Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Golf Balls ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: Golf Balls
Category: Miscellaneous
Asked by: stemly-ga
List Price: $4.00
Posted: 24 Oct 2005 20:14 PDT
Expires: 23 Nov 2005 19:14 PST
Question ID: 584508
Are golf balls that are found in a water hazard still okay to use?  In
other words, are there any studies thta show whether or not balls lose
anything by sitting in water for any lenght of time?
Answer  
Subject: Re: Golf Balls
Answered By: clouseau-ga on 24 Oct 2005 20:48 PDT
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hello stemly,

Thanks for an interesting question.

According to the Global Forum for Sports and Environment,
http://www.g-forse.com/archive/news259_e.html, water does damage golf
balls!

"...So is a ball inferior, if it has been submerged in a body of
water? 'Yes' says an U.S. Army Research Laboratory study. Golf balls
absorb water that cannot be removed and this affects a permanent
change. Testing by Golf Digest in 1996 found a golf ball submerged in
water loses six yards after one week, 12 yards after three months and
15 yards after six months.

According to a former Spalding executive, Eddie Binder, the used-ball
business makes "more than $200 million in retail sales a year,"
compared to $750 million in the new ball business. A
Massachusetts-based company Performance Indicator, however, could be
about to upset the golf cart, by introducing a chemical into golf
balls that is activated after the ball has been in water for a period
of time, causing it to discolor, and making it impossible for
companies such as Nitro to recycle..."

Surprised me.

Probable Golf Instruction also notes:

http://probablegolfinstruction.com/PGINewsletter/news07-18-05.htm 

"...The covers of golf balls are pourous and will absorb water; this
changes the viscoelasticity of the cover and the golf ball will fly
significantly less far..."

So, I think that there is consensus and a study, as you desired, that
has shown that submersion can negatively affect golf ball performance.

I trust this answers the question.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-

Clarification of Answer by clouseau-ga on 24 Oct 2005 20:51 PDT
Sorry, forgot to mention my search strategy:

"golf ball" +water +absorb

-=clouseau=-
stemly-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $1.00
Outstanding answer and I thank you for the quick response.  I live on
a golf course and have access to a great number of water balls.  My
friends have told me that these balls are fine...you have shown me
data that says otherwise and I appreciate the thorough answer with
data.  John

Comments  
Subject: Re: Golf Balls
From: clouseau-ga on 24 Oct 2005 21:51 PDT
 
And thank you for the rating and tip John.

-=clouseau=-

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy