When it comes to your golf, the type of ball you play is one of the most important elements when it comes to maximum feel, spin, and ultimately, your score. Golfers are always ready to spend money on new golf equipment, clothes, training, or golf gadgets, yet forget that the continued purchase of golf balls can be one of the largest expenses.
Golf balls are not only expensive but something you simply cannot play without, so the last thing you want is to be spending hundreds of extra dollars on lost balls. Saving just one good quality golf ball per round can save you several hundreds of dollars over the course of the year when you remember that a good quality golf ball can cost around $5. Being able to reach golf balls in tight spaces is harder than you make think, and this is where golf ball retrievers come in handy.
Golf Ball Retriever Choices
The choice when it comes to ball retrievers is more extensive than you’d think, and whether you’re a professional or a complete beginner, it can be an invaluable tool, but it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. It is easy to be overwhelmed with questions like whether to go for a more expensive Callaway golf ball retriever or IGOTCHA golf ball retriever as opposed to a mid-budget Prowithlin golf ball retriever.
Of course, as a golfer, you want the best golf ball retriever for you, so we’re going to look into what a golf ball retriever is and how it can help you, the different types of retrievers, and the features that matter the most so you can find the right golf ball retriever for you.
Features to Consider When Selecting the Best Golf Ball Retriever
Shaft Length
Retrievers come in varying lengths, from 6 feet up to 18-20 feet when fully extended. Choosing the right length will depend on whether you feel an extendable design would suit you best, or whether a simple fixed length and somewhat shorter retriever is all you need. Things to consider would be whether your home course or other clubs you play at regularly have exceptionally hard-to-reach areas where errant shots are likely to result in you needing a longer golf ball retriever. For example, if you play a course that has a lot of water hazards, it is likely a longer ball retriever will be an asset due to the varying terrain and potentially tricky spots where the golf ball can land.
Handle
The handle is an important part of any device, and ensuring you are able to comfortably grip yours is essential. Most have an ergonomic handle which can make picking up golf balls far easier. Most golf ball retrievers rubber grips on the handles as well as memory foam-type materials in order to be molded to your hand. The larger, oversized grips are effective from an ergonomic point of view. However, they can offer less grip than those with typical golf club-style grips.
Materials
This is one of the most crucial factors when selecting your golf ball retriever. They typically are made of ABS plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or nylon. The more budget options are likely to be made of cheaper materials, and whilst they will still do the job, choosing a model that has a better choice of material is likely to last you longer, as well as provide more ease of use. However, this does not necessarily mean that going for an anodized aluminum golf ball retriever is better than a well-made steel alternative. Even some of the ABS plastic body golf ball retrievers are obviously much lighter than their metal counterparts, so this can be of great benefits when it comes to ease of use.
Ball Security
Ensuring you can securely grab golf balls effectively is arguably the most important element when it comes to selecting the correct retriever. The type of golf ball retriever head can vary, with some having a simple tight gripper, some a scoop, and others a spring mechanism to lock the ball in. The last option is the most reliable way to retrieve your ball, but these styles are slightly more expensive than the other options. The main issue with the scoop cup design is the higher risk of the ball slipping out each time you try to recover it.
Price
When it comes to price, a golf ball retriever can cost you anywhere from $10-$15 for a cheap, unbranded model up, but can go up to in excess of $50 for a quality brand. This, of course, is one of the main factors which determine the type a buyer chooses. How much you spend will ultimately depend on your budget, along with how much you value the ease of use. You could argue that buying the best golf ball retriever you possibly can actually help you save money with all the golf balls you recover!
Headcover
A headcover can be beneficial, and some of the best golf ball retrievers actually come with one. If, however, this is not the case, it is worth purchasing one separately as it can firstly protect the mechanism but also for those golfers who don’t want to be seen with a ball retriever in their golf bag, it can subtly hide it in plain sight!
Accessories
Some of the best ball retrievers come with towels, divot tools, and packs of tees, so it is worth checking for this when you purchase to get the most out of your dollars.
