British and American golfers once played with different-sized golf balls?

For much of the mid-20th century, golfers in the UK and the United States did not play with the same size ball. British golfers traditionally used a slightly smaller ball measuring 1.62 inches (41.1 mm) in diameter, while American golfers used a larger 1.68-inch (42.7 mm) ball. The difference may seem tiny, but in golf, even a fraction of an inch can change performance. The smaller British ball had less surface area and created less air resistance, allowing it to travel slightly farther in calm conditions. However, it was also more affected by wind and could be harder to control. Many British players preferred its extra distance, while American golfers favoured the larger ball’s stability.