December 2007
Evolution of the golf ball
It has come a long way in 10 years
Approximately 10 years ago, golf balls would have fallen into one of two main construction categories: either wound or two-piece. The two methods produced balls that ended up on opposite ends of the performance spectrum, with one side giving you spin and feel and the other providing unmatched distance.
The wound balls consisted of a small rubber core wrapped tightly in elastic bands. This was all encased inside a thin cover made of either surlyn (plastic compound) or balata (rubber compound). Most high performance golf balls were built this way as it provided a player with excellent sense of feel as well as a very high spin rate. The balls were terrific for putting and chipping, and the extra backspin helped the ball stay on the green when approaching from the fairway. However, these balls did lack in distance and durability.
Most value-packed balls 10 years ago were produced by using a two-piece construction. They utilized one solid moulded core and it was enclosed inside a thin surlyn cover. They provided players with amazing distance off the tee, but lacked spin to hold the greens, and soft feel for touch when putting.
The inability of manufacturers to create a ball that would suit a broad spectrum of playing requirements pushed them to research and develop a new production method that would provide a more user-friendly product. This ultimately resulted in the balls of today, containing a healthy balance of distance, spin, feel and durability.
The leading manufacturers of today all utilize—in one form or another—versions of this modern three-piece golf ball design. One solid core is moulded and encased in not one, but two separate covering layers.
These core and covering layers can vary in thickness, material and firmness, to produce a wide variety of blended playing characteristics. Golf balls today are far more consistent and durable than those of the past. They offer tremendous distance from the tee, very high spin rates and a soft feel around the greens.
So how does this help you? The gap between distance and spin balls is still present today, but with the improved golf ball construction there is simply not as large a gap between the two. Players no longer need to make significant sacrifices to either spin or distance when selecting which golf ball they want to play.
Trevor Moore is a CPGA professional based in Medicine Hat, he owns and operates Advantage Golf Academy. You can contact him via his website www.advantagegolf.ca.