Golf Balls Crafts Ideas: 15 Fun Projects That Turn Simple Balls Into Creative Gold
If you’ve ever opened your garage and tripped over a bucket of old golf balls, you know the struggle is real. They’re too beat up to use on the course but too good to toss. So what do you do? You get crafty. Yep — those little dimpled spheres are basically DIY gold. In this guide, I’m serving you 15 golf balls crafts ideas that are fun, practical, and maybe even gift-worthy. From home décor to seasonal decorations, you’ll find a project that makes you think, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Let’s roll through the creativity, one idea at a time.
1: Golf Ball Snowmen

A golf ball snowman is exactly what it sounds like: stack three white golf balls together, add a tiny scarf, hat, and buttons, and boom — instant winter cheer. It’s one of the most popular golf balls crafts ideas for Christmas because it’s cheap, easy, and looks like something you’d actually buy at a craft fair.
Ever wondered why this works so well? It’s because golf balls already have the perfect snowball look. Just hot-glue them in a vertical stack, draw eyes and a carrot nose with markers or paint, and you’ve got yourself a frosty friend that never melts.
Pros:
- Super easy to make with just hot glue and markers
- Great family-friendly craft (kids love decorating them)
- Makes excellent tree ornaments or shelf décor
Cons:
- Doesn’t stand well without a base
- Limited to winter or holiday use
2: Garden Critters

Here’s one for your backyard: paint golf balls to look like ladybugs, bees, or turtles and scatter them in flower beds. Not only does it add whimsy, but it also doubles as a quirky conversation starter when guests notice them.
Golf balls are weather-resistant, so they won’t break down easily outdoors. With a little acrylic paint and sealant spray, your critters will hold up through rain and sun.
Pros:
- Adds charm to outdoor spaces
- Long-lasting with sealant
- Great way to repurpose dozens of old balls
Cons:
- Painting takes patience and multiple coats
- Can look “crafty” if not painted neatly
3: Decorative Vase Fillers

Want a stylish centerpiece without spending a fortune at a home store? Drop painted golf balls into a glass vase, and suddenly you’ve got high-end décor. You can color them metallic for a modern look or bright pastels for spring.
According to Statista, Americans spend nearly $35 billion on home décor annually. Why not keep a little of that money in your wallet and DIY it with golf balls you already have?
Pros:
- Budget-friendly alternative to store-bought fillers
- Endless customization with colors and textures
- Works year-round for table décor
Cons:
- Can get heavy in large glass containers
- Needs frequent dusting if left uncovered
4: Drawer Pulls

Yes, you can literally turn golf balls into drawer handles. Cut them in half or drill through them, attach to hardware screws, and you’ve got bold, sporty knobs. They’re especially cool in a game room or kid’s dresser.
And hey, IMO, this is one of the most functional golf balls crafts ideas you’ll actually use daily.
Pros:
- Adds a playful, unique touch to furniture
- Extremely durable (they’re designed to take hits, after all)
- Great upcycle project
Cons:
- Requires power tools (not everyone’s thing)
- May feel too bulky for small furniture
5: Golf Ball Planters

Hollow out a golf ball (a drill works fine), add a little soil and a succulent, and you’ve created the cutest micro-planter. Stick them on your windowsill, and you’ve got modern, eco-friendly décor.
Succulents are low-maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about constant watering. A little greenery plus a golf ball base? Chef’s kiss.
Pros:
- Perfect size for small succulents
- Easy, trendy, and sustainable décor idea
- Makes thoughtful handmade gifts
Cons:
- Limited plant options (tiny ones only)
- Needs careful drilling to avoid cracking the ball
6: Holiday Ornaments

Golf balls aren’t just for snowmen — they make amazing Christmas ornaments too. Paint them like Santa, elves, or even abstract patterns, then tie a ribbon loop on top. They’re sturdy, lightweight, and look fantastic on the tree.
According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 94 million U.S. households put up a Christmas tree each year. That’s a lot of potential for golf ball ornaments.
Pros:
- Inexpensive alternative to store-bought ornaments
- Nearly unbreakable (kids and pets safe!)
- Customizable for any holiday theme
Cons:
- Can be tricky to hang if ribbon isn’t secured well
- Time-consuming if making in bulk
7: Keychains

A drilled golf ball makes a surprisingly good keychain. It’s durable, distinctive, and big enough that you’ll never lose your keys again. Paint it for extra flair, or keep it classic white for a minimalist vibe.
FYI, these also make great gifts for golfers. Wrap one up with a new glove or tee pack, and you’ve got a thoughtful little combo.
Pros:
- Super practical, everyday use
- Personalizable with names or logos
- Makes an affordable handmade gift
Cons:
- Adds bulk to your pocket
- Drilling can be messy without proper tools
8: Golf Ball Candle Holders

