What Are Golf Balls Made Of That Make Them Go So Far?
In the chemistry of air pressure, turbulence, and aerodynamics, surface structures are vital physical element. History has it that there are things that seem to be peculiar on their make-up hundreds of years ago which eventually came up with a better composition based on scientific research. And a golf ball is the best paradigm of this theoretical stand in history.
During the earliest days of golf on the eastern coast of Scotland, most players used ancient apparatus in order to play the game in a more disorganised and informal way. Here, the first clubs and golf balls are made up of wood.
It was on 1618 that the feather golf ball was finally introduced. This was commonly known as the “Featherie”. This feather golf ball was a handcrafted ball made with goose feathers securely pressed into a horse or cowhide sphere. This is being done while the ball is still wet. After drying, the leather shrank and the feathers expanded creating a hardened ball.
But because these kinds of golf balls are specially handcrafted, they usually cost higher than the clubs. In doing so, only a few privileged people could afford to play golf during those times.
Next, came the Guttie golf ball. This prehistoric kind of golf ball was made from the rubber like sap of the Gutta tree that can be found in the tropics. Normally, these Guttie balls can be easily shaped into a sphere when hot and eventually used as a golf ball. With its rubber nature, Guttie balls can be cheaply reproduced and can be easily repaired by reheating and reshaping.
However, between the two earliest forms of golf balls, the feather golf ball was said to travel farther than the gutties. This is due to the smooth surface of the gutties that limits the capacity of the golf ball to cover more distance.
With this new scientific analysis, the developers of golf ball finally came up with balls with the “dimples” that are predominant in modern golf balls nowadays.
Dimples are crafted into golf balls so as to reduce the aerodynamic drag, which will be acting on the ball if it were totally smooth. This is because smooth balls, when sailing through the air, leave a huge pocket of low-pressure air in its stir therefore creating a drag. With the application of drag, the ball slows down.
Hence, by having dimples on golf balls, the pressure differential goes down and the drag force is reduced. These dimples create turbulence in the air surrounding the golf ball. This, in turn, forces the air to clasp the golf ball more closely. By doing so, the air trails the warp created by the ball towards the back instead of flowing past it. This results to a smaller wake and lesser drag.
Dimples also help players to put backspin on a shot making the golf ball break off on the putting green.
The idea of putting dimples on golf balls can be traced back during the gutta percha phase. Coburn Haskell introduced the one-piece rubber cored ball encased in a gutta percha sphere. It was during this time when the players observed how their shots become more and more predictable as their balls turned rough from play.
When William Taylor applied the dimple pattern to a Haskell ball in 1905, golf balls finally took their modern form.
From then on, dimpled golf balls were officially used in every golf tournament. In 1921, the golf balls took its form with standard size and weight.
Today, there is an abundant selection of golf balls to fit different golf game and condition. There are golf balls that offer control, while some offer distance. In whatever ways golf balls vary, only one thing is common and known. Golf balls are not just elements of the sports arena; they are more than ever paradigm of a concept in physics.
Kenny Perry’s Traveller’s Championship was TaylorMade
TaylorMade Golf Tour Staff professional Kenny Perry fired a nearly effortless, bogey-free final-round 63 to clinch victory at the Traveler’s Championship. It was his second win on the PGA Tour this year, his fifth in the past 13 months and his first since switching to the new R9 460 driver.
It was the 14th career PGA Tour win for the 48-year old Perry, whose goal is to reach 20. His Traveler’s win was a record-setter for the event at 22-under par that started with an opening-round 61 and finished with a final round 63 to stave off fellow TMaG staffer and R9™ 460 user Paul Goydos.
This is as good a win as I’ve ever had,” Perry said. “On Sunday, my golf was unbelievable. To shoot 22-under par, to break the all-time record of all the great champions that are on this trophy, it’s unbelievable.”
With his R9 460, Kenny ranked 12th in driving distance with an average of 293.1 yards and T20th in driving accuracy at 80.4% of fairways hit. He also ranked T3rd in greens in regulation. *
The victory was his fifth on the PGA Tour in a little more than a year; the most of any player in that time span. It elevated Kenny to No. 1 on the PGA Tour money list, No. 1 on the Fedex points list, No. 3 on the Presidents Cup points list and No. 3 on the Ryder Cup points list.
Perry was one of 38 players who played an R9 driver, 14 of whom used the just-introduced R9 460.
In Perry’s winning bag*:
Driver: TaylorMade R9 460 9.5°
Fairways: TaylorMade Burner 3-wood, Prototype Raylor® 17.5°
Irons: TaylorMade r7 4 – PW
Wedges: TaylorMade rac 54° and 64°
* PGATour.com
** Darrell Survey model count at Travelers Championship
Dougherty Holds on for BMW Title
England’s Nick Dougherty resisted a late charge from Argentina’s Rafa Echenique to claim the BMW International Open by one shot.
Dougherty began with four birdies in the opening five holes to pull level with overnight leader Retief Goosen.
Birdies on 13, 14 and 15 established a comfortable lead, but an albatross at the last helped Echenique to a European Tour record 27 on the back nine.
Goosen finished in third while home favourite Bernhard Langer ended ninth.
The third and most high-profile European Tour win of Dougherty’s career had seemed in danger when Echenique sank his approach shot at the par-five last.
The three strokes picked up by the 243-yard three-iron cut Dougherty’s advantage to just one heading onto the 18th tee.
But, after a bogey on the same hole on Saturday, the world number 120 kept his nerve to clinch an emotional win.
The Liverpool-born player paid tribute to those who helped him after the sudden death of his mother in April 2008.
South Africa’s Goosen, who had led over the first three rounds, could not maintain his pace under pressure from the chasing pack.
Dropped shots on the 10th and 12th saw him lose touch just as Dougherty accelerated.
Langer’s hopes of becoming the oldest winner in Tour history in front of his home fans were fuelled by an opening birdie that put him within one shot of the lead.
But he finished level-par for the day as he struggled to reproduce the form that saw him go seven-under on Saturday.
Dougherty’s BMW International Open Winning Golf Bag contained:
Driver - Callaway FT-5 with a neutral 8.5˚head.
Fairway Wood - 15˚ Callaway X 3-wood with an Aldila NV shaft.
Utility - Callaway Tour Authentic Utility Iron with an Aldila Voodoo shaft and a 64˚ wedge.
Irons - Callaway X Forged irons with Rifle Flighted shafts.
Wedges - Callaway X Forged wedges 52˚, 58˚ and a 64˚.
Putter - Odyssey White Hot 6.
Ball - Callaway Tour-i.
Oakley’s Biggest Week in Golf
Oakley golf had its single biggest showing ever at a Grand Slam tournament on the PGA Tour at the 109th US Open. With 30 players in the field wearing Oakley eyewear, footwear and apparel, the exposure generated over the five days of competition was truly unmatched. Many countries across the globe covered the tournament.
Once the field was cut down after two rounds of golf, five Oakley players remained in Ricky Barnes, Azuma Yano, David Duval, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson.
Ricky Barnes Wore The Following Products:
Eyewear: Oakley White & Black Flak Jacket w/ G30 Black Iridium XLJ Lenses
Belt: Oakley Leather Belt in Nickel
Azuma Yano Wore The Following Products:
Eyewear: Oakley Custom White & Grey Flak Jacket w/ Black Iridium XLJ Lenses
David Duval Wore The Following Product:
Eyewear: Oakley Custom Metallic Red Radar w/ Vented G30 Range Lens
Ian Poulter Wore The Following Product:
Eyewear: Oakley Custom White & White Flak Jacket w/ Positive Red Iridium XLJ Lenses
Henrik Stenson Wore The Following Product:
Eyewear: Oakley Custom Jet Black Radar w/ Vented Black Iridium Range Lens
Titleist - #1 With Club Professionals
Titleist was the overwhelming favourite at the 2009 Glenmuir PGA Professionals Championship at Dundonald Links, as PGA Club Professionals followed the example set by the world’s best players on Tour by choosing Titleist. The legendary Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf ball franchise claimed the #1 position in the ball category. The strength and depth of Titleist’s products was further demonstrated as they led the count for drivers, fairway metals, utilities, irons and wedges*. As well as being the firm favourite throughout the field, Titleist was also the choice of the champion, James Lee, who trusted the performance and workability of Titleist from tee to green.
Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls led the way for Titleist as they were the choice of 140 players. This accounted for 88.1% of the field, more than seventeen times the nearest competitor with eight players; proving that players across all levels of the professional game opt for the matchless performance of the #1 ball in golf when it really counts.
Titleist enjoyed similar success in many of the club categories, proving that Titleist’s clubs meet the needs of the best players throughout the professional ranks. The latest range of drivers, including the Tour proven 909 D2, 909 D3 and 909 DComp helped Titleist top the driver count with 45% of the field. The latest 909 F2 and 909 F3 fairway metals and 909H hybrid also helped Titleist top the fairways and utility categories with 29.1% and 34.8% of the field respectively.
The playability of Titleist irons such as the tour proven AP2 and ZB forged irons saw them as the preferred choice of better players, topping the iron category with 57 players, 35.8 % of the field. Titleist Vokey Design wedges, designed by master craftsman Bob Vokey, also topped their category respectively, accounting for over half of all wedges in play at Dundonald Links. Vokey wedges accounted for 50.8% of the field, more than four times the nearest competitor with 10.7%.
To cap a fine week for Titleist, the winner at Dundonald Links, James Lee, trusted Titleist right through his bag including a Titleist 909 DComp driver, Titleist 906 F2 fairway metal, Titleist AP2 irons, Vokey 200 Series wedges and Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 2 putter. Lee claimed a four stroke victory with his three-over par total, 291, and booked his place in the GB & I team for this year’s PGA Cup.
A further win for the #1 ball in golf at Dundonald Links, as well as Titleist topping the count for drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons and wedges proves once again that better players opt for the matchless performance of Titleist.
* IFM Sports Marketing Surveys Glenmuir Club Professional Championship Survey 2009
Glover Claims US Open Win
Well, the US Open is over again for another year with Lucas Glover claiming the title.
Glover, who uses Nike Golf Equipment, survived late charges from Phil Mickelson and David Duval to clinch the rain-hit 109th US Open at Bethpage on Monday.
Glover claimed his maiden major by two shots from world number two Mickelson, former world number one Duval and third-round leader Ricky Barnes. England’s Ross Fisher was close for much of the final round but ended three back for his best major finish. Tiger Woods threatened but ended four strokes behind Glover at level par.
The event finished on Monday as opposed to Sunday because (as you will have noticed if you were following on the TV) of torrential rain and waterlogging on Thursday and Saturday evening which halted play. This was the first time a US Open has overrun in regulation play since Larry Nelson won at Oakmont in 1983.
Glover’s Golf Bag contains:
Driver: Nike Sumo 2 Driver 9.5 degrees with x-flex Matrix Red Tour only
3 and 5 woods: Nike Sumo Tour Fairway wood (Tour only model, closest is Nike Sumo 2 Fairway Wood)
Irons: Nike CCI forged Irons
Wedges: Nike SV Tour Wedge
Putter: Tour prototype (Closest is a Scotty Cameron Newport Putter)
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
Callaway I-Mix FT-I and FT-5 Drivers Now In Stock At Golfbuyitonline
Callaway Golf have always been a company who push the boundaries of innovative design and ground breaking new technology. Well the future of golf is here now today with the new Callaway I-Mix Technology. It all started from Callaway developing a custom fit lock in shaft to head system for Callaway custom fitters to interchange heads and shafts to find the perfect combination for the golfer. We at Golfbuyitonine were involved at the prototype stage being one of the custom fit companies Callaway chose to protype and test their Optifit system. We are still to this day a major Callaway optifit centre fitting Callaway golfers of all levels each season for drivers and irons using this unique system. This has been so successful that Callaway decided to launch this new I-mix system so you the end user can interchange heads and shafts when you feel the need.
