Today I’m highlighting some best golf ball retrievers. It’s a special though an underappreciated piece of equipment that gives you the opportunity to load up on free balls.
In fact, if you play often enough, you can more than make up the cost of a ball retriever over the course of a few rounds if you find yourself a well-placed pond or lake. Heck, you may even find some of your own old balls from rounds gone by!
But for as valuable as this piece of equipment can be, there is definitely some variety in the level of quality between units. That is exactly why we are highlighting eight of the best options on the market for you today. So, without further ado, read on for some golf ball retriever reviews!
Best Golf Ball Retrievers Reviews
Enough with the introductions, huh? Let’s now dive headfirst into some of the best golf ball shagger reviews!
1. Callaway Golf Ball Retriever
- Brand name recognition.
- Great material.
- Fifteen feet of extension.
- Relatively easy to use.
Pros
You’ve got to love that Callaway is getting into the ball retriever game. It completely validates what was once a fairly frowned upon a piece of equipment.
Cons
A Callaway product complete with a Callaway price. This retriever is ludicrously expensive.
It’s nice to see that Callaway has gotten into the ball retriever game. The equipment giant is known for making good gear and they’ve applied their dedication to quality in a way that most buyers will deeply appreciate.
The strongest selling point for this retriever is certainly the quality of the materials. The aluminum alloy is lightweight and hyper durable. This means that you’ll be using this retriever for many years to come. It’s also easy to use and it has an impressive fifteen feet of extension.
Unfortunately, you do pay an absurd amount for this level of quality. Ball retrievers are typically very reasonably priced but such is not the case here. I guess that’s what happens when the big companies get involved in the ball retrieving game.
2.Pro-Active The Original Bag Shag
- Easy to use.
- Large storage capacity for many golf balls at a time.
- Durable.
- Ergonomic.
Pros
I loved the quality of the materials at work here.e this piece of equipment will be in your possession for many years to come.
Cons
The bag is bulky which will make it very hard to bring to the course.
This is without question the very best retrieval on our list today. It’s made with durable canvas and metal materials making it up for standing the test of time. It’s also ergonomic meaning it will be comfortable to use, and it features a large storage capacity that will allow you to retrieve up to eighty balls at once.
However, you should keep in mind that this product is not exactly the same as the last one that we looked at. As a shagger, it will be better suited for the range setting than it is the golf course. This also means that it can be a little bit hard to transport around.
3.IGOTCHA Golf Ball Retriever
- Affordable.
- Easy to store.
- Easy to use.
- Ten feet of maximum reach.
Pros
I love the price of this unit. It’s one of the more affordable options on the list making it great for buyers that were scared off by the price of the Callaway.
Cons
It’s not quite as well made as to the Callaway. The materials are a little flimsy and you don’t get the same level of reach.
This next choice is going to be outstanding for buyers on a budget. The enticing price is further enhanced by the ease with which you will be able to store the IGOTCHA. It’s easy to use, simple to store, and it treats you to ten feet of reach which should be more than enough to give you access to most lakes and ponds.
However, it’s also not without its flaws. For one thing, the materials feel fairly flimsy. This is a retriever that you will want to be delicate with.
It’s also not quite as long as some of the other options on our list. This may or may not be an issue, but if you want the maximum level of reach possible, you aren’t getting it here.
4.ProActive Sports Hinged Cup Retractable Golf Ball Retriever
- Great retrieval cup.
- Very affordable price tag.
- Huge eighteen-foot range.
- Can be easily stored in a golf bag.
Pros
I loved the shape of the cup. Far too man golf ball retriever systems are complicated to use but such is not the case here.
Cons
It’s very flimsy. You really do get what you pay for when you buy in this price range.
This is going to be the best choice for buyers on a budget. But in addition to being gentle on the wallet, it also features a large range and an intuitive design concept. With eighteen feet of reach, it is competitive with most of the other options on our list.
I was also super stoked about the cupping mechanism. The unique shape makes it much easier to retrieve and hold onto golf balls from a distance.
Unfortunately, the materials here just don’t do very much to impress. They are flimsy disappointing, not at all well suited for rough use.
5.Nickel Putter Golf Ball Pick-Up
- Easy to attach.
- Makes getting your golf ball very convenient.
- Fairly durable.
- Compatible with any grip.
