13 Unforgettable Golf Ball Designs For Your Anniversary

Struggling to find an anniversary gift that truly stands out? You want something personal, thoughtful, and unique for the golfer you love.

Personalized golf ball designs are the perfect DIY craft project for a sentimental gift. You’re trying to find a creative present that connects with their favorite hobby, but you’re not sure where to start or how to make it look great.

Decorating golf balls with a Sharpie is a unique and heartfelt anniversary gift for any golfer. It’s a creative, low-cost way to show your love by personalizing an item they use for their hobby, making every game a little more special.

Feeling Stuck on the Perfect Anniversary Gift for Your Golfer?

Finding a meaningful anniversary gift can be tough, especially when you want to move beyond the usual store-bought options. You’re looking for something that says “I love you” and “I support your passions” all at once. It’s a common struggle to find a creative anniversary present that feels both personal and practical, especially for a partner with a dedicated hobby like golf.

That’s where the idea of creating your own sharpie golf ball designs comes in. This DIY gift is the perfect solution. It’s a handmade, sentimental, and fun project that transforms a simple golf ball into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. This guide will walk you through unforgettable ideas and provide easy, step-by-step instructions to ensure your custom gift for him turns out beautifully.

13 Unforgettable Golf Ball Designs for Your Anniversary

Ready to create a gift that will make your partner smile every time they tee up? We’ve gathered 13 unforgettable, anniversary-focused golf ball decorating ideas that anyone can master, no matter your artistic skill level. These designs have been selected based on our tested methods for their visual appeal and ease of execution on a curved, dimpled surface. From romantic and funny to classic and simple, you’ll find the perfect inspiration to make a truly personalized set of custom golf balls.

1. The Classic Anniversary Date

Pin this elegant idea for a timeless anniversary gift!

Materials Needed:

• One high-quality golf ball (wipe clean with rubbing alcohol first)
• Black oil-based Sharpie marker, extra-fine tip for crisp lines
• A small number stencil (optional, for perfectly uniform dates)
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place the clean golf ball on a holder (a bottle cap works well).
2. If using a stencil, hold it firmly against the ball.
3. Carefully write your anniversary date (e.g., MM.DD.YY) using the extra-fine tip marker. Use short, steady strokes.
4. Let the ink dry completely for at least one hour.
5. In a well-ventilated area, apply a light, even coat of clear acrylic sealant and let it cure for 24 hours.
   Pro-Tip: Practice writing the date on paper first to get a feel for the spacing and your script style before moving to the ball.

2. Simple Initials & Heart

Save this sweet and simple design idea!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black oil-based Sharpie marker, fine point
• Red oil-based Sharpie marker, fine point
• Clear nail polish (for a quick, accessible sealant)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. On a stabilized golf ball, write the first initial with the black marker.
2. Next to it, draw a small “+” or “&” symbol.
3. Write the second initial.
4. Use the red marker to draw a small, simple heart underneath or next to the initials. Fill it in completely.
5. Let the ink dry for an hour.
6. Carefully apply a thin, even coat of clear nail polish over the design and let it dry thoroughly.
   Lesson Learned: Make sure the black ink is 100% dry before adding the red heart to prevent any color bleeding.

3. “I Love You” in Morse Code

Pin this clever and secret message idea for your anniversary!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black oil-based Sharpie marker, extra-fine tip
• Ruler or straight edge (flexible if possible)
• Printed Morse Code alphabet chart
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Look up the Morse code for “I LOVE YOU”: .. / .-.. --- ...- . / -.-- --- ..-
2. Using the extra-fine tip marker, start drawing the code around the center line of the golf ball. Use short dabs for dots and small, crisp lines for dashes.
3. Keep the spacing between letters and words consistent.
4. Let the design dry completely for at least one hour.
5. Apply a light coat of clear acrylic spray sealant in a ventilated space and let it cure.
   Pro-Tip: Lightly draw a pencil line around the ball’s equator first to keep your Morse code perfectly straight. You can erase it gently after the ink is dry.

4. Your Special Location Map Outline

Save this idea for the partner you love exploring the world with!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Graphite transfer paper
• Printed simple outline of your state/country
• Black oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine tip
• Red oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine tip
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Cut out your printed map outline.
2. Place a small piece of graphite paper on the golf ball, then place your map cutout on top.
3. Firmly trace the outline with a pencil. This will transfer a light guideline onto the ball.
4. Carefully trace over the graphite line with the black extra-fine tip marker.
5. Use the red marker to draw a tiny heart on the city or location that’s special to you.
6. Let dry for one hour, then seal with a clear acrylic spray.
   Pro-Tip: Choose a simple, recognizable outline. Complex coastlines or borders can be difficult to draw on a small, dimpled surface.

5. Cute Cartoon Stick-Figure Couple

Pin this adorable design for a gift that will make him smile!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black oil-based Sharpie, fine point
• Red oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine point
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. On your stabilized ball, draw a simple stick figure of yourself. Add a triangle for a dress or keep it simple.
2. Next to it, draw a stick figure of your partner holding your hand.
3. Add simple hair or a hat to give them character.
4. Use the red extra-fine point marker to draw a small heart floating between or above your heads.
5. Let the ink dry completely before sealing with a light coat of acrylic spray.
   Pro-Tip: Keep it simple! The charm of stick figures is their simplicity. Don’t overwork the drawing.

6. “Property Of…” Humorous Design

Save this funny idea for a gift that shows off your sense of humor!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine point
• Alphabet stencils (optional, for neat lettering)
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Plan your funny message, for example: “PROPERTY OF [YOUR NAME]. RETURN FOR A REWARD.”
2. Use the extra-fine tip marker to write the message in small, neat block letters. Work your way around the ball.
3. Using stencils can help keep the text aligned and uniform.
4. Let the ink dry completely to avoid any smudging.
5. Seal the ball with a clear acrylic spray to protect your witty words.
   Lesson Learned: Shorter messages are easier to read and fit better. Break longer sentences into two or three lines that wrap around the ball.

7. Your Song’s Sound Wave

Pin this incredibly unique and personal anniversary gift idea!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• A screenshot of the sound wave of your song/voice clip (use a free online generator)
• Black oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine point
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Use a free online tool to generate a sound wave image from a short audio clip (like you saying “I love you” or a line from your song).
2. With the image on your screen as a reference, carefully replicate the pattern of vertical lines around the center of the golf ball.
3. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on capturing the general rhythm of the peaks and valleys.
4. Allow the intricate design to dry for at least an hour.
5. Seal with clear acrylic spray to protect your masterpiece.
   Pro-Tip: Choose a very short clip (2-3 seconds) to keep the sound wave pattern simple enough to draw on a small surface.

8. The “You’re My Hole in One” Pun

Save this cute golf pun for a perfect anniversary surprise!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black oil-based Sharpie, fine point
• Red oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine point
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Write the words “You’re My” in a simple script on the top half of the ball.
2. Below that, write “Hole in One” in larger letters.
3. To the side, use the black marker to draw a simple line for a flagstick.
4. Use the red marker to draw a small triangular flag at the top of the stick.
5. Let all ink dry completely before sealing the design with acrylic spray.
   Pro-Tip: Sketch the layout on paper first to make sure your words and the flag drawing will fit nicely on one side of the ball.

9. A Favorite Pet Portrait

Pin this idea for the golfer who loves their furry friend as much as you!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black and brown oil-based Sharpies, extra-fine tip
• A simple photo of the pet for reference
• Graphite transfer paper (optional)
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Find a photo of the pet and simplify its features into basic lines and shapes on a piece of paper.
2. You can either freehand this simple outline onto the ball or use the graphite paper method to transfer it.
3. Use the black marker to draw the main outline—eyes, nose, ears, mouth.
4. Use the brown (or other relevant color) marker to add small details like spots or whisker dots.
5. Write the pet’s name in small script below the portrait.
6. Let dry thoroughly, then seal with clear spray.
   Lesson Learned: Don’t aim for realism. A simple, cartoon-like sketch is much easier to execute and often looks cuter on the small, curved surface.

10. The Roman Numeral Date

Save this sophisticated design for a classic and elegant touch!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black oil-based Sharpie, fine point
• A printout of your date converted to Roman numerals
• A flexible ruler
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Use an online converter to get the correct Roman numerals for your anniversary date (e.g., October 26, 2018 is X.XXVI.MMXVIII).
2. Use a flexible ruler to help you draw straight, clean lines for the numerals.
3. Carefully copy the Roman numerals onto the center of the golf ball. Take your time to ensure the lines are crisp.
4. Let the ink dry completely for one hour to prevent smearing.
5. Seal with a light, even coat of acrylic spray in a well-ventilated area.
   Pro-Tip: For a very clean look, use a marker with a chisel tip to get the classic thick-and-thin lines of Roman numeral fonts.

11. Custom Putting Alignment Line

Pin this practical and personal gift for the serious golfer!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• A golf ball line marking tool or stencil
• Oil-based Sharpie markers in their favorite colors (e.g., blue, green)
• Black oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine tip
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Place the golf ball inside the line marking tool.
2. Use a colored marker to trace a solid, straight line within the stencil.
3. Remove the ball from the tool.
4. Use the extra-fine tip black marker to add a personal touch—replace a small section of the line with your initials, or draw tiny hearts at either end of the line.
5. Let the ink dry completely before handling.
6. Seal the ball with a clear acrylic spray to protect the line during play.
   Pro-Tip: A high-quality line marking stencil is worth the small investment. It makes getting a perfectly straight, professional-looking line almost effortless.

