How to Store and Care for Your Golf Balls

Golf balls might seem indestructible, but they're actually sophisticated pieces of engineering that degrade over time—especially when stored improperly. Whether you've invested in premium tour balls or budget-friendly options, understanding how to care for them protects your investment and ensures consistent performance on the course.

In this guide, we'll cover the factors that affect golf ball longevity, proper storage techniques, and how to know when it's time to retire old balls.

What Degrades Golf Balls?

Several factors contribute to golf ball deterioration:

Temperature Extremes

Golf balls are sensitive to temperature, both in storage and during play:

• Heat: Temperatures above 45°C (113°F) can affect the core materials, particularly in multi-layer balls. The polymers can deform or lose their engineered compression characteristics.
• Cold: Extreme cold doesn't permanently damage most balls, but performance suffers. Cold balls fly shorter and feel harder. If frozen and then played, rapid temperature change can cause micro-fractures.
• Cycling: Repeated hot-cold cycles stress the materials more than stable temperatures at either extreme.

Moisture and Humidity

Water can penetrate golf ball covers over time, particularly through cuts and scratches:

• Waterlogged balls are heavier and fly shorter
• Moisture affects core compression characteristics
• Wet storage can lead to cover discolouration and degradation

UV Exposure

Prolonged sunlight exposure degrades the cover materials:

• Urethane covers are particularly susceptible to UV damage
• Cover becomes harder and less responsive
• Yellowing or discolouration indicates UV degradation

Physical Damage

• Cart path impacts can crack covers without visible damage
• Tree strikes create compressions that affect flight
• Scuffs and cuts allow moisture penetration

Proper Storage Guidelines

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Temperature: 15-25°C (60-77°F)—room temperature is perfect
• Humidity: Low to moderate—avoid damp areas
• Light: Away from direct sunlight
• Container: Original packaging or a drawer/box that protects from light

Where to Store

• Good: Indoor cupboard, spare room, climate-controlled garage
• Acceptable: Basement (if dry), indoor storage area
• Avoid: Outdoor sheds, car boot, garage in summer, anywhere with temperature extremes

Golf Ball Lifespan

Unused Balls

Modern golf balls stored properly can maintain their performance characteristics for years:

• Premium urethane balls: 5-7 years in proper storage
• Mid-range ionomer balls: 7-10 years in proper storage
• Budget surlyn balls: 10+ years—the simpler construction is more durable

These timeframes assume proper storage. Poor conditions can reduce lifespan to months.

Used Balls

Once you start playing with a ball, different factors come into play:

• Cover damage: Significant scuffs or cuts mean the ball should be retired
• Compression changes: After multiple rounds, core compression may shift
• Typical lifespan: 3-7 rounds of play before noticeable performance degradation

Cleaning Your Golf Balls

Clean balls perform better and are easier to inspect for damage:

During Play

• Use the ball washer at the tee or a wet towel
• Clean the ball before every putt for consistent roll
• Inspect for damage whenever you clean

After Play

• Warm water with mild dish soap
• Soft brush for stubborn dirt
• Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storage
• Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives

When to Replace Golf Balls

Inspect your balls regularly and replace them when you notice:

• Visible cuts or scuffs: These affect aerodynamics and allow moisture entry
• Discolouration: Yellowing indicates UV damage and cover degradation
• Soft spots: Squeeze the ball firmly—it should feel uniformly solid
• Irregular flight: If a ball consistently flies differently, it may be damaged
• Reduced distance: Old balls lose compression and fly shorter

Recovering Water Balls

Golf balls retrieved from water hazards are a popular way to save money, but buyer beware:

• Submersion time matters: Balls submerged for days may be fine; balls underwater for months absorb significant water
• Cover condition: Inspect carefully for cuts and scratches
• Performance expectation: Even undamaged water balls may have compromised cores
• Use case: Fine for practice; consider fresh balls for competition

Taking care of your golf balls isn't complicated, but it does make a difference. Proper storage protects your investment, ensures consistent performance, and means you're never surprised by a ball that doesn't fly right when you need it most.

Looking for new golf balls? Check our golf ball comparisons or read our selection guide.