If you've never bought second-hand golf balls before, the grading terms can look confusing — what's the actual difference between "Mint," "A/B Grade," and "Practice"? Here's a plain-English breakdown so you know exactly what's landing in your bag.
Mint / Near Mint
These are as close to new as a used ball gets. They've been played once, maybe twice, and show no visible scuffs, scratches, or logo wear. Side by side with a new ball out of the box, most golfers can't tell the difference. This is the grade to choose if you want tour-level performance without the tour-level price.
A/B Grade
A/B Grade balls have light cosmetic wear — small scuff marks, minor scratches, or slight discolouration from being played a handful of times. Here's the important part: none of this affects performance. The dimple pattern, core, and cover are all structurally sound; it's purely cosmetic. This is the sweet spot for golfers who want a genuine tour-level ball at a genuine discount, and don't mind that it doesn't look brand new.
C Grade
C Grade balls show more visible wear — deeper scuffs, more noticeable discolouration, sometimes minor blemishes on the cover. They're still fully playable and structurally fine, but they're priced to reflect the extra cosmetic wear. A good option for value-conscious buyers or bulk stock for casual rounds.
Practice
Practice grade balls are exactly what they sound like — suited for the driving range or practice sessions where cosmetic condition and even minor performance variance simply doesn't matter. This is the most affordable tier and a smart way to stock up without burning through premium balls on the range.
Why Grading Matters When Buying Used
The biggest risk with buying second-hand golf balls isn't the balls themselves — it's not knowing what you're actually getting. A clear, consistent grading system means you know exactly what condition to expect before you buy, whether that's Mint/Near Mint for tournament play or Practice grade for the range bucket.
Every ball at Mulligan is individually graded using this system before it's listed, so there's no guesswork — just pick the grade that matches how and where you're planning to play.
Browse Mint/Near Mint, A/B Grade, and Practice balls across all major brands at mulligangolfballs.com.au.