How long do you use a ball?

If your ball makes it through all 18 holes, will you use it the next round? When do you decide it's time for a new ball?

Until it's irretrievable or damaged to the point where it's affecting play.

I had a lucky ball that I used for numerous tournaments in highschool until it found it's way into a pond via a random rock.

I lose it before it gets worn out.

Yes, and right after I lose the last ball.......

Until I lose it.

Every round i always lost about 3 balls into the bushes or pond...the longest ball i remember was 2 18 holes and i top it into a pond....

If it lasts the entire round (doesn't always happen but nice when it does) I'll take a good look at it afterwards.  If I feel it's a little too beat up I toss it in the practice ball bucket.  Otherwise it gets held over for the next round.  I don't think I've ever had one survive through 2 rounds before it's too torn up to use.

I'll play a new ball every round and try to make it last the whole time.  However, sometimes you can't help chewing up the cover and I switch when about 50% of the ball surface is gone.

I'll use a ball until I lose all respect for it, then I'll kick it to the curb and look for some other younger ball to use.

As soon as I finish my first round without losing a ball it's going on the mantelpiece as trophy!

I have balls in my bag that I've played 2-4 rounds with. But if I'm playing in a tournament, I change when I scuff it. Whether it's from a wedge or cart path. Golf balls are engineered to be aerodynamic. When you scuff a ball, it adds wind resistance to that particular side and can cause some weird spin. Not like a ball hit by a mower, but you might notice it.

If a ball lasts 18holes it becomes a "lucky ball" and I put it in with my other lucky balls and save those for when ill be playing in some sort of competetion.

Two outings ago for the first time I played a whole round on one ball....Its in my bag but I haven't used it since..Still playable but I wanted to keep it and save it as one of my collectors item. :)

This thread reminded me that I need to buy golf balls for tomorrow.

I'll use a ball for the entire round if I can manage to keep it that long.

I've played 2 rounds with 1 ball a round. Both of those balls are now retired and I'm keeping them, no playing with them.

Ditto for me!