Fresh ball

[melchior]

I can generally go 18+ with a ball; I don't really keep track. The only time I ever end up switching one out is if I mishit it and it hits a tree or a cart path or something. Then it goes into a different pouch in my bag and turns into "balls for friends" since they're a bit worse, and forced carries make them lose 2-3 at times (and I don't mind since I hit a lot of trees.... )

[VMAN]

I usually play a ball for a round maybe two, unless it gets scuffed a bit too much. Then it ends up with the other scuffed one so that I can use them for short game practice. It's awfully nice using the same ball for practice as you do in a round. Now, if only I had time to get some practice in.

[Slammin' Sam]

I play a ball until it's KIA or MIA (usually the latter). Might take a few holes, or it might take several rounds.

[Tugglife2]

I generally use balls until I lose them. However today while I was playing, the ball I was using was scuffed pretty bad. I took dead aim left off the tee and smashed it into the water. I play $10/doz golf balls.

[BMac0223]

First hole on my home course is an uphill 330 par 4 and I usually have about 80 yards which is a full LW or a mostly full SW. It seems every time I walk off the hole there are 3 small cut marks on the ball. I would love to switch it out but for $4 a ball I play 18 with it until it looks like it went through a mower. I've found the pro-v1x is about the only ball that holds itself together for 18 holes. I think whoever said it about the vokeys is right.

[saevel25]

I remember hear that you should switch out ever few holes because hitting the ball will lower its compression a bit over time, so switching it out gives you more consistancy, have no clue if this is true or not.

It depends on how i feel, i usually keep one in my pants pocket and play with another, then i switch between them every other hole.

[TourSpoon]

I usually go 9 or 18 and then retire the ball if it has marks on it to the old ball's home affectionately named the shag bag.

[DaSportsGuy]

I play my ball until I lose it. The longest I've gone with the same ball is 21 holes. I always try to break that record.

[BostonSully]

If you double bogey do you get rid of 2 balls?

I play it till I lose it which usualy is fast unless im doing really good I try to keep it as long as possible. If I start doing really bad Ill put it in the bag and use a new one but not get rid of it.

[bopanic]

i go 18 with a new ball then at the end of 18 i add the ball to my putting/chipping shag bag...

[NI4NI]

Gleaning this info from different golf mags, 2-3 holes seems to be the ball switching point for pro players. I've read that several also say that they use a new ball on Par 3's, where they need it to check like velcro.