Can golf balls be different sizes?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 13, 2026
What is the standard Golf ball size? In today's golf world, there is only one standard size golf ball that is legal in tournament play and authorized to sell in golf shops. The standard size golf ball today is 1.68 inches, but before the nineteen eighties, the minimum size was 1.62 inches.
Do golf balls have to be the same weight?
The USGA testing standards actually allow for ball weight variations, but golf ball manufacturers can't design a heavier ball than the maximum weight of 1.620 ounces.
Does the size of golf ball matter?
It is because, quite frankly, the rules do not allow them to be any heavier or any smaller. Judging from the uniformity found among all the different makes and models (the list of USGA-approved golf balls is over 50 pages long), golf ball manufacturers have realized that smaller, heavier golf balls perform the best.
Do smaller golf balls go further?
A 0.06-inch difference in golf ball diameter doesn't sound like much. But according to golfers who played the two different golf balls back then, the smaller ball provided a bit more distance and was more workable in the wind.
Why are some golf balls bigger than others?
The concept of an oversized golf ball is based on the theory that it is easier to hit the centre of the clubface and with the centre of gravity (CG) positioned higher, getting the ball in the air will also be more easily achieved.
21 related questions foundWhich 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.
Are Callaway oversized 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.
What is the correct size for a golf ball?
Under the rules of golf, a golf ball has a mass no more than 1.620 oz (45.9 g), has a diameter not less than 1.680 inches (42.7 mm), and performs within specified velocity, distance, and symmetry limits.
How many golf balls can fit in a hole?
Two golf balls can fit in a golf hole. This is important to know for a few reasons. For starters, it is a good mental image to think about the fact that you can fit your golf ball and one more in the hole. This helps eliminate the thought that the golf hole is too small and that it is hard to get the ball in the hole.
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.
Are all golf balls the same size and weight?
Do all golf balls have the same size? Yes, in today's golf market the size of a golf ball has a universal standard that must reach 1.68 inches, or 42.67 mm, in diameter. The weight of the golf ball according to USGA rules is no more than 1.62 ounces, or 45.93 grams.
Do heavier golf balls go further?
Why should a heavier ball go farther than a lighter one? This is surprising on the face of it. After all, the heavier ball will have lower initial ball speed, all other things being equal. Perhaps even more surprising is that the lighter ball goes farther with a low clubhead speed.
Are golf balls all the same?
All golf balls are not created equal. What about the difference between Tour-level golf balls and some of the lower-priced options, though? Do you really need to fork over $45+ to use the balls they play in the big leagues? Well, premium golf balls are used on the PGA Tour for a reason.
Which is a better estimate for the weight of a golf ball?
The maximum weight for a ball is 1.62 ounces, and balls are not permitted to exceed this and still be used in tournament play. Most balls are manufactured to be close to this 1.62-ounce maximum weight, making it a safe estimate for the weight of a given ball.
Are golf balls different?
Softer golf balls are ideal for shots around the green. If you have a high golf handicap, the ball you choose to hit makes little difference. If you like a particular brand of golf ball or prefer one type of ball over another, you should use it regularly.
Has anyone ever birdied all 18 holes?
No man or woman on any significant professional golf tour has birdied all 18 holes—in other words, scored a 54—in a single round. (Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record with a 58.)
Why don t pro golfers use colored balls?
As a whole pros don't use coloured golf balls because white balls are easier to see. Since pros depend on the game for their living it's vital they maximise their ability to see the flight and where their ball goes. Bubba Watson and Hale Irwin are examples of major champions who have used coloured golf balls at times.
Do pro golfers use a new ball on each hole?
In PGA Tour, most professional and high-level amateur tournaments, golfers are bound by the One Ball Rule, meaning they can only play a single golf ball -- same manufacturer and model -- throughout a stipulated round. So professional golfers can carry as many of the same golf ball in their bag as they'd like.
What makes a golf ball Illegal?
Legal golf balls can't be smaller than 1.68 inches in diameter. The Polara balls have a diameter of 1.68 inches (the same size as normal). If you have a smaller ball, you'll have less drag and that should give you more distance. You'll also notice that illegal balls are slightly heavier.
Are supersoft golf balls 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 larger golf balls easier to hit?
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.
Are big golf balls legal?
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Turns out there isn't a rule on how LARGE a golf ball can be, there is only a rule about how SMALL it can be - so as long as a golf ball is at least 1.68 inches in diameter, it is legal.
Are all golf balls the same diameter?
What is the standard Golf ball size? In today's golf world, there is only one standard size golf ball that is legal in tournament play and authorized to sell in golf shops. The standard size golf ball today is 1.68 inches, but before the nineteen eighties, the minimum size was 1.62 inches.
Can you use oversize golf balls?
Callaway Supersfot Magna Oversize Golf Balls
The Supersoft Magna Oversize Golf Balls from Callaway have been designed to be larger than the standard ball making them easier to for you to hit while still adhering to the rules of golf. A fantastic ball if you struggle to hit every shot on the standard size ball.
Does it matter which golf ball you use?
The quality of golf ball you use definitely matters and impacts on your game. Higher quality, more expensive golf balls generally have a urethane cover, leading to greater 'feel' and spin control. Premium balls will usually perform longer and hold greens more consistently, helping you shoot lower scores.