Golf Balls: Gutties to G-Forces
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About the Author:
Writer Emery Noile is a freelancer for a variety of Internet sites, on recreation outdoors and golf sports recreation topics. This and other unique content 'golf balls' articles are available with free reprint rights. RC Helicopters.
