Can You Use Different Colored Golf Balls?
You likely already know the full range of golf ball colors that are available to us out there. While most people tend to stick with plain old white balls, there are always those who like to branch out and personalize their game with some vibrant shades. A question arises from all this though — is using different colored golf balls within the rules of the game?
Golf rules permit colored golf balls as long as they meet standard regulations regarding size and weight. However, some private clubs may restrict colors as part of their dress code. While white balls are common, colored ones enhance visibility and add a unique flair to your game.
Is there anything to stop you using colored golf balls during a round? How about in a club match? Or even on the PGA Tour? Can you change your golf ball color part way through a game, just to spice things up a little? All these questions and more we will endeavor to answer in today’s article.
Can You Use Different Colored Golf Balls?
As with many things in the world of golf, it depends on your situation. The short answer is that yes, you can use whatever color of ball you want, as long as it conforms to the proper standards.
This includes golf at the highest competitive levels, including the PGA Tour. Having said that, it is equally possible that some private golf clubs and courses will have rules concerning ball color as a part of their dress code.
The PGA rules on golf balls are crystal clear:
- Golf ball must be a symmetrical sphere in shape
- Their weight cannot exceed 1.620 ounces (45.93 grams), but there is no minimum weight
- Their diameter must be at least 1.680 inches (42.67 millimeters), but there is no maximum size
The balls also undergo testing for distance and velocity capabilities to ensure they are fair to use.
What’s noticeable here is that there are no requirements mentioned at all that determine the color of the ball. Provided you fall within the above-mentioned parameters, the ball can be any color you like, even in the world’s biggest competition.
Why Do Some Golf Clubs Forbid Using Different Colored Balls?
The main limitation on the use of different colored golf balls tends to come from private golf courses and clubs. It’s quite possible that as a part of their internal dress codes, they will include limits on the colors members can use.
This invariably means that golf ball choices are limited entirely to white balls. The only exceptions to these rules are those who might require a different colored ball because they have vision problems.
While this is a possibility, it’s unknown exactly how common such a rule would be. Given the popularity of different colored golf balls, and given that they’re relatively small and only really seen by those playing the game of golf, it’s hard to imagine that any club would care enough to impose this rule.
In the end, it comes down to what individual clubs and their management decide to do. Therefore, if it’s important to you that you use a different colored golf ball, check with a club or course you wish to join ahead of time that it will be okay to use them.
Do any Professional Golfers Use Different Colored Golf Balls?
While the vast majority of professional golf players do use white balls, it is not unknown for them to branch out and use different ones. Perhaps the best-known example of this is Bubba Watson, renowned for his use of bright pink balls, and even pink drivers in his club set. Not even the conservative and traditional values of the Augusta golf club — hosting the Masters — was enough for Bubba to switch to more conventional white.
Other pros known for using colored golf balls include KJ Choi, who favors bright yellow. Of course, he didn’t pioneer their use, but rather follows in the footsteps of Hale Irwin, who was using the same yellow balls back in the 1970s. In addition, it was back in 1982 when Wayne Levi became the first person to win a major tournament with a colored ball. Levi played the 1982 US Open using an orange ball.
What Are the Benefits of Using Different Colored Balls?
While the benefits of using colored golf balls are almost entirely aesthetic, there are definitely at least two areas in which they offer some advantages:
Visibility
The main advantage of a brightly colored ball is greater visibility on the course. White does stand out quite well on most courses, given that the main background colors are mostly shades of green or brown, but vivid fluorescent colors do an even better job in many conditions.
More than this, using a colored ball makes it easier to distinguish your ball among others when playing in a group. While some people do like to golf alone, many more like to play with friends.
It makes for an irritating afternoon when all of you play with the same color of ball, even if each one is marked differently with a brand name, logo or other design.
If everyone has a different color, then there’s no need to even check the ball, nor will any misunderstandings or disagreements occur!
Style
Who wants to be just the same as everyone else anyway? Using non-white golf balls is the perfect way to show a little individuality and flair on the golf course. Given that most clubs have strict dress codes that make many players look similar, your golf ball might be the only way that you have to show off your individual personality.
If you’re willing to pay for them, and can be relied upon not to lose them too frequently, you could even get customized golf balls with unique color schemes that really help you to stand out from the crowd. Having said that, be sure not to allow your custom colors to blend into the background of the course!
We have a table some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of different colored golf balls below.