Cut a flat bottom into a golf ball, drill a hole on top, and you’ve got a quirky tea-light holder. Painted metallic, they look surprisingly chic on a dinner table or mantel.
Ever wondered why they look so classy? It’s because the dimples catch the light beautifully, creating a subtle shimmer.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly candle décor
- Looks more elegant than you’d expect
- Compact and easy to store
Cons:
- Works best for tiny candles only
- Heat may discolor paint over time
9: Photo Holders

Want a DIY desk accessory? Drill a hole into a golf ball and insert a wire coil — now you’ve got a photo holder. Perfect for displaying snapshots, notes, or recipe cards.
This is one of those golf balls crafts ideas that’s functional and fun. Plus, it adds a sporty twist to your home office.
Pros:
- Easy to customize with paint
- Useful for offices, kitchens, or bedrooms
- Doubles as a small gift idea
Cons:
- Only holds lightweight paper or photos
- Wire can loosen if not glued well
10: Garden Markers

Paint golf balls with plant names, stick them on wooden dowels, and use them as garden markers. Not only do they add color, but they also stand up to rain better than paper tags.
According to the National Gardening Association, 55% of U.S. households garden regularly. That’s millions of people who could use a durable marker idea like this.
Pros:
- Weatherproof compared to paper or plastic
- Easy to spot among plants
- Fun way to involve kids in gardening
Cons:
- Requires waterproof paint/sealant
- Can fade after long sun exposure
11: Desk Toys / Stress Balls

No, they don’t squish, but painted golf balls with funny faces or quotes make great desk stress relievers. Roll them around while you think, or just keep them as quirky decorations.
Sometimes, crafting isn’t about utility — it’s just about making you smile. 🙂
Pros:
- Fun, lighthearted desk accessory
- Helps relieve fidgeting or stress
- Super cheap to make
Cons:
- Not functional beyond aesthetics
- Can roll off desks easily
12: Party Favors

Hosting a golf-themed party? Painted golf balls make fantastic favors. Personalize them with guest names or event dates, and you’ve got a souvenir people won’t throw away.
These especially shine (pun intended) at bachelor parties, birthdays, or retirement celebrations.
Pros:
- Memorable, unique favor idea
- Easy to personalize in bulk
- Works for kids and adults alike
Cons:
- Prep time can be long if you need dozens
- Not useful for non-golf fans
13: Bird Feeder Accents

Glue golf balls into your DIY bird feeders as decorative touches. Paint them to match your backyard theme and watch as they blend into your garden setup.
Birdwatching is a hobby for over 45 million Americans, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Adding golf ball accents is just one more way to elevate the experience.
Pros:
- Adds charm to backyard feeders
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Inexpensive decoration option
Cons:
- Needs strong adhesive to withstand weather
- Mostly decorative, not functional
14: Sports-Themed Wall Art

Cut golf balls in half and glue them onto a canvas to create 3D wall art. Arrange them into patterns, initials, or abstract designs. Painted monochrome, they look surprisingly high-end.
This is one of those golf balls crafts ideas that straddles the line between DIY and real art.
Pros:
- Looks impressive and unique
- Can be framed for a polished finish
- Fully customizable in size and style
Cons:
- Requires a lot of balls for bigger projects
- Cutting them evenly can be tough
15: Jewelry Holders

Last but not least: turn golf balls into ring or earring holders. Slice a slit into the top, paint them in luxe finishes (gold, marble, etc.), and suddenly you’ve got functional jewelry storage.
They’re perfect for nightstands or bathrooms where you need a quick spot to keep rings safe.
Pros:
- Super practical for everyday use
- Looks elegant with the right paint job
- Cheap alternative to jewelry trays
Cons:
- Limited to small jewelry items
- Needs precise cutting to hold pieces well
Conclusion
So there you have it — 15 golf balls crafts ideas that prove those little dimpled orbs aren’t just for the fairway. Whether you’re decorating for the holidays, upgrading your garden, or just killing a rainy afternoon, these projects give old golf balls a second life. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and let’s be honest — way more fun than tossing them in the trash.
So, what’s stopping you? Grab that bucket of old balls, heat up the glue gun, and get crafting. Who knew a sport could come with so many side hustles for your creativity?

William Martin is a passionate bowler who spends most of his weekends playing the sport. With years of intense experience under his belt, William decided to share his knowledge by creating BOWLING OCEAN. Join me on this journey to explore the world of bowling and discover the tips and tricks to becoming a pro.