Skip to main content
Back to Blog

How to Personalise Golf Balls: A Complete Guide for 2025

Mark Henderson(Personalisation Expert)
15 May 2025
7 min read
Close-up of personalised golf balls with custom text and images

Learn everything about personalising golf balls—from choosing the right design to understanding printing methods. Expert tips for creating custom golf balls that impress.

Personalised golf balls have transformed from a novelty item to a must-have accessory for golfers at all skill levels. Whether you're looking to create unique corporate gifts, commemorate a special occasion, or simply add some personality to your game, this comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know about personalising golf balls in 2025.

Why Personalise Your Golf Balls?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's explore why personalised golf balls have become so popular:

1. Easy Identification

No more confusion on the course. Your personalised balls are instantly recognizable, preventing disputes and lost balls.

2. Professional Appearance

Custom balls add a premium, professional touch whether you're playing in a tournament or casual round.

3. Perfect Gifts

Personalised golf balls make thoughtful, practical gifts for golfers. They're useful AND meaningful.

4. Corporate Branding

Businesses use custom golf balls for client gifts, tournament prizes, and corporate events.

5. Memory Making

Commemorate special moments—hole-in-ones, retirement, birthdays, or golf trips with friends.

What Can You Add to Golf Balls?

Modern personalisation technology offers incredible flexibility. Here's what you can add:

Text Personalisation

  • Names: "John's Ball" or just "JOHN"
  • Numbers: Player numbers, lucky numbers, or important dates
  • Messages: "World's Best Dad", "Hole-in-One Club", "Good Luck!"
  • Initials: Classic monograms like "JMH"
  • Hashtags: "#BirdieMachine" or "#GolfLife"

Image Personalisation

  • Logos: Company logos, golf club crests, or personal brands
  • Photos: Family photos, pet pictures, or memorable moments
  • Icons: Golf-related symbols, flags, or custom graphics
  • Signatures: Replicate a real signature for authenticity

Design Elements

  • Colors: Multiple ink colors for vibrant designs
  • Fonts: Choose from classic, modern, or fun typography
  • Placement: Both sides of the ball, alignment aids, or polo-style wraps

Choosing the Right Golf Ball for Personalisation

Not all golf balls are created equal. Here's how to choose:

For Beginners

Srixon AD333 or Callaway Supersoft

  • Forgiving on mis-hits
  • Good value for money
  • Excellent personalisation surface

For Intermediate Players

TaylorMade TP5 or Bridgestone e6

  • Balanced performance
  • Professional appearance
  • Great spin control

For Advanced Players

Titleist Pro V1 or Srixon Z-Star

  • Tour-level performance
  • Premium feel and control
  • Perfect for showcasing personalisation

For Corporate Gifts

Titleist Tour Soft or Callaway Chrome Soft

  • Recognizable premium brands
  • Excellent print quality
  • Appeals to all skill levels

Personalisation Methods Explained

Understanding the different methods helps you choose the best option:

1. UV Direct Printing (Recommended)

How It Works: Digital UV printer applies ink directly to the ball's surface

Pros:

  • High-quality, photo-realistic images
  • Full color capability
  • Durable and waterproof
  • Quick turnaround

Cons:

  • Slightly higher cost than stamping
  • Best on newer, smooth balls

Best For: Photos, logos, multicolor designs

2. Pad Printing

How It Works: Ink transferred via silicone pad onto the ball

Pros:

  • Cost-effective
  • Crisp text and simple graphics
  • Very durable
  • Traditional method

Cons:

  • Limited to 1-2 colors
  • Not ideal for complex images

Best For: Text, initials, simple logos

3. Laser Engraving

How It Works: Laser removes surface layer to create permanent mark

Pros:

  • Extremely durable
  • No ink required
  • Precise detail

Cons:

  • Only creates dark marks
  • Can't add color
  • May slightly affect ball surface

Best For: Monograms, text, line art

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Perfect Design

Step 1: Choose Your Ball Type

Select a ball that matches the player's skill level and the occasion. Premium balls for special gifts, durable balls for regular play.

Step 2: Select Personalisation Type

Decide between text, image, or combination based on your message and budget.

