The golf ball has come along way since the late 1700′s. The earliest golf balls were made of wood and frequently cracked and warped from the harsh elements of the Scotland seasons. In the early 1800′s came the evolution of the “feathery ball”.
Made of leather and tightly packed with feathers, it quickly became the ball of choice among competitors. Soon thereafter emerged a much more durable solid gutta-percha rubber ball known as the “guttie”. With time and technology the golf ball has evolved into what we see today. A highly engineered, high-performance combination of polymer and chemicals designed to make the ball fly farther and more accurately than ever.
Today’s golf ball is designed in a couple of different ways. There is the two-piece ball, which consists of a cover and a solid core. And then there is the three-piece ball, which consists of a cover over elastic windings wound around a solid core center. A two-piece golf ball is better for distance, while the three-piece offers a little more feel and control.
The most common golf ball covers are made from two materials; Surlyn and Balata. Surlyn provides a stronger, more durable cover, where the Balata is a softer material that offers a little more spin control. Most touring professionals prefer the control of the Balata golf ball.
With so many different golf balls to choose from, make sure and pick a golf ball that’s right for you based on your golf game. Many manufacturers offer free samples if you contact them directly and express your interest.
