A golf ball is an important part of the game, and using the right one can make or break a round of golf. A key component of this is knowing the mass of the golf ball to ensure that your choice is right for you.
By choosing the right golf ball for distance, accuracy, or performance you can ensure that your performance improves and so does the enjoyment of the round.
In this guide, we answer the question ‘how much does a golf ball weigh’ and will cover and explain the standard golf ball mass and some other key factors to help you determine which golf ball is right for you.
How Much Does a Golf Ball Weigh?
Per the USGA standards set out, a golf ball must weigh slightly less than 46 grams (45.93 grams or 1.620 ounces. If a golf ball weighs more than this during competition, a golfer would be disqualified. The ball’s condition attributes to the difference in average weight as golf balls in average condition weigh within .1-2.9 grams difference depending on their usage.
If you are after reliable golf ball weight, you should play with new balls as they have only 0.1 grams in weight variance. In contrast, golf balls that are worn and in poor condition mean you will experience a bigger weight variance from one ball to the next, sometimes up to 3.4 grams difference!
Other Key Factors
Several factors affect a golf ball’s mass and what goes into the making of a golf ball. These range from the diameter to what the golf ball is made of. We go into what affects the weight of the ball in detail below.
Diameter
Like the weight of the golf ball, the diameter has a strict requirement that must be met. The ball has a minimum diameter of 1.68 inches and the smaller diameter allows the player to more easily hole out the ball and be less responsive to stronger winds, meaning less chance of added roll due to inclement weather.
Construction
The golf ball construction and materials that they are made of are also strictly assessed to assure players of equal advantage across different golf ball manufacturers. The players want to know that their ball will not provide an unfair advantage to anyone.
Nevertheless, modern technology and innovation have resulted in developing multi-level cores in golf balls that increase both the ball’s distance and control. This is something that has changed significantly over time, as the single-layer core in golf balls of yesteryear has developed into a multi-layered ball covering different types of golf balls.
Today, manufacturers are using one-piece golf balls, two-piece golf balls, three-piece golf balls, and even four-piece golf balls to improve performance out on the golf course. Discounted golf balls will use less pieces and the most expensive golf balls typically have more complex designs.
Compression Type
Golf ball compression impacts the flight path so it is an important factor to look at when considering a golf ball’s construction. There are two different types of golf ball compression: low compression and high compression.
Low compression balls such as the Callaway Supersoft are softer and help golfers who have a slower swing speed. In contrast, high compression balls such as the Titleist Pro V1 are better for golfers who have a faster clubhead speed.
Dimples
Dimples are important in a golf ball design and dimples have no limit to the amount that is allowed on a golf ball. However, something that often isn’t fully understood is just how important they are in improving performance. Without dimples, a golf ball would probably only travel half as far (FoundGolfBalls). Nowadays, dimples are permanent features that you will find on any golf ball, with about 300 – 500 on each golf ball.
Why Does Golf Ball Weight Matter?
When comparing golf balls, weight is an important factor to consider since it carries the ball farther. Golf balls with a higher weight than 45.93 grams are illegal to use in professional tournaments as they can give the pro an unfair advantage when off the tee.
In contrast, there is a minimum size requirement for golf balls: their diameter. A ball diameter of fewer than 1.68 inches makes it illegal to play with. This is because small balls travel further with a faster speed of golf ball since they have less friction to contend with as they travel.
Golf Ball Mass: Conclusion
Golf ball weight is an important factor that manufacturers today rigorously test to ensure they meet industry standards and come in at just under 1.62 ounces. The standards have come a long way since the first golf balls were made centuries ago. Then, the earliest golf balls would be no more than a crudely-made sphere of leather or cloth, compared to the wide variety of types of today’s golf balls.
The speed and velocity of the golf ball are tested to ensure the ball’s weight and diameter are accurate and within legal limits. While some balls weight may vary slightly due to different manufacturers and slight variances in components, the general rule of thumb is that new balls should weigh within .1 grams of 45.93.
Golfers today will appreciate the technological advances of the golf ball’s multi-level core as new tech and modern components continue to enhance the golf ball’s capabilities, especially for those looking for beginner golf balls.
