Multi-layer core golf ball
View Patent ↗Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the center is preferably less than the Shore C hardness of the geometric center of the center.
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 comprises:
a center having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.50 inches, a center Shore C hardness (H center ) of 85 or less, an outer surface Shore C hardness (H center surface ) of 50 or greater, wherein H center surface <H center ;
an intermediate core layer having an outer surface Shore C hardness (H intermediate ) of 75 or greater; and
an outer core layer having an outer surface Shore C hardness (H outer core ) of 70 or greater;
wherein H center <H intermediate , H outer core <H intermediate , and H outer core −H center is from 1 to 30.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H outer core −H center is from 1 to 13.
3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H center is from 60 to 80.
4. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H intermediate is from 80 to 95.
5. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H center is from 65 to 80, and H intermediate is from 85 to 95.
6. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a first rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a third rubber composition.
7. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a first rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a second rubber composition.
8. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a first highly neutralized polymer composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second highly neutralized polymer composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a rubber composition.
9. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a first highly neutralized polymer composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second highly neutralized polymer composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a third highly neutralized polymer composition.
10. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a first highly neutralized polymer composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a second highly neutralized polymer composition.
11. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center is formed from a first rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition.
12. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center, the intermediate core layer, and the outer core layer each have a specific gravity of from 1.05 g/cc to 1.25 g/cc.
13. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center, the intermediate core layer, and the outer core layer each have a specific gravity of from 1.10 g/cc to 1.19 g/cc.
14. 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 comprises:
a center having a diameter of from 0.50 inches to 1.50 inches, a center Shore C hardness (H center ) of from 55 to 83, an outer surface Shore C hardness (H center surface ) of from 50 to 80, wherein H center surface <H center ;
an intermediate core layer having an outer surface Shore C hardness (H intermediate ) of 80 or greater; and
an outer core layer having an outer surface Shore C hardness (H outer core ) of 70 or greater;
wherein H center <H intermediate , H outer core <H intermediate , and H outer core −H center is from 1 to 25.
15. The golf ball of claim 14 , wherein the center is formed from a first rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a third rubber composition.
16. The golf ball of claim 14 , wherein the center is formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a first rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a second rubber composition.
17. The golf ball of claim 14 , wherein the center is formed from a first highly neutralized polymer composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second highly neutralized polymer composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a rubber composition.
18. The golf ball of claim 14 , wherein the center is formed from a first highly neutralized polymer composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second highly neutralized polymer composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a third highly neutralized polymer composition.
19. The golf ball of claim 14 , wherein the center is formed from a rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a first highly neutralized polymer composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a second highly neutralized polymer composition.
20. The golf ball of claim 14 , wherein the center is formed from a first rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is formed from a second rubber composition, and the outer core layer is formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition.