12 Best Golf Ball Retrievers in 2023

Having the best golf ball retriever is probably an essential solution when you play on a course with a lot of water. Not every day is a lucky game day. You can lose some balls in the bushes, some in the mud, and others in the water. Then a ball retriever can fix that for you.

However, whether you are a professional or a newbie, it is hard to decide what a ball retriever is worth buying. There are so many models on the internet, and each one has some advantages and disadvantages.

To help you ease in making your decision, I have researched and shared that burden with you. Check my detailed reviews below to know the top 12 best golf ball retrievers, then find your dream one.

My Top Picks

Everything has its pros and cons. And a golf ball retriever is not an exception. One can be the best price because it fits the buyer’s budget. However, other buyers don’t like it and want to choose a different retriever.

Therefore, based on the eight major requirements, I chose eight golf ball retrievers and labeled them below. Match it with your desire, and you will probably have what you actually want.

• Best Overall: IGOTCHA
  “Ultra compact design; Three choices of length; Stainless steel shaft and spring-release head.”
• Best Budget: MAZEL Telescopic
  “Four types of combo to choose (2 separate ball retrievers or 1 retriever with 2 ball grabbers); Automatic lock design; Stainless steel shaft, ABS plastic cup and ball grabbers.”
• Best for Putter: ProActive Sports Player Select Super-Lite
  “Using fiberglass shaft instead of heavy metal one; High visibility green and ball-locking head design; Telescopic shaft can extend to 9 feet.”
• Best for Water: Search ‘N Rescue
  “Two choices of length, maximum reach is 15 and 19 feet; Scoop the ball from both side of orange head; Lightweight anodized aluminum shaft.”
• Top Rated: Callaway
  “Two choices of length; Can be retracted to the compact size; Durable aluminum alloy shaft.”
• The Longest Golf Ball Retriever: Search ‘N Rescue Stretcher
  “Maximum reach is 35 feet; Can retrieve 8 balls at once; High visibility orange head.”
• Best Value for the Money: Pelican
  “Three types of length; Twist and turn locking mechanism; Lightweight aluminum alloy shaft.”
• Best Stylish: Forgan of St Andrews
  “Four types of length; Silver scoop design with lock; Sturdy stainless steel shaft.”
• Best Compact: IGOTCHA JAWZ
  “Rubber grip; Jaw-like mechanism; Stainless steel shaft can collapse to 15.5 inches.”
• Best for Mud: Prowithlin
  “Scoop cup design; Automatic locking device; Has 2 ball grabbers along.”

Comparison Chart

When choosing a useful tool like a ball retriever, there are many things people can focus on, such as length, material, etc. I arranged all these most popular things matching with my twelve recommended retrievers in this table below for you.

The 12 Best Golf Ball Retrievers Reviews

Details on the table above can give you a general view of my eight recommendations. However, it is not convincing enough for you to choose a suitable retriever. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s dive into both sides with my reviews now to understand more.

1. IGOTCHA

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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Nice design, easy to use, average price. All these things make the IGOTCHA retriever a must-have to golfers. Even if you are a beginner or a professional, catching a ball with this tool is like a piece of cake.

See Also: 13 Best Golf Balls for Beginners in 2023

The first thing I like is this retriever can retract to just 15 inches. This makes it fit perfectly in the side pocket of your bag or wherever you want it to be. The telescopic shaft helps you adjust the suitable length to reach a ball easily.

Secondly, I think the spring release head is brilliant. It can lock the ball sturdily once it goes inside like a trap. Besides, the stainless steel shaft makes this retriever more stable than others. It can extend to full length without bending or snapping.

See Also: 8 Best Titleist Golf Balls in 2023

Key Features:

• Stainless steel shaft
• Plastic head with steel spring release trap
• Three choices of length, maximum reach 18 feet
• The shortest retracted length is just 15 inches

Product Specifications:

The video below can help you find out how to use this helpful retriever:

See Also: 8 Best Low Compression Golf Balls in 2023

2. MAZEL Telescopic

(Best Budget)

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If you are a beginner or have a tight budget, I think the Mazel one will be your proper choice. They have four types of combo for you to choose from: two separate retrievers with different colors and head designs, one retriever comes along with two golf grabbers.

