Following on from our article on how they retrieve lake balls early in 2016, we now asked Scott Phillips at Premier Lake Balls, the process of grading lake balls once they have been retrieved and arrive at the cleaning factory…
Based on customer feedback and with our own experience of over 20 years in the golf ball industry, Scott and his team, now sell golf balls online in three grades.
“In the early days, we were happy to retail a bag of retrieved lake balls as one lot and were not overly concerned about the different brands and conditions. However, as the industry matured, more and more customers were being specific in their requests, resulting in us reviewing the way we approach the grading lake balls process.”
“As such we set about grading the golf balls in quality and then by brand.”
“By offering golf balls in a Pearl\A mix it meant we were able to pass on substantial value to the customer.”
He went on to say….”Once we had established the criteria, we were able to provide a much better service and greater value to the golfer. These packs offer superb savings and will allow you to save a few quid extra for the most important hole on the course, the 19th!”
“However if you prefer a ball in as new condition our Pearl packs cater for that need. Likewise, if you lose a few and do not mind a scuff or two our A grade are an ideal selection”
Premier Lake Balls using this grading for new golf balls with no marks, they will be shiny in appearance although some balls may have a logo or ink spot. Ideal for the serious golfer!
These balls will consist of golf balls like new and golf balls with minor marking, small surface scratches. Every golf ball placed in these packs could be played in competition golf.
The A grade golf balls will look how a new ball looks after 6-9 holes.
N.B. Based on the experience of handling 30-40,000 balls a week, all these packs will have at least 50% Pearl, that % goes higher on balls with harder covers that do not scuff as easy as tour calibre balls.
Harder balls will have over 75% Pearl in most packs
These packs will contain golf balls that have a scuff\mark.
Once you play 9-12 holes with a new ball it will start to show signs off abuse.
These balls are ideal for golfers who lose a few balls or anyone looking for friendly game \ summer night balls.
So there you have it, grading lake balls is more detailed than we thought.
However, buying used Lake Balls via a respected retailer such as Premier Lake Balls, will not only save you money at a time of economic uncertainty but it could also save the planet.
Thanks Scott, who knew!
By Ian Mullins
