How two golfing buddies went from the green to the garage and beyond
When Manchester Ball Boys founders, Pete and Ed, started playing golf during lockdown, they quickly realised something – they were terrible at it. But every lost ball from every wayward shot led them to an idea. Why not turn those wayward shots into something meaningful?
So, in early 2023, they launched their business from a humble back garden shed. Surrounded by piles of used golf balls, the duo set to work cleaning, sorting, and preparing each ball for resale. But what began as a small operation quickly blossomed into a full-scale business with a mission to give golf balls a second life and make the sport more eco-friendly.
Their ethos isn’t just about selling golf balls, it’s about making each ball special. By sharing the unique history behind every ball, from water hazards survived to logos of past tournaments, Manchester Ball Boys turn each sale into a story. They have even scoured ponds and partnered with local golf courses to ensure their stock ranged from premium brands such as Titleist to quirky novelties.
Sustainability has been at the heart of their approach. The two founders designed plastic-free packaging and included bamboo tees with each order, aligning their business with their eco-friendly values. Each golf ball that gets a second life helps reduce waste, and customers love that their equipment is as green as the courses they play on.
As the business grew, so did their presence in the local golfing community. Manchester Ball Boys is a proud sponsor of the 15th hole at Reddish Vale Golf Club, a tough uphill dogleg that mirrors their own journey—challenging but rewarding. Today, their operation has expanded from a small shed to a 1,500 sq ft warehouse, and daily sales now average an impressive 2,500 balls.
Being shortlisted for Start-Up of the Year in the British Business Awards has validated their efforts and ignited their ambition to reach new heights. For Manchester Ball Boys, this is just the beginning of a journey.
