When we first learned about the Dixon Golf company, we were intrigued to say the least. Most golf balls use materials that can’t be recycled and some even contain metals like tungsten, cobalt and lead that can be hazardous to the environment and to a small percentage of individuals. Dixon Earth was created to avoid these issues. They worked for quite some time to determine what kind of polymer could be used for the construction of the ball. Ball construction isn’t the only “green” feature Dixon Earth has going. The ball’s packaging is made from recycled materials and is completely recycleable, as well.
However when it comes to everything “green” two things stand out no matter if we are speaking golf or anything else.
1. Cost
2. Does it work as well as the “non-green” products
When asked to review this golf ball I have to say that I was pretty skeptical on whether or not they could possibly perform at the same level as some of the golf balls that are out right now. But we were very interested to find out on our own because we have seen the press about them. The Dixon Earth Golf Ball is made of 100% recyclable material, however we learned that the ball itself will not biodegrade much faster than a normal golf ball. So to combat this issue, the company has started a program in which they include a pouch in each dozen and when the balls are scuffed or worn out, you can return them back to the company for a discount on your next dozen.
With all of that said, we were eager to take these for a test drive. Dixon Golf sent over two types of balls for us to try. The Dixon Earth is a two-piece golf ball and the new Dixon Earth Eco-Distance which is a two-piece ball with a surlyn cover. Once armed with these we headed out to the course for some testing. Myself and one other person were set to put them into play and then following the round we would head to the practice green for chipping and putting.
Since it was late in the day each one of us got to play 2 balls for the entire 9 holes. We each got to play both the Earth and the Earth Eco-Distance. Throughout the 9 holes we both remarked that neither ball we felt lost any distance off the tee. Both seemed to perform just like the typical ball that we are used to playing. Approach shots gave us similar results. Roger, (playing partner) normally plays the Titleist DT Carry and felt as though on approach shots the Dixon Golf balls actually had slightly more spin and were holding on the green a little more. He could not notice much of a difference betwen either the Earth or the Eco-Distance throughout his round both off the tee or around the greens.
I normally play a “tour caliber” 3 piece golf ball and found that, like I said above, off the tee noticed no difference in my game. My approach shots were not spinning back like I was used to, however they would take one bounce and either stop or have a small “roll out”. They definitely had more spin than most of the distance 2 piece golf balls I had tried in the past, but not quite as much as the 3 piece balls I was used to playing. We finished the round fairly impressed’ however one thing stood out and that was that the balls are not very durable. During my normal round, wedge shots will cause some damage to the balls I am used to playing. However with the Dixon Earth and Eco-Distance they were getting cut up and scuffed it seemed at a record pace.
At the practice green our thoughts from the course rang true again. However I want to add that I think their putting alignment tool stamped on both balls is very good. It seems as though this has been a major issue with me recently as some companies just cannot seem to get it right. These work great! Around the green we found chipping and all other aspects of the short game to be quite good with the Dixon Golf Balls. Not at the level of a “tour caliber” ball, but as good as most 2 piece balls we have tried and even better than the “average” 3 piece ball. We were still having a tough time noticing any sort of difference between the two different versions we were trying, but we found that both Roger and myself really were enjoying the feel and sound the Dixon balls were giving off.
Overall, we think that Dixon Golf has produced a fine golf ball, while at the same time doing a little something to help the “green” initiative. The price on these are about $35 per dozen which seems a little high to us, however you usually do pay a premium for items such as these. With the buy back program, you can get about a $1 back per ball that you send in, but we are just not sure how many will do that. It reminds me a little of mail in rebates. But if you cut one during a round, you have the option of tucking it away and bringing out a new one until you have a chance to send them back. If helping the cause is your thing, we strongly recommend giving these a try. For more information on Dixon Golf check out their website.
Till Next Time
Josh B.