Best Golf Ball Retrievers
- Callaway Golf Ball Retriever
- IGOTCHA
- Prowithlin Golf Ball Retriever
- JP Lann Golf Ball Retriever
- Mazel Golf Ball Retriever
- Proactive Sports Golf Ball Retriever
- IGOTCHA Jawz Golf Ball Retriever
- Pelican ball retriever
- Search ‘N Rescue
Callaway Golf Ball Retriever
Callaway Golf is one of the best brands in the golf industry, providing excellent clubs, golf bags, apparel, and also golf balls. When it comes to golf accessories and aids, this example from Callaway Golf is no exception and is considered to be one of the best available on the market. With a zip lock headcover, it looks like a small fairway wood or hybrid when in the bag.
Using a metal tong design, you are able to quickly and easily trap the ball for pickup and release it when required with minimum fuss. The shaft is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, so whilst a little heavier than some other golf ball retrievers, it means it is more sturdy and will withstand the test of time. With it coming in two lengths and having a telescopic design that is easily retractable, it really is no surprise it’s a top choice for many golfers.
Specifications
Weight
2 | 2.9 lbs
Shaft Material
Aluminum Alloy
Handle Material
Plastic
Retracted Length
24 | 45 inches
Extended Length
6 | 15 feet
Warranty
1-year
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Luxury feel
- Ergonomic handle and easy to grip
- The trap and release mechanism is seamless
- Aluminum shaft hence being a well-made piece of equipment
Cons
- Not the lightest on the market
- A premium product, therefore more expensive
IGOTCHA
This golf ball retriever by IGOTCHA is a popular choice and is great whether you are a complete beginner or play off scratch. One of the best features of this is that it is a fully retractable golf ball retriever. In fact, it can be retracted down to just 15 inches, so it is perfect to put in your own side pocket or the side pocket of your golf bag. In addition to this, it has a spring release head and solid locking mechanism, which makes it super easy to use. It also has a stainless steel shaft, so it will not be prone to bending or breaking when in use.
Specification
Weight
0.5 | 0.6 | 1.2 lbs
Shaft Material
Stainless steel
Handle Material
Plastic
Retracted Length
15.5 | 17.5 | 20 inches
Extended Length
10 | 14 | 18 feet
Warranty
1-year
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Luxury feel
- Ergonomic handle and easy to grip
- The trap and release mechanism is seamless
- Aluminum shaft hence being a well-made piece of equipment
Cons
- Not the easiest to use in very wet or muddy conditions as well as a soft surface
Prowithlin Golf Ball Retriever
This golf ball retriever from Prowithlin provides a golf ball retriever with two differing lengths.
Being a stainless steel shaft, the reach is 9 feet, and it is also extremely light, so it can be carried on its own, therefore giving you more room in your golf bag. The stainless steel shaft’s length reaches 9 feet.
This also has a cup design which can make retrieving a golf ball out of muddy conditions very simple.
Specification
Weight
0.42 | 0.55 lbs
Shaft Material
Stainless steel
Handle Material
Plastic
Retracted Length
15.7 | 18 inches
Extended Length
6.5 | 9 feet
Warranty
30-day
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stainless steel shaft so well made material
- Lightweight considering the stainless steel shaft
- Interchangeable retriever head and grabber
Cons
- Lack of length
JP Lann Golf Ball Retriever
The JP Lann retriever offers two mechanism types, and each type has several individual choices of length. The shorter retriever has a 9-foot maximum length which is perfect for those just out of reach areas. With the metal hinge cup version, the lock mechanism allows you to secure the golf ball easily and quickly. The ergonomic handle is fantastic with this retriever, with it being made out of rubber, preventing the golf ball retriever from slipping out.
Specification
Weight
0.6 | 1.25 | 2.5 | 3.5 lbs
Shaft Material
Aluminum
Handle Material
Rubber
Retracted Length
40 | 42 | 43 | 44 inches
Extended Length
9 | 12 | 15 | 18 feet
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ergonomic rubber grip handle
- Four length choices and two different cup designs
- Locking mechanism for added ball security
Cons
- If you invert the hinge cup, this can lead to the golf ball falling out
- The pressure cup is not of much use in wet or muddy conditions
Mazel Golf Ball Retriever
This golf ball retriever from Mazel is perfect for those on a budget yet still offers great value for money, especially when compared to a more high-end ball retriever such as the Callaway. This has an automatic locking device and has a sturdy stainless steel shaft. Considering it is a great budget option, it is still made of relatively high-quality materials overall.
