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Golf Balls: Gutties to G-Forces PDF  | Print |  E-mail
The game of golf originated on the fields of Scotland more than two hundred years ago.  You can imagine how different the equipment was back in the 1700s!  Of course, it's all changed dramatically since those early years.  The golf ball itself had undergone revolutionary changes, until finally taking on the hard, dimpled form that we all know today.

In the earliest stages of the game, golf balls were made of wood.  The lifespan was relatively short, as the wood tended to crack after being struck several times.  This led to the development of the feather-filled ball.  Bound in leather, this style of golf ball was a wildly popular choice over wooden balls.  

Soon after the feather and leather ball was introduced, another new threshold was crossed in the revolution of golf balls.  These new balls, called gutta-percha, took the golf world by storm.  Commonly known as "gutties", these balls were made of gutta-percha, a type of natural latex, and they really did revolutionize the sport.   This style was again adapted to the form that we are all familiar with today: a core of synthetic rubber with a highly engineered white plastic cover.

In the early 1990s, changes in the structure of the golf ball were beginning to take shape.  Golfers were given the choice of three different types, including the control golf ball, distance golf ball and the spin golf ball. The latter typically offers the best quality, while the distance ball is usually most affordably priced.

As far as the technological advances are concerned, golf balls have developed through modifications in every area.  From the roundness of the ball itself, to the materials used in the manufacturing process.  Some gone through so many scientific modifications, that you'd need a chemistry degree to fully understand all of the elements that form the simple golf ball.

Amateur golfers usually choose a solid core ball with a cover made of a type of plastic called surlyn.  These golf balls are cheaper and achieve more distance, although they can be difficulty to control.  More experienced players choose golf balls that feature balata covers.  This material provides more spin and a better feel, but demands a higher price.

Some manufacturers have delved into developing golf balls made with titanium.  Others have used tungsten and magnesium.  Some balls are created using a mixture of metal components.  There are manufacturers that have exposed golf balls to gamma rays, and others that put "bald spots" on the balls to achieve a truer roll.  Of course, all of these developments have been made in the name of improved play.

Compression is another area where technology has launched the average golf ball to new levels.  Golf ball compression is a measurement that defines the degree of deformation that a golf ball will present following several strokes from a golf club.  Many golfers believe that a higher compression ball will add distance to their tee and fairway shots, but this is not the case.  After a round of play, there is usually a significant decrease in accuracy.  This may be attributed to the deformation of the ball after several strokes. However, only the accuracy of the hits is affected, and not the actual distance that the ball achieves.

Golf balls are tough little objects that are built to last.  There is no set "shelf life" to a golf ball, and they may be used even after spending several years in storage.  There are conditions, however, that will shorten the life of a golf ball.  Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, for example, will certainly take away from the life expectancy of your golf balls.

Until several years ago, golfers were able to choose from two primary types of golf balls.  These options have historically been so inexpensive, there has never been a demand or a market for used golf balls.  Like all products, however, technology has taken over and prices have increased.  

Whether you're just starting out in golf or have been enjoying the sport for many years, you know that there is a lot to learn.  From golf etiquette and rules of play, to golf equipment and even golf balls, there's always something new to learn about this age-old sport.
 
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