Five golf balls that definitely won't break the rules in 2030

Thanks to the USGA & R&A's new ball rollback that will come into effect in 2030, golfers will have to reassess what balls they will use moving forward.

To help you decide, we've picked out five of the best balls you can use to ensure your scores don't come crashing down like your distance numbers. 

• How will the golf ball rollback affect you?
• R&A and USGA confirm decision to revise golf ball testing conditions in 2028

These balls utilise tried and tested technology that will allow you to maintain the level of distance the governing bodies want to see while also maintaining, at times, devastating spin rates and questionable durability. 

Let's get into the best golf balls you can use when the rollback begins. 

Golf Balls That Will Not Break The Rules In 2030!

Credit: 18Birdies

1. Wooden Golf Ball

Available to find potentially buried under six feet of earth at golf courses throughout Scotland, the classic wooden golf ball was the pick of the bunch amongst the best golfers in the world in the 14th century.

Not renowned for its durability, it may get smashed into a thousand pieces when struck at 110mph with a titanium driver. However, if it does stay in one piece, it will undoubtedly remain within the conforming distance regulations.

Credit: Archeologish Centrum Amersfoort, The Netherlands

2. Hairy Golf Ball

Sadly, due to their primarily cow hair and leather construction, it's tricky to find a hairy golf ball in today's pro shops, due to the fact that the majority of them decomposed mid-way through the 1800s.

Despite that, the hairy golf balls were the go-to choice for Scottish golfers between 1486 and 1618, thanks to their low price point. While consistent roll on the greens was never the hairy ball's strong point, the distance they offer should be just right in order to come in under the 317-yard mark for conformance in 2030.

3. Featherie Golf Ball

As technology moved on, the hairy golf ball was overtaken by the Featherie golf ball. Packed full of chicken feathers and wrapped in a leather outer casing, the innovative new ball was more rigid than its predecessor, allowing for greater distance.

While the featherie doesn't quite provide the explosive ball speeds of today's designs, it is challenging to get completely round and will lose distance when wet, making it the ideal choice for modern golfers who don't want to hit a ball very far, to ensure they play within the game's new rules. 

Notable users of the featherie included four-time Open Championship winner Old Tom Morris. 

4. Gutta Golf Ball

Invented by Dr. Robert Adams Paterson in 1848, the Gutta ball is constructed from dried sap from the Malaysian Sapodilla tree.

Offering improved aerodynamics and an outer layer that flies straighter the more it's damaged, this ball could be the perfect Titleist Pro V1 replacement once the new rules are in effect. 

Visit your local golf museum to enquire about purchases. 

5. Balata Ball

Travelling roughly 20 yards shorter than modern balls, an old-school balata ball could be the perfect tool for lowering your distance figures. 

Made by all of the biggest brands in the game, balata balls are still readily available to purchase on eBay, and they will enable you to travel back in time to play the game like Seve and Faldo. 

We found this lovely-looking sleeve of Titleist Tour 90 Balata golf balls for the very affordable price of £60 online.

Playing within the rules has never been more affordable. 

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