Multi-layer golf ball
View Patent ↗Multi-layer golf balls having a soft, low compression center; a soft, flexible outer cover layer; and a relatively hard, high compression intermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer cover layer are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is greater than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.
1. A golf ball consisting essentially of:
a center having a diameter of less than 1.500 inches, a compression of 40 or less, and formed from a first polybutadiene composition, wherein the first polybutadiene composition does not include a coagent selected from the group consisting of metal salts of acrylates, diacrylates, methacrylates, and dimethacrylates;
an outer cover layer;
an intermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer cover layer, the intermediate layer having a thickness of from 0.005 inches to 0.100 inches, an outer surface hardness of greater than 60 Shore D, and being formed from a second polybutadiene composition comprising greater than 60 parts of a coagent selected from the group consisting of metal salts of acrylates, diacrylates, methacrylates, and dimethacrylates, by weight per 100 parts of rubber, and having a solid, single core compression of greater than 100;
wherein the outer surface hardness of the center and the outer surface hardness of the outer cover layer are less than the outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer; and
wherein the compression of a golf ball subassembly consisting of the center and the intermediate layer is at least 70 compression points higher than the compression of the center.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer composition has a flexural modulus of from 25,000 psi to 90,000 psi.
3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer composition has a flexural modulus of from 50,000 psi to 90,000 psi.