This is an often talked about subject with no right answer. It struck me as an interesting topic for today because my friend at 36aday is have a Snell Golf Ball give away. Don’t ask me why or how I connected the dots between these two topics, but somehow I did. Anyway, back to the discussion at hand. If I was to answer the question, my answer would be: “that depends”.

First, let’s be clear that I am not talking about brand of ball, but the condition of your ball when playing around of golf. Do you replace it if it has a scuff, a mark, a smile or it is just worn out? These are situations that all golfers think about and sometimes with indecision, decide not to make a change.

A tee shot is the perfect time to change your golf ball if needed!

Some do not think it makes any difference to their play, but I would have to counter their thoughts by say it absolutely does. Continuous use can make the ball become out of round, have deep enough makes to affect a putt, and scuffed enough to limit ball flight. Poor condition of a golf ball does impact all aspects of your game.

Like you, I have times when I think it is important to change a ball and other times when I am less concerned. There many factors I consider before making a change, but the primary factor is to try to play a ball for at least 18 holes. This way, I am not spending too much on golf balls over the year. Keeping this in mind, the following are the other times I think it is important to change my golf ball:

In competition:

1. I change my ball at least every round.
2. If I make an errant shot and scuff the cover.
3. I will change my ball. If I get a hole in one, I change my ball.
4. I think that during competition, it is important to have a pristine ball to eliminate an chances of a poor conditioned ball affecting any part of my game.

During normal rounds. I have a completely different view.

1. I have played a ball for 5 rounds before and afterwards realized it was about 2 rounds too many. The condition of my ball was far beyond what I should I consider acceptable.
2. I will play my ball with a minor scuff or discoloration as long as it does not make by ball out of round.
3. I try not to play water balls, but will play a ball I found in the woods.
4. I avoid playing balls found within the first month of the season because I am not sure if the ball sat outside all winter.

So as you can see, I have preset criteria for when I change my golf ball during a round. Oh year, there is one last time and it has no rhyme or reason: when I feel it is necessary. I think everyone has this reason. There is value in changing your golf ball; it is up to you to decide when and why. Changing my ball does make a difference in my game; deciding the right time to do it can always be tricky.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!