Used golf balls are one of the best ways for an inexperienced golfer to improve his or her skills without worrying so much about the balls they are using. Lots of players can remember the early days of learning to play when balls were lost left and right in water hazards or brush along the course. Used golf balls are great for beginners and can save you plenty of money in the long run.

Where to find them

Used golf balls are a lot easier to find than you may think. You may even come across a few used golf balls on the course while playing if you know where to look. For example, one the best places to find used golf balls is to search around the water hazards along the course. You can find lots of abandoned balls along the outer edge of the pond.

Golf courses will often collect used golf balls lying around the course and sell them to members for a small fee. You may get lucky enough to buy a whole bucket for a great deal. You can even buy used golf balls from a variety of sellers online.

Quality rating system

You can get quality golf balls from distributors who sell nothing but used balls. Each seller uses a rating system to determine the quality and price of the balls for sale. Playing with used golf balls in no way means that you are compromising your performance. It just means you aren't not willing to go broke buying brand new golf balls to get the same results. The rating system for these balls looks something like this:

- Grade AAA: Perfect, Like new. This type of ball plays as if it is brand new and has never been hit before.

- Grade AA: Close to perfect balls. This ball is just slightly below a perfect grade; they are shiny and look new.

- Grade A: Slightly flawed; maybe minor scuffs, marks or a faded logo. A good choice for an average golfer.

- Hit Away: Very used with lots of scuffs, nicks, marks. Perfect ball for practicing.

Are used golf balls worth it?

With used golf balls, the only thing you sacrifice is paying for high priced golf balls you can't keep up with. You may be surprised to learn that golf balls are manufactured in a way that keeps them performing as well used as when purchased brand new. You really don't have much to lose by buying used golf balls. You may be so surprised by their performance that you could begin questioning the reason for buying brand new balls. Of course the best part of golfing with used golf balls is the fact that you won't feel too bad if you lose one as you play.

The only way to really find out which used golf balls will perform best for your game is through trial and error. Whether the ball you choose is new or used, it all boils down to how well you perform.