Introduction: Golf Ball Dead Drop

Dead Drops are a great tool for transferring information because they allow an informant to transfer large amounts of data  to another party, without blowing their cover to anyone involved.  All that is needed is an inconspicuous item to hold the information and a predetermined location to place that item.  Dead Drops have been used in spying and espionage for years and have become a staple of the industry.  What I believe to be the most common Dead Drop devices are hollow bolts and hollow spikes... not very exciting, interesting or inconspicuous... how many places could you leave a bolt or spike without it being noticed and removed?  The whole point of these devices it that they 'hide in plain sight'  - which is what I aim to show you in this instructable.  Virtually every city / town has a golf course - which means stray golf balls. Hiding an old beat up golf ball in the out of bounds area is a perfect  Dead Drop device.  You can also have some fun, by taking in a round of golf as you hide the device; or, if you are not a good golfer,  you can at least "spoil a good walk".  

Step 1: Gather Supply's

1: Golf Ball('s)
2: Micro SD card
3: Hack Saw
4: packing material
5: Super Glue
6: White Paint
7: Water or actual cutting fluid (optional, for cooling the blade)

Step 2: Putting the Secret Files on the Micro SD

The first requirement is obviously having files that you need to transfer to someone else secretly.  Using a micro SD card, store the files.  (If you like you can password protect or encrypt the files for an extra lever of security.) The GB size of the card is up to you - with sizes seemingly increasing every day, the amount of files that you can transfer is HUGE!!!

Step 3: Cut the Golf Ball in Half

First you are going to cut the golf ball in half; this is easier said then done, as cutting a round object can be very difficult.  I would recommend first clamping the golf ball in a vice to secure it - then SLOWLY cut through the golf ball.  If you cut too fast you will heat up the blade and either bend, or damage it.  It is much easier to apply ONE continuous cut - rather than cutting part way through, turning the ball, and continuing the cutting.  It is also helpful to note that you do not need to cut through the middle of the golf ball - you can  just cut off a side portion as I did.

Step 4: Prepare the MicroSD Card

Before you put the SD inside the golf ball, it is helpful to give it some extra insulation.  I would recommend using a thin styrofoam, or something else that you have on hand, that would work as padding.  Just wrap the material around the SD card and secure it by wrapping tape around both the card and packing material.

Step 5: Hollow Out a Small Cavity in the Core of the Golf Ball

Once you are ready to place the micro SD inside the golf ball, you need to remove a small amount of the core so you have room for the card.  I would recommend doing this with either a large drill bit or a chisel.  You should hollow out more then enough room, to allow space for the padding that you put on the card earlier.  

Step 6: Put the Golf Ball Back Together

Now you are ready to put it all back together.  Place the half of the golf ball with the SD card on a table and use lots of super glue on it - being careful not to get any on the micro SD.  Adhere the two sides together and place them under pressure in the vice.  If nessary you can add more glue to the seam, if there are visible gaps.  Leave the glue to dry for at least a day.

Step 7: Making It Look Better

Before you touch up the golf ball  to look 'normal' again,  you should mark the ball so that whomever you are passing the information to will be able to recognize it.  This is something that golfers commonly do, so that they can easily identify it as their own.  You should mark the ball with a predetermined symbol, letter, number or other mark.

To refinish the golf ball, take some sand paper and carefully sand down any edges caused by the gluing  - until it is completely smooth.  Then take some white oil based  paint and give it a light coat at the cut mark.  Continue applying coats of paint until it blends in. 

Step 8: Using It...

All that is left is 'hiding' the ball at a golf course,.  Most courses have a walking path through the course; although, playing a round of golf is perfectly acceptable!  Just place the golf ball in a predetermined location and relax at the club house.  Your work is done.