Imagine being able to lock in a lower flighted shaft for windy conditions on one day and then a higher flighted shaft when you want to carry the ball higher and further. We at Golfbuyitonline are privileged that Callaway golf golf have chosen us as one of the first I-mix retailers in the Uk. The i-mix system is available in FT-5 or FT-I heads in different lofts and shot shaping biasses with a HUGE range of shafts in all flexes and are now in stock.
I-MIX: The Driver Re-Invented, So You Can Re-Invent Your Game.
Your attitude. Your course. Your day. Take command of your game every time you play with Callaway I-MIX Technology.
On Tour, golf clubs are dynamic. Callaway bend, tweak and tinker to custom-equip their pros. Now, Callaway bring the power of pro-level customisation and personalisation to you. Callaway I-MIX interchangeable heads and shafts let you reconfigure your driver to meet the unique challenges and conditions of every round.
Callaway I-MIX Technology will change your mid - and your game. Available now at Golfbuyitonline, an authorised Callaway I-MIX Retailer.
How To Order
Simply choose the head style, including loft and bias that you require, then the shaft and flex of your choice. Then call our sales line on on 08444488508 (UK) or 0044 1443222806 (Europe) where one of our dedicated staff will be happy to take your order or help you on any advise you may need in choosing your specification.
Golf Bag Buyers Guide
I have helped many people find their perfect golf bag at Golfbuyitonline but it still amazes me how novices and professionals alike, underestimate the importance of buying a golf bag.
Here’s what a good golf bag can do. First, keep your clubs, most importantly your grips, dry. Second, be able to adapt to whatever mode of transportation you’re taking (walking, cart, carrying your clubs through an airport). Third, have just enough storage, for you to store all the essentials that your game requires.
There two things you need to consider before buying a golf bag are weight and storage.
First, let’s talk about the weight of your golf bag and it’s importance. If you carry your own clubs, you need a light bag, preferably with a stand. A heavy bag can have you tired around the sixth hole, something you don’t want happening.
Even if you never walk a golf course, you still might benefit from a lite bag. For example, getting your clubs in and out of your trunk or around the airport when traveling can be a big pain with a heavy bag.
Besides your carrying bag having a stand, another essential is a double strap. If you have ever carried your clubs 18 holes on a single strap, this one piece of advice will change your game.
Instead of one sore should around hole 8, a double strap allows you to balance the weight of the bag onto both shoulders.
Double straps used to be sold separately. However, now most carry bags come with a double strap.
If you rarely find yourself with your own clubs in your hands, a cart bag can be a big advantage. The best part about the cart bags are the amount of storage they contain.
The more storage isn’t necessarily better. The key is finding the right amount of storage for your game.
If you find yourself staying in because of a 10% chance of rain, you’re not going to need to much storage. On the other end of the spectrum, if you play in tournaments or travel a lot, storage isn’t a luxury but a necessity.
For golfers who travel or play in tournaments, there are a lot more reasons for storage. If it rains or even gets cold, you might need room for an extra glove or two, rain jacket, rain pants, extra socks, umbrella, a rain cover etc. It might seem like a lot, but for any golfer who has played in just a slight rain, you know you’re going to need a lot of extra gear. Having an organised golf bag with the essentials above, makes playing in the rain or sub-par conditions a whole lot more bearable.
The most important thing when buying a new golf bag, is to think of all the conditions and places your bag has been or will be with you in the future. There are plenty of golf bags to choose from to find your perfect fit.
Still Having Nightmares About Putting?
TaylorMade Rossa Monza Spider Balero Putter
Are you getting to the green in few shots but then ending up taking at least three putts?
Are you worrying about missing the hole every time you step up to take a putt?
This post will reveal some great ideas to use next time you’re about to take putt and help sink more than you miss.
