Golf Course Diving

[maverick]

Has any one did any Golf course diving? And what do U encounter? I know probably zero vis. I was told there R Gators in Floridas golf courses. But what do U encounter here in the Midwest? And what is the best way 2 retrieve the golf balls in a pond or lake?

[WV Diver]

I'm no expert but I have read a lot of threads on this and the things that stick out to me are chemicals (Pesticides, herbicides etc.) used to maintain the course, all that goose and cow crap washing in and other similar external considerations. Most of these ponds have no or poor circulation in them.

The diving part, well no vis is likely a given in most any area of the country, alligators, probably not in the Mid-West. Muskrats maybe though. I can't imagine it would be a pleasant experience and I dive some nasty places already and would not want that job.

Profitable, I don't know, you need to ask around. I know lots of folks seem to be paid by the ball. Maybe not a concern for a retired guy.

[divingchef]

I can see the chemicals being a big negative! Probably eat right through your neoprene......I remember at Hilton Head the aligators would come onto the course and eat your golf ball because at some point, one of the brilliant Hilton Head residents decided to feed the gators marshmallows.....so naturally the gators think the balls are those....I don´t know.....need a new wetsuit, 12 dermatologist visits to rectify the skin rash you´ll get, and an arm prothesis to replace the one the gator got taking the "marshmallow" out of your hand......go for it man....or just go to Sorts Chalet and buy x-outs, probably cheaper than the air-fill......

[Willar]

Golf course pond hazzards in Illinois:
- Snapping Turtles
- Snakes
- Really aggressive Bluegill (don't ever wear jewelry!)
- Chemicals
- Goose Poo
- Bad Golfers!

[No Misses]

The best way to recover golf balls on a course lake is with a net. Ditto the comments on unhealthy conditions.

[MLenyo]

Originally Posted by Willar

Golf course pond hazzards in Illinois:
- Snapping Turtles
- Snakes
- Really aggressive Bluegill (don't ever wear jewelry!)
- Chemicals
- Goose Poo
- Bad Golfers!

LOTS of goose poo!

[FishFood]

I watched a documentry about a guy that traveled across the country diving for golf balls. Made pretty good money. They had under water footage and the viz was a good 10ft if not more.

The water hazards are generally what, just dug out places? (im asking, i dont golf i a dont really know) If so, the would-be suspended particles are most likely (in most parts of the US) fairly heavy. In turn, giving decent viz.

[BuzzGA]

Too many nasty chemicals for me

[mike_s]

I'm betting that any course that has a lot of balls in the water already has a ball recovery contract with someone....

no more free lunches out there....