History
Golf balls have evolved from a feather-filled leather pouch to the aerodynamically designed sphere of today. Golfers used the feather ball from at least the 16th century until the 1850s. In the late 1840s, the gutta percha ball, molded from a material similar to rubber, began to replace the expensive and less durable feathery. In the mid-1800s, golfers discovered that balls flew farther when nicked, eventually leading to the development of dimples. The dimples help the ball stay in the air longer. In 1899, Coburn Haskell and Bertram Work received a patent for a rubber-core ball, paving the way for the golf balls in use today (see Reference 1).
Significance
Manufacturers inundate golfers with claims of superior golf ball technology--offering more distance and better performance than the competition--but standards established by the governing bodies of golf render most premium balls similar in performance. The United States Golf Association stipulates that a golf ball weigh no more than 1.62 ounces and must be at least 1.68 inches in diameter. The USGA also regulates the "spherical symmetry," initial velocity and overall distance (carry-roll ratio) of golf balls (see Reference 2 and Resource 1).
Types
Golf balls today fall into two main categories: distance for the average amateur and premium with feel and control for the skilled amateur and professional. The lines are blurred, however, as manufacturers develop premium balls with added distance and make distance balls with a softer feel. Generally speaking, premium balls are the costliest, ranging up to $50 per dozen.
Effects
Multilayer premium balls are firmer than they were 10 years ago, delivering distance as well as feel with control, according to Dean Snell of TaylorMade Golf. All golf balls now contain solid cores, which rebound when golfers hit them. Inner mantle layers affect velocity and spin, and outer covers--most are Surlyn or urethane blends--affect spin and control. The configuration of the dimples affects the golf ball's trajectory.
Brands
Titleist makes the best-selling premium balls, the Pro V1 and Pro V1x. The Pro V1 hit the market in 2000, claiming a high spin rate with soft feel and control, as well as distance. With less spin, the Pro V1x is designed for players with high clubhead speed (see Resource 2).
More tour professionals use the Pro V balls than any other brand, although Callaway Golf has made inroads. According to the Sports Marketing Survey and Darrell Survey, Callaway's cumulative ball count grew faster than others in 2008 on the major tours (see Reference 3). The Callaway Tour compares to the Pro V1, and the Tour ix is similar to the Pro V1x.
Other premium balls include: Srixon Star and Star-X; Nike ONE Tour and ONE Tour D; and TaylorMade TP Red TM and TP Black TM.
About The Author
Kim Kleinle is a golf professional and a member of the PGA of America and the LPGA. She is also among the 2 percent of PGA professionals who have attained specialty certification. Her certification is in instruction. She is a part-time writer and editor with 15 years of experience in the newspaper business.
