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I save all the balls I find so I can use them to practice putting and chipping. I was wondering if it makes a big difference to practice with balls other than what you're using on the course. I can understand it really doesn't matter for driving and irons, but when it comes to feel, like putting, how important is it?

To me it does. I pratice on the green with the balls I play with. The feel of the putter is different but more important is chiping. I don't mind hitting a hard rock at the driving range but it will not act the same way on the green.

The balls I find around the course go in my shag bag. I will only use these at the local school while hitting wedges, etc. For practicing chipping and putting I will use the same type of ball I play with.

As long as it is a similar ball, there is no problem. A Nike One, Hogan Black, Callaway HX, Pro V, etc won't make a bit of difference if you are chipping with them. Chipping with a Pinnacle and then playing a Pro V will have a little difference but probably not enough to make one unable to adjust.

One thing I like to do is use an old, soft Strata ball and an early version Nike distance ball for short putting - "three feet-ish". They are like night and whatever the opposite of night is. I try to get them to barely fall in to hole. I helps a lot with my feel. But I only do it with short putts, for chipping and regular putting, I use my game ball.