Back in the day we would wait for the golf course to close and then hop in the lake with the hope of coming home with dozens of golf balls. I still remember that par 3 hole and leaving a number of golf balls at the bottom of that lake myself. So shorts or swimming trunks on and off with the socks. The biggest fear was not the workers at the golf course (sidenote that I worked there one year in high school), it was the mosquitos. So get in there, feel around for golf balls with the toes and get out. A good haul would be about 50 golf balls. Nowadays, a golf ball retriever does the same darn thing just on a much more limited scale.
When purchasing a golf ball retriever, there are a few things to consider. The length of the retriever is an important factor. A longer retriever can reach balls that are farther away, but it may also be more challenging to maneuver. The material of the retriever is also important. A retriever made of lightweight and durable materials, such as aluminum or fiberglass, is a good option.
Another thing to consider is the size of the basket or scoop. Additionally, the type of grip on the retriever is important. A comfortable grip can make it easier to use the retriever for extended periods of time, although truth be told I hope you aren’t handling the golf ball retriever for 10-15 minutes or more at a time.
After researching and testing various golf ball retrievers, I have identified the top options for golfers looking to get back a ball or three and take vengeance on the hazards that are adding to our golf scores.
Best Golf Ball Retrievers
Are you tired of losing your golf balls in the water or rough? Look no further than these top-rated golf ball retrievers! I’ve tested and researched the best products on the market to bring you this list of reliable and effective options. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these retrievers will help you save time and money on lost balls. Check out these golf ball retrievers that won’t break the bank.
Orlimar Golf Ball Retriever
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use golf ball retriever, the Orlimar Golf Ball Retriever is an excellent option that won’t disappoint.
Pros
- The fluorescent head is highly visible and perfect for water retrieval.
- There is a 12, 15, and 18 foot version to suit your needs, making it easy to retrieve golf balls from hard-to-reach areas.
- The ergonomic rubber grip is comfortable and provides complete control when reaching for a ball.
Cons
- The cup can be tough to unscrew from the pole, making it difficult to release the ball once it’s been picked up.
- The pick-up head may turn when trying to retrieve a ball, which can make it difficult to use in some situations.
I recently used the Orlimar Golf Ball Retriever during a round of golf, and I was impressed with how easy it was to use. The fluorescent head made it easy to spot in the water, and the telescopic handle allowed me to reach even the most hard-to-reach balls.
One thing I did notice, however, was that the cup can be tough to unscrew from the pole, making it difficult to release the ball once it’s been picked up. Additionally, the pick-up head may turn when trying to retrieve a ball, which can make it difficult to use in some situations.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Orlimar Golf Ball Retriever to any golfer looking for a reliable and easy-to-use ball retriever. Its high visibility, comfortable grip, and telescopic handle make it a great addition to any golfer’s bag. If you are concerned about how compact the Orlimar Golf Ball Retriever can collapse to… basically a driver or slightly less in length.
12-foot ball retriever extends up to 145.5″ and collapsed down to 42.5″
15-foot ball retriever extends up to 181.5″ and collapsed down to 44″
18-foot ball retriever extends up to 217″ and collapsed down to 45.5″
Callaway Golf Ball Retriever
If you’re a golfer who hates losing balls in the water, then the Callaway Golf Ball Retriever is the perfect tool for you. It’s easy to use and durable. There is both a 6 foot version and 15 feet. The 6 foot version fits in the side of my golf bag.
Pros
- The ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip and handle the retriever, even when fully extended.
- The stainless steel retriever mechanism quickly and easily picks up balls, saving you time and hassle on the course.
- The included dual-zip headcover makes it easy to store and transport the retriever, and it looks like just another club in your bag.
Cons
- The 6-foot version may not be long enough for some golfers, especially those playing on courses with deep water hazards.
- The price may be a bit steep for some golfers, but it’s worth it if you’re serious about improving your game and saving money on lost balls.
As someone who has lost my fair share of golf balls in the water, I can say that the Callaway Golf Ball Retriever is a game-changer. It’s quick and easy to use, and the ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to grip and handle. The stainless steel retriever mechanism is strong and durable, and it picks up balls in a snap. The included headcover is a nice touch, too, and it makes it easy to store and transport the retriever. Heck, I have only good things to say about Callaway and sport one of their 60 degree wedges myself.
One thing to keep in mind is that the 6-foot version may not be long enough for some golfers, especially those playing on courses with deep water hazards. If you’re playing on a course with a lot of water, you may want to consider the 15-foot version instead. Overall, I think the pros outweigh the cons, and the Callaway Golf Ball Retriever will most likely pay for itself in a season of golfing.
Prowithlin Golf Ball Retriever
If you’re looking for a reliable golf ball retriever at a price that won’t break the bank, the Prowithlin Golf Ball Retriever is a great option. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and extends up to 9ft, making it perfect for those hard-to-reach areas. There is also a 6 foot version if you are interested.
Pros
- The patented stainless steel nail fixing design makes the retriever super strong and durable, preventing the inner loop from breaking due to repeated use.
- The spring release-ready head locking clip design prevents the inner loop from being released automatically due to vibration and shaking when not in use, avoiding any bad experiences or embarrassment.
