Saskatchewan’s slice of the problem: Canada’s golfers lose millions of balls annually

Fall golfing in Saskatchewan is a beauty that meets the challenge of finding lost balls. As the leaves turn gold, orange, and red, fall provides a stunning backdrop for golfers across Saskatchewan. With crisp air, fewer crowds, and scenic landscapes, autumn rounds are a delight. However, they also present a unique challenge: finding your golf ball amid the vibrant fall foliage.

Once a shot drifts slightly off course, even brightly coloured balls can blend into the sea of fallen leaves. White balls, in particular, disappear in the mix of fiery reds and golden yellows. Many golfers joke that in fall, they’re not just perfecting their swing—they’re sharpening their detective skills.

This added challenge contributes to the staggering number of lost balls across the province. Saskatchewan, with its more than 150 golf courses, sees an estimated 800,000 to 1 million golf balls lost annually. The province’s windy conditions, open prairies, and water hazards only add to the difficulty of recovering errant shots.

The average golfer loses 2 to 5 balls per round, and with 60 million rounds played annually in Canada, according to Golf Canada, millions of balls vanish each year. Globally, that number climbs to 300 million lost balls, according to a Golf Digest report. Canada’s large golfing community contributes significantly to that figure.

While the fall season may be fleeting, golfers in Saskatchewan will enjoy the picturesque setting while honing both their golf game and their ability to find hidden balls.