The present teachings include
computer program products, systems, methods, and platforms for scanning a
golf ball (or similar) by a user (e.g., using a smartphone while on a golf course,
driving range, practice area, pro shop, or similar) to identify and assess attributes and features thereof, such as manufacturer / brand, model, condition, playability, and so on. The present teachings may also or instead provide advantages and / or disadvantages related to playing with a certain type and / or condition of
golf ball or the like, and make recommendations for golf balls for a user, where such information may be customized to the particular user—e.g., via a user inputting, or the
system otherwise retrieving, information related to play and / or preferences of the user, such as the user's handicap or
skill level, playing style, desired distance and / or trajectory, age, weight, gender,
physical fitness level and / or strength, handedness, value preference, expected durability, and so on.