Like any sporting equipment, golf balls need to be in optimal condition in order to perform at their best. Although they don’t have a specific expiration date like perishable goods, golf balls can deteriorate with age and use. This blog will dive into how golf balls are affected by a range of factors including age, storage and the environment.

What Causes Golf Balls to Deteriorate?

Environment

Golf balls are exposed to a variety of environmental conditions that can speed up their deterioration. For example, UV radiation from sunlight can break down the polymers in the golf ball cover, leading to cracking and discolouration and reducing the ball’s durability and performance.

Extreme heat can cause the inner core of the golf ball to soften, decreasing the ball’s rebound and distance off the clubface. Extremely low temperatures, on the other hand, can cause the core to harden, making it more difficult for the ball to compress properly when struck.

Other environmental factors like moisture, dirt and debris can also deteriorate golf balls overtime and affect their flight and spin characteristics.  

Storage

Golf balls stored in direct sunlight, fluctuating temperatures or damp environments will deteriorate far quicker than those stored elsewhere. To help prevent your golf balls from deteriorating, store them in a cool, dry, temperature-controlled environment, ideally in a storage case or container.

Age

Over time, the materials used in the construction of golf balls naturally degrade. The rubber in the core may harden and lose its elasticity and the cover can become cracked and worn out. The rate at which a golf ball deteriorates depends on factors like the type of ball, how it is stored and how often it is used.

However in general, a high quality golf ball should last around 7 rounds before it starts to lose its original characteristics and performance.  Even an unused golf ball can begin to gradually degrade if stored for more than a few years.

How to Tell if a Golf Ball Has Deteriorated

1. Cracks or visible damage

Any cracks or cuts on the ball’s cover can negatively affect the ball’s performance and is a clear sign that your ball is deteriorating.

2. Loss of compression

If your ball feels hard or doesn’t compress well when hit, it has likely deteriorated and lost some of it’s core elasticity.

3. Discolouration

If your ball has changed colour, particularly to yellow or brown, it has likely been exposed to UV radiation and the cover has degraded.

4. Decreased distance and control

If you’ve noticed a loss of distance or control in your shots, it might be time to retire your ball.

While golf balls can last for several years, the performance can deteriorate with age and use. If you’re playing with balls that show signs of wear and degradation, it is probably worth investing in a fresh batch to help better your performance.

At gimmeballs, we stock a wide range of golf balls from top brands, so you’re sure to find the perfect replacement in our collection!

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Here at gimmeballs, we are the experts in personalised golf ball printing. Instead of using the more traditional methods of screen and pad printing, we use state-of-the-art UV printing technology to customise our balls, allowing us to produce personalised golf balls that have an unparalleled print quality and durability.

Golf balls may seem like a small piece of equipment but their longevity can impact both performance and costs. So, how many rounds should a golf ball last? In general, a high-quality golf ball should last for around seven rounds, with the ball’s durability depending on different factors like the ball construction, playing conditions and the player’s skill level.

Let’s take a closer look at how long a golf ball should last…

As summer fades into autumn, golf courses everywhere become dotted with fallen leaves. Although these leaves make for beautiful golfing scenery, their presence poses a challenge to golfers, particularly when it comes to finding lost balls. This is where the ‘Leaf Rule’ comes in, an unofficial but oft-embraced guideline that many golfers rely on during the autumn months.

What Is the Leaf Rule?

The Leaf Rule allows golfers to avoid penalty strokes if their ball is lost in a pile of leaves on the course. Although not officially a rule of golf as set by the R&A, the Leaf Rule is often adopted by golf clubs in the autumn months.

The idea is that if a golfer loses their ball in a pile of leaves on the course, they can take free relief by dropping a new ball in the relief area (a free drop) without having to take the usual penalty for a lost ball.

How Does a Free Drop Work?

A free drop, or ‘relief drop’, is a way to play a ball from a different location when an abnormal course condition interferes with your game and your ball is in a position that makes it difficult to play.

You should find the nearest point of complete relief i.e. a spot that is the shortest distance from where your ball is currently located where you are no longer being affected by the interference. This spot should be at most one club-length away from the place where you believe your ball landed.

