The golf ball is one of the most important parts of the game! If you’ve got a ball that is wrong, you’ll notice totally different results when you play. Knowing what the right ball is will come down to, at its very core, the weight of the ball.
Your golf game will definitely change with a ball that has different dimensions, affecting the accuracy, distance of your swing, and general performance.
So, we’ve created a guide below that will not only tell you how much a golf ball should weigh but also a whole host of other handy things to know.
How Much Does The Golf Ball Weigh?
There are a set of standards which are issued by the USGA. As per their standards, a golf ball should weigh 45.93 grams. This is very important because if a golfer tries to play with a ball that weighs more than this in an official competition, they will be given a disqualification.
Of course, the weight of the ball will likely change due to the use and conditions of the game, so the variance is around 1.5 grams. Golfers who want a completely reliable weight in their golf balls will almost always opt for brand new golf balls, of which the variance is much lower, normally just over 0.1 grams.
Key Factors In The Weight Of A Golf Ball
As per the standards set, the diameter of a golf ball should be at a minimum of 1.68 inches. This is important when it comes to holing out the ball, resisting strong windy conditions, and reducing the risk of rolling when the weather is horrendous.
The way in which a golf ball is created is important and manufacturers will be given the information so they use the correct materials for their construction.
There are strict assessment measures in place to ensure that across the board, no player is being given an unfair advantage.
The advancement of technology has provided the ability for the development of multi-layered golf ball cores which can boost a golf ball’s control and overall distance.
Gone are the days of single-layered golf balls as standard. Nowadays, a manufacturer of golf balls will have complicated designs (depending on their price) but nonetheless can have one, two, three, and four pieces.
The compression of a golf ball is also important to note. Compression can affect the flight of the ball and typically you can find either a low-compression ball or a high-compression ball.
Low-compression balls will benefit a golfer with a slower swing, whereas high-compression golf balls can benefit a golfer with a quicker swing.
It has been said that if a golf balls had no dimples, they wouldn’t travel anywhere near as far as they can. In fact, it’s been estimated that they’d travel around half of their normal distance.
Since there is no regulation or standard on the allowed number of dimples in a ball, it’s possible that golf balls with more dimples could travel further.
Does The Weight Of A Golf Ball Actually Matter?
The weight of a golf ball certainly matters, particularly when it comes to professional golf games. The reason standards are set out is that no golfer should be allowed an unfair advantage or be unfairly disadvantaged.
If the golf ball weighs other than the set-out amount as per the standards, it has the potential to travel a lot further and the same applies to its size.
As smaller balls can travel faster due to their resistance to friction, the golfer using such a ball will have a completely unfair advantage.
This is why there are so many strict tests that a ball must undergo in order to pass and be allowed to be used. Standards in today’s golf game have risen much higher and the overall game has been raised as a result.
Does The Appearance Of A Golf Ball Affect The Weight?
No, if a golf ball weighs just under 46 grams as per the standard, then this is its weight. Although the appearance won’t affect the weight, it could affect your performance on the course.
For example, a ball with a matte finish can be better in sunnier conditions as it doesn’t glare from the sun as badly as some other golf balls.
Another example is brightly colored golf balls can be easier to see and it’s possible to increase your concentration when putting them.
What Exactly Is The Make-Up Of A Golf Ball?
The easiest way to explain the makeup of a golf ball is in two areas. The core and the cover. If you’ve ever cracked open a golf ball, you may have noticed it has rubber and some synthetic material. Balls will vary in their composition and may alter their price tag as a result.
The cover will arguably have the biggest impact on the performance of the golf ball. Urethane, balata, and surlyn are the most common covers that differ in feel. The least costly is surlyn and many new players to the game of golf will opt for this.
Conclusion
A golf ball should weigh 45.93 grams with a diameter of 1.68 inches. These are the set standards by the USGA and they are set standards for the main reason to not provide a golfer with an unfair advantage or unfair disadvantage.
When it comes to choosing your golf ball, it will come down to your personal preference and how you play the game. Most sports have a subjective nature, so what works for someone else might not necessarily work for you!
This is why we decided to set up our site, Better Golf, to provide high-quality information that’s accessible to everyone. From newbies, to seasoned golfers, this site covers everything you need to know. Through this site, we will be discussing all the important details.
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