How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh?

Golf balls can make a huge difference to a golf game. Just a slight difference in construction, design, and weight can have a big influence on your score. A lot of golfers, even some experienced ones, aren’t aware of how much the weight of a golf ball impacts their swing. This may make you wonder, just how much does a golf ball weigh? 

How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh

We’ll answer this question in this article, including the factors that affect the weight of a golf ball and if golf balls weigh the same throughout their lifespan. 

How Much Do Golf Balls Weigh?

The USGA rules state that a single golf ball needs to weigh a little under 46 grams, which is 45.93 grams/1.620 ounces. A player would be disqualified if their golf ball weighed more than this in a competition. 

The ball’s overall state affects the difference in weight, as golf balls in average shape can have 0.1 to 2.9 grams between them, based on how often they are played with. Anyone that is concerned with accurate golf ball weight should only use new balls, as the variance decreases to just 0.1 grams.

Conversely, old golf balls that are worn out and in bad condition can have a larger weight variance between balls, in some cases as much as 3.4 grams! 

Factors That Affect How Much A Golf Ball Weighs

Different elements affect the weight of a golf ball and what factors go into their production. These range from the construction of the ball to the dimples on its surface. We’ll cover more about the factors that influence a golf ball’s mass below. 

Diameter

As is with the weight of golf balls, golf rules are also strict about the diameter of golf balls. Each ball needs to be a minimum of 1.68 inches in width. The smaller measurement makes it easier for the player’s ball to end up in the cup. It’s also less susceptible to strong winds, so there isn’t as much chance of extra roll from harsh conditions. 

Construction

The materials a golf ball is made from, along with its construction, have rigid regulations to make sure no golfer has an unfair advantage from using a different golf ball brand.

Golfers need to know that their choice of ball won’t give anyone an extra edge. Research and updates in technology have succeeded in creating several-layered cores in balls that improve the ball’s control and distance.

This technology has evolved drastically over the years. The single-core balls that were used in the past have transformed into several layered balls that are made by many different manufacturers. 

In the modern age, companies are creating one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, and even five-piece golf balls to deliver performance when playing golf. Less expensive golf balls have fewer layers, while more pricey ones have more.

Compression

Golf ball compression affects its flight trajectory. This means that it’s always important to look at the compression when taking a golf ball’s construction into account.

Golf balls are available in two different kinds of compression, low and high. Low compression balls are softer, which is ideal for players with a swing speed on the slower side. Conversely, balls with higher compression are best for players that have a quicker clubhead speed. 

Dimples

There is no limit to the number of dimples permitted on a golf ball, though dimples are an important factor that goes into their design. 

How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh (1)

Despite this, it isn’t often known how much dimples can improve golf performance. If a golf ball didn’t have dimples, it would struggle to travel more than half as far as one with dimples. Today, dimples are fixed characteristics that you will notice on all golf balls. A golf ball can have an average of 300 and 500 dimples on its surface. 

Why Is A Golf Ball’s Weight Important?

If you are comparing one golf ball to the next, weight is a significant factor as it affects the ball’s ability to travel further.

Any golf ball that weighs over 45.93 grams is illegal (see also: Why Are Ping Eye 2 Irons Illegal?)to use in professional competitions, as it can give golfers a distinct advantage right from the start.As mentioned above, golf balls also have a minimum size rule involving their diameter. Balls that have a diameter under 1.68 inches are illegal to play with.

The reason is that smaller balls travel faster and further, as they have less friction to deal with on their journey. 

Do Golf Balls Have The Same Weight Throughout Their Lifetime?

A lot of golfers take their older balls with them to play golf, but these used balls may weigh differently from when they were first purchased. 

Golf balls weigh differently throughout their life. Different elements, like the debris in the dimples, how often they were hit, and how old they are can all affect the ball’s weight. If a golf ball is used more often, it will start to lose weight as time goes on. This is because golf balls can become chipped during games, losing material to become lighter overall. 

Golf balls can also pick up dirt and debris from the golf course. If the balls aren’t cleaned regularly, the dirt can settle in these crevices and make the ball weigh more. 

Are Bigger Golf Balls Legal To Play With?

The USGA has no limits involving the maximum size of golf balls. There are limits as to the minimum size, as golf balls need to have a diameter of 1.68 inches or above to be considered legal.

However, there are no rules as to how big a golf ball can be. As long as the ball can fit in the hole, you can play with it. If you do want to play with an oversized ball, make sure you do your research to make sure it isn’t gigantic.

You don’t want to be lumbered with a faulty product that cannot be used, so look at reviews and advice online before making a purchase. 

The Bottom Line

Golf ball manufacturers are always testing their golf balls to make sure they follow industry rules, weighing in at a little below 1.62 ounces. The weight of a golf ball can have a big effect on the outcome of a game. Some balls may have slight weight differences from each other, though this is down to the different producers and variations in materials. 

The construction, diameter, compression, and the number of dimples all affect how much a golf ball weighs. Nevertheless, the accepted rule is that new golf balls need to weigh 0.1 grams within 45.93 grams. 

Garratt Shmidt
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