Evolution of the Golf Ball

Ever since the first game of golf was played on a field in Scotland some 300 years ago, the sport has steadily risen in popularity. Golf itself hasn't changed much over the years, but the equipment has certainly come a long way. We can only imagine how different it was, way back in the 1700s. Even the simple golf ball has undergone many revolutionary changes until it became the dimpled, white form that we use 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.

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 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.

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 have 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 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.

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.

Technology has also altered compression in an effort to launch the average golf ball to brave new heights. The compression of a golf ball is a measurement that defines the degree of deformation that a golf ball presents after it has been hit several times. Many golfers believe that using a ball with higher compression will add distance to their tee and fairway shots, but this is not the case. There is usually a significant decrease in accuracy after a round of play, which may be attributed to the deformation of the ball after several strokes. Only the accuracy of the hits is affected, and not the actual distance that the ball achieves.

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.

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.

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.

Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com

Author Emery Noile is a writer for a variety of Internet sites, on sports gear and sports shop subjects.

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