How Much Does A Dozen Golf Balls Weigh? — (and Average Weight of One)

Have you ever wondered how much a golf ball weighs? Or, if there is a minimum or maximum that a golf ball can weigh and still be legal?

In order for a golf ball to be legal according to the USGA and the RGA, it must meet six separate criteria. Maximum weight is one of them.The Tell Me More Golf pros are going to dive into the rules of golf to tell you how much a golf ball can weigh, how much a dozen golf balls weigh on average, and how they test the balls so they ensure the integrity of the game.

Average Weight Of 12 Golf Balls

On average, a single golf ball will weigh about 1.61 ounces, or 45.74 grams. Therefore, the average weight of a dozen golf balls will be 19.32 ounces, or 548.88 grams.

This is because in order for a golf ball to be of legal weight, the USGA rules say that “the weight of the ball must not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93g).”

There is no advantage for a golf ball to be lighter than the maximum weight allowed in the rules of golf. Golf ball manufacturers want to make golf balls as close to maximum as possible, still allowing some room for variances in the golf ball’s construction.

However, the maximum weight of the golf ball is just one factor they have to take into consideration when designing a new golf ball.

Average Weight Of A Golf Ball

With the maximum weight of a golf ball being set at 1.62 ounces, or 45.93 grams, the average weight of a golf ball comes in at 1.61 ounces, or 45.74 grams. That’s, on average, 99.6% of the allowable maximum weight for each golf ball.

This precision is due in part to the advancement in the manufacturing process of golf balls and in the improved technology in both the core and cover materials.

Even with the advancement in core technology, from two-piece distance balls to newer five-piece balls, the average weight of new golf balls has remained constant.

As production technology continues to improve, golf ball manufacturers will continue to push the weight of their golf balls closer and closer to the maximum allowed by the rules.

Having a maximum weight limit on golf balls, and a minimum size, are two ways that the USGA and the R&A can keep new technology in check, to help protect the integrity of the game.

Measuring Methodology for a Legal Golf Ball

The USGA and RGA test golf balls to ensure that they conform to the rules of golf and are therefore legal to play.

A golf ball must meet six criteria to conform to the rules of golf:

1. General – the ball must not be substantially different from the traditional and customary form and make. The material and construction of the ball must not be contrary to the purpose and intent of the Rules.
2. Weight – the weight of the ball must not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93 g).
3. Size – the diameter of the ball must not be less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm).
4. Spherical Symmetry – the ball must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally modified to have properties which differ from those of a spherically symmetrical ball.
5. Initial Velocity – the initial velocity of the ball must not exceed the limit specified under the conditions set forth in the Initial Velocity Standard for golf balls on file with The R&A and USGA.
6. Overall Distance Standard – the combined carry and roll of the ball, when tested on apparatus approved by The R&A and USGA, must not exceed the distance specified under the conditions set forth in the Overall Distance Standard for golf balls on file with the R&A and USGA.

In order for any ball manufactured by golf ball brands like Bridgestone, Titleist, Callaway, Srixon, TaylorMade, Pinnacle, Top Flite, and Dunlop to be legal:

Manufacturers produce golf balls with a variety of different rubbers in their multi-piece core designs. They also use different plastics and dimple patterns for the covers of a golf ball. All while meeting the minimum size and maximum weight requirements allowed by the USGA and R&A.

Golfers will continue to seek the newest technology that pushes the rules of golf as we know them. New golf club technology, producing the lightest clubs with incredible clubhead speed, combined with improved golf ball technology, has made some older golf courses obsolete for professional tournaments.

The USGA and the R&A have created these criteria for golf balls to help keep the game fair and competitive as golf equipment technology continues to improve more quickly than golf courses can keep up.

Conclusion: Research by Tellmemoregolf.com

A dozen golf balls weigh, on average, 19.32 ounces, or 548.88 grams in total. An individual golf ball weighs, on average, 1.61 ounces, or 45.74 grams. This means the average golf ball is within 99.6% of the legally allowed maximum weight.

Even with the tight restrictions on the minimum allowed size of a golf ball and the maximum allowed weight, among other factors, golf ball manufacturers can produce golf balls to match players with any swing speed.

You might not think too much about the weight of the golf ball that you play in your golf bag beyond the name and the make, but a lot goes into producing a golf ball that conforms to the rules of golf.That’s a lot of technology and testing for 1.61 ounces in a 1.68 inch ball. Think about that the next time you buy a dozen balls before you go play a round of golf.

Patrick Corley

From a golf scholarship to a Southern California University, to a private golf coaching career and an instructor position at a nonprofit organization, I’m here to help you get better at golf! With my 50+ years of golf experience; I bring you Tell Me More Golf. A golf coaching website that helps your game with instructional golfing content that’s ultimately geared toward making you a better golfer and having more fun!

Our golf instructor team brings it all to you, so enjoy!

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