The design of the golf ball incorporates such variables as durability, feel, spin and distance. From the size and shape to the core and cover materials, golf balls have undergone changes that make it a technological marvel utilizing physics and state-of-the-art construction. The design and construction of golf balls are regulated by two governing agencies.
History
The first golf balls consisted of small leather pouches packed with wet goose feathers. As the feathers dried, the ball became more hard and solid. In 1848, strands of dried gum from the Malaysian sapodilla tree were packed into balls. These wound balls did not fly as well as the feather-packed balls until they were well-used and their exteriors became more rough. Soon thereafter, balls were manufactured with rough exteriors, which became the basis for today's dimpled balls.
The Cover
Historically, covers of golf balls took the brunt of the impact and were the chief reason they deteriorated. Golf balls in the 21st century are covered with elastomer or thermoplastic material. Elastomer includes polyurethane, which is thin enough to protect the inner core but firm enough to allow the ball to fly farther. Balls covered with thermoplastic resin offer cut and abrasion resistance and are able to create a variety of spin rate, feel and durability options. With a resin cover, you can choose from balls with a soft feel and high spin to balls with a low spin but greater distance performance.
The Dimples
The physics behind the dimpled balls explains why they fly farther. The dimples create turbulence in the air layer around the ball, causing the air behind the ball to maintain pressure, which decreases the amount of drag on the ball.
The Core
Because balls made from wound bands of rubber were not very durable, manufacturers began making longer-lasting solid balls. However, many golfers didn't like the hard feel and lack of control over the spin of these one-piece balls. Two-piece balls, with a core and outer layer, helped resolve some of the issues of the solid ball because the exterior layer helped soften the feel of the ball upon impact. In 2011, most golf balls have multi-layers and are filled with rubber or thermoplastic elastomer compound. With multiple layers, manufacturers are able to tailor balls with differing degrees of hardness and specific gravity for different performance features.
Size Regulations
Because the smaller and heavier a ball is, the faster and farther it will go, the United States Golf Association and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews regulate the construction and design of golf balls. To be approved, a golf ball cannot weigh more than 1.620 oz. and the diameter cannot be less than 1.680 inches.
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