Golf balls that have spent a lot of time outside or that have been submerged in water for less than 3 months will most likely perform as well as brand new, undamaged golf balls.  Once the balls are retrieved from the water, which usually happens fairly often at busy golf courses, they are professionally cleaned and made ready to sell again.  Just because lake golf balls have spent some time underwater, does not mean that they should end up in the landfill.

 

Obviously one of the best things about buying lake golf balls is the price.  As there's very little cost involved in retrieving and cleaning these golf balls, they're able to be re-sold for very low prices compared to the same golf balls in retail stores.  You are likely to save even more by buying online.

 

Companies and individuals that specialize in cleaning lake golf balls know what to look for and how to spot a ball that will not perform well.  If there are cracks or dents on the outer shell of the golf ball, these balls will normally be taken out of the lot so that you can be sure that you are buying quality lake golf balls.  A good quality lake golf ball may be referred to as a pearl golf ball.