History of the Golf Ball

The characteristics of golf balls are strictly governed by rules. In addition to weight and size, these rules determine maximum initial velocity, total distance, and other characteristics. So, what appears to be just a small round object is in fact the product of many leading-edge technologies. Ball structures break down broadly into two categories: wound balls, which are the conventional ball; and the solid ball, which made its appearance in the 1980s. Ball structure can be broadly divided into two categories: wound balls, which are a direct descendant of the Hasket ball, invented in 1898; and solid balls, which evolved from one-piece ball that was invented in 1966. Until recently, the general opinion among golfers has been that solid balls produced a hard feel at impact, and that they offered poor spin control performance. However, with the development of balls made of urethane resins, the ratio of professionals using solid balls at the 2000 US Open reached 30 percent. As such examples indicate, balls are being improved in ways that increasingly meet golfers' needs. Approximately 1,500 kinds of balls have been approved by the R&A and USGA. In addition to these, a large number of unapproved balls are available on the market today. Within this universe, golfers will find balls that have made this kind of progress. The message is that golfers should take the time to try new balls, rather than say "I'll play the same ball because it's the one I've used before." By doing so, they find themselves discovering balls that more closely fit their style of play.

Click the link below to learn more about each brand of golf ball.

Golf Ball Types

Wound balls
These are balls in which rubber thread is wound around one of two kinds of cores: a liquid center, where the core is liquid-filled; or a solid center, in which the core is made of synthetic rubber. This is then wrapped in either a balata or surlyn cover. Ball characteristics differ depending on the way in which the materials for the center and cover are combined. Generally speaking, wound balls excel in spin performance, but fall short in terms of distance and durability. They are also sensitive to temperatures, losing distance as temperatures fall (below 20?C).

One-piece balls
These are balls made of a single, high-restitution synthetic rubber. Because these balls deform to a large degree at impact, they lose a great deal of the energy required for carry and consequently offer less distance than balls built with different structures. However, because they are extremely durable and economical, they continue to be manufactured today, primarily for driving-range use.

Two-piece balls
These are dual-structure balls in which a high-restitution core is wrapped in a cover. This configuration enables the energy at impact to be transferred efficiently to the ball in flight. Because the cover itself is made of a high-restitution material, these balls generate excellent distance. Recently, manufacturers have been introducing two-piece balls with a ?soft-feel,? which is conducive to greater control.

Multi-layer balls (3-piece balls)
These are multi-layer balls in which the core material is wrapped in multiple covers. As a result of the latest advances in technology, manufacturers are now able to flexibly combine materials, degrees of hardness, specific gravity, and so on, in ways that enhance a variety of performance features. The result has been such path-breaking advances as balls that can compensate for slightly missed hits.