With the coming of new technology and new materials, they have set rules on the design of golf balls. The manufacturers are always finding ways to make there balls go further. So with these principles an organization needs to make some rules to govern the design and manufacturing of golf balls.
These are the rules of USGA (United States Golf Association)
Technology and Golf Ball Design:
With the rapid advancement of golf ball technology, there must be a limit to how technologically advanced one can make a golf ball. The USGA has set several guidelines regulating the construction and design of golf balls.
To be accepted and recognized by the USGA, a golf ball must meet the following criteria:
The Golf Ball Weight:
According to the USGA Rules of Golf, the weight of the golf ball shall not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93 gm).
The heavier the ball to a point, the less it can be slowed down by air resistance and therefore the further it tends to fly. Hence the majority of the manufacturers produce golf balls with the maximum allowed weight of 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g.
Golf Ball Size:
According to the USGA Rules of Golf, the diameter of the ball shall not be less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm).
The smaller the golf ball, the further it flies comapred to a larger one given the weight is equal. The reason for this is: having a smaller diameter ball means less air resistance. Moreover, the majority of these manufacturers produce golf balls with the minimum diameter of 1.680 inches / 42.67 mm.
Spherical Symmetry of the Golf Ball:
Golf balls must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally modified to have properties which differ from those of a spherically symmetrical ball.
Golf Ball Initial Velocity:
The initial velocity of the ball must not exceed the limit specified when measured by the USGA.
The Golf Ball Overall Distance Standard:
Overall Distance Standard for golf balls is on file with the USGA.
For the most part, all balls sold in the United States meet the above criteria and earn a place on a document known as the United States Golf Association (USGA) Conforming List — which includes many hundreds of models of golf balls.