Pros
It’s one of the best golf ball putter retrievers on the market. It’s well made and it looks elegant at the end of a putter which is truly unusual.
Cons
As a putter retriever, it’s very limited in what it can do. It’s also fairly pricey all things considered.
This next pick is a little bit different than most of the other options on our list. The retriever attaches to the bottom of your putter so you can easily pick up your ball from the cup once you’ve put out.
The intent of the product is essential to eliminate the need to bend down eighteen times throughout the course of around. It sounds like a lazy player’s product but it will be optimal for buyers that suffer back or neck pain.
One of my favorite things about this retriever si that it actually looks good on your club. There are lots of products that do similar things, and almost all of them look ridiculous but such is not the case here.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use this to pull balls out of the woods or a lake. It’s also fairly pricey considering how limited it is in the application.
6.Orlimar 15-Foot Fluorescent Head Golf Ball Retriever
- Lengthy reach.
- Another great choice for budget buyers.
- The visible head makes it easier to retrieve the ball from the lake.
- Easy to store.
Pros
This is a great budget buy. I also like how visible the head is. It makes the product very easy to identify in low-light settings.
Cons
It’s very uncomfortable to use for prolonged periods of time. The product is slightly hefty which you will feel in your forearms after a while.
This is a basic but effective tool for retrieving balls from low-light places like the woods or the bottom of a lake. As mentioned above, the head is designed to be as visible as possible which will help you a lot if you are fishing for balls in a murky lake.
It also collapses down into very manageable dimensions which will make it easy to store.
I did notice that this retriever is uncommonly heavy. It’s not something you would necessarily notice just by holding the stick, but after a prolonged period of use, it definitely will be uncomfortable. The materials also felt more fragile than those used on the higher-end options on our list.
7.Halo- Golf Ball Pick Up, Flag Pick Up And Divot Tool
- Can be used to lift the stick.
- Great for retrieving balls.
- Can repair divots.
- Very affordable.
Pros
This is an uncommonly versatile little tool available at a great price.
Cons
It’s not at all durable. The metal is hardly sturdier than that of a paper clip.
This next option is a regular golf ball retriever machine! With a divot tool and retrieval mechanism all combined into one affordable package, you’re sure to get lots and lots of use out this unit. It even features a ridge that will allow you to easily lift up the flagstick without bending over.
Unfortunately, it’s not without its imperfections. The metal that is at work in this product is extremely thin and can be easily bent out of shape. As far as golf ball retriever parts go, this unit is very underwhelming.
Still, the idea is great, the price is right, and for some people, it may be well worth rolling the dice on.
8.JP Lann Golf Ball Retrievers
- Eighteen feet of reach.
- Orange cup for visibility.
- Moderate price.
- Collapses to a very small size.
Pros
It’s a great price for a solid product.
Cons
Relative to the other options on our list this unit doesn’t stand out so well. It’s a little flimsy uncomfortable to use.
We end the list with another affordable golf ball retriever. If you want to save money on your purchase and you weren’t thrilled with the other bargain buys, this is your last chance at a great price.
Unfortunately, price is the biggest selling point. It does feature a solid eighteen feet of reach and a hyper-visible orange head but it does perform fairly well.
Do keep in mind that this unit is less durable and comfortable than many of the other choices on our list. On its own merits, it’s a decent product but it does have big shoes to fill compared to some of the other products we’ve looked at.
Things That Matter the Most When Buying Golf Ball Retrievers
In the paragraphs that are to follow we will take an up-close look at all things having to do with the ball retriever. Read on!
First, Does Your Course Allow Ball Retrievers?
It seems weird to even worry about but some courses have fairly strict policies against ball retrievers. Why? Well, because while you are off fishing for ProV1s in the lake, the pace of play, at least in theory anyway, is coming to a screeching halt.
Now, if you are like most people, the only reason you are breaking out the ball retriever in the first place is that you’re waiting on some clown to find their ball so you can hit your tee shot. But try explaining that to an angry golf course martial.
Most of the time you should be fine with your ball retriever. However, if you want to be absolutely sure this purchase isn’t in vain it may be to your benefit to check with the course and make sure they allow for retrievers.
Length
Obviously, you need something that is long enough to reach deep into the woods or even the bottom of the course’s lake. Most retrievers are built to belong, but some are longer than others.
