
As the head golf instructor of Tell Me More Golf, I’ve received many questions about Calcutta golf balls recently.
This article will examine Calcutta golf balls, clarifying what they are and discussing their legal status. We’ll highlight the potential scams associated with their purchase based on customer complaints and reports.
In addition, we’ll provide a list of premium golf balls that are legal, high-quality, and perform exceptionally well for golfers of all skill levels.
Who Makes Calcutta Golf Balls?
Calcutta golf balls are a product offered by Swing Bits, LLC. The company advertises a “free offer” promotion where customers receive a free sleeve of the balls for one-dollar shipping.
However, reports indicate that customers have been charged over $50 on their credit cards after unknowingly signing up for a subscription service for golf swing training videos.
I found that Swingbits.com is a golf training website offering a monthly subscription fee for access to training videos…
However, we didn’t find any information for Calcutta golf balls on their website!
Below is an explanation from a customer service representative from Swing Bits, LLC:
“The Terms and Conditions state that the customer will be charged a non-refundable fee of $1.00 plus applicable taxes for shipping of a sleeve of golf ***** and will also gain access to a 7-day trial membership of our golf tutorial website, Swing Bits.
The customer will have 7 days to evaluate the website and if they are not satisfied can call or email customer service for cancellation and will incur no further charges. If the customer elects not to contact us to cancel within 7 days, he or she will be billed a monthly membership fee $49.99 for access to the website.
The consumer will continue to be billed every 30 days until we are contacted by them to cancel their membership.”
After researching various customer experiences, Calcutta golf balls are not necessarily a scam. Still, their business practices can be considered unethical.
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Should You Use Calcutta Golf Balls?
Knowing their potential scams is vital if you’re considering purchasing Calcutta balls. According to reports, some customers have experienced issues such as being charged for products they did not order or receive.
Reviews of the quality of Calcutta golf balls are mixed.
While some customers find them decent quality, others have complained about their performance.
Additionally, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has stated that Calcutta golf balls are illegal, and you cannot use them in tournaments or high-stakes games.
Alternatively, some golfers may prefer to use established brands with a reputation for high-quality golf balls, such as:
- Titleist Pro V1
- Titleist Pro V1x
- Callaway Chromesoft
- Callaway Supersoft
- Srixon Z-Star, Taylormade TP5X
- Bridgestone Tour B
These brands have a long history of producing high-performance golf balls that professional golfers and amateurs use.
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Why Are Calcutta Golf Balls Illegal?
If you’re considering using Calcutta golf balls, it’s important to understand that limited information is available on their technical details. However, some users on forums have reported that the balls feel nice and soft off the putter face and seem durable.
It’s worth noting that while some golfers may be impressed by the feel and durability of Calcutta golf balls, they are not legal, according to the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Not being on the conforming golf ball list means you cannot legally play them in tournaments or high-stakes games.
Are Calcutta Golf Balls USGA Approved?
Calcutta golf balls are missing from the USGA List of Conforming Golf Balls as of March 1, 2023. Using illegal golf balls in regulated competitions could result in disqualification or other penalties.
You must check the rules and regulations of any golf competition you plan to participate in and ensure you use approved golf balls to avoid potential issues.
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TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Calcutta golf ball?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports that Swing Bits, LLC manufactures Calcutta golf balls. Although they have been in business for approximately four years, they do not have accreditation.
They only have a 1 out of 5-star customer rating on the BBB and Trust Pilot websites. These low ratings are a big concern and suggest that many customers have had negative experiences with the company.
Limited technical details are available about Calcutta golf balls, but user reviews have reported that the balls feel nice and soft off the putter face and seem durable.
Are Golf Calcutta’s legal?
Suppose you are considering participating in a golf Calcutta tournament and wondering about its legality. In that case, the answer is that it varies depending on your location.
While some sources suggest that Calcutta tournaments are legal in certain areas, others argue that it blurs the line between playing for prize money (which is illegal for amateurs) and gambling (which is allowed).
The United States Golf Association (USGA) opposes the Calcutta format for this reason. They argue that it may have legal implications and blur the lines between legal competition and illegal gambling.
It’s essential to remember that participating in a Calcutta tournament may have legal consequences, so it’s recommended to check local laws and regulations before organizing or participating in the Calcutta format.
Why is it called Calcutta?
A “Calcutta” is a betting event typically played during a tournament or competition. It is a form of auction or gambling where players can bid on the golfer or team they think will win the event.
The bids are pooled together, and the money is divided among the winning bidders. A portion goes to the golfer or team that wins the event.
In a Calcutta, each player or team is assigned a value based on their perceived skill level or odds of winning. Bidders then place their bets on the player or team they think will perform the best. The bid amount depends on the number of players participating, the size of the prize pool, and other factors.
Calcuttas can add an element of excitement and competition to golf tournaments. They are a popular way for golfers and fans to enjoy friendly betting.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, Calcutta golf balls are a product offered by Swing Bits, LLC, and have received mixed reviews from customers. While some golfers appreciate the feel and durability of the balls, it’s important to note that they are not legal according to the USGA and cannot be used in regulated tournaments or high-stakes games.
Additionally, reports of scams associated with Calcutta golf balls highlight the need for caution and research before purchasing.
As a trusted advisor in golf apparel and equipment, Tell Me More Golf recommends researching and using established brands known for premium golf balls instead of risky, too-good-to-be-true online offers.
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