Multi-layer core golf ball
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 greater 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 80 or less, an outer surface Shore C hardness (H center surface ) of 30 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 60 or greater;
wherein H center surface <H intermediate , H outer core <H intermediate , and H outer core −H center ≦20.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H center is from 20 to 65.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 20 to 75, an outer surface Shore C hardness (H center surface ) of from 25 to 85, wherein H center surface −H center ≧1;
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 60 or greater;
wherein H center surface <H intermediate , H outer core <H intermediate , and H outer core −H center ≦20.
10. The golf ball of claim 9 , 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.
11. The golf ball of claim 9 , 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.
12. The golf ball of claim 9 , 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.
13. The golf ball of claim 9 , 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.
14. The golf ball of claim 9 , 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.
15. The golf ball of claim 9 , 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.