Can Waterlogged Golf Balls Be Dried Out?

Finding a premium golf ball nestled near a water hazard feels like a little victory, but can that waterlogged treasure actually be dried out and used again? The short answer is yes, but it comes with some serious caveats that can impact your game. This guide will walk you through exactly what happens when a ball gets soaked, the right way to dry it out, and what performance changes you can expect on the course.

What Exactly Happens When a Golf Ball Gets Waterlogged?

To understand what happens when a golf ball takes a long bath, you need to understand its construction. Modern golf balls are engineering marvels, typically composed of multiple layers designed to work together for optimal distance, spin, and feel. At its heart is the core (usually a type of rubber), surrounded by one or more mantle layers, and all of it is encased in a durable cover, often made of urethane or surlyn.

While the cover is highly water-resistant, it's not completely waterproof. Over time, especially if the ball has any nicks, scuffs, or scrapes from hitting trees or cart paths, water can begin to seep through microscopic pores and cracks. This process is slow, but a ball that has been submerged for a few days, weeks, or even months has likely absorbed a significant amount of water. This moisture works its way past the cover and into the inner mantle and core layers.

Once water penetrates the core, it starts to degrade the materials. The water disrupts the chemical bonds in the polymer core, which reduces its ability to compress and rebound effectively. This is the "engine" of the golf ball, and when it’s compromised, you lose the signature spring-like effect that generates ball speed. The ball also becomes slightly heavier and loses its perfect a balance, which can affect its flight and roll.

The Truth About Drying Them Out: Does it Really Work?

You can absolutely dry out a waterlogged golf ball, but here’s the crucial part: you can't reverse the damage. Getting the moisture out of the ball does not restore the core to its original factory condition. Think of it like a piece of bread left out in the rain. You can let it dry in the sun, and it will become hard and stale, but it will never be a fresh, soft slice of bread again. The water has fundamentally changed its internal structure.

The performance of a golf ball is a delicate balance of compression, aerodynamics, and weight distribution. Water damage throws this balance off. While a "dried" ball might look perfectly fine on the outside, its inner workings are permanently altered. You’ll be playing with a piece of equipment that is no longer performing as its designers intended.

Avoid any quick fixes you might read about online, like putting them in a microwave or oven. This is a terrible idea. Extreme heat will not only fail to dry the core properly but will also melt the layers, deform the cover's dimple pattern, and completely destroy the ball. The only effective method is patience.

The Right Way to Dry a Waterlogged Golf Ball: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've built up a collection of pond balls and want to try salvaging them for practice, here is the proper method. The process requires patience, not technology.

• Step 1: A Thorough Cleaning. Before anything else, the balls need a good wash. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and use a brush to scrub off all the mud, algae, grass stains, and grime. A clean surface is important for allowing the exterior to dry properly. Once clean, rinse them with fresh water.
• Step 2: Dry the Exterior. Use an old towel to dry each ball completely. You want to remove all surface moisture before you begin the long process of drying out the interior.
• Step 3: The Waiting Game (Air Drying). This is the most important step. Place the clean, dry balls in a single layer in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. A good spot is a dry corner of a garage, a utility closet, an airing cupboard, or near a dehumidifier. Do *not* seal them in a plastic bag or container, as this will trap moisture and prevent them from drying. You need air circulation.
• Step 4: How Long Does It Take? Be prepared to wait - a long time. For a ball that was submerged for a week or two, you’re looking at a drying time of at least 3-4 weeks. For a ball that’s been in the water for months, you might need to let it sit for 2-3 months or even longer. More time is always better. Resist the temptation to put them back in your bag too early.
• Step 5: The "Bag of Rice" Myth. Many people suggest burying golf balls in a bag of uncooked rice, similar to drying out a wet phone. While rice is a desiccant and will draw out some moisture, it's not a miracle cure for a deeply saturated golf ball core. It may help speed the process up slightly, but it can't match the effectiveness of long-term air drying in a low-humidity environment. Your best bet remains time and air circulation.

The Performance Test: Will a Dried-Out Ball Still Play Well?

Let's get straight to the point: no, a dried-out, waterlogged golf ball will not perform like a new one. As a coach, I would never let a student use one in a serious round where they care about their score. The difference is noticeable, even to a mid-handicap player.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Significant Distance Loss: This is the biggest and most obvious impact. The compromised core just doesn't have the same resiliency. You can expect a dried-out ball to travel 10-20 yards shorter off the tee, and you'll see a similar drop-off with your irons. It makes club selection a complete guessing game.
• Inconsistent and Lower Flight: The ball won't launch as high or "pop" off the clubface like a fresh ball. The flight is often lower and less powerful. Because the internal balance may be off, you might also experience more unpredictable curves - a frustrating fade that turns into a slice, or a draw that hooks aggressively.
• A "Dead" Feel and Sound: One place you'll really notice the difference is on and around the greens. a dried-out ball will feel hard and "clicky" off the putter face, making distance control a chore. The responsive feel you expect on delicate chip and pitch shots will be gone, replaced by a dull thud. It sounds and feels more like hitting a rock than a high-performance golf ball.

When Should You Actually Use a Dried-Out Golf Ball?

So, does this mean your bucket of reclaimed Pro V1s is totally useless? Not necessarily. They still have a purpose, as long as you have the right expectations. Here are the perfect scenarios for using your dried-out foundlings:

• Casual Practice: Hitting a bucket of them at the driving range is perfectly fine. It's a great way to work on your swing mechanics without worrying about burning through expensive new balls. Just don't rely on them for gapping your clubs or judging distances accurately.
• Backyard Chipping: They are ideal for chipping and pitching practice in your yard or a practice area. You won’t get the same feel, but they are great for honing your contact and basic technique.
• The "Sacrifice" Ball: Standing on the tee of that par 4 with a narrow fairway and water all down the right side? Teeing up a dried-out ball can ease the mental pressure. If you lose it, it's no big deal.
• Just for Fun Rounds: If you're playing a casual, nine-hole scramble with friends and just want to have a good time without worrying about the score, using a found ball is a great, low-stress option.

I would strongly recommend you do not use them if you're playing in a tournament, trying to establish a handicap, or in any round where you want to shoot your best possible score. The inconsistency and loss of performance will only lead to frustration and higher numbers on the scorecard.

Final Thoughts

In short, you can certainly dry out a waterlogged golf ball, but you can’t bring it back to life. Drying it out removes the water but doesn’t fix the internal damage done to the core. This leaves you with a ball that looks good but lacks the distance, feel, and consistency of its former self, making it a reliable option for casual practice but a an unreliable one for competitive play.

Of course, the best way to deal with water-damaged balls is to keep your premium ones out of the hazards in the first place. This is where smart course management becomes your best friend. For situations where you’re facing a tough tee shot or a risky approach over water, we designed Caddie AI to act as your personal strategist. It can instantly analyze the hole and give you a simple, effective plan, including club selection and the best target line, helping you play with more confidence and turn those water hazards from ball-magnets into just another feature of the course.