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?

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=-

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

And thank you for the rating and tip John.

-=clouseau=-