Nitro golf balls have gained much popularity in recent years for their design, affordability, and hardness, but the question is, are Nitro golf balls legal?
The short answer is no. While you can use Nitro balls in amateur games, but the two golf governing bodies have banned Nitro balls from being used in the tournaments for good reasons which I am gonna reveal in this article.
Are nitro golf balls legal? (The Truth)
While Nitro golf balls are popular for their price point and have turned many heads in the casual golfing community, the question arises about their legal status. Various authorities monitoring the golfing sport have their opinion.
The R&A has specifications for golf balls divided into several categories:
General: The balls should comply with the form and make of traditional balls and must not be contrary to the purpose.
- Weight: The ball should not weigh more than 45.93 g
- Size: The diameter should not be short of 42.67mm.
- Symmetry: A standard ball must not be designed, manufactured, or modified in any way, which makes it different from other symmetrical balls.
- Velocity: The ball’s velocity should not exceed what’s mentioned in the Initial Velocity Standard by R&A and USGA.
- Distance standard: The final carry and roll of the ball will be tested by the R&A and USGA.
The Rules and Regulations of the USGA and R&A:
These two authorities store information about illegal golf equipment. This applies to all gears that don’t comply with the rules set by the two bodies.
As per the USGA and R&A, Nitro golf balls are illegal for causal, high-level, or novice games. According to these two bodies, Nitro balls are banned from professional golfing tournaments and games.
Nitro golf balls have been rendered illegal based on the rules set by the R&A for testing golf balls and maintaining a standard for the industry. USGA and R&A agree on this point banning Nitro balls in all golfing tournaments across levels.
What balls are illegal in golf?
Besides Nitro balls, the USGA has barred a few other balls from being used in tournaments. While these balls can help amateur players with extra distance and performance enhancement, pro players never use these.
The list of illegal balls (as determined by the USGA) is long. We have picked the top four options.
Bandit Maximum
This company makes some of the top non-confirming balls in the market, and Maximum is the best ball that gives the players extra distance, unseen in the past.
USGA disapproved of this ball for its dimple pattern and low spin. While the ball offers extra distance coverage, it’s not a good choice for feel and short games.
Volvik Magma Golf Ball
Volvik Magma is larger than standard golf balls on the market and is easier to see and contact. These two characteristics of the ball make it the primary choice for amateur players.
These balls, too, feature a dimple pattern with high ball flight. The balls are ideal for slower swing-speed players, providing extra distance and velocity.
Polara Ultimate Straight Golf Balls
These balls have the unique feature of flying consistently straight. The innovative 2-piece design of the call comes with advanced tech that fights hooks and slices. The ball is also much smaller than the standard diameter set by the R&A and USGA, making it illegal.
MG Senior Balls
As the name suggests, these balls are ideal for veteran players who don’t participate in tournaments. These balls are perfect for slow-swinging players who require distance. The balls also have a good feel and control.
What balls are banned in PGA?
The Professional Golfers Association of America, a.k.a. PGA, was formed in 1916 by a businessman from Philadelphia. The organization’s goal was to promote interest in professional golfing and enhance gaming standards. Today PGA is an elite organization that hosts many tours, and golfers dream of joining them.
Like all golfing tournaments, PGA has certain specifications about the balls they consider legal in their tournament. As per the rules, legal balls used in the tournament cannot be smaller than 1.68 inches in diameter and have fewer dimples. The organization does allow the use of color balls in the tournaments.
However, recently, the golf governing bodies are amending the threshold of confirming balls. As per the current notice, professional golf balls must meet the overall distance limit of 317 yards and have a 3-yard tolerance. If the proposal is implemented, the new standards will be introduced in Jan 2026.
Why are liquid golf balls illegal?
In the past, golf balls used to have a liquid core. These balls were hard and spun too much. However, today’s golf balls don’t use that technology, instead feature a uniform shape that bounces and flies better. The new golf balls have low core compressions that keep the spin rate low.
Conclusion:
Nitro balls are unique with their bright colors, simple dimple design, and solid core. These features combine and make the balls fly. While they are not an option for golf purists, amateurs can take the putt on them.
