How to Personalise Golf Balls: A Complete Guide for 2025

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:
- Clean regularly: Gentle wipe with damp cloth
- Avoid abrasives: No harsh scrubbing
- Store properly: Cool, dry place away from sun
- Rotate use: Don't use the same ball every round
- 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.
Mark Henderson
Personalisation Expert
Part of the Keep It What team, dedicated to helping you create meaningful personalised gifts.
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