How many members of the Forum remember or have even heard about the different size golf ball that was used by players in the British Open before the end of the 1950's...The U.S. players had to hit a zillion shots and putts to get used to it. They ball would pierce the wind and putt well if the green's weren't too bumpy...The British Open only paid about $5,000. when Arnie & Jack started playing there. Very few played our tour.
On the other hand the European players that came over here had to adapt to the larger ball.
I hit a few in the "old days" and they were much straighter and
easier to control.
It is not even talked about now...

Selftaughtman

The European ball was 1.62 inches in diameter and weighed 1.68 ounces. It was a little more difficult to get airborn because the center of gravity was a bit lower, but it putted well because the smaller diameter would fall in the cup where the 1.68 inch diameter American ball would lip out.

I knew that you would be all over this...
It made a big difference in your round...Good players couldadapt to anything "back in the day"...Now players "cry" if everything isn't perfectly manicured.