Golf Balls

Golf has become a popular sport in many countries and like other sports that have revolutionized their equipment so has Golf. Golf balls in particular have had huge overhauls in the way they are designed and have a huge impact on the sport.  The evolution of the golf ball is a timeline that spans decades, with continual technological advances in materials, construction and aerodynamics. The goal of all manufacturers today is to make a ball that best fits a golfer’s individual game, and that will allow golfers to maximize their abilities to hit long drives and work the ball with a great measure of feel and control. Golf ball performance can be broken down into 4 primary categories: launch conditions, aerodynamics, durability and feel.

Launch Conditions

Launch conditions are post impact from a golf club and affect the distance, launch angle, backspin and side spin.  Golf ball speed is the most important factor in determining distance and higher ball speed directly relates to increased distance. All shots usually have backspin which helps around the green for added control.

Aerodynamics

During flight, the launch conditions of the golf ball interact with the aerodynamics of flight to determine the golf balls overall trajectory. The two primary aspects of aerodynamics are lift and drag. The lift is the force that acts in the vertical plane. The lift must be optimised in order to produce the desired trajectory since too much or too little can lead to loss of distance. Drag is the force that opposes the golf balls motion.

Durability and Feel

New technological advancements have made golf balls feels soft and responsive during impact but still durable to increase speed and distance. Two major categories are cover and core of the ball. The core is more dominate in long shorts to increase range and speed whereas the cover is more influential on putts and shorter shots.