Trevor Ng
Golf ball diving is an unusual profession that involves harvesting golf balls from the murky ponds of golf courses. It is physically demanding work, often carried out in adverse conditions with low to zero visibility. Divers must be comfortable working in such conditions and be aware of the dangers posed by wildlife, such as alligators, and underwater obstacles like fishing lines. Golf ball divers are typically paid per ball and may work with a dive crew or use a roller to aid in the retrieval process. This unique line of work comes with its own set of challenges and risks, but some, like Florida resident Glenn Berger, have managed to make a successful business out of it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | 8 to 10 hours per day |
| Work environment | Adverse conditions, low visibility, dangerous wildlife, heavy equipment |
| Work schedule | Any day of the week, depending on golf course events |
| Earnings | $200 per day (anecdotal), $1 per ball, $0.08 to $0.10 per ball |
| Requirements | 18 years or older, certified for unrestricted commercial scuba diving, first aid and dive rescue certified, physically fit |
| Equipment | Scuba gear, gloves, snake bite kit, full-face mask, wetsuit, semi-dry suit, skin and coveralls |
| Legalities | Permission from golf course, signed contract, payment of fees or admission |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of diving for golf balls
Golf ball divers work in adverse conditions. The water is often black and murky, with divers having to rely on touch to find the balls. This low visibility can be extremely challenging for divers, with many unable to handle it.
Divers may also face danger from wildlife, such as alligators and snakes, and from objects hidden underwater. The heavy scuba equipment can get tangled in fishing lines or other obstacles, trapping and drowning divers. Many ponds are littered with broken bottles, which can cause severe cuts.
The work is also physically demanding, repetitive, and tiring. Divers are often on their knees in the mud, raking through the sediment to find the balls. It can be uncomfortable and is not a stable source of income.
Due to these dangers, golf ball divers must be certified for unrestricted commercial scuba diving and have training in first aid and dive rescue. They must also be able to lift up to 60 pounds to move the roller and scuba equipment.
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How to get paid for diving for golf balls
Diving for golf balls can be a lucrative business, but it is not without its challenges. Here are some steps to help you get started in this unique line of work:
Understand the Job
Golf ball divers are typically paid for each ball they recover. The golf course, retailers, and golf ball companies are the usual buyers. While it may sound like an easy task, divers often face adverse conditions, including low visibility, physical demands, and potential dangers from wildlife and underwater objects.
Get Certified
To become a golf ball diver, you must be at least 18 years old and certified for unrestricted commercial scuba diving. This certification can be obtained through accredited scuba diving programs or on-the-job training. Certification courses can last anywhere from 4 to 9 months and cover essential skills such as low-visibility diving, underwater navigation, and search and recovery. You must also be certified in first aid and dive rescue, and have a doctor's approval for sound physical health.
Find Work
Steady work can be challenging to come by in this field. Divers often work part-time and have multiple jobs to make a living. You can search for "golf ball diver jobs" online or try to establish a contract with a golf course or a legal golf ball recycling business.
Prepare for the Challenges
Diving for golf balls is not for the faint of heart. You will be working in murky waters, crawling through mud, and dealing with potential hazards like broken glass and wildlife. Make sure you have the right equipment, including a good torch, a dive flag for safety, and heavy-duty gloves.
Resell the Golf Balls
Once you have collected the golf balls, you can clean, repackage, and resell them at a cheaper price than new balls. The Titleist Pro V1, also known as the "Cadillac" of golf balls, can sell for around $2 each. However, as a diver, you can expect to make around 8-10 cents per ball after paying the course.
Diving for golf balls can be a unique and financially rewarding venture, but it is important to be aware of the challenges and necessary preparations to ensure a safe and successful experience.
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The equipment you need
To dive for golf balls, you will need to be equipped with the right gear and certifications. Here is a list of the essential equipment you will need:
Scuba Gear
Firstly, you will need standard scuba diving equipment, including a wetsuit, an FFM (full face mask), and scuba tanks. This equipment can be heavy, so it is important to be physically fit and comfortable with the weight.
