On January 1 1932, The United States Golf Association established standardization for golf ball weight and size, following 1930 standards set by the British Golf Association for a slightly smaller ball. The weight was set at a maximum of 1.620 ounces, with diameter not to exceed 1.680 inches. Later, after the development of testing apparatus to measure velocity, a maximum velocity of 250 feet per second was added by the USGA. 

The durability and precision of today's ball reflects not only the technological advancement of their manufacture, but also the development of cutting-edge plastics, silicone, and rubber compounds.