So a couple days ago my package of 36 "recycled" Bridgestone e6 golf balls arrived from Amazon.com. It's really the first time that I've purchased used golf balls in the 14 years I've been playing golf.

Naturally, I was expecting a few blemishes, but was pleasantly surprised to find not one. I mean, maybe 3 or 4 of them had visible wearing to the ink in the logo, but I honestly have to say that if you hadn't told me these were recycled golf balls I probably would think they're new. And considering the price ($28 for 36 recycled balls versus $25 for 12 new), it's a steal. Even better is I used a gift certificate given to me by my credit card company for rewards points. So technically they were free!

I don't know why I'm so pleased with this "discovery", but I am. I guess I shied away from used golf balls before because I assumed they'd be in crappier shape. I'm hoping this purchase experience is par for the course. If so, I may never buy new again.