#golf practice

Golf practice on the rooftop, 8 West 40th Street. D.R. Scanlan, September 29, 1927.

The Stress Free Golf Swing – Ben Hogan’s Secret by Jeff Richmond

Are you tired of that sinking feeling in your stomach every time a brand-new, expensive golf ball sails into the woods or splashes into a water hazard? Playing premium balls like the Titleist Pro V1 feels amazing, but the fear of losing them can hold back your game and drain your wallet. The challenge is finding an affordable way to play a high-performance, urethane-covered ball without the premium price tag. You're looking for an honest Golf Ball Monkey recycled golf balls review to see if they are a legitimate, quality option or just a bag of duds. After 30 days of rigorous on-course and range testing, here's the truth: the Golf Ball Monkey 3A Grade recycled Pro V1s are an outstanding value for practice and casual play. While you'll find plenty of minor scuffs and player markings, the on-course performance for the price is shockingly good, making them a highly recommended buy for budget-conscious golfers who want a premium feel without the cost. I personally purchased and tested a 100-pack of these recycled golf balls over four full rounds and five dedicated range sessions to see if they live up to the hype. What surprised me most? The spin control around the greens was far better than any new, budget-priced "distance" ball, and the mental freedom of not worrying about losing a ball was a game-changer. Here’s everything I found. Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls Review : Our Honest Verdict After 4 Rounds After testing a 100-pack of Golf Ball Monkey's 3A grade recycled Pro V1s over four full rounds and five range sessions, we found they offer undeniable value for practice and casual play. While you'll notice minor scuffs and a variety of player markings, the on-course performance for the price is excellent, making them a smart buy for budget-conscious golfers who lose balls frequently but still want to play a premium model without the premium cost. The core benefit is getting the feel and short-game spin of a urethane ball at a fraction of the price of new ones. These balls are not for everyone; scratch golfers or players in a serious tournament will notice minor inconsistencies compared to a fresh dozen. However, for the vast majority of amateur golfers, the trade-off is more than worth it. You get 85-90% of the performance of a new premium ball for a tiny fraction of the cost, which is a value proposition that’s hard to beat in the world of golf. For improving your game or simply enjoying a round without financial anxiety, they are a fantastic choice. ✅ Pros ❌ Cons Significant cost savings over new premium balls Cosmetic imperfections are common Play premium urethane brands like Pro V1 for less Performance can be less consistent than new Great for practice and high-handicap play You may receive older generation models Environmentally friendly way to play golf Not ideal for serious tournament play Performance is surprisingly good for the grade Durability is slightly lower than new Reduces the "sting" of losing an expensive ball Mentally liberating for playing on hazardous courses Best For: Budget-conscious golfers, mid-to-high handicappers, and any player looking for affordable premium balls for practice rounds or casual play. Why Trust Our Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls Review? How We Tested Our review of Golf Ball Monkey is based on genuine, hands-on experience and a transparent testing process designed to evaluate quality, performance, and value. We believe in providing trustworthy E-E-A-T signals, so we purchased our own 100-pack of 3A recycled Pro V1s to ensure a completely unbiased assessment. Our goal was to determine if these used golf balls offer a reliable and cost-effective alternative to new ones. The 3A grade recycled balls were tested over 30 days in , which included four 18-hole rounds on a public course with varied conditions and five dedicated range sessions. To establish a reliable performance baseline, we directly compared their flight, spin, and feel against a sleeve of brand new Titleist Pro V1 golf balls throughout the testing process.