The retriever is six feet in length, so it makes for a brilliant compact retriever and makes for easy storage.
Specification
Weight
0.5 lbs
Shaft Material
Stainless steel
Handle Material
ABS plastic
Retracted Length
15.8 inches
Extended Length
6.6 feet
Warranty
60-day
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ergonomic rubber grip handle
- Four length choices and two different cup designs
Cons
- Only available in one size
- The fixed size may be too short for those requiring more reach
Proactive Sports Golf Ball Retriever
One of the longest ball retrievers on the market is from Proactive sports. It has a collapsible frame and is quite possibly the longest golf ball retriever on the market. Fully extended, this retriever comes in at 18 feet, and with the hinged cup design, you are able to pick up lost golf balls with relative ease.
Specification
Weight
0.4 lbs
Shaft Material
Fiberglass
Handle Material
Fiberglass
Retracted Length
19 inches
Extended Length
9 feet
Warranty
1-year
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extra-long
- Sturdy design
- Not extremely heavy
Cons
- When fully extended, it loses its rigidness
IGOTCHA Jawz Golf Ball Retriever
This is a unique retriever by IGOTCHA. It differs from its standard ball retriever in that its Jaws system uses rubber teeth to capture the ball as opposed to the cup systems other retrievers use. This ensures a clean pickup without the concern of any complex locking mechanisms playing up. Most golfers will benefit from the fact that when collapsed, it is just under two feet in length.
Specification
Weight
0.5 | 0.6 | 1.2 lbs
Shaft Material
Stainless steel
Handle Material
Plastic
Retracted Length
15.5 | 17.5 | 20 inches
Extended Length
10 | 14 | 18 feet
Warranty
1-year
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique neoprene “Jawz” system to lock the ball in
- Full stability at full length due to the stainless steel body
Cons
- Smaller handle compared to other ball retrievers
Pelican Golf Ball Retriever
This model from Pelican is another retriever that is budget-friendly, yet boasts a high-quality aluminum alloy construction, so it is well made. It is able to be retracted and extended quickly, easily, and offers three length types, with the longest reaching 18 feet. Unique to this ball retriever is the locking mechanism, which consists of a twist and turn system. This is handy for those who struggle to put pressure on the golf ball when trying to retrieve balls.
Specification
Weight
0.9 | 1.1 | 1.6 lbs
Shaft Material
Aluminum alloy
Handle Material
Plastic
Retracted Length
43 | 44 | 45 inches
Extended Length
12 | 15 | 18 feet
Warranty
1-year
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Variety of lengths to choose from
- Unique locking mechanism
Cons
- The twist and turn mechanism can sometimes be difficult to use in muddy and wet conditions
Search ‘N Rescue
This retriever is great for balls lost in the water thanks to its aluminum construction, which is also anodized. As a result, gone are the worries of corrosion and rust. The orange head is great for visibility, and its lack of any spring or mechanism and simple grip means it’s a no-nonsense tool that does what it advertises with no fuss.
Specification
Weight
1 lb
Shaft Material
Nylon
Head Material
Aluminum
Retracted Length
18 inches
Extended Length
35 feet
Warranty
1-year
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rust, oxidization, and corrosion free
- Simple looks
- Ease of use
Cons
- Slightly heavier than other retrievers
Golf Ball Retrievers FAQs
Does a Golf Ball Retriever Count As a Club in Your Bag?
A golf ball retriever does not count as a club in your bag, and therefore you can carry one in your bag in addition to your full set of golf clubs. According to the USGA, the requirement of a golf club in the bag is it must have a head and shaft. Although golf umbrellas and retrievers may have a golf grip on them, because they do not meet the criteria of the head and shaft, they do not count as a club.
Do You Need a Golf Ball Retriever?
With today’s golf courses being full of tricky water hazards and out-of-bounds zones, it really can be extremely helpful to have a good golf ball retriever in your bag. You are bound to get into some sticky situations, and as mentioned previously, there’s no worse feeling than losing a dozen balls in a round! Also, saving money is always a benefit, yet in this case, you could actually make a little money by selling golf balls!
