The Evolution of Golf Balls

Golf, and the evolution of golf balls, have a long history. From their wooden ancestors to their current, more aerodynamic plastic style, golf balls have changed a lot over the years.

The beginning of golf

While you may think that golf originated in Scotland, history shows that the people of Holland were actually the first to play a similar game using wooden balls and clubs. Soon after, Scotland began importing the clubs and balls made in Holland. Wooden balls were found to be less than aerodynamic and were quickly modified from the original designs dating back to the 1500s.

Changes in golf balls

Realizing that wooden balls did not work very well, the Dutch started using a popular ball that they also used for hand tennis. This ball had an outer layer of leather and the inside was stuffed with cow hair. Following by example, the Scottish adapted a similar ball using leather and feather stuffing and added the classic coat of white paint in order to locate the ball with ease. Once the ball took on this harden modern form, it was almost the exact size, shape and weight of golf balls used today.

Standardizing golf balls

There was no standard size or weight for golf balls until the British Golf Association standardized balls in the 1930s. The United States Golf Association followed suit on January 1, 1932. The American golf balls are slightly smaller than British balls and cannot exceed a velocity of more than 250 feet per second.

Golf is a well-loved leisure sports with a history dating back to 14th century Europe. Golf and golf balls materials continue to develop today.