The Mazel designs two kinds of heads: the scoop and the spring-release one. They sell combo two retrievers with spring-release heads in white and yellow. Another combo is two tools with a scoop design in the same black color.

Cheap doesn’t mean nasty. It is right with the Mazel retriever. They are easy to use and work well in all situations: underwater, into bushes, and in mud.

See Also: 12 Best Cheap Golf Balls in 2023

Key Features:

• Four types of combo
• Two types of automatic locking head
• Stainless steel shaft, ABS plastic head and grabbers

Product Specifications:

See Also: 12 Best Golf Ball Markers in 2023

3. ProActive Sports Player Select Super-Lite

(Best for Putter)

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What I love most about this retriever is its high visibility green head. No matter how dark the water or the bush is, I can easily find my ball and take it back in a few seconds.

The ProActive Sports ball retriever can reach 9 feet in length and only weigh 0.4 lbs. This is super lightweight, and even a woman can use it without any difficulties like other heavy metal ones. The shaft made of fiberglass also prevents rusting very well.

Besides, this unique trap head design can secure a ball from bushes, water, mud, and even the golf hole. That’s the reason why I assumed this is suitable for putters.

See Also: 10 Best Low Spin Golf Balls in 2023

Key Features:

• Fiberglass shaft, telescoping design
• Maximum reach to 9 feet
• High visibility green head

Product Specifications:

You May Like: Golf Balls for Average Golfer

4. Search ‘N Rescue

(Best for Water)

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My first impression of this retriever is it’s a simple design. No mechanism lock, no spring, but it actually works well. The Search ‘N Rescue called the head is a magic gripper. You can trap a ball in both sides of this head with light pressure.

The telescopic-designed shaft is made of anodized aluminum. Therefore, you can use it in water without worrying about rust, oxidation, and corrosion.

Moreover, its orange head helps golfers realize it easily in dark places like water. This head is made of anodized metal, too, so it can prevent rusting and keep its color so long.

See Also: 8 Best Golf Balls for Straight Flight in 2023

Key Features:

• Aluminum shaft in telescopic design
• High visibility orange head
• Two types of length

Product Specifications:

See Also: 12 Best Golf Balls for High Handicappers in 2023

5. Callaway

(Top Rated)

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Luxury design is the recognizable thing of the Callaway brand. This is the first ball retriever I used that has a head protector zip lock. When I put it in my golf bag, it looks like other clubs with no differences.

The head trap is like a pair of tongs. This unique look helps you grip the ball and release it easily without touching it. You just press lightly to trap the ball inside and then pull the head upside down to free. It’s so easy and convenient.

The shaft is an aluminum alloy, so it is a little heavier than another metal one. However, I think this material helps the retriever be more durable when fully extended.

See Also: 12 Best Callaway Golf Balls in 2023

Key Features:

• Two types of length
• Aluminum alloy in telescopic design
• Dual lock headcover

Product Specifications:

The video below will help you know about how Callaway golf ball retriever works. Hope it’s helpful to you:

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6. Search ‘N Rescue Stretcher

(The Longest Golf Ball Retriever)

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Unlike other retrievers in the list, Search ‘N Rescue stretcher golf ball retriever uses the 35-foot nylon cord instead of the metal shaft. That makes it become the longest one. It also replaces a regular head with a basket that can contain eight balls at once.

Due to the unique look, the Search ‘N Rescue stretcher retriever usage is also different. You have to wrap the end of the cord around your wrist and immerse the basket into the water. Then you drag this back toward you to collect the balls.

The basket color is orange. It is high visibility. You can easily recognize it when retrieving it in water, bushes, or mud.

You May Like: High Visibility Golf Balls

Key Features:

• 35-foot nylon cord
• Aluminum orange basket
• Can collect eight balls at once

Product Specifications:

See Also: 12 Best Taylormade Golf Balls in 2023

7. Pelican

(Best Value for the Money)

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If you want to spend under 25 bucks to get the best golf ball retriever, the Pelican can be what you are looking for. The shaft is a high-quality aluminum alloy and can extend, retract fast and easily. There are three types of lengths for you to choose from. The longest type can reach 18 feet.

The head is golden yellow, so it is easy to see in dark places. The Pelican uses a twist turn locking mechanism to grab the golf ball. So you don’t need to use too much force to retrieve.

