The invention provides a solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of one or more layers, or a solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover of one or more layers. When the ball is hit with a driver at a head speed of 45 m/sec, the maximum contact area S (cm2) and the contact time t (&mgr;sec) of the ball with the club upon impact should satisfy the relationship: 9.0≦(S/t)×1000≦11.0. The golf ball has excellent flight performance and a soft and pleasant feel indicative of speed.