There are two potential explanations for the 50,000 plastic golf balls salvaged by divers off the shoreline of California – first, it could simply be the vast amount of players. California is the country’s most densely populated state, while also among the more pleasant ones with respect to the climate. Known as the "Golden State", it is also home to the Hollywood dream factory as well as the high-tech stronghold of Silicon Valley. The money needed to play the not-so-cheap sport golf is certainly not lacking here.

Reason number two might appear much more ordinary. The players on California’s fairways – the golf courses – shine with the arguable fame of having the highest proportion of rookies among their ranks. Their lack of handicap has them beating their balls here, there, everywhere – including straight into the Pacific Ocean.