How are Used Golf Balls Graded?
Recycled Golf Balls — graded by condition
Recycled balls are recovered, washed, and hand-graded in their original factory finish — nothing is repainted or altered. The grade tells you the condition. From best to budget: Pristine > Mint > Near Mint > Value.
Pristine (5A+)
- Absolutely perfect. These balls look like they just came out of the sleeve: no player marks, no scuffs, no logos, no blemishes. You can't tell them from new.
- Our top grade, hand-picked from the best of our Mint balls.
- Still recycled: original factory finish, never repainted.
Mint (5A)
- These look like they have never been played. They will have no player marks, scuffs or blemishes.
- They will contain some balls with logos.
Near Mint (4A)
- These look like they have only been hit a few times. These balls all have some minor imperfection that keeps them from being Mint.
- There will be small player marks, minor scuffs, or slight blemishes. Blemishes will not affect playability.
- Most people would consider these balls Mint, but we are just too picky.
Value (3A)
- Visibly used — small scuffs, scratches, or discoloration present.
- No cut balls, ever.
- Will contain large player markings. May contain logos.
- The budget choice for practice and water-hazard holes.
Refinished Golf Balls — a different product, not a condition grade
Refinished balls are restored, not just graded: the used ball is stripped, repainted, re-stamped, and clear-coated at our facility. They look brand new — and they are always labeled “Refinished” so you never mistake one for an original-finish recycled ball.
Mint Refinished
- Appears brand new, with a small “Refinished by Links Choice” stamp for full transparency.
- Refurbished via stripping, repainting, stamping, and clear-coating.
- New-ball look at a fraction of the price, with similar performance.