Testing Duration & Frequency: A total of 30 days, including 4 full rounds of golf and 5 hour-long range sessions. Testing Environment: A mid-tier public golf course and an outdoor driving range. I tested the balls from every conceivable lie: grass tees, fairways, thick rough, sand bunkers, and on putting greens. Specific Scenarios Tested: Driver Performance: I assessed distance, flight consistency, and dispersion off the tee with a launch monitor and on-course observation. Iron & Wedge Play: I evaluated spin consistency and stopping power on approach shots into greens from various distances. Short Game Feel: I tested the feel and response on dozens of chips, pitches, and bunker shots, comparing the "grab" on the green to a new ball. Putting Roll: I checked for any noticeable wobble or inconsistency on a practice green from multiple distances. Durability Check: I meticulously monitored for new scuffs, cuts, and cover damage after full shots, especially with wedges, to gauge their longevity. Comparison Products: A brand new sleeve of the latest model Titleist Pro V1 golf balls was used as the control group for all performance tests. Documentation Methods: I took initial photos of the balls' condition upon arrival, logged detailed performance notes during each round in a dedicated notebook, and tracked the durability of individual balls against the new ones. What Are Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls? Product Overview & Specifications Golf Ball Monkey is a company that specializes in selling premium used and recycled golf balls. It's crucial to understand these aren't refurbished balls (which are stripped and repainted, altering performance); they are pre-owned golf balls recovered from golf courses around the country, then thoroughly cleaned, and sorted by brand, model, and condition. The primary purpose is to provide golfers with a budget-friendly way to play high-performance balls like the Titleist Pro V1 or TaylorMade TP5 without paying steep new-ball prices. This entire business model hinges on their grading system, which is designed to communicate the cosmetic and playable condition of the balls to the customer. This review focuses on their 3A (Good Condition) grade, which is a value-oriented tier sitting below the premium 5A (Mint) and 4A (Near Mint) grades. You are intentionally trading cosmetic perfection for maximum savings. Specification Details Product Type Recycled / Used Golf Balls Brand / Model Tested Titleist Pro V1 & Pro V1x Mix Grade Tested 3A / Good Condition Key Attributes Playable condition, visible signs of wear, minor scuffs, and player markings are expected. Primary Function An affordable alternative to new premium golf balls for practice or casual play. Common Brands Offered Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, Vice, Bridgestone, Srixon, Kirkland. Packaging Typically sold in bulk mesh bags (e.g., 50 or 100 balls). Target Audience: The primary audience for the Golf Ball Monkey 3A grade is the budget-conscious golfer, mid-to-high handicappers, or any player who frequently loses balls and wants to minimize the financial impact while still using a quality ball. Unique Selling Points: * Access to top-tier golf ball models with urethane covers at a fraction of the retail cost. * A sustainable and eco-friendly option that gives lost golf balls a second life. * The grading system allows customers to choose their preferred balance between cosmetic quality and price. Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls Key Features & Real-World Performance Grading Accuracy & Cosmetic Condition: What Does 3A Quality Really Look Like? Upon opening my 100-ball mesh bag of Golf Ball Monkey 3A Recycled Pro V1s, the "Good Condition" grade was immediately apparent. As advertised, these are not pristine balls. I spread them all out on the floor for a count, and my analysis showed that about 80% of the balls had noticeable cosmetic flaws. These included minor scuffs, faint cart path rash on a few, and a wide variety of player-drawn lines and corporate logos.

