Easy Sharpie Golf Ball Designs That Wont Smudge Or Fade

Searching for a small, thoughtful gift that isn’t another boring polo shirt? You want something personal, handmade, and truly unique.

Golf Ball Art is a fun, accessible DIY craft project that turns a simple ball into a personalized keepsake. The biggest challenge is creating a design that looks great and doesn’t smudge all over your clubs.

To make easy Sharpie golf ball designs that won’t smudge or fade, you must clean the ball with rubbing alcohol, draw your design with a permanent marker, and seal it with 2-3 light coats of clear acrylic spray. This guide will show you exactly how to create beautiful, durable designs, even if you have zero artistic skill.

Why Bother Drawing on a Golf Ball in the First Place?

Let’s be honest, you’re not just looking for a craft project. You’re looking for a way to show you care. A hand-drawn golf ball isn’t just a piece of sports equipment; it’s a personalized good-luck charm, a cute golf gift for your boyfriend, or a fun memory from a creative date night. I was looking for a small, thoughtful gift for my boyfriend that wasn’t another boring polo, and this simple project was a huge hit.

The beauty of this DIY is its simplicity. You don’t need to be an artist. All you need is a little patience and a few simple supplies to create a unique golf accessory that will bring a smile to someone’s face every time they tee off. It’s a handmade gift that says, “I was thinking of you.”

The Ultimate Toolkit: Everything You Need for Smudge-Proof Golf Ball Art

Gathering the right supplies is the first step to success. Think of this as your creative mission briefing. Each item plays a key role in making sure your art is vibrant and, most importantly, permanent. For the most vibrant, lasting color, we tested and prefer oil-based Sharpie paint pens over standard alcohol-based ones, but both work when sealed properly.

Your Golf Ball Art Shopping List:
* New Golf Balls (for a clean, smooth canvas)
* Fine-Tip Permanent Markers (Sharpie Oil-Based are recommended for durability)
* Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol (essential for removing factory oils)
* Cotton Balls or Paper Towels
* Clear Acrylic Spray Sealant (like Krylon Crystal Clear with a matte finish)
* A Simple Ball Holder (a bottle cap or roll of tape works perfectly)

9 Easy Sharpie Golf Ball Designs You Can Actually Draw

Ready for some inspiration? We’ve chosen these 9 cute golf ball designs because they are the easiest to get right on a curved, dimpled surface and always look fantastic. Each one comes with simple, step-by-step instructions perfect for beginners.

1. The Classic Cherry
2. The Lucky Ladybug
3. The Sweet Strawberry
4. The Adorable Bumblebee
5. The Minimalist Heart
6. The Personal Initial
7. The Basketball Twin
8. The Spooky Ghost
9. The Four-Leaf Clover

1. The Classic Cherry

Pin this cute cherry design for your next craft night!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Red Fine-Tip Permanent Marker (oil-based recommended for vibrancy)
• 1 Green Ultra-Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
• 1 Black Ultra-Fine-Tip Permanent Marker (optional, for outlines)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean the Canvas: Wipe the golf ball thoroughly with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Let it dry completely for 5 minutes.
2. Draw the Stems: Using the green marker, draw two short, curved lines that meet at the top. Add a small leaf shape where they join.
3. Create the Cherries: At the bottom of each stem, use the red marker to draw a small circle. Don’t worry about it being perfect!
4. Fill Them In: Carefully color in both circles with the red marker. Apply a second coat if you want a deeper color, but wait 2 minutes for the first coat to dry.
5. Add Detail (Optional): Use the black ultra-fine-tip marker to add a tiny outline or a small reflection mark on each cherry for a more polished look.

Pro-Tip: Rotate the ball as you draw the circles instead of trying to curve your wrist. It gives you much more control.

2. The Lucky Ladybug

Save this adorable ladybug idea for a touch of good luck!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Red Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
• 1 Black Ultra-Fine-Tip Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the Ball: Start with a clean, alcohol-wiped golf ball that is completely dry.
2. Draw the Head: Use the black marker to draw a small semi-circle at the “top” of your design area. Fill it in.
3. Create the Body: Draw a larger semi-circle or a half-oval shape attached to the head for the body.
4. Add the Wing Line: Draw a straight black line from the center of the head down the middle of the body to create two wings.
5. Color the Wings: Use the red marker to carefully color in both wing sections.
6. Make the Spots: Once the red ink is dry (wait about 2 minutes), use the black marker to add 3-4 small dots on each wing.