What Is a Golf Ball Retriever?
Imagine this, you spend $50 on a brand new dozen Titleist Pro V1 balls right before your round and hit what looks like a great tee shot until you see the ball heading towards the water hazard. Now, luckily, the golf ball hasn’t gone into the water hazard but is unplayable and, unfortunately, unreachable. With a good quality golf ball retriever, what was going to be a high-quality golf ball (and around $5!) down the drain can now be back in your hands ready for your next shot (allowing for a penalty drop).
In a nutshell, a golf ball retriever essentially allows you to retrieve golf balls you would not normally be able to with your bare hands or your golf club. These could be balls that are simply out of reach or in awkward places and near thorny bushes or water hazards. This is exactly where a good quality golf ball retriever comes in handy and, quite frankly, will pay for itself in no time.
How Does a Golf Ball Retriever Work?
The best golf ball retrievers are designed with a handle at one end and either a metal claw/loop at the other or, more commonly, a cup design. When a ball is hit into a water hazard or other area which cannot be reached with your arms, golf ball retrievers can assist in picking up balls without having to get wet or simply from places that are surrounded by danger, such as thorn bushes or stinging nettles. Some are a fixed length, or others can be extended, with some being up to 4.5m when fully extended.
In order to effectively use a golf ball retriever, the length you need should be adjusted and if it has a ring or scoop system, apply some pressure to the ball, and it will lock into place. Once secure, pull back towards yourself and release the ball from the retriever.
Why Should You Buy a Golf Ball Retriever?
It is likely you will face many situations on the golf course whereby errant golf balls simply cannot be reached without the use of an aid. Considering so many balls are lost every year because of this, it makes sense to use a retriever and save your hard-earned money that has bought those brand new golf balls!
Shorter Retriever vs. Longer Retriever
Some golfers would say the best golf ball retrievers are shorter in length, and some say the best golf ball retrievers are those that are longer. A shorter retriever has benefits over a longer retriever from the point of view that it can be easily stored in your golf bag and offers a more sturdy feel due to the lack of extra length. For maximum advantage, a longer length can be more beneficial overall due to the fact it can be retracted and used for short distances, yet when required, extended out up to 18 feet in some cases.
The nature of hazards and hard-to-reach areas found on a golf course is such that the extra length is often very much needed. For example, a shorter retriever will not be helpful when trying to retrieve a ball that is fully submerged in a lake, or if you play on a golf course that has lots of fences where a golf ball can easily end up under, a retriever will mean you can get that ball back and continue playing.
Buying a Golf Ball Retriever
There are a number of golf ball retrievers to choose from, and some of the best golf ball retrievers are not necessarily the most expensive. It’s a great piece of golf equipment and having one in your bag is sure to be a sound investment. Also, just because one golfer may feel a particular retriever is perfect for them doesn’t mean it will be the best golf ball retriever for another golfer. For example, junior golfers may find smaller, more compact versions to suit them better due to them being more lightweight compared to the longer versions. For senior golfers who may be using golf carts or trolleys, weight is probably not too much of an issue, so perhaps a heavier style that has a strong pickup mechanism and can be extended to a longer distance will be more beneficial, so it really comes down to the individual golfer.
Most golf ball retrievers offer great functionality, and as mentioned above, some offer additional accessories too, which is a bonus. When it comes down to it, a lot of the time, it can come down to factors such as budget and shaft length, which can help you decide which is the best ball retriever for you.
Final Thoughts
The options shown above show a variety of types to suit a variety of budgets. On the more budget range, the Mazel retriever is a great choice as it is lightweight, durable, and also super lightweight. Then, of course, there are great mid-range options such as the Prowithlin golf ball retriever and the Pelican. In the case of the Pelican, it features a colored head which can also be great when submerged underwater and in low light conditions.
At the higher end of the budget, there is of course, the IGOTCHA and IGOTCHA Jawz. These incorporate high-quality materials and are a very popular option with many golfers due to their durability and the fact they are less likely to break quickly thanks to the use of high-quality materials. For a more luxurious option, the Callaway golf ball retriever is a great choice, and comes with a great-looking headcover that looks like another club in your golf bag, so other members at the golf club will be none the wiser.