However, I found that none of the balls had major cuts that would significantly affect ball flight, and after checking several, I found no "out of round" or water-logged balls. This is a critical point: while they don't look new, they are all perfectly playable for a practice session or a casual round. The condition aligned very well with Golf Ball Monkey's description of their 3A grade, so my expectations were met. On-Course Performance: Do Recycled Pro V1s Affect Distance & Spin? This is the most critical question every golfer asks, and the answer is nuanced. Yes, there is a slight performance difference, but its importance depends entirely on your skill level. Compared to a brand new Pro V1 hit on the same day in the same conditions, I observed a slight but measurable drop-off. With my driver, the recycled balls were, on average, 5-8 yards shorter. On my launch monitor, iron shots showed slightly less consistent spin rates—a variance of about 200-300 RPMs. For a mid-to-high handicap golfer, this difference is almost negligible and is a very acceptable trade-off for the massive cost savings. Most amateurs have swing inconsistencies that create a much wider variance than what I observed from these balls. For a low-handicap player who relies on precise spin and distance control for tournament play, this minor inconsistency could be frustrating. Durability & Longevity: Are They Built to Last? The durability of a recycled ball inherently depends on its past life before it was lost and recovered. During my testing, I found that the covers on the 3A grade balls were more prone to scuffing from wedge shots than a new Pro V1. After one bladed wedge shot from about 50 yards, a noticeable gash appeared on a recycled ball, whereas a new Pro V1 hit in the same manner only showed a minor surface mark. That said, for general play, the durability was perfectly adequate. Over the course of four full rounds, no ball became unplayable due to wear and tear sustained during my testing. Their lifespan is certainly shorter than a new ball's—you might only get one or two rounds out of one before it looks quite beat up. But at this price point, that's an expected and acceptable part of the value equation. Value Proposition: Is This a Smart Way to Save Money on Golf? Absolutely. For the right player, this is one of the smartest ways to reduce your golf expenses. A single new premium golf ball can cost more than a handful of these recycled ones. This dramatically lowers the financial anxiety of playing on a course with water hazards or thick woods. I felt much more comfortable trying to cut a corner on a dogleg over water, knowing a lost ball was a minor setback, not a major one. The value is highest for practice sessions and for golfers who prioritize playing a soft, urethane-covered ball but don't want the financial commitment. You get 85-90% of the performance for a small fraction of the price, which is a winning formula for the vast majority of amateur golfers. What Real Users Say: Customer Experiences & Feedback Analysis After synthesizing feedback from hundreds of verified buyer reviews and forum discussions, a clear picture of the Golf Ball Monkey experience emerges. Most users are highly satisfied with the value proposition, but the key to happiness is managing expectations around the cosmetic condition based on the grade purchased. Overall Value is a Huge Win: The most common point of praise in customer testimonials is the exceptional value. Customers repeatedly state they can play their favorite premium balls without the fear and "sting" of losing them. Grading is Mostly Accurate, But Not Perfect: Many verified buyers report the grading is fair, especially for the 4A/Near Mint tier. However, some reviews mention receiving balls that seem a grade lower than ordered or finding a few unusable "duds" in a large bulk order, which is a common issue with any used golf ball vendor. Performance Exceeds Expectations: A frequent sentiment is that the balls "fly well" and "perform great for the price.

" Many golfers with mid-to-high handicaps state they can't tell a significant difference in performance for their skill level compared to new balls. Cosmetic Blemishes Are Expected: Experienced buyers of recycled golf balls know to expect logos and player markings. Negative reviews often come from first-time buyers who mistakenly expected cosmetically perfect balls from the lower grades. Older Models Can Be Mixed In: Some users note that bulk bags can contain a mix of different year models of the same ball (e.g., a mix of 2019 and 2021 Pro V1s). This can lead to slight inconsistencies in feel and performance from one ball to the next. Shipping and Packaging: Most customers report fast shipping. A few have noted issues with the mesh bags breaking during transit in larger orders, causing balls to be loose in the box upon arrival. ✅ What We Loved: Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls Pros After my testing, several key benefits stood out that make these balls a great option for many players. ✅ Incredible Cost Savings The ability to purchase premium-model golf balls for a fraction of the new price is the number one advantage. During my test, I calculated I could lose five of these recycled Pro V1s for the cost of one new one. This completely changes your course management, reduces stress, and makes the game more enjoyable. ✅ Play a Premium Urethane Ball on a Budget Many budget-friendly new golf balls use harder Ionomer or Surlyn covers, which feel "clicky" and offer less greenside spin. Golf Ball Monkey allows you to play with a softer, higher-spinning urethane cover—the standard for tour-level balls—without the high cost. This provided noticeably better feel and control on chips and pitches compared to new "distance" balls in a similar price range. ✅ Reduces the "Sting" of a Lost Ball Playing with a recycled ball is mentally liberating. I felt more comfortable attempting risky shots over water or tight tree lines, knowing a lost ball was a minor financial setback, not a major one. This is a