Reviewing The Evolution Of Golf Balls

Golf Balls were not always made the same way that they are today, as they have gone through many changes throughout the years. During the earliest part of the 17th century, they were actually made of goose feathers and cowhide. The cowhide was used as the outer hull and the feathers were used as the stuffing. The process used in making these “featherie” balls was long and somewhat difficult. Because of this, they were also quite expensive.

In 1948, Dr Robert Adams invented balls that were made from Sapodilla tree sap. The sap was heated, which allowed it to be molded into a round shape. However, it was quickly realized that perfectly round balls did not fly as far as balls that had a somewhat irregular shape to them. After this discovery, the balls were produced with the irregular shape to them on purpose, allowing for farther and better flying. The balls were also much cheaper than those that had been produced before. It was then that almost every golf club in existence began using these “guttie” balls for tee times.

In the last century, golf balls were made with multiple layers, consisting of a liquid center, a rubber thread wound tight over it and having a cover put on it to make our modern ball. The country club hills of today have slowly played a part in refining the design to what it is today. Nowadays, they are made as 2, 3 or 4 layered balls, and materials like surlyn or urethane are used to form the layers. The dimples on these balls make it possible for them to be hit farther than plain balls because of the lift and drag effect on them.

Today, to be considered regulation golf balls, the balls need to be completely spherical in shape. This is a requirement of the US Golf Association. They must also be 1.62 ounces or less in weight. There are other sizes of balls that are available; however, those balls are never used in regulation play. The two types of balls in existence are the recreational ball and the advanced balls. Balls that are used for recreational play are most often made with two layers, while the advanced balls are made with three layers. The advanced balls are more expensive and have more spinning power.

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