What You need to know about Golf balls
Golf balls are, needless to mention, the central equipment around which the entire game of golf is based. There are several decrees regarding the game and these specify that a golf ball must have a minimum diameter of 42.67 mm and cannot weigh more than the mandatory weight of 45.93 grams. The rules governing the size, weight, width, symmetry and other specifications are very strict and manufactures have to abide by them. Those companies that produce golf balls that are not in compliance with these rules are posed with the possibility of having their products barred from use in formal events, competitions, matches and clubs.
Golf balls were originally made of wood. While golf is a pursuit usually associated with the modern, upper classes, the game itself has been around for centuries now. In the initial phases of the 17th century, gold balls made of wood were used. As the game grew more and more popular, the need for a lightweight, fast and accurate ball arose and the result was seen in the form of golf balls made of numerous feathers encased within a tight covering of leather. Even though these balls were an improvement as compared to the wooden balls, they could not become popular with the masses as the production process took a long time, was rather costly and the final product tended to be of an irregular shape that affected the quality of the game. Despite these shortcomings, these balls were used for over two hundred years.
The modern day golf balls, made of rubber, were created in the 20th century as a result of a chance discovery by Coburn Haskell. Rubber proved to be an ideal material as it was extremely sturdy, could withstand the elements of nature, was lightweight and flew through the air with great velocity, and above all, allowed the manufacturers and immense amount of flexibility while making the balls.
A distinctive feature of golf balls is their dimpled surface. Dimpled surfaces are more favorable as they help the golf balls to travel a greater distance at an increased speed as compared to golf balls that have even, non-textured surfaces. The path, speed, velocity and distance covered by the golf ball are influenced by the aerodynamic forces of drag and lift. These forces have a greater combined effect when they are acting on golf balls with a dimpled surface, producing a more heightened result.