The golf ball retriever, primarily used for (as the name conveys) retrieving golf balls comes in a variety of different designs for reaching effectively into unreachable hazards such as ponds, lakes or creeks.  As golfers can be picky about their tools of the trade, golf ball retrievers have also adapted with technology.  If you are one these picky golfers you may want to first shop around and try a few before purchasing one.  The average ball retriever should be a retractable pole with a claw type end that extends to reach at least eight or ten feet and once retracted shrink small enough to comfortably ride in your golf bag.  Some can be found to even fit in a pocket of your golf bag.

The use of a golf ball retriever is rather straight forward.  A golf accessory usually kept in the golf bag in case of the unfortunate circumstance that a water hazard is encountered it is one that may not always see that much use.  You may also be the type of golfer who does not carry one at all which is not found to be an uncommon practice, some view simply carrying one as a terrible omen.

In such scenarios that a water hazard or other unreachable area is hit, the golf ball retriever can be extended and locked into place at the desired length.  Once the head of the ball retriever is close the stranded golf ball a gentle sweeping motion should eventually pick up the golf ball onto the end of the pole.  Depending on water flow, level of patience and the steadiness of hand this endeavor can sometimes turn into a lengthy process.

The five minute rule that applies when locating lost golf balls should also be applied to this situation especially be at busy times of the day.  Once the ball is carefully brought from the water always remember to pick up the ball retriever and any clubs you may had with you, place them back in your golf bag and continue on with you round.

The best advice to avoid slowing play while retrieving a lost golf ball is to abide by the mentioned five minute rule, let a group waiting behind play through while you look or simply play an ancient ball on holes where you may encounter a hazard.  Although most golfers want to say that do not need a ball retriever in their bag most golfers also see a water hazard every couple rounds.