A golf ball is a simple object, but there is much more to it than meets the eye. How a ball is constructed has a huge impact on its performance, and choosing the right one for your game can be as important as selecting the right clubs.
Almost every aspect of the modern golf ball has been changed over time, with many of those changes driven by advances in technology. Aside from the different materials that are used to make up a golf ball, the most significant development has been in the way that the dimples on a golf ball are designed. The number of dimples on a golf ball is important, but the actual shape and depth of those dimples are what determines how the ball flies.
The first golf ball that was able to be made spherical website was created in 1848 by a Scottish reverend. This ball was called the gutta-percha, and it was essentially a rubbery, hollow sac of dried sap from a Malaysian tree. This was a revolutionary advancement in golf ball technology, and it allowed the ball to travel further than feathered balls could.
Golf ball manufacturers have pushed the boundaries on what they can do with a golf ball over the years, and today there are countless options to choose from. The latest golf balls include many technological innovations that allow players to tailor the ball’s flight and spin characteristics to their own individual needs.
These new technologies include a four-piece golf ball that is designed to offer a more customized performance for each club in the bag, a ball with a dual core that offers increased distance for drivers and lower spin for irons and wedges, and a smart ball that tracks all aspects of its flight on a smartphone app. While some of these innovations are still in the testing phase, it is clear that the future of golf ball technology is bright.
Aside from the technology that is introduced, it is important to remember that there are many factors that can affect a golf ball’s performance. The dynamic lie of a golf ball (the angle of the shaft at impact relative to its manufactured neutral angle), strike location if using a driver, and environmental factors such as wind are all critical.
Once potential golf ball designs have been narrowed down through extensive launch monitor and swing robot testing, they are ready for player testing on the range. During this process, the golfers hit the test balls and provide feedback on feel, trajectory, and spin characteristics. This feedback is extremely helpful to the ball designers as they work on future golf balls. This process is typically repeated 1-3 times during the development process before the final product is released.