that much. But, if you add a few more scuffs, it can create a defect in the aerodynamics of a golf ball. This won’t be that severe but when you’re playing at the elite level for millions of dollars, you can’t afford to be a few yards offline and not have the same consistent spin and control.  

Now, that’s all very well and good, but for us mere mortals how often should we change our golf balls per round? 

The answer is not very often. If your golf ball lasts the whole round without getting lost, then that’s a bonus. You should only be looking to change it if there is a serious defect. 

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If, for example, you’ve been in the bunker, in the trees or hit a path, you will get marks on the ball which may make a difference, which the tour pros would notice.

On the whole, though, golf balls in this day and age are incredibly durable and are built to last. Depending on the model, some will start to lose performance after a while, but for one round or even two, it’s unlikely to cause a noticeable difference for us. If you do notice that a ball has a significant crack, then it might be worth swapping it out, but for the most part, you can use it until you lose it. 

We’ve all had a ball that stood the test of time for a couple of rounds and it’s probably not hindered your performance. 

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James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor