I think it was down to people swapping balls depending if they were hitting into wind, or with the wind. Golfers would use a smaller ball hitting into wind, so it wouldn't be affected as much, and then the larger ball so that the wind would push it further.
That's about it for my limited knowledge on the subject!
The yanks (where everything is bigger) used a 1.68 ball and we used a 1.62, we changed to suit the yanks and the 'world' game, however I dont know the exact reason why.
I'm sure Google is your friend on this one but interesting question
Yeah, DV has got it spot on. The 1.62 ball disappeared somewhere about late 70's/early 80's from memory. Every so often you find one on the course or practice ground, they look soooo tiny now!!
Post from an old fart !!!
Back in the days when I stared playing golf, the wager on a game used to be a wrapped Dunlop 65, they were wrapped in a nice shiney paper, and this indicated that the one you handed over when coming second was new. I cannot remember how much they cost now ( I refer you to my opening comment). But it was hit in the pocket to lose too often.
you have had a little of it but it may be usefull to know a little more (without going too far back!)
basically the ball had 2 limits placed on it - no more than 1.62oz in weight, and no less than 1.62" in diameter. These were introduced in 1920 rules edition.
in the US they started using a 1.68" ball because it flew better and was a lot lot easier to chip and putt. The only downside was a distance 'penalty. There were also balls manufacured at 1.70" and 1.72", and they were fantastic for putting!
the professional game settled on 1.68" and 1.62oz as the new standard and, after a further period of duality in which you could play both it became an overall rule. In 1974 the larger ball was made compulsory in the Open and, the smaller ball was eventually ruled out for any play in the 1990 rules.
