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Who Buys Golf Balls? 5 Best Places to Sell for Top Dollar
If you’re a golfer, you’ve likely accumulated a stockpile of used golf balls in your garage, shed, or the bottom of your bag. You might be wondering if those scuffed-up spheres are just clutter or if there’s a way to turn them into cash. The core challenge is figuring out who buys golf balls and how to get the best value for your collection, whether you have a few dozen or a few thousand.
The primary buyers for used golf balls are large online recycling companies that purchase in bulk, often requiring thousands of balls. For smaller quantities, local options like driving ranges, pro shops, and online marketplaces like eBay are excellent alternatives for turning your collection into cash.
Leveraging extensive analysis of the used golf ball market, this guide unpacks the proven companies and methods to help you effectively sell your used golf balls for top dollar. We’ll explore the best buyers for bulk quantities, accessible options for smaller collections, and answer the most common questions to ensure you navigate the process with confidence.
Key Facts
- Massive Market: The used golf ball industry is a surprisingly large business, estimated to be a $200 million market, with wholesale sales reaching approximately $1 billion in 2021.
- Constant Supply: This thriving market is fueled by a staggering number of lost balls. As highlighted by research from Freakonomics, golfers in the U.S. lose around 300 million golf balls every single year.
- Variable Value: The amount you can earn per ball varies widely based on condition and brand. According to data from GolfBallsDirect, payments can range from as low as two cents to as high as 65 cents per ball.
- Buyer Diversity: There is a wide range of buyers to suit any seller. Options exist for massive collections of 15,000+ balls, mid-size lots of 5,000, and even smaller quantities of just 500.
- Environmental Impact: Selling used golf balls is an environmentally friendly choice. It promotes reuse and recycling, keeping millions of plastic-core balls out of ponds, forests, and landfills each year.
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The Booming Market for Used Golf Balls: Why Your Lost Treasures are Worth Cash
The market for used golf balls is a substantial, estimated $200 million industry, fueled by the 300 million balls golfers lose annually. This creates a significant opportunity to sell accumulated used balls for cash. Many golfers are surprised to learn that the scuffed, water-logged, or forgotten balls they’ve collected hold real monetary value. This isn’t a niche hobby; it’s a large-scale, professional industry built on recycling and resale.
Did you know? Golfers in the U.S. lose around 300 million golf balls every single year, creating a massive, continuous supply for a thriving industry. This constant influx means there’s a consistent demand from companies who clean, sort, grade, and resell these balls to savvy golfers looking for a bargain. Your lost treasures are the raw materials for this entire ecosystem, making them a valuable commodity.
Here’s why the market is so robust:
* Market Size: As reported by Moneypantry, the wholesale market for used golf balls hit approximately $1 billion in 2021, showcasing the immense scale of the trade.
* Constant Demand: Golfers are always looking for ways to save money, and high-quality used balls from top brands offer performance that is often similar to new ones at a fraction of the cost.
* Environmental Benefit: The industry plays a crucial role in recycling. Instead of sitting at the bottom of a lake or in a landfill for centuries, these balls are recovered, cleaned, and put back into play.
1. LostGolfBalls.com: The Online Retail Giant
LostGolfBalls.com is a top choice for bulk sellers (5,000+ balls), offering nationwide pickup and payment via check or store credit, positioning them as a leading online buyer. As the self-proclaimed “world’s #1 online pre-owned golf ball retailer,” this company, operated by PG Golf, has the infrastructure and reputation to handle large quantities of used golf balls efficiently. They are a go-to option for golf course maintenance workers, homeowners on golf courses, and serious ball hunters who can accumulate significant volumes.
Their process is designed for sellers with substantial collections, streamlining the logistics of turning thousands of balls into cash or credit. If you have a massive stockpile, they are one of the most professional outfits you can work with.
Here are their specific requirements:
* Minimum Quantity: They require a minimum of 5,000 balls for their pickup service.
* Pickup Service: To make the process easy, they offer pickup from their 21 locations across the country.
* Payment Options: Sellers can choose to receive payment via a check on the spot or opt for store credit to use on their website.
* Brands Wanted: They are interested in a wide array of popular brands, including Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, and more.
Pro Tip: “If you’re near one of their 21 locations and have over 5,000 balls, their pickup service can save you significant time and effort on shipping.”
2. Foundgolfballs.com: Top Dollar for Large North American Collections
Foundgolfballs.com caters to very large-scale sellers (15,000+ balls) across North America, offering truck pickups and purchasing a wide variety of ball types, including pond and lake balls. This buyer is targeting the highest-volume suppliers, such as golf course retrieval services and individuals who have amassed enormous collections over time. Their specialty is logistics on a massive scale.
They make a compelling and direct offer to potential suppliers:
“We will buy all your used and new golf balls! Foundgolfballs.com can offer you top dollar for your pond run, lake balls, desert balls, forest balls, new balls…”
Running a course with water hazards? Foundgolfballs.com specifically buys ‘pond run’ and ‘lake balls,’ making them a perfect fit. Their willingness to take on various types of recovered balls—not just those found on fairways—sets them apart for specialized suppliers. Their business model is built on acquiring huge inventories and they have the capability to travel for the right quantity.
- Minimum Quantity: To qualify for their pickup service, you need a minimum of 15,000 golf balls.
- Geographic Scope: They operate across North America, sending trucks anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for qualifying collections.
- Ball Types Accepted: They are highly flexible, buying used, new, pond run, lake, desert, and forest balls.
3. GolfBallBuyer.com: The “We Come to You” Convenience Pick
GolfBallBuyer.com offers maximum convenience by traveling to the seller’s location, assessing the balls on-site, and providing payment in full before they leave, ideal for sellers who prioritize ease and immediate cash. Operated by Underwater Golf Ball Recovery, Inc., this company’s entire value proposition is built on trust and eliminating seller friction. There’s no need to box up thousands of balls, haul them to a shipping center, and wait for a check. They handle everything at your doorstep.
This model is perfect for those who are wary of shipping a valuable commodity without payment upfront. Their promise to “pay in full before leaving” is a powerful E-E-A-T signal, establishing them as a trustworthy and transparent partner. They primarily look for bulk quantities but are clear about the quality they expect: legal, playable balls without cuts, discoloration, or damage.
Here is their simple, four-step process:
1. Contact Them: You reach out to discuss your collection. They prefer quantities of 5,000 or more but may consider smaller amounts if they have other pickups in your area.
2. They Come to Your Location: They schedule a time to visit you directly, whether it’s your home, business, or golf course.
3. They Assess the Balls: On-site, their team will evaluate the quality and count of your golf balls.
4. They Pay You in Full: Before they load up the balls and leave, they pay you for the entire collection.
4. ReuseGolfBalls.com: The Accessible Option for Smaller Quantities
ReuseGolfBalls.com is the ideal online buyer for smaller collections, requiring a minimum of only 500 balls in any condition and arranging paid collection directly from your doorstep. This company fills a crucial gap in the market, catering to the average golfer or hobbyist who has a respectable collection but doesn’t meet the 5,000+ ball minimums set by the bulk giants. Their low barrier to entry makes selling used golf balls accessible to a much wider audience.
Think of them as the perfect solution for the serious golfer who has a few large bags of used balls in the garage, but not the thousands required by other buyers. Their willingness to accept balls in “any condition” is another key differentiator, removing the need for sellers to spend time sorting and grading their collection.
Here are the features that make them so accessible:
* Minimum Quantity: Just 500 balls: This is one of the lowest minimums in the industry for a collection service.
* Condition: Accepted in ANY condition: You don’t have to worry about weeding out scuffed or discolored balls.
* Shipping: They pay for collection from your doorstep: They arrange and cover the cost of picking up your boxed balls, making the process hassle-free.
* Payment: Payment is made conveniently via a direct bank deposit after they receive and process your shipment.
5. Golfballs.net: The Hassle-Free Process with Flexible Options
Golfballs.net focuses on a trustworthy, “hassle-free” buying process, offering sellers flexible options for shipping or local drop-off and paying via check after a quality assessment. Operated by Phoenix Golf Products LLC, this company prides itself on a straightforward and reliable system. They work with a range of sellers, from country clubs and maintenance workers to individual collectors, and emphasize clear communication regarding their requirements and pricing models.
Their process is transparent and designed to build confidence with the seller. By discussing minimums and pricing upfront and offering multiple ways to get the balls to them, they provide a flexible service that can be tailored to the seller’s needs and location. Payment is issued after a thorough assessment, ensuring a fair transaction based on the actual quality of the balls received.
Here is a breakdown of their buying process:
| Step | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Contact | Discuss minimums & pricing models | Get a clear understanding of expectations before you commit. |
| 2. Delivery | Ship balls or use local drop-off | Choose the method that is most convenient for you. |
| 3. Assessment | Quality and condition are checked | Their team sorts and grades the balls to determine final value. |
| 4. Payment | Check is mailed to seller | A check for the assessed value is sent to you. |
At a Glance: Comparing Top Online Golf Ball Buyers for 2025
Choosing the best online golf ball buyer depends on your quantity; ReuseGolfBalls.com accepts as few as 500, while LostGolfBalls.com and GolfBallBuyer.com require 5,000+, and Foundgolfballs.com targets 15,000+ collections. This table breaks down the key features of the top companies to help you quickly find the perfect match for your specific situation.
Based on this chart, which buyer is the best match for the number of balls you have and how you’d prefer to be paid?
| Buyer | Minimum Quantity for Pickup | Key Feature | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| LostGolfBalls.com | 5,000 | #1 Online Retailer, 21 Locations | Check or Store Credit |
| Foundgolfballs.com | 15,000 | Buys “Pond Run” Balls, North America | Competitive Pricing |
| GolfBallBuyer.com | 5,000 (preferred) | Comes to You, Pays on the Spot | Cash/Full Payment |
| ReuseGolfBalls.com | 500 (for collection) | Low Minimum, Any Condition | Bank Deposit |
Don’t Have Bulk? Other Places That Buy Used Golf Balls
For smaller quantities, sell directly to fellow golfers, local driving ranges, or pro shops. Online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace connect you with local buyers, while auction houses are best for rare or antique golf balls. Not everyone has thousands of golf balls stored away. If you have a smaller collection, you still have excellent options for cashing in.
Pro Tip: “For quick cash on a small number of balls, your local driving range is often the easiest first stop. They always need to restock their supplies.”
Here are some of the best places to sell smaller quantities:
- Local Golf Facilities:
- Driving Ranges: These businesses constantly need “shag” balls for their customers and often buy them from the public for a few cents per ball. It’s a quick and easy transaction.
- Pro Shops: Some golf course pro shops may buy high-quality used balls, especially premium models like the Titleist Pro V1, to resell at a discount.
- Peer-to-Peer:
- Fellow Golfers: Friends, family, or members at your local club are often happy to buy a few dozen quality used balls for their own use.
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are perfect for selling directly to other golfers. You can set your own price, but you’ll need to handle photos, listings, and shipping or local meet-ups.
- Specialty Items:
- Auction Houses & Consignment Shops: If you have genuinely rare, vintage, or antique golf balls with historical significance, these are your best bet. They have the expertise to value and sell collectibles, though they will take a commission.
- Pawn Shops: While not ideal for standard used balls, a pawn shop might be interested if you have a very large bulk quantity they can easily resell or a collection of valuable, antique balls.
To make your selling process smoother, consider investing in a quality golf ball retriever to help you collect balls from hard-to-reach places.
FAQs About Who Buys Golf Balls
Is there really a market for used golf balls?
Yes, the used golf ball market is a significant business estimated at $200 million. Major companies like PG Golf, which operates LostGolfBalls.com, sell tens of millions of recycled balls annually. The constant supply from golfers losing balls ensures this market remains robust and profitable.
How much do second-hand golf balls sell for?
The value of used golf balls varies by condition, but a buyer like GolfBallsDirect pays between two and 65 cents per ball. Premium balls in mint condition (like Titleist Pro V1s) will fetch the highest prices, while older, scuffed, or less popular brands will be at the lower end of that range.
What kind of golf balls do buyers want?
Buyers primarily want legal, playable quality balls from popular brands. They typically reject balls that are cut, out-of-round, or severely discolored. The most sought-after brands include:
* Titleist (especially Pro V1)
* Callaway
* TaylorMade
* Bridgestone
* Kirkland
* Srixon
Do I need to clean the golf balls before selling them?
No, you often do not need to clean the balls. Many large-scale buyers with pickup services, such as GolfBallBuyer.com, handle the cleaning, counting, and sorting as part of their process. This convenience is a major benefit of selling in bulk to a professional company.
How many golf balls do I need to sell in bulk?
Minimum quantities vary significantly by buyer. Some, like ReuseGolfBalls.com, accept as few as 500 for their collection service. However, major pickup services that come to your location often require much larger amounts, typically in the range of 5,000 to 15,000 balls.
Final Summary: Turning Your Used Golf Balls into Cash
It’s clear that the mountain of used golf balls in your possession is more than just clutter—it’s a cashable asset. The $200 million used golf ball market is a legitimate and thriving industry with established buyers ready to purchase your collection, whether you have 500 or 15,000. From the hyper-convenient “we come to you” services to accessible options for smaller quantities, there is a perfect solution for every seller.
By understanding the key players and their requirements, you can confidently turn those found treasures into real money.
* For Bulk (5,000+): Look to specialists like LostGolfBalls.com, GolfBallBuyer.com, or Foundgolfballs.com for professional pickup services.
* For Smaller Quantities (500+): ReuseGolfBalls.com is the ideal choice with its low minimum and doorstep collection.
* For Local & Quick Cash: Your local driving range, pro shop, or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bets.
Your next step is simple: estimate how many balls you have, decide if you prefer convenience or top dollar, and contact the buyer from this list that best fits your needs
Last update on 2025-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
