9 Heartfelt Golf Ball Designs For Dad With Pro Tips That Last

Struggling to find a Father’s Day gift that feels special? You want something more meaningful than another tie or coffee mug.

Decorating golf balls with Sharpies is a heartfelt DIY craft for a dad who loves golf. It’s a fun, low-cost activity for kids that turns a simple object into a cherished keepsake he’ll adore.

This guide offers 9 easy golf ball designs for Dad, complete with pro tips to make them last. You’ll discover simple ideas perfect for toddlers and creative concepts for older kids, ensuring you create a gift he’ll treasure.

Why Is Finding a Truly Heartfelt Gift for Dad So Hard?

Searching for that perfect, heartfelt gift for Dad can feel like an impossible task. You want to find something unique that shows how much you care, but so many store-bought options feel impersonal and end up forgotten in a drawer. The real challenge is finding a gift that connects with his passions while also carrying a personal touch from the family he loves.

This is where a DIY Father’s Day gift shines. Creating personalized golf balls with Sharpies is the perfect solution. It’s more than just a craft; it’s a fun family activity that transforms Dad’s favorite hobby into a canvas for your love. Based on our own tried-and-true family projects, this simple idea creates a truly cherished keepsake, full of personal memories and inside jokes he can see every time he tees up.

9 Heartfelt Golf Ball Designs For Dad With Pro Tips That Last

Ready to get inspired? Here are nine of our family’s favorite, tested designs that are guaranteed to make Dad smile. We’ve included a range of ideas from super simple concepts perfect for toddlers to more detailed drawings for older kids or even adults. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in pro tips throughout to ensure your heartfelt creations look amazing and stand the test of time.

1. The Classic ‘Best Dad’ Message

Pin this classic idea for a can’t-miss Father’s Day gift!

You can’t go wrong with a classic. A simple, heartfelt message is easy to write but has a huge emotional impact every time he sees it.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• 1 black ultra-fine tip Sharpie permanent marker for crisp lettering
• Rubbing alcohol and a paper towel
• Optional: A practice sheet of paper

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean the golf ball with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely.
2. Place the ball in a holder (an egg carton slot works perfectly) to keep it steady.
3. Practice writing your message (“Best Dad,” “No. 1 Dad,” or “Best Daddy By Par”) on paper first to get the spacing right.
4. Carefully write your message on the golf ball. Use short, light strokes to avoid the marker catching in the dimples.
5. Let the ink dry for at least 30 minutes before touching.

Pro-Tip: For clean lettering, turn the ball as you write instead of contorting your hand around it. This keeps your letters more consistent.

2. Adorable Kid’s Stick Figure Family

Save this super cute idea for the little ones to make!

This design is perfect for young kids and celebrates the charm of their unique artwork. It’s a tiny family portrait Dad can carry with him.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• A multi-color pack of fine-tip Sharpie permanent markers
• Rubbing alcohol and paper towel
• A bottle cap or egg carton to hold the ball

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the golf ball by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol.
2. Ask your child to draw a simple stick figure for each person in the family.
3. Encourage them to use different colors for each person’s shirt to make it vibrant.
4. Add a big yellow sun smiling down on the family.
5. Let it dry completely, section by section, to avoid smudging the colors into each other.

Lesson Learned: Don’t try to “fix” their drawings! The wobbly lines and quirky smiles are what make this gift so special and personal.

3. Simple & Stylish Polka Dot Pattern

Pin this easy but elegant design that anyone can do!

This abstract design is foolproof and requires zero artistic skill, but the result is surprisingly stylish and modern.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• Sharpie metallic permanent markers, specifically gold and silver
• Rubbing alcohol

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. After cleaning the ball, hold it steady.
2. Using the gold Sharpie, press the tip firmly into a dimple to create a perfect, small dot.
3. Repeat this process, spacing the gold dots randomly around the ball.
4. Let the gold dots dry for about 15 minutes.
5. Go back and fill in some of the empty spaces with silver dots.
6. Vary the size of the dots slightly by pressing harder or softer for a more organic look.

Pro-Tip: The dimples on the golf ball are your best friend here! Using them as a guide for your dots creates a perfectly uniform and textured pattern effortlessly.

4. Favorite Sports Team Colors

Save this awesome idea for the dad who’s a super-fan!

Connect with Dad’s other great passion—his favorite sports team! This is a simple way to create a highly personalized gift he’ll love to show off.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• Sharpie permanent markers in Dad’s favorite team’s colors (e.g., blue and orange, green and yellow)
• A black ultra-fine tip Sharpie for details

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean the golf ball and let it dry.
2. Use the primary team color to draw thick, bold stripes around the ball. Don’t worry about perfection; a hand-drawn look is best.
3. Let the first color dry completely.
4. Use the secondary team color to add thinner stripes or fill in a small logo if you’re feeling artistic.
5. Use the ultra-fine tip black marker to outline the logo or write his favorite player’s number.

Lesson Learned: If drawing a complex logo is too intimidating, just using the team colors in a simple pattern of stripes or blocks is just as effective and instantly recognizable to a true fan.

5. Funny Golf Puns & Quotes

Pin this hilarious idea to give Dad a laugh on the course!

If your dad loves to laugh, a witty golf pun is the perfect way to personalize his golf balls and bring a smile to his face during his next round.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• Black extra fine point permanent markers for clear writing
• Rubbing alcohol

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean the golf ball and find a smooth area between the brand markings.
2. Choose a short, punchy pun. Ideas include: “Putt-iful,” “May the course be with you,” or “World’s Okayest Golfer.”
3. Write the pun carefully on the ball. Using all capital letters can make it easier to read.
4. Add a simple drawing to go with it, like a small mustache or a star.
5. Let it dry thoroughly before packaging.

Pro-Tip: Keep the puns short and sweet! Three to four words is the perfect length to be easily readable on the small, curved surface of the ball.

6. The Golf Course Scene (Sun & Flag)

Save this cute and simple golf-themed design idea!

Bring a little piece of the course to the ball itself with this simple landscape. It’s an explicitly golf-themed design that even the youngest kids can help create.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• Sharpie markers in green, red, yellow, and light blue
• A black ultra-fine tip Sharpie

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean the ball with alcohol.
2. Use the green marker to draw a simple, curved line for the putting green at the bottom of the ball. Color it in.
3. Use the black ultra-fine marker to draw a thin line for the flagpole coming out of the green.
4. Add a small red triangle at the top for the flag.
5. In the space above, draw a bright yellow circle for the sun, adding a few rays.
6. Let each color dry before adding the next to prevent bleeding.

Lesson Learned: You don’t need to draw the whole course. Just these three simple elements—green, flag, sun—are enough to instantly communicate the idea of a happy day of golf.

7. Abstract Lines & Energetic Swirls

Pin this artsy idea for a modern, creative look!

For the kid (or adult!) who just loves to doodle, this design allows for total creative freedom. There are no rules, just vibrant, energetic patterns.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• A set of vibrant colored Sharpies (like teal, lime green, and orange)
• Rubbing alcohol

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. After cleaning the ball, pick your first color.
2. Draw one long, continuous swirling line that wraps around a section of the ball.
3. Pick your second color and draw another swirling line that overlaps and weaves through the first one.
4. Use your third color to add short, straight “burst” lines or small dots in the empty spaces.
5. There are no rules here! Just fill the space with energetic patterns until you’re happy with the look.

Pro-Tip: A limited color palette of 2-3 complementary colors makes abstract designs look more cohesive and intentional, rather than messy.

8. Heartfelt ‘We Love You’ Initials

Save this sweet and simple idea that’s full of love.

Sometimes the simplest message is the most powerful. This minimalist design packs a maximum amount of love and personal meaning.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• A red fine-tip Sharpie
• A black ultra-fine tip Sharpie

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean the golf ball and let it dry.
2. Using the red Sharpie, draw a simple, clear heart. Color it in completely.
3. Let the red ink dry for at least 20 minutes to prevent smearing.
4. Using the black ultra-fine tip marker, carefully write the first initial of each of your children inside the heart.
5. You can add the current year, 2025, underneath the heart to turn it into a time capsule.

Lesson Learned: Placing the initials inside the heart is much easier and looks cleaner than trying to wrap text around the outside of it.

9. ‘My Dad, My Hero’ Superhero Logo

Pin this super idea for the dad who’s a real-life hero!

Let Dad know he’s your hero with a fun, powerful design that celebrates him. This modified superhero logo is an awesome way to show your appreciation.

Materials Needed:

• 1 clean golf ball
• Red, yellow, and blue fine-tip Sharpies
• A pencil with an eraser (for light sketching)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Clean the ball with alcohol.
2. Lightly sketch the diamond shape of a superhero logo with a pencil. It’s easy to erase if you make a mistake.
3. Trace the diamond outline with the red Sharpie and color in the border.
4. Color the inside of the diamond yellow.
5. Let the colors dry, then use the blue (or black) marker to draw a large letter ‘D’ for Dad in the center.
6. Once the Sharpie is dry, gently erase any visible pencil marks.

Pro-Tip: Look up a picture of a simple superhero logo on your phone to use as a visual guide. This makes getting the shape right much easier.

Key Takeaways: Pro Tips to Make Your Designs Last Forever

You’ve put love and creativity into your designs; now let’s make sure they last! What most guides miss are these crucial finishing steps. Here are the most important pro tips we’ve learned to ensure your heartfelt gift doesn’t smudge or fade.

• Start with a Clean Slate: Always wipe each golf ball with rubbing alcohol before you begin. This removes factory oils and finger grease, which are the #1 cause of ink smudging and beading.
• Use Fresh Markers: Old, dry markers lead to faded colors and messy lines. A new pack of Sharpies is a small investment for a much better result. Fine-tip markers offer the best control for drawing on the dimpled surface.
• Patience is a Virtue (Let It Dry!): Allow each color to dry for at least 15-20 minutes before adding another color next to it or touching the area. This is the single best way to prevent bleeding and smearing.
• The Secret Weapon: Seal Your Artwork: For a truly durable, smudge-proof finish, you MUST seal the design. A clear acrylic spray sealant is the best option. In a well-ventilated area (outside!), hold the can 8-10 inches away and apply one light, sweeping coat. Let it cure for 24 hours before handling. This step makes all the difference.
• Embrace Imperfection: Remember, this is a heartfelt gift, often made by little hands. The goal is not a machine-perfect product, but a cherished keepsake full of love and personality.

People Also Ask About Decorating Golf Balls

How do you make Sharpie on a golf ball permanent?

To make Sharpie permanent, you need to apply a sealant. First, clean the ball with rubbing alcohol and let your design dry completely for at least an hour. Then, in a well-ventilated area, apply 1-2 light coats of a clear acrylic spray sealant. This creates a protective barrier against moisture and friction.

Will drawing on a golf ball affect its flight?

For a casual golfer, a Sharpie drawing will not noticeably affect the ball’s flight. While technically any addition alters the ball’s aerodynamics and makes it non-conforming for official tournaments, it’s perfectly fine for a friendly round and Dad will not notice a difference in performance.

How do you keep Sharpie from smudging on a golf ball?

The best way to prevent smudging is to start with an oil-free surface. Vigorously wipe the golf ball with rubbing alcohol before drawing. While working, use a stand like a bottle cap to hold the ball so you don’t touch wet ink, and allow colors to dry fully before layering or handling.

What is the best marker to use on golf balls?

Fine-tip or ultra-fine tip Sharpie permanent markers are the best choice. They are readily available, easy for kids to use, and come in many colors. For an even more durable option, oil-based paint pens work well but can be messier and are better suited for older children or adults.

Can you erase Sharpie from a golf ball if you make a mistake?

Yes, you can often remove Sharpie ink with rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount to a cotton swab and gently rub the mistake. Another trick is to draw over the permanent ink with a dry-erase marker and then wipe both away immediately.

Final Thoughts

This Father’s Day, you’re not just giving Dad a few golf balls; you’re giving him a story, a memory, and a handmade keepsake he’ll treasure more than any store-bought gadget. The time spent together creating this personalized gift is part of the present itself. The finished product is a beautiful reminder of family that he can see every time he enjoys his favorite hobby.

Happy crafting! What design are you most excited to try with your family?

Last update on 2025-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API