I will usually start with a "used" ball if it is still in very good condition (no scuffs or abrasions), but if I complete the round with that ball then it will go to the shag bag and I'll start my next round with a new ball.

I absolutely need a fresh ball to begin a round.  I provides a sense of a fresh start to a new round.  If, by chance, I lose one or it gets damaged along the way I have no problem pulling out a slightly used ball thereafter.

Always start off with a brand new white ProV1...   Unless i'm not feeling it, then i'll use an old ball and consider it a "breakfast ball".. 

Tournament rounds, yes.  Practice rounds, not always.

Hi Mike,

    Not quite sure why, but I always use a new ProV1 on my weekend rounds, and usually use that same ball for any rounds during the week....just habit I guess....

     Of course, we're probably a few weeks away from that tradition starting again here in western Mass.....although I can remember years when we've played on President's Day weekend.....maybe not this year though...!!

                                                                               B.P.

Mike, 

I am definitely one of those guys that likes to tee up a ball that has some experience. I certainly do not want to tee up a ball that is in terrible shape, but I like a little "character".

Honestly, when I start a round with a new ball, it feels different than a typical practice / casual round. I then put a little pressure on myself and do not play as well. When I tee up a used ball, it feels like a round with my friends and I relax.

Maybe that's just me....

ah good point Bubba about the mental side of things. Maybe I should start playing the "practice" balls to trick myself into believing that I'm just having a practice session rather than playing a qualifier.

Bubba,

That makes two of us.

I'm just the opposite. I never tee up a new ball to start a round. I always use whatever ball is at the top of the sleeve. Only if a ball becomes damaged or decides to take swimming lessons do I tee up a new ball.

I'm with Gary. Even if there's just bragging rights on the line, I use a new ball.

Mike, the first two holes at my club have trouble left, O.B. I generally tee off with a slightly experienced

Pro-V. I usually break out a new one by the fourth hole.

Hi Mike,

I like playing the same ball until it's time to make a change (whether I lose it or the ball gets scuffed up). When my swing is in form, I am sometimes playing the same ball several rounds in a row. But I do have to admit, it's a nice feeling teeing up a brand new ProV1.

I always tee up a new ball since any used balls go into my practice bag.  I will pull out a used ball in the middle of a round if the round is not shaping up well and there's no point to keep playing new balls.

For a casual round with some friends I just go with what ever Titleist Pro V1 I happen to pull out of the bag. If it is a competitive round, then I always use a new ball with fresh markings. Any balls that show significant signs of wear get retired to the shag bag at the end of each round.

Tyler

New one always out of the gate!!

I do both with really no rhyme or reason.  If I have a used ball that is still in great shape from my last round, I usually pull that one out of the bag.  If not, I'll pull a new one.  But then sometimes for really no reason, I'll pull a new one out of the sleeve.  I've honestly never really put much thought into it before.

i use the best/oldest PROV1 in my bag.. i use them first 

If I happen to grab one with minimal waer then off she goes.. Doesn't really matter, unless it's a tourney.

I always tee it up with a new ball at the start of a tournament round or any competitive round.  If i'm not playing a competitive round (rare) ill tee it up with a used ball in good shape.  Good question though!

I also will tee up a brand new ball for a tournament. Other wise for regular play, I try to get four rounds out of a ball!!!!

I always start with the ball that I fini my last round with unless it's too beaten up. I like the experienced golf ball to start, particularly if I played well in the prior round. 

Mike - nice idea for a poll.

I voted "Yes" with a condition.  I have likely putted or chipped with the ball, but still consider the ball new in that I have never played the ball on course.  If the ball makes it to the end of the round, I mark it (year, course, score) and put it in my practice bag.

cm

Play Well,

Steve S.

I always peg a new rock to start a round.  And I am very superstitious about the number as well. I play #13's normally.  If they are not available, then I black out the number.

Fairways and Greens

TT