Multi-layer core golf ball
View Patent ↗Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer.
1. A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the core has an overall diameter of from 1.40 inches to 1.62 inches and consists of:
a center having a diameter of from 0.125 inches to 0.750 inches and a surface hardness of 80 Shore C or greater;
an intermediate core layer having a specific gravity of from 1.13 g/cc to 1.18 g/cc; and
an outer core layer having a surface hardness of 80 Shore C or greater and a specific gravity substantially the same as the specific gravity of the intermediate core layer;
wherein the intermediate core layer has a surface hardness less than the surface hardness of the center and the surface hardness of the outer core layer.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a rubber composition.
3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a partially or fully neutralized ionomeric composition.
4. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the core has an overall diameter of from 1.50 inches to 1.58 inches.
5. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center has a diameter of from 0.250 inches to 0.375 inches.
6. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center has a surface hardness of 85 Shore C or greater.
7. The golf ball of claim 6 , wherein the outer core layer has a surface hardness of 85 Shore C or greater.
8. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein a subassembly consisting of the center and the intermediate core layer has a compression of 55 or less.
9. The golf ball of claim 8 , wherein the core has an overall compression of from 60 to 100.
10. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover consists of:
an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 65 Shore D or greater and a thickness of from 0.020 inches to 0.080 inches; and
an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or less and a thickness of from 0.015 inches to 0.055 inches.
11. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover consists of:
an inner cover layer formed from a partially or fully neutralized polymer composition and having a surface hardness of 65 Shore D or greater and a thickness of from 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches; and
an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition and having a material hardness of 50 Shore D or less and a thickness of from 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches.