Why Don’t Pro Golfers Use Colored Balls? (It is not what you think!)

As a new golfer, the attraction of colored golf balls might seem overwhelming, and no one can fault you for wanting to use one of the available bright colors.

However, those following golf cannot recount many times that pro golfers have opted for these colored golf balls. You almost always see pro golfers use a white golf ball. You might wonder why don’t pro golfers use colored balls?

While it is not clear why pro golfers prefer the white golf ball, we believe that it comes down to visibility. The white golf ball offers enough contrast during flight for the golfer to see it when compared to different colors. Most golfers want to make sure they can track the golf ball and have the best possible visibility.

If you are interested in trying out a colored golf ball, check out the below golf balls available on Amazon now.

• TaylorMade Yellow Golf Balls
• Callaway Supersoft Green Golf Balls 
• Titleist Velocity Orange Golf Balls 
• Volvik Red Golf Balls
• Callaway Pink Golf Balls
• Callaway Red Golf Balls

Why Don’t Pro Golfers Use Colored Balls?

Pro golfers don’t use colored balls because of visibility, as white balls are easier to see. While visibility is the main reason, there have been a few instances of golfers using colored balls. Bubba Watson is the most notable player who often uses the pink golf ball.

However, this seems more like a marketing tactic that followed the player since starting to use the pink driver. Bubba has not provided any scientific reason for the use.

Hale Irwin is another pro golfer who used an orange ball in the ’70s and ’80s.

Are There Any Rules Around The Color Golf Ball You Can Use?

If you ask any amateur unfamiliar with the rules, the common reason for the lack of colored golf balls on the golf course can be attributed to the rules. However, we could not find any rule from the PGA Tour that states a pro golfer is not allowed to use the different colors of golf balls that many manufacturers have made.

The rules state that players can use any golf ball as long as it is listed on the “list of conforming golf balls” created by the governing bodies of golf. As of recent indications, there are more than 750 different golf balls that are colored or offer color alternatives that can be used according to the official list by these governing bodies.

Of the around 1,200 conforming balls, approximately 70 are pink, making pink the second-most popular color; behind comes yellow and just about tied with orange. Blue, red, green, silver, gold, and purple golf balls are theoretically legal at the Masters.

Golfingsphere.com

You should keep in mind that the list is updated monthly, and most of the golf balls on the list will remain the same for the foreseeable future. You can easily get an idea of which golf balls are permitted, and with new golf balls being released each year, there are new additions. Many brands like Titleist will also create a colored version of their world-famous Pro V1 golf ball.

You might wonder whether Golf Balls can get Waterlogged or not; here is an article I encourage you to check out.

Why Are White Golf Balls Preferred?

There are a few reasons that golfers prefer the white golf ball. Some of these are traditionalist aspects, while others might even have superstitions about the different golf balls, making them stick to white balls.

To help you understand why you always see white golf balls on the golf course, here are some common reasons:

1- Consistency

The main factor to keep in mind would be consistency. Since white golf balls are visible in virtually all situations and offer the best color for different weather conditions, players would stick to them.

Since a player is constantly training with the white golf ball, they often understand where to strike the ball better and might create mental visions.

If you use a different colored white ball, you might need to get used to the color once again, and this can offset your game for a while until you feel more comfortable with it. Most players aim for consistency and want to play the best golf possible, which means the white golf ball is their best option for consistency.

2- Tradition

Another common reason for the white golf ball is often tradition. The first golf balls to be made were white, and it took many years before the first colored golf balls were constructed. The Wilson Sporting Good Company was the first manufacturer to introduce the colored golf ball in 1923. The first golf ball of color turned out to be orange, and another was yellow. 

Unfortunately, the use of colored golf balls was not permitted by the governing bodies of golf back in the 1920s. Since it was also the time of the Great Depression, and the luxury of playing golf became rare, these colored golf balls were only used for miniature golf. It is only in recent years that colored golf balls have become a trend. 

Since many people do not want to be part of modern trends, they often stick to tradition. Many players will tell you that they use the colored golf balls as a way of sticking to the rich history and tradition of golf, where white golf balls have always been used. 

3- Superstitions

Believe it or not, even some of your biggest sporting heroes believe in superstitions, and golf balls are one of the most superstitious things for some players.

Some golfers believe that if they deviate from their natural golf balls, it would affect their game. Since the mind is powerful, it usually does influence their game, solidifying the superstition.

Much like you will never see the number 13 used for racing or in the Tour de France, the rider assigned the number would turn it upside down; a golfer can also be superstitious.

Many golfers don’t want to change anything about their game, which often leads to them sticking to the traditional white golf balls they always use.

4- Lack Of Colored Golf Balls

Another reason for the lack of colored golf balls on professional tours can be the lack of these golf balls from specific brands. The Bridgestone Tour B RXS, Titleist Pro V1, and Titleist Pro V1X are some of the most popular golf balls you would find on the tour. Many of these golf balls only recently introduced a colored version.

Since most golfers are used to the white golf balls from the manufacturers, they simply stay with them. However, if these high-end brands are designing more colored golf balls, we might soon see a few more colored golf balls on professional tours.

5- Personal Choice

The final reason for the abundance of white golf balls used on professional tours comes down to personal choice. Most golfers prefer the white golf ball for their reasons, and they get so used to following these golf balls that different colors might not be as easy to track with the naked eye.

This also ties into tradition and superstition, with the science pointing to yellow golf balls as being the best for visibility. A bright yellow golf ball should be easy for you to see in almost all weather conditions, and you will be able to spot them on the different terrains as well. However, yellow is not the most common color used by tour professionals.

Which Color Was The First Golf Balls?

Since we have mentioned that the first colored golf balls were only made in 1923, many people might be thinking that the first golf balls were white. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and the golf balls from the early 17^th Century often had a white color, but with some brown integrated due to the materials used in the construction.

These golf balls were hard to see, and due to their earthy color, many golfers painted the golf balls a natural white color to enhance the overall visibility they offer. The first golf balls were often considered “featherie” by many players, and it was designed back in 1618 with the idea that they would fly farther.

While they did not fly farther, they often got lost in the air, and many golfers got frustrated with constantly losing golf balls due to the bad visibility they had at the time.

The move to white-painted golf balls became more popular, and you could see that most golfers would start adding them to their game. Since then, the white golf ball has become increasingly popular.

Should You Use Colored Balls When Playing Golf?

The stigma around white golf balls is only something that each player prefers. Since no rules ban the use of colored golf balls, any player can choose to use the golf balls they feel most comfortable with.  For most, white golf balls are used for professional tours and by professional players.

However, if you prefer using a golf ball of a different color, you will be allowed to do so. Anyone can follow in the footsteps of Bubba Watson and create marketing for themselves and a specific brand while using a colored golf ball.

See also: Top 5 Golf Balls For High Handicappers(What to consider when choosing yours!)

Final Thoughts

The use of colored golf balls might become more popular in the modern era. Players are building their own identities, and some players are deviating away from tradition.

However, you will see that most older players will stick with the tradition of the white golf ball.

Would you choose to use a colored golf ball if you were playing on the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comment section.