Multi-layer core golf ball
View Patent ↗Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a single-, dual-, or multi-layer cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoplastic center and a thermoplastic outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thermoset intermediate core layer.
1. A golf ball comprising:
a center formed from a first thermoplastic composition and having a center hardness of from 20 Shore C to 90 Shore C, a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.50 inches, and a specific gravity of from 0.50 g/cc to 1.18 g/cc;
an intermediate core layer formed from a rubber composition and having a surface hardness of from 40 Shore D to 70 Shore D;
an outer core layer formed from a second thermoplastic composition and having a surface hardness of from 20 Shore C to 90 Shore C; and
a cover;
wherein the intermediate core layer has a surface hardness that is greater than both the center hardness of the center and the surface hardness of the outer core layer.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center hardness of the center is less than the surface hardness of the outer core layer.
3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center hardness of the center is greater than the surface hardness of the outer core layer.
4. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer.
5. The golf ball of claim 4 , wherein the inner cover layer has a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater; the outer cover layer has a surface hardness of from 20 Shore D to 70 Shore D.
6. The golf ball of claim 5 , wherein the surface hardness of the outer cover layer is less than the surface hardness of the inner cover layer.
7. The golf ball of claim 5 , wherein the surface hardness of the outer cover layer is greater than the surface hardness of the inner cover layer.