Study the Green
When you first get the green you need to study where you ball is laying and how far it is away for the hole. There are three main factors which you need to be aware of that will affect your shot, these are speed, run and slope. Studying these factors will help you visualise the line you want to hit the ball down. First start by crouching behind the ball and understand the layout of the green, determine the correct path you want to take to the hole. Make sure you take some time walking from your ball to the hole and back to indicate the correct direction you need to play the shot. This will also identify what (if any) obstacles lie between the hole and ball.
Address and Posture
As with your other golf shots make sure you head is completely still even after you have connected with the ball. When you move your head, you automatically open your shoulders which cause your putter to hit the ball down the wrong line. To ensure your head is completely still keep your eyes focused on the ball, this will ensure your eyes see exactly the line you want to hit your ball. Keep your eyes on the ball and head straight until you hear your golf ball land in the cup!
Visual Aids
Visual aids are a must when you are putting, these are constantly being used by the professionals and even though you may be a novice you need to start visualising. I great visual aid is to mark all your golf balls with the pen, then when cleaning your ball before you putt make sure you line up the pen mark with the target line to the hole. This will help you aim the putter a lot better and give you something to concentrate on to stop you thinking that you might miss the putt.
Aim past the hole
When putting you should never leave the ball short of the hole, this is one of the main sins of golf. Instead of focusing directly at the hole try to focus just after the hole this should encourage you to accelerate the putter through the hole causing you more likely to sink the putt that leave it short.
Practice Putting
One of the main reasons why you and loads of other golfers fail to master their putting is due to lack of putting practice. You will go up to the driving once or twice a week and also a pre match practice, but how often do you go to the putting green to practice. Practicing as much as you do your driving will dramatically change your game, remember a high percentage of shots will be your putts. Practice will give you so much more confidence and understanding of your putter, which will be a major benefit to you on the course.
Taking the fewest number of putts on the green is simple to achieve if you follow these proven principles in this article. Perfect putting is not a dream that you can only see on the television, use these principles and very soon you’ll be a master putter and your handicap will be on the way down.
The US Open 2009
As you may (and probably will) know, it’s the US Open this weekend. The 109th US Open to be exact. This year’s US Open is to be held at the Bethridge State Park Black Course.
Last year’s US Open was the last time in 2008 that we saw Tiger Woods compete after suffering a leg injury. Woods struggled the first day on the course, notching a double bogey on his first hole. He would end the round at +1 (72), four shots off the lead. He scored -3 (68) his second day, still paired with Mickelson, managing 5 birdies, 1 eagle and 4 bogeys. On the third day of the tournament, he started off with a double bogey once again and was trailing by 5 shots with six holes to play. However, he finished the round by making 2 eagle putts, a combined 100 feet (30 m) in length, and a chip-in birdie to take a one shot lead into the final round. His final putt assured that he would be in the final group for the sixth time in the last eight major championships.
On Sunday, June 15, Woods began the day with another double bogey, and trailed Rocco Mediate by one stroke after 71 holes. He winced after several of his tee shots, and sometimes made an effort to keep weight off of his left foot. Woods was behind by one stroke when he reached the final hole. Left with a 12-foot putt for birdie, he made the shot to force an 18-hole playoff with Mediate on Monday. Despite leading by as many as three strokes at one point in the playoff, Woods again dropped back and needed to birdie the 18th to force sudden death with Mediate, and did so. Woods made par on the first sudden death hole; Mediate subsequently missed his par putt, giving Woods his 14th major championship.
This year, although he only has 1 win out of 2 tournaments, he will be wanting to take home the US Open Trophy.
In other US Open news, the men’s and women’s US Opens in 2014 will be held at Pinehurst in successive weeks - the first time both tournaments have been staged on the same course.
The events will run back-to-back in June on Pinehurst’s number two course.
The men’s edition will be held on 12-15 June, with the women’s event staged a week later at the North Carolina club.
Pinehurst’s number two course, designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1907, was the scene of Michael Campbell’s 2005 Open victory over Tiger Woods.
