For decades, golfers have been hitting with balls made from plastic shells and rubber cores — and no one really questioned it. But here's the thing most players don't think about..
Every time one of those balls ends up in a lake, a forest, or the ocean. It sticks around for years, maybe even centuries.
And that's got a lot of people asking: Is there a smarter, cleaner option for casual play?
That's where the biodegradable golf balls come in. They are made from natural materials and designed to break down safely, they offer a swing that's not just fun.., it's guilt-free.
But let's be honest, Do eco-friendly golf balls really measure up to the feel, flight, and performance of the traditional ones? Or is it just a novelty?
In this article, we'll dive into the real differences between eco golf balls and conventional rubber-core balls — so you can make the best choice for your game and the planet.
Some Swings Shape Scores. Others Shape the Planet..
Let's get one thing straight—Biodegradable golf balls aren't built to rival the tour-level performance of rubber-core giants.
And honestly? That's not what they're here for...
These dissolvable, eco-friendly balls serve a greater purpose, making it possible to swing over lakes, backyards, or beaches without leaving behind a trace of harm.
They're built for the casual player, the nature lover, the conscious soul who still loves a good drive.
Some might call them a novelty..
But the truth is, they're part of a quiet movement changing how we play, and more importantly, how we impact the Earth.
They Don't Go as Far, But Eco Golf Balls Go a Lot Further
If you're expecting a biodegradable golf ball to crush a 300-yard drive like a tour-grade rubber-core - you're looking in the wrong bag.
But here's the truth: these balls weren't made for trophies.
- They were made for moments.
- That crisp contact.
- That satisfying flight.
That peaceful silence after the swing, when the only thing echoing is nature.
Biodegradable golf balls — like the ones we make at Play Greenly — might have a softer core and a gentler bounce.
But they still deliver everything that makes a swing feel good.
You're not losing the game, you're just playing it differently!
- A little slower..
- A little simpler..
- And a whole lot more meaningful..
Perfect for backyard practice, dockside tee-offs, or beachside drives, where fun matters more than yardage, and the only scorecard that counts is the one we're keeping with the planet.
So no, they won't win you a long-drive contest.
But they'll win something far more lasting – joy without the guilt and play without the plastic.
You Might Lose the Eco Ball, But Nature Won't
Ever worry about where your shot goes when it lands in a lake, river, or off a cliff into the unknown?
With conventional rubber-core balls, that worry is real. They stay. They pollute. They pile up under the surface for decades — out of sight, but never out of impact.
But biodegradable golf balls?
They quietly vanish.
Did you know
An estimated 300 million golf balls are lost each year in the U.S. alone—a statistic cited by sources such as the Danish Golf Union and confirmed by Wikipedia.
Play Greenly's balls are made with 95% PVA (a water-soluble material) and a 5% natural plasticizer — fully tested to dissolve in water within just two weeks. That's right. Two weeks. Not 200 years.
✓No plastic shell.
✓No toxins.
✓No sharp fragments left behind.
Just a gentle return to nature, safe for marine life, birds, soil, and everything in between.
It's the kind of peace of mind that lets you swing freely, knowing that even if the ball disappears into the water, your conscience won't sink with it.
Dissolvable Golf Balls May Break Down Fast, But They Don't Spoil the Fun
A common assumption? That biodegradable golf balls start dissolving the second they touch water or soil.
In reality, they're built for real play — chip shots, backyard swings, and full practice rounds. The materials stay intact during the game, maintaining shape and feel until they're exposed to environmental conditions over time.
Decomposition begins gradually, only when factors like moisture, microbial activity, and natural temperature interact with the ball.
That means they don't just fall apart mid-swing or instantly vanish on contact. They perform when they're supposed to, and disappear when they're no longer needed.
PRO TIP
Always store biodegradable golf balls in a dry container or bag. Moisture can start the breakdown process earlier than you want.
Use the Right Ball for the Right Game, And the Right Eco Impact
Let's be clear: conventional golf balls still make sense for pro tournaments and competitive play. They're engineered for long-range power, precision spin, and tour-level control, and if you're chasing trophies, they're built for that.
But when it comes to casual practice, lakeside swings, backyard drives, or dockside fun — do we really need all that plastic?
That's where biodegradable golf balls come in.
They don't fly as far, and they're not made for televised tournaments. But they are made for moments that don't hurt the planet.
Moments like:
- Chipping into the lake with friends
- Practicing in the backyard with your kid
- Tee shots from a boat deck or hiking spot
These balls deliver real joy, without leaving plastic behind in the soil or sea. They break down safely. They respect nature. And they're helping everyday golfers play a cleaner game.
Because not every swing needs to break a record.
Some swings are meant to make a difference.
Let the Last Shot Be One You Feel Good About
We're not saying biodegradable golf balls are better for every game.
But for the games that matter most — the backyard laughs, the lakeside drives, the quiet moments that don't leave a mark on nature — they're more than enough.
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
— Dr. Jane Goodall
They're a reminder that you can enjoy the sport you love, without hurting the world you live in.
At Play Greenly, we're not chasing trophies. We're chasing something longer-lasting: a cleaner planet, one swing at a time.
Ready to make your golf game part of the solution?