The current invention is a golf ball retriever that enables an individual to pick up a golf ball without requiring the user to bend over. The golf ball retriever includes an extendable rod with a cup configured to receive a golf ball disposed at a distal end of the rod. In one embodiment, the extendable rod is in a telescopic arrangement movable between an extend position and a retracted position. In use, the rod is extended and the cup is pressed over the ball. The cup receives the ball, and the ball remains within the cup until removed by a user.