There is one tip here for you to remember. When you bring the ball back, don’t shake it free; just turn the pole over, and it will drop out. Otherwise, you can break the holder and have to replace the new one.

See Also: 12 Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers in 2023

Key Features:

• Three types of length
• High-quality aluminum alloy shaft and nylon cup
• Twist turn-lock

Product Specifications:

See Also: 8 Best Bridgestone Golf Balls in 2023

8. Forgan of St Andrews

(Best Stylish)

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Silver and black are the key colors of this golf ball retriever. All the shaft and head are stainless steel, so they can prevent rusting when immersed in water.

There are four types of length. Each retriever of each type has the maximum length number printed on it so that you can choose easily. Besides, the telescopic shaft helps you save more space in your golf bag.

The Forgan of St Andrews uses the scoop head design with an automatic lock. However, don’t try to scoop the ball as if you are slurping meatball soup. You just need to drop to scoop onto the ball with light force and lift it. It will work great if you use it right.

See Also: 15 Best Golf Balls for Women in 2023

Key Features:

• Stainless steel shaft and head
• Telescopic shaft design
• Scoop head design in silver color

Product Specifications:

See Also: 10 Best Volvik Golf Balls Reviews in 2023

9. IGOTCHA JAWZ

(Best Compact)

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Ultra-compact design is what people love most about the IGOTCHA Jawz golf ball retriever. Its maximum length reaches 18 feet and collapses to 20 inches. That means the retracted length is ten times smaller and saves many spaces in your golf bag.

The second brilliant point of this tool is the head design. Like the name “jawz”, it has a co-molded rubberized surface to grab the ball tighter without harm. You can bring back your balls faster without worrying it will fall out of the head.

Key Features:

• Stainless steel shaft
• Plastic head with rubber jaws
• Three types of length

Product Specifications:

If you want to see exactly how the IGOTCHA Jawz ball retriever works, please see this video:

10. Prowithlin

(Best for Mud)

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Buying one and getting three pieces under 25 bucks? You might want to call it a bargain. The Prowithlin brand provides you a golf ball retriever in two types of length. Along with every purchase are two solid grabbers to catch a ball from the hole.

The stainless steel shaft’s maximum length reaches 9 feet but only weighs 0.55lbs. It is too light for you to carry in the bag and can save rooms for more clubs. You can immerse this retriever in water without the fear of rusting.

The scoop cup design helps a lot when retrieving a golf ball in a soft place like mud. The automatic lock secures your ball inside easily. So stop treading into the bushes or even diving in the ponds; just grab the Prowithlin golf ball retriever and enjoy your game.

See Also: 7 Best Golf Balls for Cold Weather in 2023

Key Features:

• Two types of length
• Stainless steel shaft, ABS plastic head and grabbers
• Automatic locking scoop design

Product Specifications:

If you want to know the proper use of the Prowithlin, click on the video below for more details:

11. JP Lann

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In case you want to have multiple choices of length, the JP Lann is the brand you can put your faith in. There are two types of cups: hinge and pressure cup, for you to choose from, and each type has four kinds of length.

The shortest length costs under 20 bucks and can extend to 9 feet. This length is enough for you to grip a ball in bushes, mud, sand, or even underwater without getting your luxury wet. The metal hinge cup design has a unique mechanism lock to secure your ball easier.

Unlike other ball retrievers in the market, the JP Lann one has a rubber handle. This helps you grab your tool tightly without slipping out.

Key Features:

• Aluminum shaft, rubber handle
• Two types of cup, four types of length
• The Hinge cup has a locking mechanism

Product Specifications:

12. Fluorescent Head by ProActive Sports

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Some retrievers are too heavy to use and control when extended. However, you will never face that problem when using a tool by the ProActive Sports brand. This manufacturer made their ball retriever shaft aluminum, so it is super lightweight and can prevent rusting or corrosion.

The plastic head is in bright orange. It is high visibility and can highlight the dark hazards as ponds, mud, or brushes. Besides, the shaft length can reach 9 feet. It means you don’t need to go far or bend your back while retrieving your balls.

Key Features:

• Aluminum shaft
• Orange plastic head
• Telescopic shaft design

Product Specifications:

Choosing the Right Golf Ball Retriever

Besides the brand, the price, what are the metrics to find the best golf ball retriever? Don’t worry; after researching hundreds of ball retriever models, I can share my knowledge with you. Let me help you by showing these important factors your dream retriever must have below.

