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Why Are Nitro Golf Balls Illegal? (Explained)

When it comes to playing with Nitro golf balls, you will want to be careful about what you are getting into.

This might not be an ideal option for those who are thinking about playing in an official tournament. Choosing the best golf balls on the market does become important when it comes to your performance and the legality of golf balls.

With this in mind, why are Nitro golf balls illegal?

Nitro golf balls are illegal because they do not abide by the R&A Conforming Ball List or USGA Conforming Ball List. The USGA states Nitro golf balls do not pass their criteria for golf balls (weight, size, form, velocity, distance standard, and spherical symmetry).

Which of these factors played a role in making Nitro golf balls illegal? This was not stated by the USGA but it has noted Nitro golf balls cannot be used officially.

This article is going to take a look at why Nitro golf balls are illegal, the advantages of Nitro golf balls, the disadvantages of NItro golf balls, and which golf balls are best for your needs.

Are Nitro Golf Balls Illegal?

Yes, Nitro golf balls are illegal. They have been deemed incompatible with official golf play by the USGA and R&A conforming ball lists. This means these balls cannot be used in any official golf tournaments as they do not pass the internal tests run by these organizations.

Using illegal golf balls by Nitro is not an option for pro golfers.

It’s important to only go with USGA-approved golf balls to make sure you are not breaking the rules in golf.

When looking at the list of illegal golf balls by the USGA, it’s clear Nitro is not a valid option. You will want to look at finding compatible golf balls for golf tournaments to ensure you don’t get disqualified.

Who Makes Nitro Golf Balls?

Nitro golf balls are manufactured by a company in Florida named Reliable Knitting Works. The brand that holds the various golf ball lines is Nitro Golf. This Florida-based company offers a wide array of brands including Vision, White Out, and Maximum Distance.

When it comes to the Nitro golf balls manufacturer, it’s a team that has been around for a while and is a well-known name in the world of golf.

While the Nitro golf balls are illegal, this does not mean the golf balls aren’t used on the golf course from time to time. There are situations where golfers play with Nitro golf balls when having fun.

why are nitro golf balls illegal

Where Are Nitro Golf Balls Made?

Nitro golf balls are made in Stuart, Florida. These are all made in-house by Reliable Knitting Works to maintain a set quality control standard.

Should You Use Nitro Golf Balls Casually?

Yes, you can use Nitro golf balls casually. This will depend on the other golfers participating and what their thoughts are on the use of a Nitro golf ball. If it is agreed upon, there is nothing wrong with using Nitro golf balls.

When figuring out why Nitro golf balls are illegal, it will often come down to wanting to make sure you are focused on your results.

In general, there is nothing wrong with using Nitro golf balls as long as it is agreed upon by all players. Do not attempt to trick anyone.

Pros Of Nitro Golf Balls

1. Good Distance

When testing an illegal golf ball, it is important to note this is still a valid option in other situations depending on who is playing on the golf course.

One of the advantages of Nitro golf balls would be the distance they have to offer. Whether it is due to the inner core of Nitro golf balls or how they look, it tends to do well in the air.

This means it can cut through their air and travel a longer distance.

This is ideal for those who want to ensure they are golfing the right way.

2. Affordable For Practice Sessions

Are Nitro golf balls any good?

Yes, Nitro golf balls are good for practice sessions due to how affordable they are. They tend to be reasonably priced and offer a neat option for those who want to simply practice or go through golf drills.

Whether or not this is good for you is a personal choice.

Buying NItro golf balls is a common option. If you buy Nitro golf balls, you are going to find them to be affordable and good for golf practice sessions.

why are nitro golf balls illegal

3. Unique Design

When looking at the list of conforming golf balls, it is important to note the premise is to have golf balls that tend to follow the same style and inner core.

This is where the Nitro golf balls struggle.

They are not as effective when it comes to this and that leads to subpar results officially. You are going to enjoy the unique design in other situations such as playing a casual round of golf on the golf course.

This is one of those illegal golf balls for sale that can work out well in the right situation. It simply depends on what you are on the lookout for.

Cons Of Nitro Golf Balls

1. Cannot Be Used In Official Golf Tournaments

When it comes to the negatives of Nitro golf balls, you will want to understand the major issue starts with it not being allowed at official golf tournaments.

A regulation golf ball is a must.

This is one of those banned golf balls that you cannot bring to a tournament as it will not be allowed. At that point, you are going to want to look at other types of golf balls to make sure you are getting through officially.

If you bring Nitro golf balls to the course, you are going to be disqualified as soon as it is found out.

why are nitro golf balls illegal

2. Can Be Seen As A Tool For Cheating

When going through this Nitro golf balls review, you have to understand this is simply seen as a tool for cheating due to the distance it can get.

Whether it is the way this golf ball is designed or its inner core, you are looking at a golf ball that is not valid.

It is going to lead to serious issues about performance and that is what you are going to want to avoid.

You should understand what you are getting into with this type of golf ball. If you are going to be using the Nitro golf ball at the driving range then it will be fine. However, if you want to use it at an official golf tournament, this is not a good idea.

Nitro Golf Ball Compression Ratings

Type Of Nitro Golf BallCompression Rating
White Out70
Vision30
Glycerin70
Maximum Distance85
Eclipse70
Tour Distance90
Pulsar90
Nitro LD +20100
Crossfire85
The compression for Nitro golf balls is an important detail to consider when it comes to understanding how Nitro golf balls work.

In general, these golf balls are good and will perform well as soon as they are put to use on the golf course.

Of course, this also means you are not going to be using it an official tournament. It will only work casually.

What Makes A Golf Ball Legal?

Legal golf balls have to follow the USGA conforming criteria.

These criteria focus on assessing the validity of a golf ball and how it is designed based on specific regulations the association has.

These golf ball regulations have been around for a long time and all of their testing is done with these in mind.

There are six factors that play a role:

  • Form
  • Weight
  • Initial Velocity
  • Material
  • Spherical Symmetry
  • Distance Standard

If the golf ball does not pass one of these requirements, it is not going to be passed by the USGA making it illegal.

Final Thoughts

Why are Nitro golf balls illegal?

Nitro golf balls are illegal because they do not conform to the golf ball regulations set out by R&A and USGA. They have specific criteria that focus on distance standard, spherical symmetry, weight, form, material, and velocity. If a golf ball does not pass one of these requirements, it is not allowed at official golf tournaments.

This is why Nitro golf balls are illegal.

Choosing good golf balls is a must and you do want to know what you are getting into before investing in new golf balls.

Each situation is unique and even Topgolf does not use Nitro golf balls.