Why Do Golfers Use the Leaf Rule?

The primary reason that golfers use the Leaf Rule is because fallen leaves really can make it nearly impossible to locate your ball, even if your shot was perfectly on target. Many players believe the rule makes logical sense as there is no reason a player should be given the same penalty for a well-struck shot that is concealed by a layer of leaves as a player who has sliced their ball into an out-of-bounds area.

Another key reason is that searching for a golf ball in thick autumn leaves takes a long time, slowing down the pace of play. The Leaf Rule allows players to swiftly move on and continue their game.

Some players argue that the Leaf Rule does come into play in the official Rules of Golf Rule 16 – Relief from Abnormal Course Conditions. However, this rule clearly states that free relief may only be given is the obstruction is ‘immovable’, which of course, leaves are not.

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If you find yourself losing your golf balls on a regular basis, you may want to think about using brightly-coloured golf balls or printing an eye-catching personalised design on your balls to help them stand out.

Shop Coloured Golf Balls   Shop Personalised Golf Balls

If you have any questions about our golf ball customisation services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Confusion over ball ownership can lead to penalties, frustration and slow play, which is why it is essential that golfers are able to identify which ball is theirs. This blog will break down how golfers typically identify their balls and go over some best practices you can use to ensure you always play the right ball.

Golf towels are an easily overlooked yet essential piece of gear for golfers and have a variety of different uses…

Cleaning Your Golf Gear

Dirt and debris on your golf club or ball can have a noticeable impact on the distance and accuracy of your drives. Golf towels can be used to remove any dirt from your equipment so that your performance won’t be affected. If you need more advice, read our guide on cleaning your golf balls.

Wiping Away Sweat

It’s essential to grip your golf club firmly if you want controlled, accurate shots. Hands that are slick with sweat (or rain) can seriously affect your performance—but your trusty golf towel will keep your hands dry and clean from one hole to the next.

You can also use your golf towel to wipe sweat from your head and brow during particularly heated or humid games. Don’t let those pesky beads of persperation be the reason you miss your shot!

Cleaning Bags and Shoes

Golf towels can be used to wipe down your bags, shoes and other equipment when they get dirty. You can also use a golf towel to protect and cover your gear in wet weather – this will help you to maintain your equipment’s appearance and quality.

Sun Protection

You can also use your golf towel as an extra form of sun protection (alongside your trusty golf cap) or to keep you cool while you’re out on the green on hot summer days. By soaking your towel in water and placing it around your head and neck, you can help lower your body temperature and keep your focus on the game.

At gimmeballs, we sell golf towels in a selection of different sizes, materials and brands, so you’re sure to find something that suits your preferences! We can even provide custom golf towels featuring your corporate logo or club crest. Use the links below to explore our product range.

Shop Golf Towels                                      Shop Custom Golf Towels

Yes, it really does matter what golf ball you use. When it comes to improving your game, many players focus on their clubs or swing mechanics and forget the difference that the humble golf ball can make. This blog post will discuss how to match your golf ball to your skill level so that you can get the most out of your game and improve your overall performance. Choose wisely and watch your skills improve!

Using the Right Golf Ball for You

In order to get the most out of your game, you need to choose a golf ball that complements your skill level. Whether you’re looking to reduce spin, maximise distance, or improve your control, choosing the right ball for your game will make all the difference.

Beginners and High Handicappers

If you’re new to golf or have a high handicap, you are probably struggling with consistency and maximising distance off the tee. You will therefore benefit from using a softer ball, as this will help reduce spin while boosting your distance, keeping your shots on target. Finding a ball with less spin is also pretty handy if you’ve got a bad habit of losing balls while out on the green!

At gimmeballs, we have created a special variety pack just for high handicappers. The pack consists of 12 balls from 4 different brands, so you can try golf balls with different feels, spin speeds, and constructions until you find one that elevates your game!

