Are Golf Balls Waterproof

Are Golf Balls Waterproof?

Golf balls are exposed to different elements including water. Water has the capacity to damage objects, so you might be wondering are golf balls waterproofed?

Yes, your golf balls are waterproof. However, if you leave golf balls in water for long it can negatively impact their appearance and functionality.

This article examines the impact of water on golf balls and ways to prevent golf balls from waterlogging. 

Does Water Damage Golf Balls?

Water doesn’t damage golf balls except if the ball spends an excessive amount of time in the water.

If a golf ball gets wet it isn’t going to lead to wear or breakage. The only reason a golf ball will damage after a short while in the water is if there was already a microfracture on the cover.

The first direct consequence of leaving your golf ball in water for too long is that it loses its color. The UV rays from sunlight impact the water and corrode the ethylene cover of the golf ball thereby leading to discoloration.

When golf balls spend too much time in the water, the cover can get badly damaged and the ball will be unusable.

What Is Inside A Golf Ball?

You’re wondering how a golf ball can become waterlogged despite having such a strong cover. Well, it’s possible.

Golf ball coating is designed to withstand the whacking from usage. The cover makes the ball strong enough to prevent cracks and breaks.

On the inside of a golf ball, you will find a mixture of rubber materials and polymer which is firmly shaped into the ball core. The finishing touches involve painting and drying the ball followed by adding the protective coating. 

What Can Cause A Golf Ball To Waterlog?

There are different factors that determine if a golf ball can become waterlogged. These are some of the major reasons you should look out for.

Cracks or Damage

If there’s a crack on the golf ball, it will expose the inside of the ball to external elements. A golf ball can waterlog in about 12 hours if left in water and there’s a crack on the outside.

Age of the Ball

If the ball has been around for a while, it’s safe to assume that it might have some defects. A ball can last up to 7 full 18-hole rounds before declining in performance.

If you discover that the ball feels rough or there are damages on the cover, you might want to stop using it.

Prolonged Time in the Water

When a ball spends a short time in the water, there will be no damage to the ball. In fact, a golf ball can spend days and weeks in the water and still retain its quality if there’s no crack on the cover.

However, if a golf ball with a crack spends days or weeks in the water, there’s a good chance that the ball might suffer noticeable damage.

After getting your ball out of the water after spending a long time in the water, you should weigh it against other balls to see how it compares. A little change in the weight of the balls can affect your game.

How to Prevent Waterlogging

Since waterlogging can damage golf balls, what are the ways to prevent golf balls from waterlogging? The good thing is there are ways to prevent your golf balls from waterlogging.

Choose Waterproof Golf Balls

Some manufacturers make golf balls that are completely waterproof and have a stronger resistance against water and external elements. You can look at different online stores for waterproof golf balls. Customer reviews can also assist you in getting value for your money.

Dry Your Golf Balls

Golf balls can become waterlogged after a long period of usage and water can slowly enter inside the ball. You can avoid this by drying your golf balls occasionally. This will keep out the water and ensure the ball retains its performance capacity.

Ensure you only dry the golf balls for a few hours to avoid UV rays from discoloring them.

Store Your Golf Balls In The Right Manner

The manner you store your golf ball will determine its state. Leaving your golf balls inside a bucket in an open space will expose them to sun and rain.

You can increase the lifespan of your golf balls by storing them in a warm dry place. 

Occasionally Check Your Golf Balls for Cracks

Checking your golf balls for cracks can help you to spot damages early. You can run a crack test for your golf ball using water and salt.

The test process is easy and all you need is 35 grams of salt and a bowl of tap water. Don’t use fresh water for this test because golf balls don’t float in freshwater.

After setting up the saltwater solution, place the ball in it. If the ball floats then it’s good. However, if the ball sinks or produces bubbles, it means there’s a crack and the ball is no longer fit for use.

You should ensure that you dry the ball after conducting this test so that the ball won’t suffer damages from the salt.

Conclusion

Golf balls are waterproof, however, an inordinate amount of exposure to water can cause damage. To maintain your golf balls, you should store them appropriately and dry them occasionally.

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