Guide to Buying Used Golf Balls: Save Up to 70% Without Sacrificing Quality

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Golf balls are one of the most recurring expenses in golf. A dozen premium balls costs $45-55, and high handicappers can easily lose half a dozen per round. The solution? Used golf balls. You can get near-mint Pro V1s for $2 each instead of $5, and recycled distance balls for under a dollar.

This guide covers everything you need to know: grading systems, where to buy, what to avoid, and how to get the best deals. If you are not sure which ball to play in the first place, start with our guides to the best golf balls for beginners or best balls for high handicappers.

Understanding Used Golf Ball Grades

Every used ball seller uses a grading system. While names vary slightly between companies, here is the standard scale:

Our recommendation: Buy 4A/Near Mint for on-course play. These balls perform identically to new ones — the blemishes are cosmetic. Save the 5A/Mint grade for tournaments or gifts.

Best Places to Buy Used Golf Balls Online

1. LostGolfBalls.com — Best Overall Selection

The largest used ball retailer with a massive inventory sorted by brand, model, and grade. They process millions of balls per year from courses across the US. Free shipping on orders over $49 and a 90-day guarantee.

2. FoundGolfBalls.com — Best Budget Option

Aggressive pricing, especially on bulk orders. They offer a “bucket” system where you can get 50+ balls at steep discounts. The grading is solid and they frequently run sales.

3. Vice Refurbished — Best for Vice Fans

Vice sells their own refurbished balls at significant discounts. If you already play Vice (Pro, Pro Plus, Pro Soft, or Drive), this is the cheapest way to stock up. Quality is excellent since they control the entire process.

4. Amazon — Most Convenient

Multiple sellers offer used balls on Amazon with Prime shipping. The convenience is unbeatable, but grading can be inconsistent between sellers. Stick to sellers with high ratings and read reviews carefully.

5. eBay — Best for Deals

If you are willing to hunt, eBay has the best per-ball prices. Look for sellers with 98%+ positive feedback who specialize in golf balls. Buy-it-now listings are more reliable than auctions.

Tips for Getting the Best Value

• Buy in bulk: Per-ball prices drop significantly at 4+ dozen. If you have a regular playing group, split a large order.
• Try the 4A/Near Mint grade first: Most golfers cannot tell the difference from new on the course.
• Stick to recent models: A 2024 Pro V1 plays better than a 2019 model, even at the same grade. Ball technology does improve year over year.
• Avoid waterlogged balls: Balls sitting in water for months lose compression and distance. Reputable sellers screen these out, but bargain bins might not.
• Mix brands for practice: Buy “assorted premium” packs for the driving range — you get Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, etc. at rock-bottom prices.

Are Used Golf Balls Worth It?

Multiple independent tests (including Golf Digest and MyGolfSpy) have confirmed that Mint and Near Mint used balls perform within 1-2 yards of brand new balls. The savings are real and the performance difference is negligible for recreational golfers.

The one exception: if a ball has been waterlogged, it can lose 5-10 yards of carry. This is why buying from reputable sellers who test their inventory matters.

Looking for used clubs too? Check our best places to buy used golf clubs online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do used golf balls perform as well as new ones?

Mint and Near Mint grade used balls perform within 1-2 yards of brand new balls in testing. The cosmetic blemishes do not affect flight, spin, or distance. Lower grades (3A and below) may show more performance variation.

How long do golf balls last?

Modern golf balls maintain their performance for 5-7 years if stored properly. Avoid buying used balls more than 3-4 years old, as the materials can degrade over time, especially if they were exposed to water or extreme temperatures.

What is the best grade to buy?

4A/Near Mint offers the best value for on-course play. You get near-perfect balls at 40-50% off retail. Reserve 5A/Mint for tournaments and 3A/Good for practice rounds.