Table of Use for different colored golf balls.
| Golf Ball Color | Benefits of Golf Ball Color |
|---|---|
| White | Traditional color that contrasts well with green grass, easy to find in the blue sky, generally available at all courses. |
| Yellow | High visibility in most weather conditions, easier to track in the sky, contrasts well against green and brown. |
| Orange | Very visible against green and blue backgrounds, but might be more challenging to find in fall when leaves are on the ground. |
| Pink | Stands out on the green and against the blue sky, not as common so less likely to be confused with other balls. |
| Green | Can be hard to spot on grass but more visible in the sky or against autumn leaves. |
| Blue | More visible in the sky, but can be challenging to find in water hazards. |
| Purple | Stands out against most backgrounds due to its rarity, but could be challenging to find in darker conditions or shadows. |
| Black | Quite unique and can be easier to spot in snowy or sandy areas, but challenging to find in shadows or darker parts of the course. |
The Evolution of Colored Golf Balls
The history of colored golf balls dates back to the late 19th century, although they gained popularity in the late 20th century with the advancement of golf ball technology. During this time, golf balls were primarily white, providing a sharp contrast to the predominantly green golf courses. ( although further back there have been made of wood and other materials. We have articles covering this on the site.
Over time, manufacturers began introducing different colors such as yellow and orange, primarily for increased visibility during play. Today, golf balls come in a range of colors, patterns, and finishes, appealing to a broader set of golfers’ preferences and needs. We have linked to some of these to check out on this page.
Types of Colored Golf Balls
There is a wide range of colored golf balls available today, providing players with plenty of options to choose from. Beyond the traditional white, golf balls are available in high-visibility colors like neon yellow, orange, and pink.
Other colors, such as blue, green, and even multicolored, are also available. Some brands Volvik for example, even offer matte finish balls for a unique aesthetic. These varieties cater to different golfer preferences, including visibility, individual style, or even aligning with a corporate logo or personal brand.
Psychology of Color in Golf
Color psychology is a fascinating aspect of golf and can influence a player’s game subtly. Certain colors are believed to promote specific psychological responses. For instance,
- red might inspire assertiveness and energy,
- blue could foster calm and focus, and
- green may promote balance and harmony.
In golf, the choice of ball color can affect a player’s mood and performance, although these effects can be highly personal. Players often choose ball colors that make them feel most confident and focused, leading to improved performance on the course.
Impact on Game Performance
The color of a golf ball can surprisingly impact a player’s performance. Bright colors like yellow or orange can significantly improve visibility, especially in low light conditions or on courses with dense grass, leading to better tracking of shots.
Some players report that colored balls are easier to spot against a blue sky or white clouds, enhancing their focus and shot accuracy. However, the impact of color on performance can largely be subjective and depend on individual preferences and comfort.
Top Brands Offering Colored Golf Balls
Several reputable golf equipment brands offer a range of colored golf balls. Companies like Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade have introduced colored balls, primarily in high-visibility shades like yellow and orange. Although TaylorMade for example also have some pastel purples and other colors as well.
Volvik is particularly renowned for its vibrant color range – you can check out their range on amazon on the link. Each brand offers unique features, like advanced core technology for distance, soft feel, or high spin rates, catering to different golfer preferences. Choosing a brand often depends on a golfer’s playing style, budget, and color preference.
How to Choose the Right Colored Golf Ball
Choosing the right colored golf ball involves several factors. Firstly, consider visibility in your typical playing conditions – bright colors enhance visibility in low light or on busy courses. Secondly, personal preference plays a significant role – choose a color that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Finally, consider your playing style and the golf course type. For instance, a bright red ball may not be the best choice for a course with lots of red clay. Always align your choice with your gameplay needs and aesthetics.
We have a range of articles on golf balls that should answer the most common questions. Feel few to dive in.
- How do you know where the ball lands.
- How many dimples on a golf ball
- How far can a golf ball travel
- How fast is a golf ball
- why does my golf ball curve right
- Can you keep golf balls you find
- Why are golf balls white?
- Can you use colored golf balls
- Can you wash golf balls in a dishwasher
Conclusion
So most golf clubs have no rules on the color golf ball you choose to play with, however that is most and not all so it is wise to check before unleashing your neon yellow ball on to the course.
When it comes to professional play there are no rules (at time of writing at least) on ball color and it is a freedom of expression perhaps missing from other aspects of the golf game!
So get your self on Amazon or to the local pro shop and liven up your game with a selection of colored golf balls!
