Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a zero or negative hardness gradient center that, optionally, is hard relative to an intermediate 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 comprises:
a center having a diameter of from 0.100 inches to 0.950 inches, a center Shore C hardness (H center ) of 30 or greater, an outer surface Shore C hardness (H center surface ) of 20 or greater, wherein H center surface ≦H center ;
an intermediate core layer having an outer surface Shore C hardness (H intermediate ) of 75 or less; and
an outer core layer having an outer surface Shore C hardness (H outer core ) of from 40 to 95;
wherein H outer core −H center is from 1 to 35.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H outer core −H center is from 1 to 15.
3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H outer core −H center is from 1 to 10.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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 rubber composition.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.