Buying Used Golf Balls 101

Used golf balls are one way of keeping your budget in balance especially when you are first starting. But like anything there are bargains and there are some balls, which should have been retired or dumped.

First you need to understand one used golf ball is different from another used golf ball. There is a grading system used to describe the different condition of the balls.

Golf Ball Grading System

  1. The best quality used balls are often called grade 1, mint, AAA(some systems start with AAAA), lightly used, first quality, pearl or  perfect. These balls look like a brand new golf ball. The imperfections are minor. Some balls may have logos or be personalized. These are the balls hit once or twice only to disappear into the rough or the woods.
  2. Second down is AA. These balls will have scuff and club marks. Some may be discolored from the original white color. The marks and imperfection do not affect the play of the ball. Overall these balls are the best buy for the money.
  3. The next group of golf balls is A golf balls. These balls are going to show wear. More scuffs, club marks and frequently the balls are discolored. This group may also have x-out balls. X out balls are manufacturer’s goofs. The goof may be just cosmetic or a little more. It is called x-out as the brand name is x’d out with a row of x’s. Experienced golfers use these only as practice balls and x-out balls are not allowed in tournaments and competitions.
  4. Finally there are practice,  shag balls, rainy day practice balls, plugger balls or hitaways.These are balls, which are still in good condition and playable but as the name says, “used for practice.” There will be variations in play as some of these balls will have nicks, which change the aerodynamics of the balls.  These golf balls are the ones golfers don’t feel bad if they lose. Looks ugly but if you’re practicing hitting the ball it works. If you want to practice driving for distance this is not the ball to use. Balls should not have cuts on them, but again they’re not going to be pretty. So if you’re practicing in the park with your golf net, you won’t worry if you use these balls. Or if the neighbor’s dog runs away with one, it’ll still be ok. But at less than $.20 per ball, once gone, oh well.


Enjoy your game and spend the money you save when buying golf balls at the driving range practicing or taking some lessons with the club pro. Remember it's play time that counts so put your money where it counts.

Photo by Lalia Sherer