Safety Equipment
Diving for golf balls can be dangerous due to low visibility, wildlife, and underwater obstacles. Thus, safety equipment is crucial. This includes a dive flag, so someone on the surface can monitor your location and pull you out if needed. Heavy-duty gloves are also essential to protect your hands from broken glass, fishing lines, and other underwater debris. Additionally, consider a snakebite kit, especially if you are diving in areas with venomous snakes.
Contract or Permission
Before diving, ensure you have the necessary permissions. Either work with a legitimate golf ball retrieval company or obtain a signed contract with the golf course. Diving without permission could result in legal consequences.
Roller or Dive Crew
Golf ball retrieval can be done with a roller or a dive crew. A roller is a metal disc on wheels that grasps the balls as it moves through the water, but it is limited by pond size. A dive crew typically includes two divers who feel for the balls by hand and a third person on land to ensure safety and direct the divers.
Cleaning Supplies
Finally, consider how you will clean the recovered golf balls. Some divers use a chemical bath to clean the balls before reselling them.
Remember, this type of work is not for everyone, and you should carefully consider the challenges and risks involved before diving into this business.
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How to get permission to dive for golf balls
Golf ball diving is a legitimate business, and it is important to get permission before diving for golf balls. Golf courses usually have agreements in place with individuals or companies for ball recovery.
To get permission, you can follow these steps:
- Contact the golf course: Reach out to the owner or manager of the golf course and express your interest in obtaining permission to dive for golf balls.
- Negotiate the terms: Discuss the terms of the agreement, including any fees or percentages of golf balls that you will need to pay the course.
- Sign a contract: Before diving, ensure that you have a signed contract with the golf course that outlines the agreed-upon terms.
- Carry insurance: Most places will require you to have insurance to protect them in case of any injuries that may occur during the diving work.
- Follow safety guidelines: Golf course owners may also require you to follow specific safety guidelines, especially during daylight hours when there is still a risk of balls flying around the course.
It is important to note that diving for golf balls without permission is considered theft, as the course owns the water hazard and its contents. By obtaining permission and following the necessary steps, you can ensure a safe and legitimate golf ball diving experience.
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The best places to find golf balls
Golf ball divers face several challenges, including poor visibility, pesticides, fertilizers, alligators, snakes, and other wildlife. The water is often filled with muck and chemicals (fertilizer and pesticide runoff), and divers must take safety precautions such as regular tetanus shots and showering after diving. Despite these challenges, golf ball retrieval and recycling have become a multimillion-dollar industry, with hardworking divers earning significant incomes.
Some notable locations for golf ball diving include:
- Arizona and Palm Beach: These locations are considered more favourable due to their plastic-lined, man-made water hazards, providing better visibility than natural ponds.
- Jacksonville, Florida: This is where Scott, a golf ball diver featured in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, specializes in finding submerged golf balls.
- York and Dauphin counties: Steve Goodley, a former amateur golfer, dives for golf balls within a day's drive of these counties and has found many balls in the murky ponds of local golf courses.
- Hilton Head, South Carolina: Roy Rossbauer, a native of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, dives in one of the top golf destinations in the world and earns a substantial income from golf ball retrieval.
These locations offer diverse opportunities for golf ball divers, ranging from comfortable working conditions to lucrative ball-finding prospects.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need scuba diving equipment, including a wetsuit, a FFM, heavy-duty gloves, and a snake bite kit. You will also need to pay for the golf balls you collect, and you may need to pay an admission fee to the golf course.
Yes, you must be a certified, professional diver with training in first aid and dive rescue. You must be at least 18 years old and be certified for unrestricted commercial scuba diving.
Golf ball divers typically earn money for each ball they recover, with buyers including the golf course, retailers, and golf ball companies. Divers may earn about $200 a day, but this is before accounting for taxes and benefits.
Golf ball divers usually work in adverse conditions, with low visibility and physical demands. The work can be dangerous due to wildlife, such as alligators, and underwater objects, such as fishing lines.
You can start by obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications for scuba diving and golf ball diving. You can then reach out to golf courses or golf ball retrieval companies to inquire about contract opportunities.