Step 3: Design Your Layout

For Text:

  • Choose clear, readable fonts
  • Keep messages concise (3-4 words max per side)
  • Consider adding a number for easy ID

For Images:

  • Use high-resolution photos (300 DPI minimum)
  • Simple images work better than complex scenes
  • High contrast images print best

Step 4: Choose Colors Wisely

  • Dark text on white balls = maximum readability
  • Bright colors = fun and playful
  • Black/navy = classic and professional
  • Match brand colors for corporate gifts

Step 5: Position Your Design

  • Alignment aid: Helps with putting (most functional)
  • Logo area: Traditional placement
  • Full wrap: Maximum impact
  • Both sides: Different messages/images

Design Tips from the Pros

DO:

Keep it simple: Less is often more ✓ Test readability: Can you read it from 3 feet away? ✓ Use high contrast: Makes design pop ✓ Consider the recipient: Match their personality ✓ Proofread carefully: Typos are permanent!

DON'T:

Overcrowd: Leave breathing space ✗ Use tiny text: Won't be readable ✗ Choose complex fonts: Keep it legible ✗ Forget about scale: Images may shrink ✗ Rush: Take time to get it right

Special Occasion Ideas

Weddings

  • Bride & Groom names with wedding date
  • "Just Married" with hearts
  • Couple's photo
  • Wedding hashtag

Corporate Events

  • Company logo + employee name
  • Event name + date
  • "Hole-in-One Prize"
  • Client names for gifts

Birthdays

  • "50 and Still Par-fect"
  • Age-related golf puns
  • Birthday person's face
  • "Over the Hill, Under Par"

Retirement

  • "Retired: More Time for Golf"
  • Company logo + years of service
  • "Finally Got My Handicap Down"
  • Retiree's name + golf icon

Golf Trips

  • Trip location + year
  • Group photo
  • "Lads Golf Trip 2025"
  • Course logos

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing Low-Quality Balls

Don't waste good personalisation on cheap balls that won't last or perform well.

2. Too Much Text

Keep messages short and sweet. Long sentences become unreadable on a small sphere.

3. Low-Resolution Images

Blurry photos make blurry prints. Always use high-quality source images.

4. Ignoring Ball Color

White balls are standard, but yellow and orange balls are popular—make sure your design works on the color you choose.

5. Not Ordering Samples

If doing bulk orders, always order a sample first to check quality and design.

How Long Does Personalisation Last?

With modern UV printing, personalisation is remarkably durable:

  • Normal play: Design lasts 5-10 rounds
  • Cart path scrapes: May fade quicker
  • Water hazards: Waterproof inks prevent running
  • Sun exposure: UV-resistant inks prevent fading

Pro tip: Many golfers keep personalised balls for "special occasions" or use them as putting practice balls to preserve them.

Ordering Personalised Golf Balls: What to Expect

Timeline

  • Design creation: 5-10 minutes (using our online tool)
  • Production: 2-3 business days
  • Shipping: 1-2 business days (UK)
  • Total: Allow 7-10 days for standard orders

Quantity

  • Minimum: Usually 1 dozen (12 balls)
  • Sweet spot: 3-6 dozen for best value
  • Bulk orders: 10+ dozen available with discounts

Cost

Prices vary based on:

  • Ball brand and quality
  • Personalisation complexity
  • Color vs. black ink
  • Quantity ordered

Generally, expect £30-60 per dozen for quality personalised balls.

Caring for Your Personalised Golf Balls

Extend the life of your custom balls:

  1. Clean regularly: Gentle wipe with damp cloth
  2. Avoid abrasives: No harsh scrubbing
  3. Store properly: Cool, dry place away from sun
  4. Rotate use: Don't use the same ball every round
  5. Inspect before use: Check for scuffs that might affect performance

The Keep It What Difference

When you personalise golf balls with Keep It What, you get:

Live Preview: See exactly how your balls will look ✓ Premium UV Printing: Photo-quality, durable results ✓ Top Brands: Srixon, Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade ✓ Fast Turnaround: Quick production without compromising quality ✓ UK Based: Support British business ✓ Expert Support: Help with design and technical questions

Ready to Create Your Custom Golf Balls?

Whether you're creating a memorable gift, building your brand, or adding personality to your game, personalised golf balls are a perfect choice.

Our easy-to-use personalisation tool lets you upload images, add text, choose colors, and see a live preview—all in minutes.

Start designing your custom golf balls today and make every round more personal!


Questions about personalising golf balls? Our team of experts is here to help. Contact us at hello@keepitwhat.com or chat with us live.

#golf-balls#personalisation#how-to#golf#custom-design
M

Mark Henderson

Personalisation Expert

Part of the Keep It What team, dedicated to helping you create meaningful personalised gifts.

Related Articles