Golf Balls: Gutties To G-forces

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Today, most amateur golfers use a solid core ball with a cover made of a type of plastic called surlyn. These golf balls are more affordable and achieve greater distance, but they can be difficult to control. More experienced players choose golf balls with covers made of balata, a material that provides more spin and a better feel. These golf balls demand a higher price. Recently, some manufacturers have delved into the development of golf balls made with titanium. Others use tungsten and magnesium. Some golf balls are made with a mixture of metal components. Some golf balls have been exposed to gamma rays during the manufacturing process, and others have "bald spots" to achieve a truer roll. All of these developments are made, of course, 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. 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.   Provided by ArticleGOLD: Articles Directory - Article Directory