Are big golf balls legal?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 16, 2026
One of its defining features: the ball is actually larger than a standard golf ball. We know what you're thinking. And yes, it's legal. Per the rules of golf, a ball cannot be smaller than 1.68 inches.
What is the largest legal golf ball?
If you get a lot of backspin then your ball will balloon up and lose distance. Illegal golf balls are sometimes smaller in size. Legal golf balls can't be smaller than 1.68 inches in diameter.
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Here is what makes golf balls illegal:
- Fewer dimples.
- Low spin.
- Smaller size.
- Heavier.
- Bigger core.
Are Callaway Big balls legal?
First, they are legal for play and conform with the U.S. Golf Association and R&A Rules of Golf. Second, these balls are not for everyone. For pros, serious amateurs and traditionalists, Callaway offers the Chrome Soft, Chrome Soft X and the new ERC Soft.
Do bigger golf balls help?
If you are a player searching for as much distance as possible off the tee, then look elsewhere. However if you are a player that is struggling to hit fairways and struggle to keep the ball in play, then a larger ball could be for you. Higher handicappers in particular may find this very useful in their games.
Which golf balls are oversized?
Callaway Supersoft Magna is an oversized golf ball with a super easy-to-hit construction for increased distance and high, consistent launch. Magna is larger, yes larger, than a standard golf ball while still conforming to the rules of golf.
33 related questions foundDo oversized golf balls make a difference?
The larger size of the Magna definitely gives a confidence boost when standing over the ball. As Callaway suggests, the higher CG helped launch the ball higher, while the straight flight on the majority of shots I hit was by far and away its most impressive feature.
Is Callaway supersoft max legal?
And yes, it's legal. Per the rules of golf, a ball cannot be smaller than 1.68 inches. But it can be bigger as long as the ball does not exceed 1.62 ounces. Callaway accomplished this with their Supersoft Max.
Are Callaway max balls bigger?
The Max has an oversized design (three per cent larger than a standard ball), which Callaway say promotes distance, straight ball flight, and super soft characteristics in an easy-to-hit construction that conforms to the rules of golf.
Why are Callaway golf balls bigger?
The oversized design is engineered for increased consistency and high launch while conforming to the rules of golf. All of this forgiveness is designed to promote more consistent contact for increased distance. Our Tri-Blend Ionomer Cover is specifically built to increase ball speed.
Do illegal golf balls work?
Best Overall. If you are going to play with illegal golf balls, you may as well get some great benefits out of them. The Polara Self Correcting are golf balls that will give you a very straight flight, but they are not suitable for tournament play. This is a great ball for those that are struggling with a slice.
Is there an illegal golf ball?
10 Best Illegal Golf Balls in 2022. The best illegal golf balls, which feature some special characteristics in design and structure, will give golfers excellent support, allowing them to quickly improve their games by offering a great amount of added distance with self-correcting tech to enhance ball flights.
How much further do illegal golf balls go?
In fact, some illegal balls can add as much as 15 yards to your shots. Of course, there are a couple of hitches with illegal balls. While they are a blast for casual play, they won't do anything to improve your game. In fact, if you use them too often, they could actually hinder your game.
Can golf balls be different sizes?
It will be clear even to newer golfers by now that golf balls come in different sizes. Although the size of the ball used in tournaments is a more popular choice, there is no set limitation on it, as long as it is bigger than 1.68 inches and does not weigh more than 45.93 grams.
Whats the difference between Supersoft and Supersoft Max?
The popular Supersoft features a new cover blend borrowed from the up-market ERC Soft for better greenside performance. The new oversized Supersoft Max, about 4 percent larger in diameter, aims to help those with slower swing speeds and prone to mis-hits to launch shots higher through the bag.
What is the difference between Chrome soft vs Supersoft?
Chrome Soft is a premium, all-round golf ball intended for golfers that seek more control and spin around the green, while Supersoft is an oversized, distance golf ball designed for golfers who seek speed and distance.
Is Callaway Supersoft a distance ball?
Often when golfers think about balls designed for slower swing speeds, they think of hard balls built to get further down the fairway. Callaway's Supersoft ball does increase distance and reduce spin, but is the softest ball Callaway have ever made.
What does a Supersoft golf ball do?
The basic premise of the Supersoft golf balls is that it is a long, and straight golf ball that has a very soft feel to it. The low compression core makes ball speeds faster than normal and causes more consistency due to less spin.
What compression is Callaway Supersoft?
As is implied in the name, the Callaway 2021 Supersoft golf balls have a very low compression rating of around 38. This allows golfers with slow swing speeds to compress the ball sufficiently for optimal energy transfer.
Is Titleist Tour soft a 3 piece ball?
The Titleist Tour Soft has been designed for golfers looking for distance, soft feel, and spin. The Titleist Tour Soft is a two piece golf ball with an extremely soft and large core.
Would a smaller golf ball go further?
The smaller ball known as the “Small Ball” or “British Ball” was an option for golfers playing under R&A rules. Although the difference in size sounds minimal it had a significant impact on the flight of the ball with the smaller version flying farther and straighter than the larger version.
What is the legal size of a golf ball?
According to the USGA Rules of Golf, the diameter of the ball shall not be less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm). A smaller golf ball will generally fly further than a larger one given the weight is equal. The reason for this is: having a smaller diameter ball means less air resistance.
When did the 1.62 golf ball become illegal?
In 1974, The R&A took a significant step toward uniformity when they made the larger 1.68-inch ball mandatory in their Open Championship. However, it was not until Jan. 1, 1990, just 27 years ago, that The R&A officially outlawed the smaller golf ball.
How big is a racquetball?
(a) The standard racquetball shall be close to 2 1/4 inches in diameter; weigh approximately 1.4 ounces; have a hardness of 55-60 inches durometer; and bounce 68-72 inches from a 100-inch drop at a temperature of 70-74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are vice golf balls legal?
Are vice balls legal? Yes, all five (the pro balls and others) are 100% legal. They have been an approved golf ball by the USGA and R&A so you can play them in tournaments worldwide.
Are mg golf balls legal?
USGA non-conforming.
The MG Senior (unlike our other balls) is not legal for most tournament play. It is for golfers who want more enjoyment from the game.