The best golf ball retrievers could save you money if a ball finds a hazard.
Fed up with losing golf balls? Then you need a golf ball retriever.
Picture the scene. After you have just spent a significant amount of money on a box of brand-new, high-quality golf balls, you have meticulously marked the first one, and then you have watched in terror as it flies into a lake as you hit it off the tee. You swiftly rinse through the box, and all of a sudden you are back to utilizing those old balls that have been scratched from previous rounds. You should make the purchase of a golf ball retriever because of this reason.
We are aware that they are not the most fashionable pieces of equipment to have in your golf bag; but, if they are able to save you money, particularly in these difficult times, then you shouldn’t care about them. They are no longer those enormous metal poles with an odd cup on the end that make it look like you are participating in an extreme egg and spoon race. In addition, the times have changed, and their appearance has changed as well.
They are available in a wide range of colors, as well as a wide number of shapes and sizes, and they guarantee that you will be able to retrieve your ball from even the most difficult of locations. Not only are they unable to assist you in retrieving the shot that your careless attempt has cost you, but they are also able to save you a good few pounds over the course of a season. You could even be able to retrieve a few extras if you look hard enough!
Despite the fact that golf ball retrievers come in a variety of price points, they are not going to break the bank and are a lot more affordable than having to purchase a dozen balls every couple of weeks or having to purchase a new 5-iron after you dropped yours into a lake when you were desperately trying to preserve the cherished Pro V1.
Additionally, we have introduced a handful of alternatives that will make it much simpler to gather balls from the cup as well as from the surrounding area of the putting green.
Gotcha Ultimate XL Ball Retriever
Considering that it is the most expensive item on our list, the price of £42 is a bit excessive for a ball retriever. This particular model, however, is by far the longest one that we tested, making it an excellent choice for those who have a habit of putting it in the middle of the lake.
Just over 53 centimetres in length, the ‘Gotcha’ reaches an astounding 18 feet (550 centimetres) in length. When we tested it at a variety of lengths, we found that it was fairly reliable; however, when it was extended to its maximum length, it became somewhat more difficult to have control over.
The balls are simple to pick up; all you have to do is press down on the ball, and it will immediately pop into the cup. The only players who could possibly have an excuse for ever losing any of these balls would be the most reckless ones.
Callaway Golf Ball Retriever
Although it is one of the most expensive options on our list, it is a premium model that is exceptionally well constructed from high-quality aluminium alloy. It will not bend or snap the very first time you put it through a bush or dunk it in a pond due to its exceptional construction. It is also less expensive than any box of premium balls, and you can purchase it along with a dozen Callaway Supersofts for a price that is less than forty-eight pounds.
What are the reasons that justify the price tag? You can confidently reach for a ball without worrying that the retriever will slip out of your hand thanks to the sure-grip handle, which is excellent. Additionally, the handle can be extended up to six feet in length in four increments by using a really simple twist and lock mechanism. In addition to that, it comes with a really cool headcover that not only safeguards the ingenious mechanism but also makes it look pretty stylish when it is carried in your bag alongside the clubs.
We used it on a course that was full of water hazards, and between our fourball, we were able to save seven balls that would have otherwise been lost to the lap of the lakes. This means that it effectively paid for itself in just one round. I am impressed.
Prowithlin Golf Ball Retriever
In addition to being a retriever for balls that have encountered hazards, this is an excellent choice for senior golfers because it is more than simply a retriever. This product comes with a convenient ball “picker upper” that can be screwed into the handle. This allows you to remove the ball from the hole without having to bend down, which eliminates any strain that could be placed on your back.
It has a length of six feet, which means that it is not the longest on our list; nonetheless, it still provides you with a sufficient amount of length to reach your ball, and because it is made of stainless steel, there is certainly no possibility that it will rust. possesses a great sturdy feel and is quite simple to operate.
The Golfers Club Pocket Ball Retriever
The fact that it is only a little more than one foot in length but can extend to more than fifteen feet makes it an excellent choice since it ensures that you will be able to retrieve virtually any ball that has been misplaced.
We were afraid that the retriever’s compact design may make it more vulnerable when it was completely extended; nevertheless, the robust material ensured that it did not bend too much at all during the testing process. Additionally, the retriever itself is constructed from a material that is both strong and ergonomically designed.
Because of its telescopic construction, it is simple to extend and retract, making it an excellent choice for individuals who are looking for a retriever that is both small and has a significant amount of room for extension.
PGA Tour Telescopic Ball Retriever
We are aware that you have not seen a significant number of the stars on the PGA Tour using one of these. Considering that they are compensated for using their balls rather than having to spend their own money, it is reasonable to assume that they are less concerned with retrieving them than the rest of us.
With this ball retriever, there are no real bells and whistles, but it does have a grip that is resistant to slipping, a telescopic mechanism that stretches from 33 centimetres to just past six feet (202 centimetres), and it is really simple to operate.
In addition to being branded with the PGA Tour, the ball collection cup is constructed from a plastic that has extremely durability.
Brand Fusion Personal Foldable Golf Rake – With Ball Retriever
A gadget that was developed to assist during the period of Covid, when it was forbidden to share rakes, this continues to be an excellent multi-use tool that guarantees you will never have to go around the bunker to collect a rake that was placed in an inappropriate location, and it will also allow you to retrieve your ball in the event that it encounters a danger.
Despite the fact that it is not extendable, it is still longer than any club you have in your bag, and it costs less than ten pounds for a really useful piece of equipment. This is especially true if you have a habit of finding a lot of bunkers, water, and hazards!