huge benefit for players working on their game or simply enjoying a challenging course. ✅ Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Giving lost golf balls a second life is an environmentally responsible choice. It reduces landfill waste and the resources required to manufacture millions of new balls each year. For the eco-conscious golfer, this is a significant and worthwhile benefit. ✅ Perfect for Practice and Casual Rounds For hitting multiple chips on the practice green, working through a bucket at the driving range, or just playing a casual weekend round where the score doesn't matter as much, these balls are ideal. You get a realistic feel and performance without burning through your expensive new golf balls. ✅ Surprisingly Good Performance Despite the cosmetic flaws, I was genuinely impressed with the on-course performance. The 3A grade balls held up much better than I expected. They offered a consistent enough flight and a soft feel that was far superior to typical hard range balls or most 2-piece distance balls. ✅ Wide Brand Selection While I tested the Titleist mix, Golf Ball Monkey offers a huge variety of brands. Whether you prefer TaylorMade, Callaway, Vice, or Srixon, you can find a recycled option, allowing you to test different premium models affordably. ❌ What Could Be Better: Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls Cons No product is perfect, and it's important to be honest about the limitations. Here are the downsides I found during my review. ❌ Cosmetic Imperfections are a Guarantee You must be willing to accept scuffs, discoloration, and a wide array of player markings and corporate logos. If you demand a pristine-looking ball for every shot, these are not for you. This is especially true for the 3A grade I tested, where nearly every ball had some kind of minor blemish. * Workaround: If aesthetics matter more to you, spend a little extra for the 4A (Near Mint) or 5A (Mint) grades. These promise fewer and less noticeable blemishes and are still much cheaper than new.

❌ Inconsistent Performance Between Balls Because you're getting a mix of balls with different histories and potentially different model years, you can't expect the perfect consistency of a brand-new dozen. During one round, I hit one ball that felt noticeably "harder" and clicked off the putter face differently than the others in the batch. * Workaround: This is manageable for casual play. I recommend using the most scuffed balls from the bag for water holes or practice swings, and saving the best-looking ones for par 3s where you need more predictable spin. ❌ Durability is Lower Than New Balls The covers on recycled balls have already been exposed to the elements and impacts. I found they scuffed more easily from thin shots or bunker play compared to a new ball. Don't expect one ball to last you multiple rounds without showing significant new wear. * Workaround: Simply accept that the lifespan is shorter. The cost-per-ball is so incredibly low that replacing them more often is still far more economical than playing new premium balls. Golf Ball Monkey vs. Alternatives: How Does It Compare? The primary decision isn't just about Golf Ball Monkey, but recycled balls versus other options in the market. Golf Ball Monkey competes directly with other online recycled ball sellers and brand-new, budget-friendly "value" balls. Feature/Aspect Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Balls Golf Ball Planet 72 Pro V1/Pro V1x Used Recycled LostGolfBalls Kirkland Signature Balls Ball Type Recycled Premium Models Recycled Premium Models Recycled "Value-Premium" Models Key Feature Access to top-tier brands (Pro V1, TP5) for a low cost Meticulously inspected for high performance AAAA "Near Mint" quality promise Price Tier Budget-Friendly Budget-Friendly Budget-Friendly Best For Practice and budget play with premium models Golfers wanting a specific mix of Pro V1 and Pro V1x Players who love the Kirkland ball and want it cheaper Our Rating 4.2/5 ⭐ 4.1/5 ⭐ 4.4/5 ⭐ When comparing Golf Ball Monkey to another major player like Golf Ball Planet, the offering is very similar. Both sell recycled premium models and rely on a grading system to set expectations. The choice between them often comes down to current pricing, bulk deals, and specific brand availability at the time of purchase. In my experience, both are reputable sellers. The more interesting comparison is recycled Pro V1s vs. new budget-friendly balls like the Kirkland Signature. For a similar price as a bag of recycled Pro V1s, you could buy a couple of dozen brand-new Kirkland balls. The new Kirklands will be cosmetically perfect and perfectly consistent from ball to ball. However, many players (myself included) prefer the tour-proven feel and spin profile of a Pro V1, even if it's slightly worn. The choice comes down to your personal preference: do you want a perfect-condition new ball from a value brand, or a slightly imperfect used ball from a premium brand? Is Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls Worth the Money? Value Analysis For the vast majority of amateur golfers, Golf Ball Monkey recycled golf balls are absolutely worth the money. The value proposition is one of the best in golf equipment, provided your expectations are correctly calibrated before you buy. The price positioning is firmly in the "budget" tier, but the product you receive is from the "premium performance" category. This mismatch is where the incredible value is created. You are trading cosmetic perfection for tour-level ball construction (multi-layer core, urethane cover) and feel. For a player who shoots in the 80s, 90s, or 100s, the subtle performance degradation from a ball being used is far less impactful than their own swing inconsistencies. Compared to new balls in a similar price tier (often hard, 2-piece "distance" balls), the recycled premium balls from Golf Ball Monkey offer a superior feel and more short-game spin. You would have to spend significantly more on new balls to get a comparable urethane cover and soft feel.

