Have you ever wondered how are they made golf balls? Although they may seem simple at first glance, the making of a golf ball is a highly technical process that involves a lot of science and precision. From the core to the dimples, every detail counts to ensure the ball flies correctly, has the right spin and offers the perfect feel. Here we tell you about the process of creating these small technological marvels.
The Core of the Golf Ball
It all starts with the core, the heart of the golf ball. Most modern balls have a rubber core, designed to provide compression and reaction when the ball is struck. Depending on the ball, the core can be softer or firmer. Balls with a softer core tend to offer a softer feel, while a firmer core generates greater distance, especially useful for players with fast swings.
The core material and its compression is key to determining the ball's behavior in the air and its ability to generate speed after impact.
The Inner Layers: Multilayer Technology
Many golf balls, especially high-end ones, have multiple layers between the core and the outer cover. These extra layers are made from advanced materials, such as specific polymers, that are tailored to each player's control and distance needs.
The balls like the TaylorMade TP5 They have up to five layers, which allows them to optimize performance in each type of shot. The more layers a ball has, the more control it offers on short shots and more distance on long shots, such as with the driver.
The Outer Cover: Protection and Feel
The outer cover of the golf ball is another crucial aspect in its manufacture. Covers are usually made of surlyn either urethane, the latter being the favorite material for high-end balls, such as the Titleist Pro V1 wave Callaway Chrome Soft.
Urethane is known for its softness and ability to generate more spin on shots around the green, which offers greater control. Balls with surlyn covers, on the other hand, are more durable and economical, although they do not provide the same level of control on short shots.
The Dimples: Perfect Aerodynamics
The small dimples on the surface of golf balls, known as dimples, are essential for its performance in the air. These dimples reduce air resistance and allow the ball to maintain a more stable and longer flight. The number, size and shape of the dimples vary depending on the ball model and are optimized for different types of players.
Balls like the Bridgestone Tour BX They have a dimple pattern specifically designed to maintain stable flight even in windy conditions, improving consistency in every shot.
Molding and Assembly
The molding process is where the ball takes its final form. After preparing the core and inner layers, the ball is placed into a mold that applies the outer shell, ensuring it is perfectly uniform. This mold also includes the dimples, which are precisely etched into the surface during this step.
Once molded, the balls go through a baking process to harden the materials and set their shape. This step ensures that each golf ball has the same properties in terms of weight, size and hardness.
Performance Testing and Quality Control
Before reaching the market, golf balls undergo rigorous performance testing. They are tested in wind tunnels to check their aerodynamic performance and in golf simulators that replicate real-life playing conditions. In addition, the balls are subjected to repeated hits to measure their durability and consistency.
Leading brands such as Titleist and CallawayThey carry out extensive testing at their facilities to ensure that each ball meets the quality standards required by the USGA and the R&A, the governing bodies of golf worldwide.
