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.
When golf was first developed, the balls were made of wood. These simple golf balls had relatively short life spans and would crack after just a few hits. Over time, golfers devised another type of ball that was bound in leather and filled with feathers. The revolutionary golf ball was hugely popular.
It wasn’t long before another threshold was crossed in the evolution of the golf ball. The new balls, known as “gutta-percha”, took the sport by storm. Nicknamed “gutties”, these balls were made with a type of natural latex called gutta-percha. Further adaptations led to a form of guttie that was similar to the style of golf ball we use today: a synthetic rubber core encased in a white plastic cover.
The early 1990s saw golf balls moving in another direction. Rather than one basic type of ball, there were three to choose from. Depending on their personal needs, golfers could pick “control”, “distance” and “spin” golf balls. The distance ball is usually priced lowest, while the spin ball provides the best quality.
So far as the technological advances are concerned, golf balls have been modified in every area of development; from the roundness of the ball, to materials used in the manufacturing process. Some types of golf balls have gone through so many scientific modifications that you’d almost need a degree in chemistry to fully understand all of the elements that form the simple golf ball.
Most amateur golfers now use a solid core ball that’s covered in a type of plastic called surlyn. These golf balls provide an affordable way to achieve greater distance, but they can be difficult to control. More experienced players may use golf balls covered in balata, a material that provides more spin and a better feel. These golf balls will fetch a higher price.
Taking us into the modern age, some manufacturers have delved into the development of golf balls made with titanium, while others are using tungsten and magnesium. A mixture of metal components is used in the creation of some golf balls. Gamma rays have even been used during certain manufacturing processes. In others, a “bald spot” is created to give the ball a truer roll. These futuristic developments have all been made to allow golfers a better game.
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.
Most golf balls are tough as nails and built to last. There is no expiry date on a golf ball, so it can be successfully played after years in storage. It’s important to know, however, that some conditions can shorten the life of a golf ball. For example, prolonged exposure to extreme heat will certainly take away from the life expectancy of a golf ball.
Up until a few years ago, golfers were able to choose from just two basic types of golf balls. There wasn’t a huge selection, so the demand was simple and the prices were very affordable. Now, however, technology has taken hold. The choice is vast, and prices have increased accordingly.
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.
Writer Emery Noile is a contributor to a variety of web magazines, on recreation outdoors and recreation and leisure themes.
