The history of golf is intertwined with the evolution of its essential tool—the golf ball. From humble beginnings in 12th century Scotland to the technologically advanced spheres used in today's game, golf balls have undergone significant transformations, shaping the sport as we know it. Let's take a journey through time to explore the fascinating story behind the golf ball's evolution.
‘The Goff’
The feathers harden and the leather swells,
The work of Bobson, who with matchless art, Shapes the firm hide, connecting every part,
Then in a socket sets the well-stiched void. And thro’ the eyelet drives the downy tide;
Crowds urging crowds the forceful brogue impels, The feathers harden and the leather swells.
Thomas Mathison 1743
The use of wooden balls in golf in Scotland is in fact an assumption. It is almost certain links golfers never played with wooden golf balls. Almost every golf history says that early golf was 'presumably' or 'probably' played with wooden golf balls. Some even detail the wood that they were made from, such a boxwood, except that there is no evidence to support it. No examples of wooden golf balls have been found in Scotland and there is no mention of people playing with or making wooden golf balls or buying them from 'bowars' or similar and certainly no details of what type of wood was used.
Featherie Balls
Hairy Balls A lesser-known chapter in golf ball history is the era of “hairies”. The first examples being manufactured in Scotland dates back to 1554, but on the whole were imported from the Netherlands between 1486 and 1618. They were made using three pieces of leather stitched together and turned inside out. The filling of cow hair or straw was stuffed into a small gap. Theses were overwhelmingly popular and still being used into the 18th Century, but they were extremely expensive and prone to water damage.
Feather Light Although it is not definitively known when or where it was developed, the feathery or ‘featherie’ was likely the next stage of golf ball evolution. A similar construction, except using feathers as the stuffing. The major advantage however, was that when these balls got wet, and then dried, the feathers would expand and the leather would shrink, causing a 2-way pressure and a tighter ball, thus travelling further. (The record was for 361 yards, 1836, Samuel Messiuex).
The balls were painted white for added protection, and for easier finding! Despite their advancements, feathery balls were still limited in distance and susceptible to damage when wet.
Gutties Gutty Balls, or Gutties, began to replace the featheries and marked a significant milestone in golf ball evolution. Invented in 1848 by Rev. Dr. Robert Adams Paterson, The guttie golf ball was made from the dried sap from the Malaysian sapodilla tree. It had a rubbery feel to it and by heating it and shaping it you could get a spherical shape when using a mould. These durable balls boasted better handling properties and allowed for longer distances, revolutionizing the game in the late 19th century.
Haskell An accidental invention In the late 19th century, some 50 years following the Gutty, the Haskell ball emerged as a game-changer. Invented by chance in 1898, by one Coburn Haskell while waiting to play a game of Golf with someone at the B F Goodrich company. The story has it he wound some rubber thread into a ball and marvelled at the bounce of the ball he’d made, and then his golf partner Bertram Work suggested he covered the ball. For decades this ball featured liquid filled or solid round core that had a layer of wound rubber around it, which was then covered with a thin outer shell of balatá sap. The Haskell ball's innovation paved the way for further advancements in golf technology.
The Dimpled Revolution: But perhaps the most revolutionary advancement in golf ball design came with the introduction of dimples. Initially observed by keen-eyed professionals who noticed that damaged balls tended to fly further, dimples were embraced as a means to optimise aerodynamics. Through scientific experimentation and meticulous engineering, the dimple pattern was perfected, reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing overall flight performance.
Why Dimples? The concept of dimples on golf balls might seem counter-intuitive—after all, don't smooth surfaces typically offer better aerodynamics? However, through careful analysis and experimentation, it was discovered that dimples create small turbulent regions near the surface of the ball, delaying flow separation and reducing drag. This allows the ball to fly further and more efficiently than its smooth-surfaced counterparts.
Modern Golf Balls: Today, modern golf balls are marvels of engineering, meticulously designed to optimise flight and distance performance across a range of factors. From the core to the cover, each component is carefully engineered to achieve the perfect balance of distance, spin control, feel, and durability. With advanced materials and cutting-edge technology, golf balls continue to evolve, pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Dimples and Aerodynamics, Air Pressure and Turbulence!
Those lovely dimples serve a crucial purpose in the realm of aerodynamics. Whether they're arranged in hexagons or other patterns, these little indentations play a pivotal role in how the ball moves through the air.
When a golfer strikes the ball, a complex interplay of forces comes into play, including thrust, lift, drag, and gravity. Each dimple on the surface of the ball helps to minimize drag, allowing it to slice through the air with greater ease. Additionally, these dimples aid in generating lift, effectively giving the ball some extra “oomph” to soar through the sky.
It's fascinating to think about how these seemingly minor features can have such a significant impact on the trajectory and distance of a golf ball. Without them, the ball would behave much differently, potentially leading to less predictable shots and reduced control for the golfer.
So, the next time you're out on the course, take a moment to appreciate the intricacies of those dimples–they're not just decoration; they're essential components in the science of golf ball design.
While golf clubs garner much of the spotlight in the sport of golf, the evolution of golf balls has played an equally pivotal role in shaping the game we know and love today. What’s YOUR favourite golf ball?
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COLOURS
White: White golf balls are the traditional and most commonly used color. They offer high visibility against green fairways and blue skies, which can make it easier for some golfers to track their shots and locate their balls.
Yellow: Yellow golf balls are becoming increasingly popular, especially among amateur golfers. The bright yellow color provides enhanced visibility in low light conditions, such as foggy mornings or late afternoons. Additionally, yellow golf balls can stand out more against autumn foliage or in areas with dense grass or rough.
Orange: Orange golf balls offer similar visibility benefits to yellow balls, especially in overcast or cloudy conditions. Some golfers prefer orange balls for their distinct color and ability to stand out against various backgrounds.
Pink: Pink golf balls are less common but still offer good visibility, particularly for golfers who prefer a softer and more feminine aesthetic. Pink balls can be easier to spot against green grass, especially for individuals with certain types of color blindness or visual impairments.
Multi-colour Designs: Some golf balls feature multi-colour designs or patterns, which can add a fun and unique element to the game. These balls may not necessarily offer any performance advantages but can be appealing to golfers looking to express their personality on the course.