I have some balls still in their sleeves that are 8-10 years old and never used. Are they still good?

Question

I haven't played golf for years and I am starting up again. I have about two dozen golf balls that are still in their sleeves and have been stored in my basement for about 8-10 years. Are they still OK to use?

Answer 1

Just dump them and find a person who sells FINDZEES. You can pick up a couple of dozen cheap. When you get back into the swing of things then go for the big bucks for balls.

Answer 2

yeah,

my dad does that same thing.

he stops playing, than starts playing 5 years later and his balls are still good.

Answer 3

I personally would not use them. Just because of the advancements in balls. A ball today may go alot farther than what yours will.

Answer 4

Why bother?

I don't need to tell you the facts and figures, just look above for that answer.

I'd simply throw them away and get yourself a sleeve of Srixon's for $8.

Answer 5

Good? No. Useable? Yes. Shelf life is 2 years under controlled conditions.  Hit a ball that is 8 years old. Then hit the same ball, new. You will instantly see the difference. Use them on par 3s but practice with a few to get the carry distance.

Answer 6

If your basement doesn't get cold very often, your golf balls should be just fine. Good luck, and welcome back to the game!

Answer 7

If you are new at golf, they would be okay to use for practice, but shelf life for a golf ball is about 2 years.  Go ahead and play some practice rounds with them but don't use them in serious competition.

Answer 8

For the average golfer (20+ handicapper), it does not make much difference.   I have read and experienced that it results in maybe 5 -10 yards less distance than a new ball.  I'll assume the balls you rediscovered are not high end balata's and are fairly hard balls so again, you should feel free to use them without much impact on your game.   As to touch around the greens, unless you use ProVI's or other high end balls, the amount of spin you get on an old ball vs a newer middle range ball (the vast majority of balls on the market), it won't make much difference again.  Absolutely use them!!