- The lightweight stainless steel shaft is both lightweight and durable, making it easy to use without feeling any weight when picking up balls. It doesn’t rust even in water, so you can use it for years without any worries.
Cons
- The spring loaded catcher is not as smooth as some other models on the market.
- The handle may be a bit heavy for some users.
The patented stainless steel nail fixing design and spring release-ready head locking clip design make it stand out from other models on the market. I like the fact that this golf ball retriever comes in many different colors. Overall, if you’re in the market for a golf ball retriever, the Prowithlin Golf Ball Retriever is definitely worth considering.
Gotcha JAWZ Golf Ball Retriever 10′ Reach
If you’re a golfer who wants to save money on buying new balls, the Gotcha JAWZ Golf Ball Retriever is a must-have accessory for your golf bag. It’s easy to use and will help you retrieve balls from water hazards and other hard-to-reach areas. In the spring, I just reached a golf ball in the middle of the fairway. Yes, sounds strange but after a few inches of rain there were no carts allowed and sometimes hitting in the fairway wasn’t even a safe bet. There is a 10′, 14′, and 18′ version available, although I’ve seen the 18′ version out of stock as of late. One of the things I like the best is how company the Jawz get. While my friends golf ball retriever it poking out the top of his golf bag, this one easily fits in the side pocket of my bag.
Pros
- The single piece head design with no moving parts makes it very durable and long-lasting.
- The new co-molded rubberized surface provides a secure grip on the ball, so you won’t drop it while retrieving it.
- The ultra-compact design means that it won’t take up much space in your golf bag, and it’s easy to carry around with you on the course.
Cons
- The 10′ maximum reach may not be long enough to retrieve balls from some of the larger water hazards on the course.
- The aluminum construction can make it a bit heavy to carry around with you on the course, especially if you’re walking rather than using a cart.
Overall, the Gotcha JAWZ Golf Ball Retriever is a great investment for any golfer who wants to save money on buying new balls. It’s easy to use and provides a secure grip on the ball, so you won’t drop it while retrieving it. While it may not be long enough to retrieve balls from some of the larger water hazards on the course, its compact design makes it easy to carry around with you on the course. And the ultra-compact design means that it won’t take up much space in your golf bag, and it’s easy to carry around with you on the course.
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Jawz 10′ | Jawz 14′ | Jawz 18′ | |
| Maximum reach | 10 feet | 14 feet | 18 feet |
| Collapses to | 15.5 inches | 17.5 inches | 21 inches |
| Weighs only | 8 ounces | 10 ounces | 19 ounces |
| Shaft | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Kamitty Golf Ball Retriever
If you’re a golfer who frequently loses balls in water hazards, the Kamitty Golf Ball Retriever is easy to use, lightweight, and has a comfortable ergonomic grip. It comes in either a blue or orange color and in either a 6 foot or 9 foot size.
Pros
- The telescopic design makes it easy to extend to 6ft and retract to 15″ while the 9ft size retracts to around 17″. This is a great option for someone who wants a compact retriever that can fit in a pocket within a golf bag or easily in a golf cart.
- The durable retriever head has a solid mechanism at the end that can grab golf balls from pretty awkward positions you may find it on the golf course.
- The comfortable handle ensures you can confidently reach for a ball without fear of the retriever slipping out of your hand, so you will pick up your lost balls with ease.
Cons
- Extending/retracting the last section of steel can be fragile, so be careful when using it.
The Kamitty Golf Ball Retriever is made of 70% stainless steel, 15% plastic, and 15% leather, making it a durable and long-lasting accessory for any golfer. It’s also easy to use, with a quick and easy retrieval system that allows you to pick up your ball with just a press down on the ball. The compact design is perfect for golfers who don’t want to carry around bulky accessories, and it’s also lightweight, so it won’t weigh down your golf bag. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use golf ball retriever, the Kamitty Golf Ball Retriever is a great choice.
With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars and 147 ratings total, the Kamitty Golf Ball Retriever is a popular choice among golfers. It’s also reasonably priced and comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, so you can purchase it with confidence.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a golf ball retriever, there are several factors to consider. As an avid golfer myself, I know the importance of having a reliable and durable retriever that can withstand the elements and retrieve my golf balls with ease. Here are some tips on how to choose the best product:
Length
The length of the retriever is an important factor to consider. You want to make sure that the retriever is long enough to reach your ball, but not so long that it becomes difficult to maneuver. A retriever that extends to at least 10 to 12 feet is ideal for most golfers.
Material
The material of the retriever is also important. Look for a retriever that is made of durable and lightweight materials, such as aluminum or fiberglass. These materials are strong enough to handle the weight of the golf ball, while also being easy to carry around the course.
Head Design
The head design of the retriever is another important factor to consider. Look for a retriever that has a wide and flexible head, which can easily scoop up the golf ball from various surfaces. A retriever with a narrow or rigid head may have difficulty retrieving the ball from certain areas.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that the retriever may have. Some retrievers come with a telescoping handle, which can make it easier to store and transport. Others may have a built-in ball marker, which can be a convenient feature to have on the course. Consider these additional features when choosing the best retriever for your needs.
And One Final Thing
I was asked if a golf ball retriever counts as one of the 14 allowable clubs. The answer is a most definite no and I’ll pass along these misconceptions about rules straight from the USGA.