Do bigger golf balls make a difference?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 21, 2026
In terms of distance on shots with the driver, we found there was a considerable drop-off when compared with a regular sized ball. This is as expected because there is more air-resistance. However, with the irons the larger ball went further because there was considerably less spin created.
Do 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.
Are bigger golf balls better?
Larger size than a standard golf ball features a higher center of gravity and higher MOI to promote better contact, more consistency, and high launch. Softer Trionomer cover generates greater spin and better feel in the short game.
Are oversized golf balls good?
More Forgiveness and Consistency From A Larger Golf Ball
It's higher centre of gravity and high MOI allow golfers, especially developing golfers and slow swing speed players to make better contact on the club face to promote more consistent shots with high launch.
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.
44 related questions foundDo golf balls have to be a certain size?
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.
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.
How much bigger are oversized golf balls?
Being three per cent larger than a traditional ball (yes, the image has been photoshopped for effect) but still conforming to the rules of golf, it is said to be more forgiving, more stable through the air, easier to launch and to make solid contact.
Why are some golf balls bigger?
Magna is larger, yes larger, than a standard golf ball while still conforming to the rules of golf. Its higher center of gravity and high MOI allow golfers, especially developing golfers and slow swing speed players, to make better contact on the club face to promote more consistent shots with high launch.
Does a bigger golf ball go farther?
In terms of distance on shots with the driver, we found there was a considerable drop-off when compared with a regular sized ball. This is as expected because there is more air-resistance. However, with the irons the larger ball went further because there was considerably less spin created.
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.
Are Callaway max 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 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.
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.
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 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.
Do golf balls go further in America?
According to the folks at TrackMan, for every 10 degrees of increase in temperature, the golf ball flies approximately 1.33 to 1.66 yards farther, depending on the club being used.
Why do golf balls have dimples?
Dimples on a golf ball create a thin turbulent boundary layer of air that clings to the ball's surface. This allows the smoothly flowing air to follow the ball's surface a little farther around the back side of the ball, thereby decreasing the size of the wake.
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.
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.
Do golf balls have different weights?
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. So do popular brands experiment with a light ball or a heavy ball?
Did golf balls always have dimples?
When Did Golf Balls Get Dimples? The invention of golf ball dimples happened accidentally. In the mid-1800s, the most widely-used golf balls were known as gutties, which were first created by Robert Adams Paterson using molded tree sap.
What is the biggest legal golf ball?
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. And most golf balls are 1.68 because for a variety of reasons, smaller is better for a professional golfer.
Do soft golf balls make a difference?
Lower compression balls tend to be softer and compress more to create more distance. Higher compression balls offer more control and are used by better players who can produce faster swing speeds to compress the ball. For more on softness and compression, please read our Guide To Soft Golf Balls.