Up until 1990, golf’s governing bodies, the USGA and R&A, could not agree on the size of the golf ball. There were two different sizes of golf balls being used in competitions around the world. The USGA’s minimum golf ball diameter was 1.68 inches, while the R&A’s minimum golf ball diameter was 1.62 inches.
The larger ball played in USGA-governed areas became known as the “American Ball”. The smaller ball known as the “Small Ball” or “British Ball” was an option for golfers playing under R&A rules. Although the difference in size sounds minimal it had a significant impact on the flight of the ball with the smaller version flying farther and straighter than the larger version. As proof, American golfers almost unanimously switched to the smaller British ball when playing in international competitions governed by R & A rules like the British Open or Open Championship and the Ryder Cup.
The small Wilson Staff, “British Ball” used by Palmer to win the 1961 Open at Royal Birkdale is on display at the World Golf Hall of Fame. In an interview with Jack Nicklaus at the 2017 Memorial Tournament he said, “The small ball back then was probably about the length of the golf ball we have today. We hit it about 50 yards further.” In 1974, the R&A announced they made the larger 1.68” ball mandatory in the Open Championship.
However, it was not until Jan. 1, 1990, that the Rules of Golf were updated and the USGA and R&A settled on an approved minimum size of 1.68” diameter. The “Small Ball” or “British Ball” was officially outlawed and relegated to history.
