Golf is one of the most pricey sports that you can ever play. Players who only set foot on a course occasionally still require a good set of irons, tees, shoes, gloves, and balls, which can all add up to a lot of money.
The average golfer also loses between one and two golf balls every round. Beginner players tend to lose more balls too, so replacing these can get very expensive. As there is a high chance of you losing the balls you buy, you might wonder, how much should you spend on golf balls?
Golf balls can cost anywhere from $15 to $75 for a pack of dozen. The price will vary based on the brand, materials, and overall quality of the balls (see also: Ball Ammo).
A lot of research has gone into the layers of every golf ball. Five-piece ones cost the most, while one-piece ones cost the least.The price you should spend on golf balls depends on your golfing skill level and how often you play.
Beginners that tend to lose more balls shouldn’t spend too much money on their balls, while professional players need to invest more in theirs. We’ll cover more about the cost of golf balls in this post, including their average price, why some are more expensive than others, and how to figure out how much you should spend on golf balls.
How Much Do Golf Balls Cost On Average?
Knowing how much the average cost of golf balls is can give you an idea of how much you should spend on yours.
Golf balls can be priced from $15 for a dozen, but professional golfers will go nowhere near these. On average, amateur and leisurely players spend between $20 and $35 on their golf balls. This is enough to get you well-made 3-piece golf balls.
On the other hand, 4 and 5-piece golf balls of very high quality are priced a lot higher. The average price of these is around $50, though some brands sell theirs for as much as $80.
Why Golf Balls Cost So Much?
Golf balls don’t look like much, which doesn’t explain they are priced so high. However, these white, round balls are a lot more interesting on the inside. The high price of golf balls is reflected in their design.
Layers In A Golf Ball
If you slice a golf ball open, you’ll find that there are different layers inside it. The more layers inside a golf ball, the more costly the ball (see also: What’s Inside A Golf Ball?)will be. Each piece portrays modern technology, lengthy research periods, and superior-quality materials. These are all very expensive, leading to a better-made golf ball that is priced higher in stores.
Golf balls come in the following layer options:
- 5 Piece
- 4 Piece
- 3 Piece
- 2 Piece
The core in each ball will contain a synthetic, artificial substance. For instance, a 3 piece golf ball will have an outer cover, which we see, and two center layers.
Every core is made to act in a particular manner when it is hit with a golf club. The technology used to design the golf ball, along with the materials it is made of, affects the price of the golf ball. Just a few inches can affect your golf score, so paying more for a ball can have a huge impact on your game.
How Much Should I Spend On Golf Balls?
Beginners should never go for the more expensive golf balls. It’s more important to develop your golfing skill before you can start investing more into your balls.Going for a pack of a dozen priced at $75 means you’re spending over $6 for a single ball.
Beginners are almost certain to lose a fair number of their golf balls, so you’ll be wasting your money going for the balls with more layers. You can get an idea of how much you should spend on golf balls by figuring out what type of golf ball is best for you. This will depend on your skill level and how often you play.
Here is a guide to different types of golf balls and who they are best suited to.
1 Piece Balls
These are great for beginners practicing on driving ranges. These are the cheapest option you can buy, but they won’t deliver the performance that’s necessary on a golf course. These are very affordable and shouldn’t cost you a lot of money.
2 Piece Balls
These are also relatively cheap; best for leisurely, amateur, and weekend golfers. Two-piece balls can deliver less spin and more distance. Two-piece balls are usually priced between $15 and $25.
3 Piece Balls
Three-piece balls are known as tour-level golf balls, though this varies depending on the materials they are made of.
Three-piece golf balls are often used by intermediate players, though some amateurs prefer these as they deliver more performance. Three-piece balls are generally priced between $25 and $40.
4 Piece Balls
Four-piece golf balls are best for professionals and golfers with a low handicap. The four pieces are intended to give players the best performance with any of the clubs in their set. These balls deliver low spin with wedges and drivers, along with high and low launch when needed. Four-piece balls are generally priced between $40 and $60.
5 Piece Balls
These golf balls are priced the highest and deliver the best performance out of all of the different kinds of balls. These are known to provide fast speed, better spin quality, and a softer touch on the green. Average players should avoid these, as these are best for professionals or low-handicap players that play regularly.
Five-piece balls can cost anywhere from $60 and up.
Finding Good Quality Balls That Don’t Cost As Much
Golf balls can be pricey, but there are ways to purchase ones that aren’t as expensive.
Some golf ball companies source their balls from courses all over the United States. These are called lake balls as they are generally taken from water hazards. These balls don’t cost as much and have generally only been hit a few times.
Other companies recycle golf balls and refinish them before selling them at a lower price. You can find these sold at special promotions and sales drives.
Here are some different types of golf balls that don’t cost as much as new ones:
- Good Recycled – These golf balls may have a few blemishes, like discoloration, scuffs, or blurry print.
- Near Mint Recycled – These golf balls have the condition of ones that have been hit for several holes. These may have a few blemishes and may display player markings or logos.
- Mint Recycled – These will have limited wear signs. They will look like new balls, but they may have player pen marks on them.
- Factory Refinished – These golf balls will have been stripped, painted, and coated, with a ‘refinished’ label printed on their side. These will not feature any pen marks or logos.
The Bottom Line
Golf is an expensive game!
Consistently buying balls is a lot on your wallet, so it’s important to get an idea of what type of balls are best for your skill level and how much you should spend on them. This may save you a lot of money overall. Until you become a low-handicap golfer, it’s best to stick to reasonably priced 2-piece and 3-piece balls. There’s no point going for expensive 5 piece balls if you’re going to lose them on the course later!
Hi, my name is Garratt Shmidt and I have been playing golf in my spare time for almost a decade.
Before I found a passion for golf, I didn’t see the appeal. I thought it was slow, repetitive, and quite frankly boring.
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