Golf ball diving is big business and profitable, according to ESPN. At least 200 million golf balls are lost each year, with the majority of those retrieved coming from water hazards. Reported annual incomes for ball divers ranged between $50 and $100,000 in 2006. Many of those golf balls were filthy and coated with algae. Knowing how to clean golf balls that you retrieved from a pond is a must if you intend to sell them or use them on the links.
Step 1
Dilute professional grade citrus degreaser containing oxalic acid in a five-gallon bucket of water. Place the golf balls from the pond into the solution, and allow them to soak overnight.
Step 2
Transfer the balls to another five-gallon bucket, filling it with dishwashing soap and warm water. Scrub the balls individually with a soft brush or sponge to remove any dirt or algae.
Step 3
Remove any stubborn ink markings with acetone and a cotton ball.
Step 4
Soak the balls in undiluted bleach for 15 minutes in another bucket. Promptly remove the balls and allow them to dry.
Things You'll Need
- Professional grade citrus degreaser
- Five-gallon buckets
- Dishwashing soap
- Soft brush or sponge
- Acetone
- Cotton balls
- Bleach
References
- ESPN: Golf Ball Diving Is Big Business
- The New York Times: Viewpoints; US Decline? Not Golf Balls, Mr.!
- The Virginian-Pilot: Submerged Golf Balls Find New Life at Golf Ball Shop; Sandra J. Pennecke; Aug. 14, 2009
- Reader's Digest.com: 12 Amazing Ways to Use Bleach
- Dow: Product Safety Assessment (PSA): Acetone
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