I?m sure it?s fair to say that our golf swing isn?t going to be perfect all the time otherwise we would all be challenging the likes of Jordan Spieth for the titles. I?ve hit my fair share of golf balls into a pond and if you are using expensive golf balls, I?m sure the worst feeling is having to leave them behind in the water.
If you are like me then you love spending some money on expensive golf balls now and then. However, most of the time, I find myself watching my brand new golf balls fly straight into the woods or getting lost which is not very ideal.
My course down the road from me doesn?t have too many water hazards, but if you play somewhere with quite a few hazards around then the ball retriever could be the most important club in your bag.
I didn?t first think that this would really come in handy and didn?t really want to spend too much on one. But when I started counting up how many balls I was able to latch onto and fish out, it has paid for itself many times over and over again.
The difficulty I have found over the years is finding a gadget that is well designed and high quality but at the same time picks up balls easily. We all want it to extend out as much as possible so we can reach far out but at the same time you do not want to sacrifice any lift the retriever has.
There?s quite a few different types of retrievers out there and the old school retrievers used to scoop up the balls whereas the newer models you just push down on them from the top which wraps around the golf ball.
I?ve had quite a few cases where they are quite cheaply made and just within a week of using them, the plastic posts or collars that attach to the heads have broken. It?s not a case where you can just super glue them together or use duct tape to reattach.
Obviously, you want a retriever that has awesome reach yet can easily fit into your golf club bag. Another issue a lot of retrievers have is that they can sometimes be quite heavy and when going round the course, you may not want to carry that added weight around. But then, I also like my retriever to be quite sturdy especially at longer lengths which is probably more difficult if they are quite light. I think I remember someone say that some of them can feel like carrying two extra individual golf irons around.
So, lets get into it then. I’m quite excited about this one because I?ve spent countless hours studying ball retrievers and going through forums. I?m ready to show you all what I think are some of the best options on the market right now and hopefully, they will help save you some money on collecting your ball back going forward.
Best Golf Ball Retrievers 2019
1. IGOTCHA Retriever
The IGOTCHA Retriever is 6 foot in length but has a maximum reach of 10 foot in total.? However, it can collapse to just 15 inches which makes it easy to keep inside your golf bag during a round and it will not get in the way.
Weighting only 8 ounces, the IGOTCHA Retriever is very light and you will have little difficulty in lifting and using the device to retrieve a golf ball.? The spring trapping action catches the ball comfortably and the locking clip combines with this feature to make the IGOTCHA Retriever one of the easiest to use.
Here is also a cool little video I found on Youtube from the guys at GolfOnline who did a quick review of this. It’s only a minute and a half long and you get to see it in use a little.
Verdict: Amazing product since the first day! For me, this gadget really works like a charm and is extremely compact! I remember first time I used this, I managed to seek out about 17 balls in a pond which straight away paid for itself. I find it?s so good for balls that have landed in the water because it?s so effective at locking onto the golf ball. It?s also so compact which means that I?m able to store it in my bag without anything sticking out. You will definitely not be disappointed with this one.
2. Callaway Retriever
Callaway are one of the top golf equipment manufacturers and the Callaway Retriever is made from a high quality aluminium alloy which does not bend when the retriever is fully extended.
When retracted, the Callaway Retriever is 45 inches, which may not be the shortest available but when extended it stretches to 15 foot, making it one of the longest golf ball retrievers on the market.
The ergonomic suregrip handle means you will not lose control when using the Callaway Retriever.? The dual-zip head cover allows the Callaway Retriever to slot into your bag and look like a golf club.
Verdict: Worth the extra bit of money! This little tool works perfectly and once I got used to it, I could latch onto the ball so easily. I also didn?t expect it to extend so much without sacrificing lift, such awesome design. Have heard people mention that they were worried about the end piece snapping but felt absolutely fine to me. I would definitely recommend this to anyone and buy again.
3. Pro Active The Original Bag Shag
This device is for use when practicing, specifically the short game.? One of the main issues facing players when practicing short shorts is having to collect the balls when you have run out or have finished your session.
This is where the Pro Active The Original Bag Shag comes in and it picks up golf balls easily thanks to the strong canvas bag which will hold up to 80 golf balls.? The Pro Active The Original Bag Shag is constructed from solid materials so it is durable and will prevent you from bending over multiple times to pick up balls.
Verdict: Stop looking at other shag bags! I have been testing so many shag bags for a while and nothing beats this original on the market right now, they are as sturdy as they come. The handle is welded to the top of the plate making it solid and easy to use. Definitely worth spending that little bit extra as its head and shoulder above the rest!
4. Pelican Retriever
This premium golf ball retriever features a gold yellow nylon cup and this has been designed to allow easy grab and collection of the golf ball.
