Have you ever picked up a golf ball and wondered about its size? Golf balls have an official size, but many factors can affect their size depending on the type of ball you choose. Let’s take a look at the details behind the size of a golf ball. Learn How Big is a Golf Ball?
How Big is a Golf Ball?
The Official Size of a Golf Ball
Golf balls are designed to fit within certain guidelines established by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Royal & Ancient (R&A). These organizations set out rules for both professional players as well as amateurs. According to these rules, all golf balls must measure 1.68 inches in diameter and weigh no more than 1.62 ounces. Though this is the official size, some variations may exist depending on the type of ball used.
The Difference in Types of Golf Balls
There are three main categories of golf balls that vary in size, weight, and performance characteristics. The most common type is known as two-piece balls and they are made with two layers; a core layer composed of rubber or plastic, and a cover layer made from urethane or Surlyn material. Two-piece golf balls tend to be larger than other types due to their higher spin rates when compared to multi-layer and tour/pro golf balls. Multi-layer golf balls are designed with multiple layers that can range from 2–6 layers depending on the manufacturer’s design intent.
However, multi-layer golf balls usually measure between 1.68–1.72 inches in diameter which is slightly larger than two-piece models because they often have thinner covers for added distance off the tee box or fairway shots due to their lower spin rates. Tour/pro models are similar in size to multi-layered models but can be slightly smaller due to their thinner covers which allow them to achieve even lower spin rates while offering increased control around the greens when required by professional players or talented amateurs looking for extra control off their shots around the green surfaces with wedges or short irons..
Conclusion
When it comes to knowing how big a golf ball is, there’s no one answer as it really depends on what type of ball you’re using. While all official sized golf balls must conform to USGA and R&A guidelines measuring no more than 1.68 inches in diameter and weighing no more than 1.62 ounces, variations may exist based upon what type you select including two-piece, multi-layered, or tour/pro models each having their own unique properties regarding spin rate, distance off tee box shots, accuracy around greens when needed by professionals or talented amateurs wanting extra control with short irons or wedges shots around green surfaces etc… Knowing these details can help you make an informed decision when choosing your next set of golf clubs and selecting specific types of golf balls that will suit your needs best!