12. “You, Me & The Dog” Family Portrait

Save this sweet family portrait idea for a truly personal gift!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black oil-based Sharpie, fine point
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Draw a stick figure of yourself on one side of the ball.
2. Draw your partner’s stick figure next to you.
3. In the middle or to the side, draw a very simple representation of your dog (or cat)—four legs, a body, a tail, and a head with floppy ears.
4. You can add a small heart above the “family” to complete the look.
5. Let the ink dry for an hour before sealing with a protective clear coat.
   Lesson Learned: Don’t try to make the pet look realistic. A generic, cute dog/cat shape works perfectly and is much easier than trying to capture a specific breed.

13. Your Fingerprints Making a Heart

Pin this deeply personal and unique fingerprint heart idea!

Materials Needed:

• Clean golf ball
• Black non-toxic ink pad (for fingerprints)
• Black oil-based Sharpie, extra-fine point (for touch-ups)
• Clear acrylic spray sealant

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Press your thumb onto the ink pad, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
2. Carefully press your thumb onto the golf ball at an angle to create one half of the heart. Press firmly and lift cleanly.
3. Clean your thumb and have your partner do the same, pressing their thumbprint to form the other half of the heart.
4. Let the ink dry completely. The ink pad ink may take longer than a Sharpie.
5. Use the extra-fine point Sharpie to carefully touch up the edges or fill in any light spots to perfect the heart shape.
6. Once fully dry, seal with two light coats of clear acrylic spray, allowing it to dry between coats.
   Pro-Tip: Practice on paper first to figure out the best angle and pressure to create the perfect heart shape when the two prints meet.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to the Perfect DIY Golf Ball Gift

Feeling inspired? Here are the most important tips to remember to ensure your DIY decorated golf balls turn out perfectly.
* Always Use Oil-Based: This is your #1 rule for success. Oil-based Sharpie paint markers are essential for a permanent, smudge-proof design that lasts. Regular markers will smear and fade.
* Clean the Ball First: Before you start drawing, wipe every ball with rubbing alcohol. This simple step removes any surface oils and ensures the ink adheres properly for a crisp, long-lasting design.
* Let It Dry, Then Seal It: Patience is key. Let your ink masterpiece dry for at least one hour before touching it. Always finish with a clear acrylic spray sealant for durable, waterproof protection.
* Simple is Sweetest: You don’t need to be an artist to create a memorable gift. Simple designs like initials, important dates, and cute stick figures are often the most charming and meaningful.
* Have Fun! This is a gift made with love. Enjoy the creative process and know that the thought and effort you put in are what make it a truly unforgettable anniversary present.

People Also Ask About Decorating Golf Balls

You’ve got the ideas, but you might still have a few practical questions. Here are the answers to the most common queries about creating custom Sharpie golf ball designs.

What is the best marker to use on golf balls?

The absolute best marker is an oil-based paint pen, like the Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker. Unlike regular alcohol-based Sharpies, the oil-based ink is specifically designed to be permanent on non-porous, glossy surfaces. It provides opaque, vibrant color that is naturally more resistant to water, smudging, and wear from play.

How do you make Sharpie on a golf ball permanent and waterproof?

The key to a permanent, waterproof design is a two-step process: using the right marker and applying a sealant. First, create your drawing with an oil-based paint pen. After the ink has dried completely (we recommend waiting at least one hour), apply a light, even coat of clear acrylic spray sealant over the artwork. This creates a hard, protective layer that seals the design from moisture and abrasion.

Is it legal to draw on your golf ball for a tournament?

Yes, it is perfectly legal and even encouraged by the official Rules of Golf. According to USGA Rule 6.3a, a player must be able to identify their ball, and adding a personal mark is the recommended way to do this. As long as your Sharpie art doesn’t significantly alter the ball’s surface texture or flight characteristics, it is completely fine for play.

Will drawing on a golf ball affect its performance?

No, for virtually all golfers, a simple ink drawing will have no noticeable effect on the ball’s performance. The layer of ink from a marker (and even a thin coat of sealant) is microscopically thin. It does not add enough weight or alter the aerodynamic dimple pattern in a way that would impact its flight, spin, or roll for amateur play.

Final Thoughts

Creating a handmade gift is one of the most beautiful ways to say “I love you.” These decorated golf balls are more than just a fun craft; they’re a way to share in your partner’s passion and remind them of you every time they step onto the course. Don’t worry about perfection—just have fun, get creative, and make something that comes from the heart. That’s a gift that will always be a hole-in-one.

Which design idea was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below

Last update on 2025-11-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API