What Material Was Originally Used to Make Golf Balls?

The first golf ball originated in the 15th century and was made of wood from elm or beech trees. The balls were not completely rounded, which inhibited accurate shot-making.

By the turn of the 17th century, the wooden ball gave way to the "feathery" golf ball, which was hand-made, cased in leather and stuffed with feathers.

The feathery golf ball also was not completely rounded and it made for an inconsistent game. Golfers persevered with a "hit and miss" attitude.

By the mid-19th century, the Rev. Robert Adams invented the "gutty" ball. It was made from a glue substance from Malaysia that could be molded into a uniform, spherical shape, rewarding accuracy for well-struck balls.

By the end of the 19th century, the "Haskell" ball was invented by American Coburn Haskell. The ball was created from a three-piece, rubber-cored ball, wrapped with elastic and coated with a dimpled plastic outer-casing.

The Haskell ball, with its dimples, was the inspiration for the golf ball used today.