Not only the size of the ball but the contents. Golf balls are made up of many layers. Some like elastic bands. The centre is filled with a grey substance which is put in under force. Should this be pierced it could explode doing untold damage.

Like you I hate to interfere but if there is a danger to a dog then I can't help myself. Often people just hadn't seen the danger. I think you did the right thing

Although I might be a little embrassed in the labradoddle owners position I would appreciate the genuine concern you had shown for the well being of my dog.

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I gave him the impression that it was only my dogs I was concerned about and then I thought it was dangerous for his puppy too. From what everyone has said about the filling, I wish I had known all that at the time. I could have given him details. To be honest, I would never let a dog play with a golf ball, but if it is their first dog they probably don't realise.

He wasn't bothered about losing it at the time, not with six other dogs to play with!

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No way would I let my medium sized dogs play with a golf ball, let alone a big dog. Not just the danger of choking, but potential damage to their teeth too. My dogs are used to balls being quite soft, and bite into them when catching them.
Some people just don't think of the risks, the number of times I've seen people throwing sticks like you throw a javelin I try to tell them, if you must throw a stick, throw it like a discus so it lands flat, and don't let the dog go for it until it's landed safely.

I think you did the right thing mentioning it, dogs should have balls in relation to their size, admitted some breeds/dogs seem dafter then others as regards to getting things stuck, and it often doesnt end there I have heard of dogs completely swallowing tennis balls. if the potential is there in the size of the object to the size of the dog being able to actually do it then its always better to play safe.

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And there's this:
Vets remove five golf balls from Doberman's stomach in emergency op... and they may have been there for six months | Mail Online

I would of done the same.

I was in PAH at the weekend and overheard a man and his daughter trying to choose a rattle type ball for his dog. Bloke said the ball wasn't loud enough so would try toys r us for a baby toy!

I couldn't help myself and had to ask what breed his dog was.... A lab! I told him that a baby toy probably wouldn't last 5 minutes with a lab plus there's the risk of choking. He was ok about it, he just wanted something to occupy his dog whilst he was at work.

Sometimes people have the best intentions but don't think about the realities of the situation.

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Courtesy of Pheebus!

I would have told him too-obviously nicely

I remember the horror when dexter had picked one up from a family members golf bag lying around-I completely freaked! Luckily it was taken out within seconds and he didn't choke/swallow etc..

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Sonny used to play with a golf ball when he was a young pup - he used to bat it around rather than chew it or it being thrown for him though. As soon as he was a little bit older and it was obvious the the golf ball was a chocking hazard it got taken away. So I would not let my cocker spaniel play with one never mind a larger dog but sometimes people just do not realise the risks.

No, you were absolutely right to say something. They may have been completely unaware of the risks they are taking - it never ceases to amaze me the number of people who still throw sticks for their dogs inspite of the publicity warning of dangers.