In the niche sport of footgolf, where players kick a ball into 18 oversized holes in as few strokes as possible, equipment selection has become a critical component of professional play. Ben Clarke, a leading figure in the sport, maintains a collection of footballs that he regularly inflates to ensure they remain in peak condition. This practice extends even to balls kept in their original packaging, highlighting the importance of equipment integrity in a sport where precision is paramount.

Despite the sport's focus on accuracy, there is a noted trend among elite players to acquire specific, sometimes polarizing, ball models. Clarke, for instance, prioritizes a particular Adidas Jabulani ball, which he describes as 'the worst ball I’ve seen in my life.' This pursuit of specific equipment suggests that even balls with poor reputations among general football players may offer unique flight characteristics or performance traits that footgolfers find advantageous. The 'arms race' to secure these specific items reflects the growing professionalization of the sport, as players seek any potential edge to improve their performance on the course.