1. Shaft Length

Using a ball retriever helps you catch the ball without moving near some hazards like ponds, bushes. So the further the distance, the better it is for you. The tip here is to choose the longest extended ball retriever you can. Nine feet one can help, but 15 feet or 18 feet is better.

However, if the course you play doesn’t have many bushes or water, you can choose a retriever under 15-foot length. Consider where you usually play, maybe ask your friends about this place and then decide the length of ball retriever you have to buy.

2. Material

A material decides the durability of your golf ball retriever. The lightweight one is easy to use with golfers like women, but some want the heavier one.

There are so many kinds of material for a retriever on the market now. The tip here is to choose the non-rusting, non-oxidizing one. You should consider a tool made from metal like aluminum, stainless steel, etc., if you want to hold something as heavy as your club.

If you prefer something lighter, maybe plastic, fiberglass, etc., are suitable for you.

3. Handle

If something gives you comfort when gripping, you probably use it more often than others. Therefore, when buying a ball retriever, pay attention to the handle.

Some producers add dot patterns to the handle for convenient holding. Others made their handles with special materials like rubber.

Remember the tip I showed you above about comfortability before making a decision.

4. Ball Security

A golf ball retriever mission is gripping a ball in the easiest way it can. That’s why the head design is the second important part of a retriever after the shaft.

There are mostly two types of head design: the scoop and the spring release one. The spring design can hold the ball tighter, but it needs you to put more pressure when catching a ball. And the scoop design is vice versa.

Each type of head is suitable for each hazard condition. The scoop one can work well on a softer surface, and others can work in water or bushes. Depending on your course, you can buy your suitable one.

5. Stability

The telescopic design can affect your ball retriever when it reaches the maximum length. Some tools can easily bend and break after a few uses. If this happens, it’s a waste of money, and you have to buy another instead.

The tip here is to pay more attention to the material of your retriever. The lightweight one is usually less durable than the heavier one.

Useful Tips for Golfer

In general, a golf ball retriever is a good companion when you are playing. However, sometimes you don’t really need it. Below are my useful tips after playing golf for years; I hope it helps you a little.

• Always paying attention to the lock mechanism of a golf ball retriever. It needs to keep the ball safe without slipping out before you can reach the ball
• A small and compact retriever when retracted can help you get more room in the bag for other clubs and essential things
• If you don’t usually play in the course with lots of water, you probably don’t have to buy a ball retriever
• A retriever made of high-quality material like aluminum can keep its rigidity and last longer than others

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

After showing you some metrics to buy the best golf ball retriever, I will answer the most frequently asked questions. Please read it carefully, and maybe it is what you are looking for.

What Does a Golf Ball Retriever Do?

As far as I know, there are more than 200 million golf balls lost every year all over America. And one premium ball can cost you more than 5$ – what a waste of money and harm to the environment.

A golf ball retriever can help you stop that terrible thing and save your wallet, especially when still in the pandemic. It grips the golf ball for you within a few minutes.

Why Do I Need a Golf Ball Retriever?

Besides saving money, a retriever can save your back. No one wants to bend over so often to pick up a small ball and probably be in danger when reaching near the bushes or water. We don’t want our luxury clothes to get dirty too.

How Much Is a Golf Ball Retriever?

Usually, you should spend about 20 – 50 bucks to get a golf ball retriever. Some are much cheaper; however, be careful when buying this. Maybe the manufacturers don’t guarantee their products or the material of retrievers is of poor quality.

My Final Thoughts

After listing for you the top 12 best golf ball retrievers of 2022, I hope you can find your dream one. The best ball retriever will be a game-changer and help you a lot.

The first and the best option that I recommended to you is the IGOTCHA. Three types of length, lightweight and durable. You will love this one by all those things and more.

If you want something luxurious, well designed, I think the Callaway could be your proper choice. With this headcover on, no one will recognize you are carrying a retriever along.

Besides, the Search ’N Rescue can be a useful companion for you when playing in a course that has lots of ponds. This smart design can solve your problem in a blink of an eye.

Do you agree or disagree with me? What is your best choice? Share your thoughts with me in the comment below, and don’t forget to share these reviews with your buddies.