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Gutties to G-Force: History of Golf Balls

Author: EmeryNoile
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Golf is a sport that's been popular for nearly 300 years, since first played on the fields of Scotland. The game itself hasn't changed much, but the equipment has certainly changed with the times. You can imagine how different golf balls were back in the 1700s. The golf ball has undergone many revolutionary changes, bringing it to the hard, dimpled 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the 300 years since golf was invented, the game itself has evolved only slightly. The equipment, however, has undergone incredible changes. From golf equipment to etiquette, golfers always have something new to learn about this age-old sport.