Bowling Lanes vs. Golf Cup
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Tenpin bowling lanes are regulated by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC Equipment Specifications Manual) and the International Bowling Federation (IBF). The lane measures exactly 60.0 ft (18.288 m) from the foul line to the center of the headpin (Pin 1), with an overall bed length of 62 ft 10³/₁₆ in (19.156 m). The lane surface is 41.5 in (105.4 cm) wide, comprised of 39 individual tongue-and-groove wood boards or synthetic laminate panels.
Official golf hole dimensions are governed by the USGA and The R&A (Rules of Golf Rule 1.1 / Equipment Rules Appendix IV). A regulation golf hole must have a diameter of exactly 4.25 in (108.0 mm) and a minimum depth of 4.0 in (101.6 mm). If a cup liner is inserted, the outer diameter of the liner must not exceed 4.25 in, and its top lip must be sunken at least 1.0 in (25.4 mm) below the green putting surface.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Foul Line to Headpin Distance
|
18.288 m (60.0 ft / 720.0 in exact to Pin 1 center) | — |
|
Lane Bed Width
|
105.4 cm (41.5 in / 39 boards of ~1.06 in width) | — |
|
Approach Length
|
4.57 m (15.0 ft minimum approach behind foul line) | — |
|
Pin Triangle Layout
|
Equilateral Triangle with 30.48 cm (12.0 in) Center-to-Center Spacing 10 Pins | — |
|
Pin Height
|
38.1 cm (15.0 in / 15.0 in ±0.031 in) | — |
|
Pin Weight
|
1,531–1,644 g (3.0 lb 6.0 oz to 3.0 lb 10.0 oz per pin) | — |
|
Maximum Bowling Ball Weight
|
7.26 kg (16.00 lb maximum weight) | — |
|
Bowling Ball Diameter
|
21.59–21.83 cm (8.500–8.595 in / 27.002 in circumference) | — |
|
Gutter Width
|
23.5–24.1 cm (9.25–9.50 in circular drop gutters) | — |
|
Hole Diameter
|
— | 10.80 cm (4.250 in / 107.95 mm strictly enforced) |
|
Minimum Hole Depth
|
— | 10.16 cm (4.00 in minimum depth into putting green turf) |
|
Cup Liner Recess Depth
|
— | 2.54 cm (1.00 in minimum below the putting green surface) |
|
Cup Liner Material
|
— | Cast Aluminum or Heavy Plastic with Central Flagstick Socket Standard |
|
Flagstick Diameter
|
— | 1.27–1.90 cm (0.50–0.75 in fiberglass/carbon rod) |
|
Recommended Flagstick Height
|
— | 2.13 m (7.0 ft / minimum 84.0 in above ground) |