Golf Ball Regulations – Know the Rules
In the late 1970s, a manufacturer introduced a golf ball with six rows of normal dimples along its equator and shallow dimples surrounding. The asymmetrical design allowed the ball to self-adjust its spin during flight. In 1981, the USGA refused to sanction it for tournament play and banned asymmetrical balls.
It was innovations like this that forced golf's governing bodies to establish golf ball regulations. The current regulations mandated by the R&A as well as the USGA state that:
- The weight of the ball shall not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93 gm).
- The diameter of the ball shall not be less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm).
- The ball must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally modified to have properties which differ from those of a spherically symmetric ball.
- The initial velocity of the ball shall not exceed the limit specified (test on file with USGA), when measured on apparatus approved by USGA.
- The combined carry and roll of the ball, when tested on apparatus approved by USGA, shall not exceed the distance specified under conditions set forth in the Overall Distance Standard for golf balls on file with USGA.
Golf Ball Regulations – Breaking Records, Not Rules
Top-Flite has revolutionized the game with a full line of golf balls designed to fly farther and straighter. With distance and accuracy like this, you might be surprised that the Gamer, Freak and D2 comply with all USGA and R&A rules.
- Gamer – A three-piece construction wrapped in Top-Flite's proven Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics combines super soft feel, incredible Tour-like short-game spin, and legendary distance.
- Freak – Maxed out Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics. Lightning-fast, high-velocity core for hot ball speed. Reduced driver spin. It's Top-Flite's longest ball ever.
- D2 – The perfect combination of distance and feel, Dimple In Dimple™ Aerodynamics allow for softer compressions without compromising yardage.
Golf Ball Regulations – The Real No-No's
As more advanced technology is introduced, novelty items become more commonplace. A variety novelty balls have been introduced over the years that ignore golf ball regulations. Though, most are designed as practical jokes.
- Breakaway Golf Balls – Brittle and hollow, these balls shatter when struck.
- Exploding Golf Balls – With a small explosive device included, these balls produce a tiny explosion when struck. Most courses have banned exploding balls because they damage turf and in rare cases injure players.
- "Stallers" – These balls are much softer than normal golf balls, producing a huge amount of lift and far less distance when struck. Stallers have even been known to travel backwards or do loop d' loops.
- Sponge Golf Balls – Softer than Stallers, these balls are designed for indoor use or backyard practice. Sponge Balls look deceptively similar to normal golf balls.
- "Wobblers" – These balls feature an off-center center of mass. When putted, Wobbler's move unpredictably off the intended line.
- Super Distance Golf Balls – With deeper dimples and a heavier weight than allowed by golf ball regulations, these balls maintain momentum and a thicker "envelope" of still air around them which reduces turbulence and resistance and produces extra distance.
Click here to view Top-Flite's full line of golf balls.