The high handicap variety pack consists of:

• 3 x Volvik Vimat
• 3 x X1Bird Golf Balls
• 3 x Srixon Distance Golf Balls
• 3 x Wilson Duo Soft

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Intermediate Golfers

If you have a mid-handicap, it is even more important that you find a ball that feels right and brings some consistency to your game. If you have previously only used balls with ionomer covers, it may be time to move onto a urethane-covered ball, as this will produce a much greater grip from the grooves of your irons and wedges, resulting in more spin and control closer to the greens.

Once your swing speed is over 100mph, you should use a firmer golf ball with a compression rating of 75+. The compression rating of your ball is one of the mian reasons why it matters what golf ball you use. For golfers with a slower swing speed, a lower compression rating would probably work better for you.

Our gimmeballs mid-handicap variety pack consists of:

• 3 x PXG Xtreme Golf Balls
• 3 x Kirkland Signature Golf Balls
• 3 x Srixon Q-star White 2024
• 3 x Mizuno RB Tour Golf Balls

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Low Handicap Golfers

If you’re a lower handicapper, you will know just how much choosing the right golf ball can impact your performance. When playing at a high level, the game comes down to small margins, and choosing the right golf ball could be the difference between a bogey and a par.

Before you can decide what ball is best for you as a low handicapper, first you must figure out where your ball can help you the most, then find a ball that excels in that area. Low handicap golfers tend to be more suited to balls with harder cores as they allow for maximum spin control and lower spin on the driver.

Overall, low-handicap golfers need a ball that offers a good balance of distance, spin, and control, so that they can fine-tune their game.

Our gimmeballs low handicap variety pack consists of:

• 3 x Mizuno RB Tour X Golf Balls
• 3 x PXG Xtreme Golf Balls 
• 3 x XXIO Premium Golf Balls
• 3 x Z-STAR DIAMOND Golf Balls 

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Customise Your Golf Ball With gimmeballs

All of the balls that come in our variety packs are available to be customised with a photo, logo, or text of your choice. Simply select your balls, upload your designs and we will have your custom golf balls sent directly to your door in no time!

Personalise Your Golf Balls

In this blog, we compare two of TaylorMade's most popular golf balls: the TP5 and the TP5x.

Both balls offer premium quality distance, feel and spin. Both feature a 5 layer construction, a large 'Speed Wrapped' core, and precision microcoating for a more consistent ball flight. Despite these similarities, though, the TP5 and TP5x are designed for two different types of golfer, and the right choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.

So without further ado, let's get into a comparison of the TP5 and TP5x so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for your game!

TaylorMade TP5

TaylorMade's softest 5-layer tour ball.

The new TaylorMade TP5 is a great choice for competitive golfers. Somewhat softer than the TP5x, the TP5 delivers higher flight off the tee and is ideal for players with slightly lower swing speeds.

TaylorMade TP5 Key Features

• Higher flight than the TP5x
• Higher driver spin than the TP5x
• Slightly lower ball speed than the TP5x
• Slightly less distance than the TP5x
• Softer feel than the the TP5x

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TaylorMade TP5x

TaylorMade's fastest 5-layer tour ball.

The TP5x is firmer than the TP5 and produces a slightly lower launch with less drag, providing excellent stability in windy conditions. Choose this ball for high speed and max distance.

TaylorMade TP5x Key Features:

• Higher ball speed than the TP5
• Greater distance than the TP5
• Slightly lower flight than the TP5
• Slightly lower driver spin than the TP5
• Firmer feel than the the TP5

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So, Which One Should You Choose?

You should choose the TP5 if…

• You're looking for more spin and control
• You want better touch and feel on the green
• You want to lower your ball flight off the tee and fairway
• You enjoy a golf ball with a softer feel

You should choose the TP5x if…

• You want an incredibly fast ball with low spin
• You're looking for a ball with great greenside control
• You're looking for a ball to give you increased distance
• You want a ball that performs superbly in windy conditions

Personalised TaylorMade Golf Balls

Whether you choose the TP5 or TP5x, you can personalise them at gimmeballs. Simply choose your ball, then select one of our customisation options, like a photo or a custom message. Your custom golf balls will be printed using state-of-the-art technology and delivered direct to your door.

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This page was last updated on 12th February 2026. Order the new 2026 TP5 and TP5x golf balls here.