Water hazards have the tendency to make every golfer cringe. Not only can they ruin a great score, but they can also cause you to lose one of your favorite balls or force you to use a less reliable one when teeing off or coming up on a green.
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To help you avoid these issues, a golf ball retriever can come in handy. Let us help you learn why you need one of these and suggest a few of our favorite models.
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Why You Need It
Most golfers don’t carry a retriever because they don’t understand why it’s beneficial to them, or they don’t know what to look for when purchasing one. Keep reading to learn more about these handy little golf gadgets.
Economics
The average golf ball costs around two dollars apiece, and the average golfer loses 1-2 balls every round to a water hazard. If you golf once a week, you stand to lose an average of 60 balls over the course of a year. That’s potentially 120 dollars you can save by investing in a golf ball retriever. With savings like that, you can afford to treat yourself to a new club come Holiday time.
It’s Not an Option
Courses are now requiring golfers to have a retriever in their bags. This saves the course money in trying to keep their water hazards looking and functioning properly, and it is better for the environment.
Multifunctional
A golf ball retriever isn’t only for water hazards. If you’ve ever played in the Midwest, then you know how nasty certain Geese can get. The same can be said if you’re golfing in the South where Alligators are known to wander around golf courses. Removing your ball from a harmful situation can be risky, which is why having a retriever with you can keep you out of harm’s way.
Common Features
When purchasing a golf ball retriever there are several features you want to consider. Below we share the features that you should pay attention to when you are comparing the top golf ball retrievers on the market.
Poll Length
Poll length is important because it increases your chances of recovering your ball. Finding a poll length that can expand up to 18 feet will help you reach those hard to get to places.
Type of Retriever
There are three major types of golf ball retrievers. The first and most economical choice is a suction cup retriever. This retriever’s only downfall is that it rarely works well if your ball is covered in debris.
The second type is the grabber. This retriever works well in both water and land situations.
A cup extension is the final type of retriever. The simplistic design of this tool makes it easy to use while still being functional.
Material
Finding a lightweight made product is key when it comes to handling and retrieving. This is why it’s important to find a well-constructed aluminum pole. They are durable and easy to manipulate while retrieving your ball.
Popular Golf Ball Retriever Brands
iGotcha Golf Ball Retrievers
The iGotcha brand knows their stuff when it comes to golf ball retrievers. Overall, they have the most reliable and lightweight retrievers on the market today. They come in a variety of different sizes, along with a stainless steel shafts, high quality grips, and a durable top mechanism.
Callaway Ball Retrievers
When it comes to golf accessories, Callaway is a common and well trusted brand name. This retriever features a stainless steel retriever mechanism with a durable aluminum shaft. It can also fit in your bag and comes with a head cover to keep the overall appearance of your golf bag looking professional. The only downfall to this golf ball retriever is that it is slightly on the heavy side.
Search and Rescue All Terrain Golf Ball Retriever
This unique product allows you to pick up four balls at a time by rolling it along the bottom surface with its two wheels that are located at the end of the pole. The retriever can extend up to 18 feet and has a heavy duty aluminum shaft.
What Else To Consider
Fitting in the Golf Bag
Not all golf ball retrievers are designed to fit comfortably in or alongside your golf bag. The overall design of a retriever makes a difference, especially if you enjoy walking and carrying your own bag.
Handles
Handles come in a variety of styles and materials. The most common handles are made of silicone, rubber, metal, and plastic. Extend the retriever fully before purchasing to see how the handle feels in your hands, and if the grip is right for you.
The Overall Look
Products that are not made properly can bend, chip, scratch and lose their overall appearance with time. Make sure you find a retriever that not only looks sharp in the club house, but will continue to look good after continual use.
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