Evolution of Golf Balls
Comparisons in scoring at golf down the ages have always been difficult to measure, but there can be no doubt that the game is now much easier than once before, primarily because of the advances in the manufacture of clubs and balls. Few changes in the sport compares with that wrought by the rubber-core ball. There have been minor revolutions, notably the advent of steel shafts, but improvements in the ball have made the greater difference.
Three types of ball dominate the history golf: the feature ball, or feathery, which reigned supreme for about 400 years; the gutta-percha ball, or gutty, first made in 1845; and finally the rubber-core ball, invented by Coburn Haskell. Sandy Herd used a Haskell in winning the 1902 Open Championship at Hoylake, and because of its promise of length; a new and lasting era was launched.
As Bernard Darwin once wrote, “To add a cubit to their figures as drivers, man will do no matter which is motivated”, and old Tom Morris obviously felt the same when the gutty replaced the feathery. He maintained that it was a more reliable ball which could be hit farther. He was even prepared to put his job at St. Andrews in jeopardy on account of his views. The impression that the weak player was helped far than the good one, in the 1920s of steel shafts is supported by the fact that Bobby Jones remained faithful to history throughout his competitive life. However, the new clubs made it easier to hit the ball straight and sadly required less artistry and improvisation in the fashioning shots. However whatever the advances in equipment design, golf architecture has always kept in step. The site of trees and bunkers, and the size, angling, shaping and bunkering of greens, form the most frequently counters. The battle to combat increasing length is best summed up by the American Architect A.W Tillinghast: “A controlled shot to a closely guarded green is the surest test of any man’s golf”.
The dramatic differences in scoring affected with the feather, gutta-percha and modern ball are shown by the comparison of what a good player could hope to achieve with each on the 1st at St. Andrews. With a feather ball it would be a par-five, a mashie being used to lay-up short of the Swilcan Burn and a nib l**k to chip on. With a gutta-percha ball it would be a very hard par-four, a baffy, the equipment of today’s 4 or 5 wood, being used to reach the green.
With the modern ball the hole is an undemanding par-four no more than an 8-iron to the green. The modern ball has changed very little since the expiry in 1945 of the patents of Coburn Haskell, who invented the rubber core ball in 1898. The modern ball may have a core of rubber, as did Haskell’s, liquid, steel or even glass encased in rubber, and it will usually be wound with rubber thread, just as Haskell’s was. Most balls still have balata covers, first used in 1903. All balls are dimpled, a feature first introduced in 1908.
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