Best Golf Ball Retriever Buyer’s Guide
If you’re a follower of our NoPuttsGiven podcast, you’ve heard our conversations about golf ball retrievers. Other than saving you potentially hundreds of dollars by fishing out those wayward shots, they can save lives. No idea what we’re talking about? You have to listen to NoPuttsGiven!
In all seriousness, a golf ball retriever is a smart investment for those who spend a lot of money on golf balls every year. Yes, they might have a stigma equivalent to being the pocket protectors of golf but you’ll be saving money. Hell, you might even come out with a profit by the end of your round.
Whether you’re looking to buy a golf ball retriever today, seeking buying advice to get started or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find the right golf ball retriever.
Features That Matter
Ball Security
You can’t retrieve it if you can’t secure it. Scoop designs work best for soft mud but the ball can fall out if the retriever turns upside down. Well-designed options like the I Gotcha excel at securing the ball but can struggle with softer ground.
Shaft Length
Size does matter! If you have a ball retriever that is too short, you won’t be able to reach golf balls deeper in those water hazards on your local golf course. Granted, you may never reach the one that’s in the middle of the lake but the longer the shaft, the greater your chance to retrieve your ball.
Golf ball retrievers that have the greatest reach are Callaway and Orlimar. Inesis wasn’t too far behind. Yes, they can all reach further than your golf club.
Handle
At full extension, some models get heavy and dig into your palms. Pick a retriever with a comfortable handle like the I Gotcha and Golf Ball Gopher
Stability
When extended to full length, does the ball retriever droop or even snap? Some models like the I Gotcha are made from sturdier materials and hold their rigidity. Products that are lightweight tend to bend more and are less durable.
EXPERT TIP - Ball Security
If you are worried about your golf ball falling out when transporting out of a hazard, look for a retriever that has a lock mechanism associated with it for added ball security.
THE BEST BALL RETRIEVERS 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Distance Covered | Weight | Retracted Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Callaway Check Price | 15FT | 1.5LB | 4FT |
 | Golf Ball Gopher Check Price | 7.8FT | 1LB | 3FT |
 | I Gotcha Check Price | 14FT | 1.1LB | 20.5 INCH |
| I Gotcha Executive Check Price | 6.9FT | 0.4LB | 15.5 INCH |
 | I Gotcha Jawz Check Price | 14FT | 1.2LB | 21 INCH |
 | Inesis 100 Telescopic Check Price | 14.7FT | 1LB | 3.7FT |
 | Orlimar Check Price | 15FT | 1.1LB | 4FT |
 | Pro Active Sports Check Price | 9FT | 0.4LB | 19 INCH |
 | Search N Rescue Blue Rescue Check Price | 14FT | 1.7LB | 4FT |
 | Search N Rescue Orange Trapper Check Price | 9FT | 0.4LB | 20 INCH |
More Tips
- To allow more room to get your clubs in and out of your golf bag, pick a ball retriever that is small, compact and fits in your side pocket.
- If you play a course with a lot of water, a ball retriever might be a must. Otherwise, skip it.
- To prevent bending, look for a model with high-quality aluminum to keep its rigidity.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect golf ball retriever to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Ball retrievers are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Golf Ball Retriever include Extension, Ball Security, Sturdiness, Handle, and Storage.
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THE BEST BALL RETRIEVERS 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Extension | Ball Security | Sturdiness | Handle | Storage | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Gotcha Check Price | 3rd | 2nd | 6th | 1st | 3rd | 85 |
| I Gotcha Jawz Check Price | 3rd | 4th | 6th | 1st | 3rd | 83 |
| Golf Ball Gopher Check Price | 9th | 1st | 2nd | 1st | 6th | 80 |
| I Gotcha Executive Check Price | 10th | 2nd | 2nd | 1st | 1st | 79.5 |
| Inesis 100 Telescopic Check Price | 1st | 7th | 2nd | 9th | 7th | 79 |
| Search N Rescue Blue Rescue Check Price | 3rd | 5th | 6th | 1st | 7th | 79 |
| Callaway Check Price | 1st | 5th | 9th | 7th | 7th | 78.5 |
| Orlimar Check Price | 3rd | 9th | 1st | 7th | 7th | 78 |
| Search N Rescue Orange Trapper Check Price | 7th | 8th | 10th | 1st | 3rd | 78 |
| Pro Active Sports Check Price | 8th | 9th | 2nd | 9th | 1st | 74.5 |
What do I need to know about a ball retriever?
Q: Why do I need a ball retriever? They seem stupid!
A: There is definitely a stigma attached to ball retrievers but they will save you money. According to CNN and Golf.com, more than 300 million balls are lost every year in America alone. The average premium ball costs around $4 so the cost of lost balls adds up quickly. If you can retrieve a couple of dozen balls (or more) a year, it might be worth the sideways looks from your playing partners.
Q: Is a longer ball retriever better than a shorter retriever?
A: Almost always. It’s obvious enough: a longer ball retriever gives you more reach which means fewer lost balls and perhaps a few extras for the shag bag.
Q: Aren’t all golf ball retrievers the same?
A: No. Some have a scooping device to collect the ball while others, like the I Gotcha, have a locking mechanism for easy collection and added ball security.
Ryan
3 years ago
I’ve had the 18ft (or whatever the largest size is) for around 9 months now.. It was great in the beginning but the flange from one segment to the other wear out very quickly.. I’ve now got 3 sections that I’ve had to epoxy together… Recently I lost the last segment with the ‘jawz’ head into the water. Now it has the scoop hood of another broken scoop epoxied onto the end.
Great in the beginning but does not last