Multi-layer core golf ball
View Patent ↗Golf balls having a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core contains a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is thin relative to the center and outer core layer. In one embodiment, the relatively hard intermediate core layer has a surface hardness of 80 to 90 Shore C which is greater than the center hardness and surface hardness of the outer core layer. In another embodiment, the cover includes an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater and an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 20 to 70 Shore D.
1. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has an overall diameter of from 1.40 inches to 1.60 inches and consists of:
a center having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.50 inches and a center hardness (H) of from 20 Shore C to 70 Shore C;
an intermediate core layer having a surface hardness (I) of from 70 Shore D to 80 Shore D; and
an outer core layer having a surface hardness (S) of from 20 Shore C to 70 Shore C;
wherein H<I and S<I; and wherein the cover is a two-layered cover including an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater, and an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 20 to 70 Shore D.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center has a diameter of from 0.75 inches to 1.50 inches.
3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the outer core layer has a thickness of from 0.01inches to 0.15 inches.
4. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the outer core layer has a thickness of from 0.03inches to 0.07 inches.
5. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center hardness (H) is from 35 Shore C to 70Shore C.
6. The golf ball of claim 5 , wherein the center hardness (H) is from 55 Shore C to 60Shore C.
7. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the outer cover has a surface hardness (S) of from 35 Shore C to 60 Shore D.
8. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a first rubber composition, the intermediate layer is formed from a second rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a third rubber composition.
9. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center, the intermediate layer, and the outer core layer each have a specific gravity of from 1.05 g/cc to 1.25 g/cc.
10. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has an overall diameter of from 1.40 inches to 1.60 inches and consists of:
a center having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.50 inches and a center hardness (H) of at least 70 Shore C;
an intermediate core layer having a surface hardness (I) of from 70 Shore D to 80 Shore D; and
an outer core layer having a surface hardness (S) of at least 70 Shore C; wherein H<I and S<I, wherein the center, the intermediate layer, and the outer core layer each has a specific gravity of from 1.05 g/cc to 1.25 g/cc.