Golf ball retrievers

Losing golf balls is expensive. Water hazards and out of bounds markers are everywhere, and if you don’t have a way to reach your ball, it likely just costs you $2 to $4. Having a great golf ball retriever will quickly pay for itself and get you a golf bag full of perfectly good balls. 

We have analyzed the best golf ball retrievers on the market. Everything from a telescopic design to lightweight retrievers to compact retrievers. Let’s look at the best ball retrievers on the market in 2023. 

Callaway Telescopic Golf Ball Retriever

Pelican Ball Retriever

Prowithlin Ball Retriever

Best golf ball retriever

Pelican Ball Retriever

If you are going to purchase a golf accessory, it makes sense to spend the money on something that has a durable construction, great functionality, and a lightweight and comfortable setup. The Pelican Ball Retriever checks all the boxes of excellent retrievers, and it is built to last. 

This particular model will extend up to 18 feet long, and it collapses to about 44 inches, the size of your driver. The Pelican is just over 1.5 pounds, so you won’t even notice this if you carry your golf bag around the course. 

The ability to retrieve a ball is simple, simply scoop it up, and it rests perfectly on the orange ring. 

Pros

• High quality
• Lightweight design good for walkers
• Comes in a variety of sizes
• Built to last for years to come

Cons

• Not a compact size for a smaller golf bag

Callaway Telescopic Golf Ball Retriever

It would be great if ball retrievers lasted forever, but they don’t. Since golf courses can have both salt and fresh water and some swamp like areas, expect the retriever to get a little rusty and nasty after a while.

Luckily, the Callaway Golf Ball Retriever has a high-quality aluminum alloy material that won’t bend, and it even comes with its own head cover. 

The Callaway Telescopic will reach up to 15 feet, and it doesn’t sway or bend in the middle. We found that getting a ball out of the water quickly was easy, and even beginner golfers can learn this in a matter of seconds. 

With the ergonomic handle, you can rest assured that you won’t drop this retractable design when standing on the edge of the water. Overall, if you play golf often and need an option with high quality materials and design, the Callaway Golf Ball Retriever is one to consider. 

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Ergonomic handle
• 15 feet when extended, 45 inches when folded
• Comes with a headcover

Cons

• Will need to make sure you have room in the bag

Prowithlin Ball Retriever

Not all golfers are proud to be carrying around a big stainless steel retriever with a dual zip headcover. If you are a player who likes to keep it quiet that you sometimes hit your Pro V1 balls into the water hazard, this is the golf ball picker you need. 

The Prowithlin is an affordable and compact ball retriever that will not rust and is available in both a 9ft and 6ft model. The telescopic design is easy to use and can even fit inside your golf bag should you need it to. The entire model only weighs 8 ounces. 

Another great feature of the Prowithlin is that it has an automatic locking scoop design. When searching in murky water, this can help you quickly spot and retrieve those premium Pro V1’s. 

Pros

• Lightweight and strong
• Two sizes available
• Durable rubber handle will not deteriorate
• Scoop cup design is easy to use

Cons

• Not available in longer than 9 feet

JP Lann Orange Hinge Cup

Best Premium Retriever

The JP Lann Orange Hinge Cup is known in the golf industry as one of the higher quality ball retrievers. This particular model has an adjustable telescoping shaft that will extend up to 15 feet. When collapsed, it is just 42 inches. 

The orange head really helps this golf ball retriever stand out, even when underwater. For those that have a hard time seeing what they are doing, this can be the perfect option. Lann Golf Ball retrievers come with a one year manufacturer’s warranty, a black anodized shaft, and a comfort rubber grip. 

If you want more than a golf gadget and are serious about recovering your lost balls, this is a strong choice to consider. 

Pros

• High quality rescue retriever
• Ergonomic design
• Plastic head will not deteriorate
• Anodized aluminum shafts

Cons

• Priced slightly higher than other options

Gotcha Jawz  Ball Retriever

Easiest To Use

A quality golf ball grabber is easy to use and will help you pick up a ball with ease. However, some golfers still struggle with being able to use an extendable retriever, control it and bring the ball to the shore. If this describes you, the Gotcha Jawz is a great solution. 

This ball retriever can reach up to 10 feet in length and has a simple and single-piece head design. Essentially, there are no moving parts, unlike other ball retriever models. Simply put, if you are not great at balancing a ball rescue retriever and want a simple design, the Gotcha Jawz is the way to go.

