Evolution of the Golf Ball

By: Emery Noile

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.

The earliest golf balls were made of wood. Of course, the life span of these simple balls was relatively short, as they'd crack and split after just a few hits. With time, golfers devised a new type of ball, filled with feathers and bound in leather. It was a revolutionary idea that quickly grew in popularity.

The next era in the history of the golf ball came with something called the "guttie". These balls were created with a type of natural latex known as gutta-percha. With further adaptations, the "guttie" began to resemble the type of ball we still use today, with a synthetic rubber core encased in a white plastic cover.

In the early 1990s, changes began to take shape in the structure of the golf ball. Golfers were able to choose from three different types: the "control" golf ball, "distance" golf ball and "spin" golf ball. The latter typically provides highest quality, while the distance ball is usually priced the lowest.

Technological advances have brought about modifications in every area of development. Change has taken place in everything from materials used in the manufacturing process, to the roundness of the ball itself. Some golf ball types have gone through so many scientific modifications that you'd almost need a degree in chemistry to be able to comprehend 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 difficult 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.

In an effort to launch the simple golf ball to great new heights, technology has also found ways to alter compression. A golf ball's "compression" is a measurement that defines the degree of deformation that the ball presents after several hits. Many golfers mistakenly believe that using a ball with higher compression will add distance to their tee and fairway shots. Usually, there is a significant decrease in accuracy after a round of play. This may be attributed to the deformation of the ball after several strokes. The accuracy of the hits is affected, but the actual distance that the ball achieves is not.

Golf balls are tough as nails and built to last. There is no set "shelf life" to a golf ball, so they can be successfully played after years in storage. However, it's important to know that some conditions will shorten the life of a golf ball. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, for example, certainly takes away from the life expectancy of your golf balls.

Golfers were able to choose from only two primary types of golf balls until just a few years ago. The options were basic and inexpensive, so there wasn't a huge demand for used golf balls. As with all products, however, technology has taken over and demand and prices have increased.

Golf has changed little over the last 300 years, but the world of golf equipment continues to evolve. From golf etiquette to golf balls, there's always something new to learn about this age-old sport.

Article Source: http://www.bettergolfarticles.com

Contributor Emery Noile contributes articles to a variety of popular web sites, on individual sports and golf sports recreation topics.

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