When playing golf, you can realize that some golf balls are lightweight and others are heavier. And you may wonder what the average weight is and the maximum and minimum weight that USGA requires for a legal golf ball.
We both know that golf is not a game to play for fun. It is competitive and has built on a strong science base. A golf ball’s weight can affect the way you play and even your results. That is the reason why the USGA released a rule for ball weight.
If you are searching to know how much a golf ball weighs, you are in the right place. I collected the information and indexes related and analyzed these for you to understand. Let’s explore interesting things about your helpful companion below.
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Golf Ball Weigh?
Unlike the question of how many dimples on a golf ball, there is a specific answer for you. According to the R&A rules for equipment and the USGA golf ball weight and size test protocol, a golf ball weight must not be greater than 1.62 ounces (45.93 g) or 0.1012 lbs.
If a golf ball is heavier than 1.62 ounces, it is considered illegal. The Volvik Magma is an example of that. It weighs approximately 1.4 – 2 lbs and is banned in many tournaments of the USGA and R&A.
However, the Volvik Magma or any illegal balls that weigh greater than the rules are legal to buy. You can use these to practice or play with your friends and families on the weekend. All you need to notice is when planning to play in any tour games; you need to change to other brands.
Learn more about how golf balls are made here.
Why Does Golf Ball Weight Matter?
As I said above, golf is a game with science in it. Every single detail in the equipment, like a golf ball, is created and managed to provide a better experience for players. And so does the golf ball weight. It affects your companion’s performance, especially the speed and the distance.
If you throw an object into the air, it will be affected by both gravity and air resistance. Though, when calculating the distance, we need to focus on the acceleration.
If we throw two objects of the same size at the same speed but have different masses, the difference in acceleration can be seen clearly. A heavier object with nearly zero acceleration can fly further than the lighter one with a larger negative acceleration.
Newton’s second law of motion can be used to explain that case with a formulation a = F/m or F = ma. The acceleration of an object can be calculated by using the force to divide the mass. Therefore, even a slightly higher weight in a golf ball can lead to a longer distance.
The video below can provide you with further information about Newton’s law in golf:
What Is Minimum Golf Ball Weight?
If you are new to the game, you may wonder why the USGA and R&A only restrict the maximum weight of golf balls. Do they care about the minimum number? In fact, the answer is no. Manufacturers can produce a golf ball with weight as light as they want.
However, instead of restricting the minimum weight, the USGA and R&A have a rule about golf ball diameter. This number must not be less than 1.68 inches (42.67 mm). Others that are smaller are called illegal and can not be used to play in tournaments.
There are some reasons for the diameter rule. A smaller golf ball is easier to fly in the air with a low air drag and can spin more. It even has more chances to get into the hole. However, it can not fly as far as regular balls.
A larger ball that weighs less than 1.62 ounces is legal, and some manufacturers actually produce it.
The low-compression golf ball – Callaway Supersoft Magna is an example. It is 1.732 inches in diameter and slightly larger than a normal ball. It can provide better ball contact, greater putting sound, and is easier to hit.
However, if you need more distance, you may want other balls. Check out some high-quality distance golf balls here.
Do All Golf Balls Weigh the Same?
The answer is not all golf balls weigh the same. These are different. Let’s take a throwback. At first, people used a wood ball to play golf, and then in the 1600s, they played the leather one stuffed with goose leathers instead.
The material changes lead to the differences in golf ball weight. In 1952, the USGA and the R&A agreed that the golf ball’s maximum weight was 1.62 ounces.
Golf balls can now be made in other materials and have different constructions, but these have to conform to both the rules about weight and diameter.
This video will show you more about the evolution of golf balls:
There is a fun fact that the weight of golf balls can be changed by the conditions and the golf brand.
According to the test of ivygolf.com, a poor golf ball is lighter than a brand new one. About the brand comparison, Pinnacle balls seem larger than normal and Dunlop produces the lighter balls.
FAQs
After reading all the information and indexes above, I assume that you may have something unclear. Therefore, I choose the most frequently asked questions and answer them below. You can freely refer to these to understand more.
Are Heavier Golf Balls Better?
Yes, they are. Heavier golf balls are better than lighter ones. They can fly further and gain more distance. That is the reason why the USGA and R&A require the maximum ball weight to be 1.62 ounces (45.93 g or 0.1012 lbs).
Do Oversized Golf Balls Make a Difference?
Yes, they do. Oversized golf balls are easier to track and improve your ball flight contact. These are also easier to hit and create a great putting sound. These can be more stable in the air than smaller balls.
Do Lighter Golf Balls Go Further?
No, they do not. Lighter golf balls have larger negative acceleration and receive more air drag than heavier golf balls. They can not fly further, so there are no rules about how light a golf ball can be.
My Final Thought
After all, I assume you can be clear about how much a golf ball weighs. Even if you choose a facility from any brand, you just need to ensure it has a maximum of 1.62 ounces in weight and a minimum of 1.68 inches in diameter.
Thanks to the USGA and R&A rules about golf balls, like the weight and diameter we analyzed above, golf is a fair and balanced game, and human abilities can control it over the technologies.
Do you agree with me or have other ideas about how much a golf ball weighs? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below. I am willing to hear anything from you and don’t forget to share my article to discuss with your friends if it’s helpful.
Have a good game day!
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