Golf ball

Abstract

The invention provides, in a golf ball having a core, an intermediate layer and a cover, a golf ball which combines an intermediate layer formed of an ionomer resin material having a high degree of neutralization with a cover formed of a material that includes a first ionomer resin having a high unsaturated carboxylic acid content and a second ionomer resin having a low unsaturated carboxylic acid content. The golf ball is able to achieve a lower spin rate on full shots with a driver (W#1) without reducing the spin performance on approach shots in the short game, provides high levels of both flight performance and controllability, and also has a good feel at impact.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a golf ball provided with a core, at least one intermediate layer, and a cover having numerous dimples on an outer surface thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to a golf ball having an excellent flight performance, an excellent feel at impact, a good durability when repeatedly struck and a good controllability.[0002]In recent years, various performance attributes, including not only distance, but also controllability, durability and feel at impact, have been desired in golf balls. Satisfying all of these attributes with only one type of material is generally difficult. Hence, it is common practice to adopt a construction wherein one, two or more layers (intermediate layer, cover, etc.) are formed around a solid core made of rubber, resin or the like, or around a wound core, with each such layer being given a distinct role. That is, by adjusting the number and thickness of the above layers, the hardness re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a golf ball that has a suitable spin rate for the short game and can be easily controlled, while also holding down its spin rate when hit with a driver for optimal flight performance. Additionally, the ball provides a good feel at impact. This is achieved by combining an intermediate layer made of an ionomer resin material with a cover made of a material containing two or more different ionomer resins, where one resin has a high amount of unsaturated carboxylic acid and the other has a low acid content.

Problems solved by technology

Satisfying all of these attributes with only one type of material is generally difficult.

However, when an ordinary high-acid-content ionomer is used, the spin rate on approach shots decreases, in addition to which a golf ball having a sufficient durability and a good feel cannot be obtained.

In this way, there are generally trade-offs between various performance attributes of a golf ball, such as flight performance, controllability, durability and feel; increasing certain attributes often results in a decline in other attributes.

For example, when the cover is formed solely of a material having a high resilience (hard material) in order to increase the flight performance of the ball, the distance traveled by the ball on shots with a driver increases, but the ball is often less receptive to spin on approach shots, resulting in decreased controllability.

Moreover, because the cover has less flexibility, it may have a tendency to crack or may, depending on the individual golfer, impart too hard a feel at impact.

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