The advent of the rubber ball changed the face of golf as we know it. The new design was invented by Coburn Haskell in association with the BF Goodrich Company in 1898. Featuring a solid rubber core with high tension rubber thread wrapped around it, covered in a Gutta Percha cover. The balls featured a multitude of outer designs for better airflow. The mesh, reverse mesh and Bramble designs gave way to the dimple pattern first used in 1908. The first automatic winding machine was patented in 1900 by John Gammeter, allowing the rubber core balls to be economically mass produced. Due to lack of standards size and weight varied widely.

Size and Weight standards were established in 1930 by the British Golf Assn., prompting the United States Golf Assn to created their own standard in 1932. Both organizations specifications differed until 1990, when the standard was set.

Below is the official standards as set by the USGA.

Weight
The weight of the ball shall not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93 gm).

Size
The diameter of the ball shall not be less than 1.680 inches (42.67mm). This specification will be satisfied if, under its own weight, a ball falls through a 1.680 inches diameter ring gauge in fewer than 25 out of 100 randomly selected positions, the test being carried out at a temperature of 23 +1°C.

Spherical Symmetry
The ball must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally modified to have properties which differ from those of a spherically symmetrical ball.

Initial Velocity
The initial velocity of the ball shall not exceed the limit specified (test on file) when measured on apparatus approved by the United States Golf Association.

Overall Distance Standard
The combined carry and roll of the ball, when tested on apparatus approved by the United States Golf Association, shall not exceed the distance specified under the conditions set forth in the Overall Distance Standard for golf balls on file with the United States Golf Association.

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