A method for inspecting golf balls is disclosed. An imager such as a camera captures a digital image of the golf ball. The golf ball image is separated into regions, and a brightness level is determined for each region using a histogram tool. The brightness level of the region is compared with a reference level. If the brightness level of the region is significantly different from the reference level, then the golf ball is diverted. The regions are located from image to image using pattern matching and/or edge finding tools. The environmental light conditions are altered to facilitate the pattern matching and edge finding.