Pros

• Simple and easy to use
• Best-selling model
• Quick collapsing to less than 16 inches

Cons

• Some golfers like the spring release head

ToVii Golf Ball Retriever

Top Rated Cheap Retriever

The ToVii Golf Ball Grabber is an excellent choice for a durable design with fair pricing. This model is available in both a 9ft and a 6ft design, and it weighs under one pound. Although this may not be as durable and long-lasting as more expensive models, it does quite a good job for the average golfer on a hunt for errant golf balls. 

With this retractable design, you can keep the ToVii in your golf bag pocket, and it comes at a really affordable price. Golfers that want something that works just as well at grabbing a golf ball from the woods as from the water, the Tovii can be a great solution. 

Pros

• Very fair pricing
• Easy to grip handle
• Lightweight construction
• An excellent option for golfers on a budget

Cons

• Won’t last as long as other retrievers

ProActive Sports Hinged Cup Retractable Golf Ball Retriever

Best Hinged Cup Design

The ProActive Sports Hinged Cup Retriever is a super lightweight and durable aluminum retriever with a design that makes grabbing lost balls easy. The hinged cup helps you lock the ball in place and allows you a sure grab; this is the retriever you want when you find those AVX or Pro V1 golf balls in the pond. 

We were impressed with the 12 feet of extension and how stable this particular retriever can stay. In addition, the aluminum does not rust or corrode. If the basic circle that requires you to balance a golf ball on an extended pole is not working for you, give the ProActive Sports Hinged Cup Retriever a try.

Pros

• Will not drop the ball once you have it
• Locks the golf ball in place
• Lightweight design

Cons

• It takes some time to learn how to use this ball grabber

ProActive Sports Super Lite Ball Retriever

Best Lightweight Golf Ball Retriever

Sometimes an extended ball retriever can get heavy and make it difficult to stand on the edge of a water hazard and bring golf balls in. ProActive Super Lite weighs just seven ounces and will fit in your apparel pocket when it is not extended. 

Unlike other models that are made of aluminum, this is simply plastic and very light in weight. We were impressed with the high visibility head of the ProActive Sports Super Lite and the way it securely traps a golf ball in place. 

Pros

• An excellent option for senior golfers or those who walk the course
• Easy to see and work with
• It can be seen even in deep ponds
• Securely traps a golf ball in place

Cons

• Not as durable as stainless steel construction

The Best Golf ball retriever is . . . 

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How to choose a golf ball retriever

Now that you have a list of some of the best golf ball retrievers on the market, it’s time to narrow down which ones are for you. There are a few key features that golfers should look for when choosing an excellent golf ball retriever.

Length

Most ball retrievers will range from around 6 feet in length to close to 18 feet. The shorter ball retrievers are easier to control and can be a better option for those that may not have quite as much strength. Almost all golf ball retrievers are collapsible.

Some will collapse small enough to fit in the apparel pocket of your golf bag; others will take a spot in your golf bag. Many 15-way golf bags will have a designated spot for a ball retriever.

Type

Some golf ball grabbers require you to balance the ball on top of a ring; others will have a hinged grabber that helps you pick up the golf ball. All retrievers have relatively good success when it comes to retrieving balls from the water; the simple hook circle design does hold up quite well.

Pricing

Golf ball retrievers range from around $15 to close to $50. Considering a dozen golf balls will cost $35 or more, it won’t take you long to make back the money you spend on a golf ball retriever. Higher cost ball retrievers tend to have durable construction that helps them hold up over time.

Faq’s

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best golf ball retrievers on the market. This is not a big purchase, but if you play golf courses with water, you will likely use your retriever quite often.

What is a good length for a golf ball retriever?

A good length for a golf retriever is typically around 9 feet and over. This gives you enough length to have a comfortable grip and control the retriever’s head. Shorter retrievers are suitable for control, but you miss some easy-to-reach balls. Longer golf ball retrievers tend to bend, making it hard to reach what you need.

Is a ball retriever considered a golf club?

A golf ball retriever is not considered a golf club. You can have all 14 of your golf clubs in your bag and still keep the retriever in there as well. Don’t worry about the receiver causing you a penalty shot.

Should you carry a golf ball retriever?

A golf ball retriever is a smart golf accessory to have. If you pick up just 12 balls, you will have made your money back on your purchase. Many times, the golf balls you find were just hit in the water by the group that came through the hole before you; these balls are still perfectly good to use on the course.