Golfblogger

Callaway Golf Ball Retriever

$29.95 for a Golf Ball Retriever?  I saw one of very similar design on the discount table at Golfsmith for $9.95.  Seems I might be paying a little too much for that “Callaway” name on the retriever, when the generics run less.  I was looking for a 4 section or more retreiver as my 3 section (about 10 feet total) just not long enough.  This Callaway I think has 5 sections totaling 15 feet.  The Z-line with a metal scoop on it, similar to mine now, is 16 feet for $25.  I was not so sure of the design for this retriever-- but I went ahead and got it anyway.

Why get it with being unsure?  Big plus is the headcover- that’s right, a headcover on the ball retriever.  My current metal scoop design, I put a sock over it, or a knit mallet putter cover, one is too loose, and the other is way too tight.  The Callaway headcover utilized two zippers, which are joined by a piece of fabric so both sides unzip/zip together.  The Callaway, also has a surplus of plastic over various edges and screws and nuts--- the metal scoop retrievers mark up my shafts when they bounce against each other-- The $10 design I saw on the discount table lacked the plastic, and lacked a headcover, so it would probably mark up clubs just as much. 

The Callaway retriever is a heavy one too, clearly heavier than the other two 15-16’ models I saw.  It also seems strudier.  The first 2, maybe 3 sections have zero bend in them- but the last two sections clearly do have bend.  I won’t be putting this retriever in my carry bag, it will be just for the cart bag. 

The design of the retriever mechanism, I tried out in the store, but was a little disappointed, but I thought I will get the hang of it.  Today on the course, I found it to be VERY easy to use.  I retrieved a number of balls from ponds and a couple over fences.  With the metal scoop design, you had to be fairly exacting in getting the ball- with this design, I took a couple swipes at a ball I could only barely see in the water, and it picked it right up.

So $30 for a retriever, paying maybe a little too much for the Callaway name?  Maybe- when you add in the plastic components which won’t scratch your clubs, and the nice headcover it comes a long way of being worth it.  Oh, and I retrieved four ProV1s today, and 3 of my own balls (the $2 variety).  That was in the first round of using the retriever.  I think it will easily pay for itself in just a few more rounds.