Boasting a comfort grip and lightweight aluminium alloy shaft, the Pelican Retriever is simple to use and remains sturdy even when fully extended. It is available in various lengths depending on your requirements, with the longest being 18 feet.
The Twist Turn-lock design is simple enough to use and the Pelican Retriever is a good entry into the golf ball retriever market.
5. Maxfli Pick Up Grabber
The Maxfli Pick Up Grabber has been designed to allow golfers to pick up golf balls without bending.? If you regularly practice your short game or putting, the Maxfli Pick Up Grabber is very useful as it easily attaches to the butt-end of putter grips and this allows easy pick up of balls off the green.
The fixed 3-prong design means you can also use the Maxfli Pick Up Grabber to pick up balls from inside the hole, so you never have to bend down again.? The durable plastic construction of the Maxfli Pick Up Grabber does not wear easily and it should last for a long time, even with regular use.
Verdict: Picks the golf ball up with ease! Compared to some of the other options I have tested, I must say this is one of the sturdiest out there. The solid construction makes it so easy to secure to the putter grip. One thing to note is the attachment is slightly wider so may need a little extra opening in the golf bag to accommodate.
6. PrideSports Pick-Up
The PrideSports Pick-Up features a slim design which extends outwards towards the end to open up in to a cup shape.? This is where the ball will sit and the PrideSports Pick-Up is ideal for use when practicing chipping and putting.
You no longer need to bend over to pick up the balls individually by hand.? Using the PrideSports Pick-Up you can recover the ball without bending over and drop it into your bag before moving onto the next ball.? The design of the PrideSports Pick-Up makes it easy to use and slip into your golf bag.
Verdict: Saves the back for more important things! Made of hard rubber that retains its shape but yet there?s enough flex in the material to be able to latch onto the ball. The numerous times I picked up a ball with this over the course of three rounds, I did not have a ball that fell out of the pickup. Plus it fits onto the end of the putter so well and doesn?t take up any room. You?ll be a very happy customer.
7. Orlimar 15-Foot Fluorescent
The adjustable shaft of the Orlimar 15-Foot Fluorescent extends to a generous 15 feet and this makes collecting a ball from a difficult position a doddle.? The high visibility fluorescent head means you can easily guide the Orlimar 15-Foot Fluorescent towards the ball without losing sight of it and this is especially useful in water.
The golf ball fits securely inside the head and will not drop out until it has been safely retrieved.? The comfort grip handle means you will not have any difficulty using the Orlimar 15-Foot Fluorescent and if you lose a lot of balls in water, it is a good investment.
8. Finger Ten Portable Pocket Shagger
The Finger Ten Portable Pocket Shagger has been designed to pick up and store 60 golf balls without the need to empty the bag.? If you enjoy practicing your short game but dislike having to pick up all the balls when you are done, the Finger Ten Portable Pocket Shagger is the perfect companion.
The durable canvas bag does not stretch when full and the tough stainless steel clips and pvc handle makes the Finger Ten Portable Pocket Shagger very durable.
Verdict: Well-constructed and works great! Again if you are tired of bending over to pick up your golf balls, then you have to look at getting one of these. They are so lightweight and sturdy while doing everything that you would expect. I think the bag attachment that comes along is quite useful to be able to manage the overflow as this thing can hold plenty of balls. You will not be disappointed!
9. Callaway Pro Caddie Shagger or Feeder
The Callaway Pro Caddie Shagger or Feeder offers double the value.? You can use it to collect balls when you have finished you practice.? It will hold up to 35 golf balls so you can practice for extended periods before collecting your balls.
However, the Callaway Pro Caddie Shagger or Feeder also feeds you balls as you practice.? There is no need to keep bending down to pick up the next ball, simply tap the feeder with the club and it will produce the next ball for you.? Take your time and enjoy practicing using the Callaway Pro Caddie Shagger or Feeder.
10. Nickel Putter Pick-up
While some golf ball retrievers are made to collect balls from the green or fairway, they are not always good for collecting balls from the hole.
If you struggle to bend down to pick up the golf ball every time you make a putt, it can stop you from enjoying the game.? However, the Nickel Putter Pick-up will solve that problem thanks to the specifically engineered design which picks up a ball from inside the hole.
The Nickel Putter Pick-up fits comfortable on the end of a putter grip and it takes seconds to attach it, pick up the ball and take it off again.
Verdict: Add some class to your putter! This one is so easy to set up, I just attached it to my putter and did not interfere in any way with my putting stroke. It?s so much better than the rubber suction options and I think this should fit on all putter grips out there. When it unfolds, you can feel it puts a firm grip on the ball without putting your back in danger.