This article describes what refinished golf balls are. It also describes basically the process they go through to enable them to be used on the golf course.
What are refinished golf ballsThese are balls that have been used,
and lost on golf courses, by golfers during play, then collected up by the golf course personnel or firms contracted to perform this role. They are then sold as second hand or refinished balls. They include lake golf balls, which are balls that have been lost during a game, in areas of water on golf courses (lakes, ponds, streams etc.). After collecting the balls, they are sent away to be repaired/refinished. Refinishing is the process applied to the recovered golf balls in-order to make them as good as new, or as close as possible.
The ball collectorsGolf course personnel or contractors collect the balls that have been lost on the golf course during games. The contractors who perform these ball collections, usually pay the golf course a small fee for the balls they find, and are then allowed to take them away to be cleaned them up, and then sell them on to the public at a reduced cost.
Cheap practise ball for the homeSome of these balls will be sold as is, after being collected, and are ideal for home use, or on driving ranges. They may receive a very simple clean up, just to make the ball good enough to be knocked about on a driving range or at home.
The fate of those beyond repairGolf balls that are not even good enough to be used for practise in a persons home, are sent off to be recycled and made into brand new golf balls. In much the same way as plastic and paper goods are recycled to become your favourite news paper, or carton of juice.
As good as newFor those balls that are good enough to be repaired/refurbished, they are sent away to be refinished. The refinishing process can either be a simple clean up and coating of the balls with a lightweight protective sheen, or they can be put through a refurbishment process involving chemical cleaning. The chemical cleaning stage removes all stains, discolouration and other markings. Next step a small amount of the outer layer is stripped away. Then the golf ball is primed, thus giving it a smooth and shiny surface, just as would be done when the ball was originally manufactured. Finally, the ball has the original manufacturer's markings printed on its surface, and then a glossy protective coating applied.
Cheap as chipsTherefore, refinished golf balls are professionally re-manufactured, and as a result act just like their original selves, but cost a good deal less than the full retail price. Usually giving a saving of up to 50% of the original value.
