Some very good points being made here as regards the seaside environment and its effect on one's balls. It's especially important to keep them shielded from the sand, where additional strokes can become uncomfortable if not downright painful.
Slightly off topic, but I remember a traumatic experience at the local course when I was just learning the game. Got to the first tee and noticed a strange contraption off to the side. My playing partner told me it was a ball washer so I gave it a try. The pain was so intense I nearly gave up the game right then and there.