Slazenger Golf Ball Retriever
When it comes to golf equipment, you can always count on Sports Direct to provide you with a bargain, and this Slazenger ball retriever is an excellent “picker upper” that costs less than ten pounds. On top of that, you won’t even be able to afford a box of Srixon Distance balls!
This retriever is a classic, no-frills model that can easily extend to more than nine feet (281 cm) in length and comes equipped with a cup that is simple to use in order to retrieve your ball from any obstacle it may have encountered.
Despite the fact that it does not feel as sturdy as the premium Callaway model and does not win any awards for its style, it will more than do the job and save you money on golf balls. Additionally, you can purchase a chocolate bar from the pro shop with the change that you get from your tenner.
It is possible to purchase the Slazenger Comp Ball Retriever for the same price. This model is slightly more fashionable, but it only reaches a height of slightly more than six feet.
Slazenger Ball Pick Up
The Slazenger golf ball retriever is not a golf ball retriever in the same sense as the other golf ball retrievers, but if you are short on funds and simply want an option that is simple, then this is an excellent little device.
Putting it on the end of your putter grip will make it much simpler for you to retrieve the ball from the hole, and it will also prevent you from having to bend over before doing so. In addition, you can use it to retrieve your ball if it has only recently fallen into a danger, shrub or passed a hazard line. This is also possible.
You should look down the back of your sofa to find the money to cover the cost of the item, which is two pounds. Alternatively, you could ask your children to buy you one for your birthday or Christmas the following year.
Best Practice Ball Retrievers
PGA Tour Practice Ball Collector
While you are walking around the practice area, you will have the sensation of being a professional as you pick up all of your balls with just a push. Just like a regular shag bag, press it down over the ball for an instant pick up.
Lightweight and durable aluminium is paired with a hard-wearing nylon bag that holds up to 75 golf balls. A comfortable carry handle makes it extremely easy to use.
Masters Practice Ball Clikka Bag
A method that is both speedy and simple for gathering up to eighty golf balls, making it an excellent choice for those of us who put in a lot of practice. It is sufficient to move around the practice putting or chipping green, hover it over a ball, and then press down on it. It will then collect the balls in the plastic container that it is attached to.
With a one-way catch that prevents the balls from falling back out after they have been gathered, it is lightweight at the same time as it is durable. By utilizing the velcro fastener, it is possible to conveniently access them.
A fantastic piece of equipment that helps you avoid back strain while collecting balls and spares you the embarrassment of attempting to flick balls up with your wedges but getting it dreadfully wrong…
The Golfers Club Clikka Tube
The use of this provides a straightforward and efficient method of recovering your golf balls from the practice ground without putting undue strain on your back.
Once the balls have been collected, the one-way catch system prevents them from falling out, and it has the capacity to keep up to twenty balls at once. It is of a lightweight nature and can be easily transported because it can be stuffed into most luggage. In addition, it is perfect for storing your practice balls.
How do I choose the best golf ball retriever?
Prior to making a purchase of a golf ball retriever, there are a number of important aspects that you need to take into consideration.
Because they all retract to lengths that are comparable to one another, they won’t take up a significant amount of space in your suitcase; however, it is important to take into consideration the maximum extension length. The greater the length of the extension, the greater the likelihood that you will be able to retrieve a ball from the center of a thicket or pond.
Ease of use: Select the model that you find to be the most convenient to extend and contract, that will not add any extra weight to your bag, and that has a scoop that you can feel confident using. The last thing you want is to have successfully picked up your ball, just to drop it again as you are bringing it in. This is the worst possible scenario.
Strength: Because your retriever may be used to pull balls through reeds and long grass, as well as out of bushes, you should give preference to a model that is durable. There is a possibility that it will break easily if it is not sturdy and well-built. In the event that you do not have a habit of losing a great number of balls, you might be able to get away with a less durable alternative while still having the safety of a retriever in your bag, just in case you find yourself in need of it.
Storage: Depending on the amount of space you have in your luggage, you will most likely want a model that is relatively slim and compact, and that can easily be stowed away in a pocket of your bag or among your clubs. This is especially true if you use a stand or carry bag.
Set a budget for yourself and adhere to it, just like you would with any other budget for golf equipment. In order to ensure that you choose a ball retriever that is both durable and extends to a length that is satisfactory, we would suggest that you invest a little bit more money on it. This is a device that should, in the long run, save you money because it will ensure that you lose fewer balls than you would otherwise. In the event that you invest twenty pounds, you will have recouped that amount by acquiring either five Pro V1s or eight TaylorMade Tour Responses.
Questions and Answers Regarding the Golf Ball Retriever
Will a ball retriever class as one of my 14 golf clubs?
No. In accordance with Appendix II of the Rules of Golf, which stipulates that a golf club must have both a head and a shaft, the fact that they have a grip and are appropriate for your golf bag does not constitute a violation of the rules. For the purposes of golf, umbrellas and ball retrievers are not considered to be clubs.
Do I need a golf ball retriever?
It is very dependent on the type of golf course that you play on, the number of balls that you have a tendency to lose that could have been recovered with one of these accessories, and whether or not you have some extra cash on hand. On the whole, it will end up saving you money in the long run, particularly if you are a golfer who plays on a course that has a lot of water and hazards. They are not very heavy, they don’t take up a lot of space, and they have the potential to assist you in losing a lot less balls.
What length golf ball retriever do I need?
We are of the opinion that a ball retriever ought to have a minimum length of six feet. If you use a wood or long iron, you should be able to reach anything that is less than that; however, you should be careful not to drop anything into the lake. The fact that it provides you with options and even more hope of retrieving your ball is the primary reason why we would probably choose one of the longer possibilities contained in our advice.