How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh? (With helpful chart)

Golf is an excellent sport that is played following specific rules and equipment. You cannot have more than 14 clubs in your bag.

Besides that, you have to also follow a golf ball’s weight restrictions. This is especially true if you want to play the sport fairly or pursue an athletic career. So, how much does a golf ball weigh?

Under the rules of golf, a golf ball should not be more than 1.620 oz (45.9 grams) in mass with a diameter not less than 1.680 inches (42.7 mm). Similar to golf clubs, golf balls are tested and approved by The R&A and the United States Golf Association.

Understanding the restrictions and weight importance will help you play the game fairly. It will let you enhance your skills. So here’s all the information you need about how much a golf ball weighs.

How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh?

A golf ball should not be more than 45.93 grams per United States Golf Association (USGA). This is equivalent to 1.62 ounces. Any ball exceeding this limit is not allowed in competition and leads to a golfer’s disqualification. This is why manufacturers primarily make golf balls with the maximum permissible weight.

A golf ball is a round, small, white ball used by golf players. Golf balls are generally made from different materials, including synthetic, rubber, and plastic.

Many factors affect a golf ball’s weight and may lead to a 0.1 to 2.9 grams difference. You should mainly opt for new balls when participating in a competition. If you play the game recreationally, you must still follow the rules to avoid unfair advantage.

Factors Affecting A Golf Ball’s Weight

In general, size and material composition determine the weight of a golf ball. In addition, a golf ball must perform within specifications for distance and symmetry based on given parameters.

Here are the primary things that affect a golf ball’s weight:

1- The Golf Ball’s Condition

A golf ball’s condition affects its weight significantly and may cause it to be lighter or heavier. Poor models may have visible damage that can prevent you from playing with the golf ball. These may include holes, cuts, or missing sections.

An average ball has some scuff marks but can be played with, while good balls don’t have damage. Of course, you can still see that they have been used.

Finally, new balls are the best because they haven’t been used before. So here is a table to help you understand their weights:

Condition	Average Weight In Grams	Average Weight In Pounds
Poor	45.72	0.100
Average	45.73	0.100
Good	45.80	0.1009
New	45.93	0.101

It is best to play with golf balls closer to the maximum allowed weight for the best experience. This is the most suitable value for hitting shots easily and without gaining any advantage. So you will be mainly relying on your skills which will be helpful if you play the game to improve yourself.

2- Ball’s Diameter

This is another factor that has specific restrictions to ensure it supports the ball’s weight. As per the USGA, a ball’s diameter must not be less than 1.68 inches. This is equivalent to 42.67 mm. So you must ensure that the diameter is equal to or above the minimum limit.

A smaller ball flies more than a larger ball if they have the same weight. This is because small size means the golf ball will experience less air resistance. So most companies ensure that their product is above the minimum limit of 1.68 inches.

3- Golf Ball’s Construction

A golf ball’s construction is essential to know because it helps you assess the materials. This information is useful to determine whether the item will offer an equal advantage or disadvantage to all players.

Golf athletes like to ensure no one is playing unfairly. Of course, the materials also add to the ball’s weight. Modern inventions have allowed companies to make golf balls with a multi-layer core. So you will find various types with different performances.

The best option is the ball that follows all the rules. Its materials must be durable but lightweight enough to keep the product under the maximum weight.

How Much Does A Golf Ball Weight? (Per Brand)

The average weight varies depending on the brand and condition. Companies like Titleist, Srixon, Nike, Dunlop, and Wilson are the major producers of this essential golf equipment.

Here is a table to understand how much their golf balls weigh on average:

Brand	Average Weight In Pounds	Average Weight In Grams
Titleist	0.1010	45.84
Srixon	0.1007	45.68
Wilson	0.1011	45.90
Nike	0.1010	45.84
Dunlop	0.1001	45.44
Bridgestone	1.00	37.75
Taylormade	1.21	45.80
Kirkland	1.26	47.56
Top Flite	1.22	45.90
Advantage	1.21	45.80

As you can see, all major brands produce the balls within the maximum 45 grams limit with a slight difference in decimals.

