The golf ball is possibly the most important piece of golf equipment out there. We use it for every shot after all.
But how much does a golf ball actually weigh? Let’s take a look and see what the average golf ball weighs.
How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh?
How Much Does A Golf Ball Weigh?
According to the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A), the weight of a golf ball should be no greater than 1.620 ounces (45.93 g).
Anything above this weight will be considered illegal in tournament golf, but it doesn’t mean you can’t use it in a friendly round of golf.
A golf ball’s weight is limited to 1.620 ounces because heavier golf balls will travel further than lighter balls in most cases.
The heavier ball will be less resistant to drag, thus flying longer in the air and increasing the distance that a golfer can hit the ball.
Standard golf balls aren’t hollow, but I decided to try out a hollow golf ball to see what and if there was a difference in the distance because of the lack of weight.
As you’d expect the hollow golf ball went absolutely nowhere compared to a normal golf ball with multiple cores.
Most of the best balls on the market tend to sit pretty close to the maximum weight limit.
This is because the better golfers and professional players have no issue in generating enough club head speed to hit a heavier golf ball and they’re looking to maximise the distance available on the golf course.
What Is The Maximum Weight Of A Golf Ball?
The USGA rules state that a golf ball should weigh no more than 1.620 ounces or 45.93 grams.
Any weight greater than 1.620 ounces would mean that the golf ball is illegal and wouldn’t be allowed to be used in tournament play such as on the PGA Tour.
For this reason, almost all golf ball manufacturers will design and create balls which weigh no more than the legal limit.
Golfers are still able to purchase golf balls heavier than legally allowed, for use in friendly rounds of golf.
But if they’re looking at playing in competitions, such as events at the golf club, they’ll have to use a ball that conforms to the weight limits due to the unfair advantage.
What Is The Minimum Weight Of A Golf Ball?
Although the maximum weight of a golf ball is clearly stated in USGA rules, there’s no limit on how light a golf ball can be.
The lighter the golf ball is, the shorter it tends to travel. So most players will aim to have the heaviest golf ball they can possibly get because it gives them the best chance at achieving max distance advantage.
Having said that, a heavier golf ball will require a greater amount of force applied to it than a lighter ball. Therefore, for a slower swing speed, lighter golf balls might be the better option.
Does A Golf Ball Weight Matter?
The weight of a golf ball can certainly have an impact on a golfer’s golf game.
Golf balls weigh different amounts, some heavier than others, and the heavier balls will require greater club speed.
Just like how different types of dimples on golf balls will affect how you play, the weight of the ball will also play a huge factor, so finding the right golf ball for your game is essential.
Do Golf Ball Brands Weigh The Same?
There’s no requirement for a golf ball weight to be a certain amount, it just has to be less than the maximum weight as stated by the USGA and R&A.
Therefore different golf ball brands have a range of different golf ball weights depending on the model of the ball.
For example, a Titleist Pro V1 weighs more than a Srixon Soft Feel, but less than Top Flite XL Distance.
The weight will also vary depending on the number of cores a golf ball has. Four-piece golf balls will be different to three-piece golf balls and two-piece golf balls.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the weight of a golf ball, there’s a few weight restrictions which limit have heavy a golf ball can be.
Although there’s no minimum requirement, a tournament-conforming golf ball will need to be no greater than 1.620 ounces to meet the legal limit.
Choosing the best golf ball for your game is vitally important, and so the weight of the golf ball should be something you think about when choosing.
FAQs
What is the kg of a golf ball?
According to the sports governing bodies, no golf ball can weigh more than 0.04593 kg. Anything above that upper limit will be known as non-conforming and illegal for tournament play.
Founder, Editor
Ed is the founder and editor at EEE Golf. He’s been playing golf for over 20 years, competing in many top amateur events. He’s played courses all over the world and played with some of the best players in the game. His aim is to help educate people about the game of golf and give insights into the sport he loves most.