A few of the options on our list today can extend well past twenty feet. This level of distance will vastly increase the range of options you have for retrieval.
Material
The material of the golf ball retriever can have a big difference in how long it lasts. Aluminum alloy is considered the gold standard for this piece of equipment for the fact that it is lightweight and extremely durable.
Naturally, buying higher-end components makes the entire unit cost more, but there is a better way to think about it: It’s cheaper to buy one high-end ball retriever than it is to buy two or three lower-end units.
Collapsible
Virtually all good ball retrievers are going to be collapsible but some are more so than others. Depending on the length of the retriever, you may need to store it in a club slot, or within an interior pouch of your bag.
Naturally, most players will find it more convenient to store the retriever inside the bag itself but if it has to go in the club slot it won’t be the end of the world.
Weight
Golf ball retrievers can be a little bit awkward to wield for the simple fact that they are extremely long. Throw in an excessive amount of weight into the equation and you have the makings of a truly unruly piece of equipment.
No golf ball retriever is going to be outrageously heavy, but the lower the weight, the better off you will be.
Handle
The handle is a relatively simple element of any golf ball retriever but that doesn’t mean you aren’t without options for this consideration either. If you can get yourself something with an ergonomic handle, you’ll be grateful in the long run.
Ergonomic equipment is specifically designed to work in harmony with your body to create a comfortable user experience.
An ergonomic handle will make it easier to avoid former pain in the long run.
Brand Name
It’s a little unusual for big companies to get involved in the ball retriever niche. This piece of equipment is largely considered to be semi-cheesy. This doesn’t mean you should feel weird about having one, it just means you shouldn’t be surprised that hoity-toity companies like Titleist are not making them.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, Callaway has recently gotten into the ball retriever game and produced a very lovely product in the process.
Brand name doesn’t necessarily mean everything but if you are the kind of player that likes all the gear in their bag to be recognizable (and goodness knows there are lots of people that feel this way) you do have some options.
Price
For goodness sake, don’t spend too much on your golf ball retriever. Golf is a game supersaturated with over-priced equipment, but this is one piece of gear that is actually typically pretty reasonable. This is a rare opportunity to put something in your golf bag that doesn’t come with a bill your spouse will be angry about so take the opportunity and run with it.
Fortunately, most of the options on our list today are pretty affordable, so you have plenty of different choices to work with.
Warranty
Due to the telescopic element of most ball retrievers, they tend to be a little bit delicate. It’s not super hard for thin metal stretched out 10-20 feet to experience a break. If the physical integrity of the equipment breaks down, you’ll want a decent warranty so that you can get the gear fixed or replaced free of charge.
Retrieving Mechanism
And of course, there is no overestimating the importance of a good retrieval mechanism. You know, the component of the tool that actually makes contact with the ball itself.
Most retrievers use a small hoop with the diameter of a golf ball. Personally, I find that system a little bit frustrating. The margin of error is so small it’s easy to accidentally drop the ball back into the lake.
Some options make things a little bit easier by featuring “cage” like systems that keep the ball a little bit more secure.
Style
Last, but not least, it is certainly worth mentioning that not all ball retrievers are long pools with weird hooks attached. Some of the options that we looked at are much simpler in nature. For example, there are retrievers that attach to the bottom of the putter to make it easier to grab your ball from the bottom of the cup.
There are also shag bags for the driving range and even machines for large-scale golf ball retrieval. Pick the option that is best for you and your lifestyle and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Frequently Asked Question & Answered
Am I going to look silly on the course with one of these things? I hear golf ball retrievers have a negative connotation.
While you may hear elite players joke about golf ball retrievers there is nothing wrong with keeping one in your bag. After all, everyone loves free golf balls, right?
Am I allowed to use a golf ball retriever during a tournament?
Probably not. While the event may not have any rules specifically about retrievers, they probably will have rules about the pace of play. It’s best to focus on hitting good shots to keep the round moving.
Do pros ever use golf ball retrievers?
No. They definitely do not, but when you get free Prov1s shipped to you by the crate, there is no need to go sniping for the occasional free ball.
Conclusion
We’ve seen eight different retrieval systems today. Perhaps best of all, they all do things a little bit differently. There truly is something on this list for everyone today. Now it’s time to choose the perfect option for you.
Whether you need a traditional retriever or something that is a little bit different, trust your instincts and there is no going wrong.
