Golf vs. Rugby
Comparing 2 standards across 16 specifications. 16 key differences identified.
Conforming golf balls are regulated by the USGA and The R&A under the Rules of Golf Appendix III. A conforming golf ball must have a minimum diameter of 1.680 in (42.67 mm), a maximum weight of 1.620 oz (45.93 g), spherical symmetry, and an initial velocity not exceeding 250 ft/s (76.2 m/s) at 75 °F under standard test conditions.
Official rugby balls are prolate spheroids regulated by World Rugby (Law 2) for Rugby Union and the RFL for Rugby League. An adult match ball (Size 5) has a length of 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in), long circumference of 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in), short circumference of 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in), mass of 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz), and pressure of 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi).
Specification Comparison Table
16 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Diameter
|
42.67 mm (1.680 in) minimum size | — |
|
Maximum Mass / Weight
|
45.93 g (1.620 oz) maximum weight | — |
|
Maximum Initial Velocity
|
76.2 m/s (250 ft/s ±2% tolerance at 75 °F) | — |
|
Overall Distance Standard (ODS)
|
317.0 yards (max distance cap on mechanical launcher) | — |
|
Standard Dimple Count
|
300–450 Symmetrical circular dimples (avg. 336–392) | — |
|
Average Dimple Depth
|
0.25 mm (0.010 in) | — |
|
Standard Layer Construction
|
2-Piece, 3-Piece, 4-Piece, or 5-Piece Polybutadiene core with Urethane / Surlyn cover | — |
|
Official Match Size
|
— | Size 5 World Rugby / IRL Standard |
|
Length Axis (Tip to Tip)
|
— | 280–300 mm (11.0–11.8 in) |
|
Long Circumference
|
— | 740–770 mm (29.1–30.3 in) |
|
Short Circumference
|
— | 580–620 mm (22.8–24.4 in) |
|
Mass / Weight
|
— | 410–460 g (14.5–16.2 oz) |
|
Inflation Pressure
|
— | 0.67–0.70 bar (9.7–10.2 psi / 65.71–68.75 kPa) |
|
Size 4 Youth (Ages 10–14)
|
— | 270 mm length / 540 mm short circ / 370–390 g Youth Standard |
|
Size 3 Junior (Under 10)
|
— | 250 mm length / 500 mm short circ / 310–330 g Junior Standard |
|
Panel Geometry
|
— | 4-Panel Poly-Cotton Laminate with Rubber Compound Pimple Grip Standard |