Best Golf Ball Retrievers 2023
Anyone who has ever played golf will know that straight shots aren’t always a given!
How many times have you accidentally sent an expensive ball or two flying into a water hazard or worse?
Retrieving golf balls can be a nightmare. That’s why, thankfully, golf ball retrievers have been designed to help us salvage them from the stickiest of situations.
In this guide, we will look at the top 10 retrievers for golf balls available on the market right now.
At A Glance
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1. Callaway Golf Ball Retriever
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2. IGOTCHA Ball Retriever
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3. I GOTCHA JAWZ Golf Ball Retriever
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4. Pelican Golf Golf Ball Retriever
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5. JP Lann Golf Ball Retrievers
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6. The Practice Stick Ball Shagger
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7. JBM Golf Ball Retriever Device
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8. Fluorescent Head Golf Ball Retriever
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9. Search and Rescue Retriever
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10. Orlimar 15-Foot Fluorescent Head Golf Ball Retriever
I GOTCHA JAWZ Golf Ball Retriever
Premium Option
Very Effective
Excellent Overall
1. Callaway Golf Ball Retriever
Callaway is a solid brand as far anything golf-related is concerned. Their retriever is an Amazon highlight with plenty of great reviews. Available for less than $40 offering 6 and 15 feet extensions, this is considerable length for you to reach golf balls in the tightest of spots.
Pros
- Two lengths available for varying needs
- Very easy to use out and about on the links
- Robust and hard-wearing for regular use
Cons
- Fairly expensive compared to others on the market
- A little cumbersome compared to others
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
2. IGOTCHA Ball Retriever
Great name, great retriever? It’s another Amazon Choice pick, and with that, you can choose between basic, ‘executive’ and ‘ultimate’ models. The difference is in length! The ultimate model extends up to 18 feet for incredible reach and grasp from the thickest of water hazards. Great for those players regularly going OB!
Pros
- Fantastic range of lengths available
- Super compact even in the ultimate range
- Spring release available for easy grab and deposit
Cons
- Ultimate model is very expensive
- Some report problems with sturdiness over time
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
3. I GOTCHA JAWZ Golf Ball Retriever
Another retriever with a wacky name, IGOTCHA’s ‘JAWZ’ model is an alternative to their standard and ultimate versions. Available from 10 feet in reach for less than $30, it’s very easy to use with telescopic functionality and tight grip. That means you can easily pluck golf falls out of murky hazards without losing track.
Pros
- A range of great lengths available
- Very easy to use, great for beginners
- Reliable in all weathers and in sticky situations
Cons
- Another expensive model even at the shortest option
- Perhaps a little on the heavy side
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
4. Pelican Golf Golf Ball Retriever w/Premium Golden Yellow Nylon Cup
Don’t let the ‘premium’ in the name bother you. This is a well-priced golf ball retriever, priced at less than $15 for a 6-foot reach. The model arrives with twist-turn locking and telescopic design, allowing you to take complete control over lost golf balls with ease. It’s also surprisingly lightweight!
Pros
- Very sturdy and reliable for most uses
- Very affordable compared to the wider market
- Extremely easy and intuitive to use
Cons
- Perhaps a little cumbersome for some golf bags
- There are longer reaches available online
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
5. JP Lann Golf Ball Retrievers
This super-versatile model has some of the biggest ranges of retrievers for golf balls we’ve seen. Choose from 6, 9, 12, 15 or 18 feet models, with metal hinges or orange pressure cups. The 6-foot model is only available in orange, but this likely won’t bother you!
Pros
- Great prices across the whole range
- A fantastic range of lengths and cups to choose from
- Very easy to get used to
Cons
- Perhaps not as sturdy as other models on the market
- Not best-suited to fast-moving water hazards
Overall Score: 92/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
6. The Practice Stick Ball Shagger
ProActive Sports’ model is one of many retrievers for golf balls that is very reasonably priced. Available at less than $15, the practice stick is not a retriever as such in design. It’s more of a ball collector – you’ll be able to hold up to 23 balls at once.
Pros
- Very affordable compared to the competition
- Very simple to collect balls and to dispense them
- Great for short games
Cons
- Not an extendable retriever – suited more to loose ball collection
- Best suited to short games as opposed to extensive plays
Overall Score: 91/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
7. JBM Golf Ball Retriever Device
This professional-looking retractable device is well loved. Offering extension of up to 6 feet, this model comes fitted with what the marketing calls a ‘golf ball sniffer.’ To you and I, that means it’s simply a good tool to put to work in finding lost balls! It’s a viable alternative to more expensive options.
Pros
- Very affordable compared to other models
- Extendable up to 6 feet for simple reach
- Durable thanks to stainless steel design
Cons
- There are golf ball retrievers with better reach
- Perhaps not as feature-rich as other models
Overall Score: 94/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
8. Fluorescent Head Golf Ball Retriever
Another ProActive Sports model, this unit extends up to 6 ½ feet on the course. For less than $20, that’s a fantastic deal! It’s built to resist all weathers and years of use and is therefore perfect for retrieval from water hazards. It’s also super light for easy carriage.
Pros
- Very affordable for the length provided
- Water-resistant for golf ball retrieval from wet hazards
- Extremely lightweight and easy to transport
Cons
- There are retrievers forballs which extend much longer
- Not the sturdiest-looking model around
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
9. Search and Rescue Retriever
Simple name, fantastic product. This great-looking ball retriever is available in 6.5 feet and 15 feet models, meaning you can choose between a healthy reach and telescopic support. It even comes with its own fancy zip-head cover and is solidly made to endure any and all hazards.
Pros
- A nice choice between standard and telescopic models
- Sturdily-made, built to withstand most things
- Fairly lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Not the cheapest retriever on the market, but still great value
- Only available in royal blue at this time
Overall Score: 93/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
10. Orlimar 15-Foot Fluorescent Head Golf Ball Retriever
Lastly, let’s look at Orlimar’s landmark retriever. Generally retailing at less than $20, you can reach up to 15 feet with the brilliant telescopic handle. Comfortable grip and easy pickup and deposit come as standard, too. Nice and adjustable, and easy to use.
Pros
- Very comfortable to pick up and grip
- Lots of length for the price
- Very simple to get used to using
Cons
- Some reports show it may be flimsier than other models
- Smoother extension and use are available elsewhere – for more money
Overall Score: 95/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Conclusion
Of all the golf ball retrievers we’ve reviewed here, you may now have one or two in mind which you’d like to take a closer look at. We especially recommend the Search and Rescue Retriever. It ticks all the boxes! However, your game and golf ball retrieval needs will vary! Take a closer look at buying some of these great retrievers online and compare with other users. Save money on losing pricey golf balls in the rough!
Mike Guillen, AKA “The Golf Author” is a former professional golfer turned freelance writer and self-published author. His books include Professional Golf for the Rest of Us, Stitched: A Novel, and The Ultimate Guide to Playing “Money” Golf, all of which are available on Amazon. His goal is to provide golfers with an entertaining and unique perspective on the game he loves most. You can learn more about Mike Guillen at his website: www.thegolfauthor.com. Check Out Mike’s books on Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/mikeguillen
