It used to be commonly believed that golf balls could get waterlogged or soaked if they sat in water hazards (like ponds or creeks) for too long. The thought was that the water could seep into the ball, changing its weight and performance characteristics.
However, with modern golf balls, this is not generally a concern. Golf balls today are made with solid cores and durable, watertight covers, such as urethane or Surlyn. These materials prevent water from getting inside the ball under normal circumstances.
That being said, if a golf ball has any cracks or serious scuffs, water could potentially seep inside. Additionally, prolonged exposure to water could potentially affect the exterior of the ball, depending on the ball's cover material and the quality of the water.
In summary, while a modern, undamaged golf ball shouldn't become waterlogged, balls that have been in water for extended periods can still suffer from exterior wear or damage.
As mentioned earlier, modern golf balls, which are typically made of solid cores and sturdy, water-resistant covers like Surlyn or urethane, are designed to resist waterlogging. These materials prevent water from seeping into the ball under normal circumstances.
However, if a golf ball is cracked or severely scuffed, water could potentially get inside. And while it's rare, if you suspect that a ball might be waterlogged, here are a couple of ways you could potentially identify this:
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Weight: A waterlogged golf ball may weigh more than a normal one. You would need a very sensitive scale to detect this, as the weight difference is likely to be small.
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Performance: If the ball is not flying as far or as straight as it should, or if it behaves unusually during play (for instance, not bouncing or rolling as expected), it might be waterlogged.
Remember that these are not foolproof methods, and changes in a ball's performance can be due to other factors like damage to the ball's exterior or changes in your swing. If a ball has been submerged in water for an extended period, or if it's cracked or damaged, it's generally a good idea to replace it to ensure optimal performance.