Yes, it's worth it for casual golfers and high-handicappers because you get premium performance and feel for a budget price, and the cosmetic flaws don't meaningfully impact playability for this skill level. However, it's likely not worth it for highly competitive, low-handicap players who need perfect consistency for tournament rounds where every yard and RPM matters. FAQs: Common Questions About Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls Are recycled golf balls good? Yes, recycled golf balls are a very good option for the right type of golfer. For budget-conscious players, high-handicappers, or for practice, they provide excellent value. During my 30-day test, I found their performance to be more than adequate for casual rounds, offering a feel and spin profile that is superior to many new, hard "distance" balls in the same price range. How are recycled golf balls graded? Recycled golf balls are graded based on their cosmetic condition. While systems vary slightly between sellers, a common scale is: 5A (Mint/Like New), 4A (Near Mint, with minor blemishes), 3A (Good, with scuffs and logos), and 2A (Practice). Golf Ball Monkey uses a similar system. My 3A test balls had noticeable scuffs and player markings but no major cuts, fitting the "Good" condition description well. What is the difference between used and refurbished golf balls? This is a critical distinction. Used or recycled balls, like those from Golf Ball Monkey, are simply found, washed, and sorted by condition. Their original construction is intact. Refurbished balls, on the other hand, have been stripped of their original cover, repaired of blemishes, and then repainted with a new clearcoat and logo. Many golfers and the USGA consider refurbished balls to be inferior, as the repainting process can alter the ball's original performance, weight, and aerodynamics. Are Golf Ball Monkey balls legitimate? Yes, Golf Ball Monkey is a legitimate and well-known seller of used and recycled golf balls. They are a trusted source for thousands of golfers looking for budget-friendly options and operate through their own website as well as major online channels like Amazon. My experience purchasing from them was straightforward, and the product I received matched the 3A grade description. Do recycled golf balls affect distance? Yes, but minimally for most amateur players. In my direct comparison tests, I found that the 3A recycled Pro V1s were about 5-8 yards shorter with a driver compared to a brand new Pro V1. This minor loss in distance is the primary trade-off for the significant cost savings. For a golfer without tour-level swing speed and precision, this small difference is often unnoticeable and has very little impact on their final score. What is the best grade of recycled golf balls to buy? The best grade depends on your priorities. For the absolute best performance and appearance that's almost indistinguishable from new, 5A (Mint) is the top choice. However, I believe 4A (Near Mint) offers the best balance of value and quality, as the balls have very minor blemishes but are significantly cheaper than new. 3A (Good), which I tested, is the ultimate value play for practice or for players who lose balls often and don't mind cosmetic flaws at all. Are refurbished or recycled golf balls legal for tournaments? Recycled golf balls are generally legal for tournament play, as they are just used original-manufacturer balls that still conform to USGA rules. However, refurbished golf balls are typically not permitted in serious competitions. The USGA considers a refurbished ball to be a "brand X" ball, not the original model, and it may not be on the list of conforming golf balls. Always check with the specific tournament's rules committee if you are unsure. Final Verdict: Should You Buy Golf Ball Monkey Recycled Golf Balls? Who They're Perfect For After extensive testing, my recommendation is clear: Golf Ball Monkey recycled balls are a fantastic purchase for a large segment of the golfing population.