Dunlop golf balls are less preferable because they are the lightest. The weight will also decrease as you use the balls frequently. So your disadvantage will increase more with time.

Why Does A Golf Ball’s Weight Matter?

Heavier golf balls are generally better than lighter ones because they can fly further and gain more distance. Therefore, a player using a heavier golf ball will have an advantage over a lighter one. To avoid this, the USGA and R&A rules require the maximum golf ball weight to be no more than 1.62 ounces (45.93 g or 0.1012 lbs).

Here are the top reasons why a golf ball’s weight matter:

1- The Weight Determines The Flying Distance

Weight is one of the top things that affect the flying distance of a golf ball after a swing. If the ball is heavier, it will experience less air resistance and travel faster. This allows it to fly further than it would if the weight was less. So it helps you play the sport efficiently, especially across long holes.

If your ball is lighter than that of other players, you will be at a disadvantage. This is because you will cover less distance than other athletes. Meanwhile, a ball heavier than 45.93 grams will give you an unfair advantage.

2- Weight is Essential For Playing Ethically

The USGA restrictions are primarily for official competitions, so one will disqualify you when playing the sport recreationally with friends. Of course, being ethical is an essential quality that all athletes must possess. This is why you should avoid breaking the rules to keep your credibility safe.

You must remember that a golf ball’s weight can be easy to determine if you’re playing with an experienced player. They may know that you’re cheating and spread the word. This can severely reduce your reputation amongst the golf community and at your club. 

Knowing your golf ball’s weight is essential to avoid playing unethically. Regardless of what the manufacturer states, you must check the ball’s weight and size yourself.

Why Does A Golf Ball’s Diameter Matter?

A golf ball with a smaller diameter will generally fly further than a larger one, assuming suppose they have the same weight—the reason why is that a smaller diameter ball indicates less air resistance.

Here are the primary reasons to understand the importance of a golf ball’s size:

1- Determines The Ease Of Game

A golf ball’s diameter should not be less than 1.68 inches because it will be very small. A smaller size will allow the ball to experience less air resistance and fly more than it should. This makes the game relatively easy, and you will be cheating. So you must measure your golf balls before playing.

The size also affects the speed significantly and the ball’s trajectory. It will travel straighter and faster when putting it in the hole. So you will have a higher winning probability. Of course, this is unethical and will lead to disqualification in a tournament.

2- Diameter Is Essential For Improving Skills

Many golfers play the game recreationally without knowing the USGA restrictions. You may also not measure or check your golf ball’s weight and size. So you may be playing with a heavier product with incorrect dimensions. This is not suitable if you want to improve your skills because the challenge will be less.

The right diameter matters if you want to increase your skills and stand out in your golfing group. It will also help you if you play with different golf balls later.

Being accustomed to one brand may have you think your skills are top-notch. So it will be disappointing to know the game was less challenging due to the incorrect size.

Are Some Golf Balls Heavier Than Others?

According to both the USGA and the R&A requirements, golf balls should not be heavier than 1.62 ounces. However, the R&A permitted golf balls to be 1.62 inches (4.11 cm) in diameter instead of 1.68 inches (4.26 cm) under the USGA’s rules. 

Nowadays, the size of a golf ball tends to follow a universal standard of 1.68 inches or 42.67 mm in diameter. According to USGA rules, the golf ball’s weight should not be more than 1.62 ounces or 45.93 grams.

The heavier golf balls are, the slower they will be while flying through the air. Therefore, a heavier ball will have an unfair advantage on that golfer. Because the weight of a golf ball does not slow it down, it will travel a little farther than a lighter ball. Therefore, a heavier ball will have an unfair advantage on that golfer.

Final Words

This is all the information you require about how much a golf ball weighs. You should always ensure the item weighs less than or equal to 45.93 grams. Meanwhile, the diameter should be 1.68 inches or more to play the game fairly.