Lesson Learned: Let the red ink dry completely before adding the black spots. If you don’t, the colors will bleed together and look muddy.

3. The Sweet Strawberry

Pin this sweet strawberry design to your DIY gift board!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Red Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
• 1 Green Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
• 1 Black Ultra-Fine-Tip Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean and Dry: Your golf ball should be prepped with alcohol and fully dry.
2. Draw the Body: Use the red marker to draw a heart-like shape, but with a slightly more rounded bottom. Fill it in completely.
3. Add the Leaves: Use the green marker to draw a small, spiky crown of leaves at the top of the strawberry.
4. Wait to Dry: Let the red and green ink dry for at least 2-3 minutes to prevent smearing.
5. Dot the Seeds: Use the black ultra-fine-tip marker to add small, scattered dots all over the red body to represent the seeds.

Pro-Tip: For the seeds, use the very tip of the marker and make quick, light dabbing motions rather than trying to draw tiny circles.

4. The Adorable Bumblebee

Save this buzz-worthy bumblebee idea for a fun design!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Yellow Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
• 1 Black Ultra-Fine-Tip Permanent Marker
• 1 Light Blue or White Paint Pen (optional, for wings)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep Station: Start with your clean, dry golf ball on its holder.
2. Draw the Body: Use the yellow marker to draw a small, chubby oval shape. Fill it in.
3. Add the Stripes: Once the yellow is dry (2 mins), use the black marker to draw two or three stripes across the body. Draw and fill in a small head at one end.
4. Draw the Wings: Use the black marker to outline two small, teardrop-shaped wings on the back.
5. Fill the Wings (Optional): You can leave the wings as outlines or fill them in with a light blue marker or even a white oil-based paint pen for a cool, opaque look.
6. Final Details: Add a tiny stinger and two small antennae with the black ultra-fine marker.

Lesson Learned: Drawing the yellow body first and letting it dry prevents the black stripes from turning the yellow a murky color. Patience is key!

5. The Minimalist Heart

Pin this simple heart idea for a quick, heartfelt gift!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Permanent Marker in your color of choice (Red, Black, or Pink work well)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean Slate: Ensure your golf ball is clean and dry.
2. Draw the Outline: Using your chosen marker, carefully draw a simple heart shape. Aim for one continuous line if you can.
3. Decide to Fill: You can leave it as a simple, elegant outline or choose to fill it in completely.
4. Add Initials: For an extra personal touch, use an ultra-fine-tip marker to add your initial and your partner’s initial on either side of the heart.

Pro-Tip: Lightly sketch the heart shape with a pencil first. It’s easy to erase a pencil mark from a golf ball if you make a mistake, but Sharpie is permanent!

6. The Bold Personal Initial

Save this classic monogram idea for a sophisticated personal touch.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Black Chisel-Tip Permanent Marker (for bold letters)
• 1 Black Ultra-Fine-Tip Permanent Marker (for script or detail)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the Ball: Wipe down the golf ball with alcohol and let it dry.
2. Choose Your Style: Decide if you want a bold, block letter or a more elegant script letter. Look up a font you like online for inspiration.
3. Sketch Lightly: Use a pencil to lightly draw the outline of your chosen initial. This is especially helpful for script fonts.
4. Trace and Fill: Use the appropriate Sharpie to carefully trace your pencil line. Use the chisel-tip for thick, block letters or the ultra-fine-tip for delicate script. Fill in the letter completely.
5. Add a Shadow (Optional): For a 3D effect, use a gray marker to add a small shadow along one side of the letter.

Pro-Tip: For a perfect block letter, use thin strips of masking tape to create a stencil. Fill in the area and peel the tape away while the ink is still slightly wet for a crisp line.

7. The Basketball Twin

Pin this sporty basketball design for the sports fan in your life!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Orange Fine-Tip or Chisel-Tip Permanent Marker
• 1 Black Ultra-Fine-Tip Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean Court: Start with an alcohol-prepped, dry golf ball.
2. Draw the Lines: Before adding color, use the black ultra-fine marker to draw the classic basketball lines: one vertical line, one horizontal line crossing it, and two curved lines on opposite sides.
3. Let Lines Set: Give the black ink about 5 minutes to fully dry. This is crucial to prevent smearing.
4. Color It In: Carefully use the orange marker to color in all the white sections. A chisel-tip can make this faster, but a fine-tip gives more control around the lines.
5. Second Coat: Let the first coat of orange dry, then go over it again for a richer, more even color.

Lesson Learned: Drawing the black lines *first is much easier than trying to add them on top of the orange ink.*

8. The Spooky Ghost

Save this spooktacularly simple ghost idea for Halloween golf!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Black Fine-Tip Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the Ball: Wipe the golf ball with alcohol and let dry.
2. Draw the Eyes: Use the black marker to draw two small, slightly irregular oval shapes for the eyes. Fill them in.
3. Add the Mouth: Below the eyes, draw a larger, open oval shape for the classic spooky mouth. Fill it in.
4. (Optional) Outline: If you want, you can draw a wavy, flowing line around your “ghost” to give it a more defined shape, but it looks great even without this step.

Pro-Tip: The charm of this design is in its imperfection. Don’t worry about making the ovals perfectly symmetrical!

9. The Four-Leaf Clover

Pin this lucky clover design for a boost on the course!

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 Green Fine-Tip Permanent Marker

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean and Dry: Start with your alcohol-prepped golf ball.
2. Think in Hearts: A four-leaf clover is just four small heart shapes arranged in a circle. Use your green marker to draw your first small heart.
3. Add the Others: Rotate the ball slightly and draw the next heart, with its point meeting the point of the first one. Repeat two more times to complete the clover.
4. Fill and Finalize: Carefully fill in all four heart shapes. Finish by drawing a small stem coming from between two of the leaves.

Pro-Tip: If you’re nervous about free-handing the hearts, draw four small dots in a ‘+’ shape first to guide where the point of each heart should go.

The Secret Step: How to Make Your Sharpie Designs Truly Smudge-Proof

This is the most important step that most guides miss. You’ve created a tiny masterpiece, but without protection, the friction, moisture, and impact of a golf game will destroy it in minutes. We’ve tested multiple methods, and a spray sealant is by far the best. My first unsealed balls left marks all over my driver—a mistake you can now avoid. Sealing your art is what transforms it from a temporary doodle into a durable, playable piece of custom gear.

To seal Sharpie on a golf ball, use a clear acrylic spray sealant. Hold the can 8-10 inches away and apply 2-3 very light, even coats, waiting 20 minutes between each coat. Let the final coat cure in a dust-free area for a full 24 hours before use.

Applying the sealant correctly is crucial. One thick, heavy coat will become cloudy and tacky. The key is multiple, whisper-thin coats. This builds up a hard, protective shell without adding noticeable weight or texture. And don’t skip the 24-hour curing time! This is when the sealant fully hardens, creating a waterproof and smudge-proof barrier that protects both your art and your expensive clubs.

People Also Ask About Sharpie Golf Ball Art

Even with simple instructions, you might have a few questions. Here are the answers to the most common queries we see.

Will Sharpie on a golf ball ruin my clubs?

Yes, unsealed Sharpie ink will absolutely transfer to your club faces upon impact, leaving black or colored smudges. This is why the sealing step is not optional. A properly applied and fully cured acrylic sealant creates a hard, protective barrier that prevents any ink from touching your clubs.

What is the best marker to use on golf balls?

For the best durability and most vibrant color, oil-based paint pens (like Sharpie Oil-Based) are superior. However, standard fine-tip Sharpies are great for beginners, readily available, and work perfectly well as long as you seal the final design properly.

Does drawing on a golf ball affect its flight?

For casual play, a thin layer of ink and sealant will have no noticeable effect on the ball’s performance. The change in weight and aerodynamics is negligible for most golfers. However, for official tournament play, it is best to stick to simple identification marks as outlined by USGA rules.

Can I use clear nail polish to seal the golf ball?

While it seems like a good idea, we do not recommend using clear nail polish. It applies too thickly, can remain tacky, may yellow over time, and can affect the ball’s balance. A light, even coat from an acrylic spray sealant provides a much more durable and professional finish.

Final Thoughts

Creating personalized golf balls is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle. It’s a fantastic way to make a thoughtful, handmade gift that’s both fun and functional. Just remember the simple three-step process for a perfect, lasting finish:

• Prep: Always start by cleaning the ball with rubbing alcohol.
• Draw: Choose a simple design and have fun with your permanent markers.
• Seal: Apply 2-3 light coats of clear acrylic spray and let it cure for 24 hours.

By following these steps, you can create custom golf balls that look amazing and are tough enough for the course.

What cute design are you going to draw first? Share your ideas in the comments below

Last update on 2026-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API