Golf balls shortage could have devastating effect A shortage of the products used to produce Surlyn could have a devastating effect on the game of golf by leading to a shortage of golf balls, writes TSN's Bob Weeks.

Bob Weeks TSN Senior Reporter Follow|Archive

A shortage of the products used to produce Surlyn could have a devastating effect on the game of golf by leading to a shortage of golf balls.

“It’s a very scary thought - lots of golfers, but not enough golf balls,” said Dr. Wyatt Ahwl, a scientist with DuPonte, which creates the product.

As Dr. Ahwl explained, a number of the chemicals used in the creation of the artificial Surlyn are in short supply due to the closure of the largest chemical plant in Malaysia because of a massive strike. The workers are asking for better working conditions and a rise in wages.

While most of the game’s biggest manufacturers said the short term needs can be met, if the strike extends beyond the end of April, there will be difficulty in keeping pro shops and golf stores supplied.

“I’d say we can last through the spring, and depending on where you are in the country, maybe early summer,” said one manufacturer asking for anonymity. “But right now, we’re not making anything. Our factories are at a dead stop.”

Most companies are trying not to scare golfers and cause a massive buying spree that will cause supplies to dry up sooner. But all have a nervous eye on what is going on in Asia.

Almost every golf ball is made with Surlyn, a trademarked plastic owned by the DuPonte Corporation. It is used to make the cover of golf balls and add durability.

Without Surlyn, Ahwl said, most golf balls would scuff up after just a few shots. “People would go through a golf ball on almost every hole,” he said.

While the shortage of new balls is of great concern for the manufacturers, a number of companies are eyeing it as an opportunity. Great Old Balls, a Toronto-based company that specializes in selling used golf balls, said it’s preparing for an increase in business.

“We’ve been pulling balls out of ponds all over the country and getting them ready for re-sale,” said Dom Salamacca, the company’s owner. “It could be a big year for us.”

Salamacca said that the word of the shortage is out and many courses are refusing to allow his company on their property, trying to keep what lies in the water for themselves. Still other courses are asking to be paid in golf balls rather than the usual money.

Ahwl said his company is continuing to negotiate with the workers but the strike is already in its third month and it could continue for some time. He added that substitute products are being sourced and one that might work is cocoa beans.

“It might make for tasty golf balls,” he joked. “But seriously, it could work. Hopefully we won’t need to get to that point.”

With files from Lilsy Ahox