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 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 75 or less, an outer surface Shore C hardness (H center surface ) of 70 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 ≦10.
2. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the center has a diameter of from 0.75 inches to 1.50 inches, and the outer core layer has a thickness of from 0.03 inches to 0.07 inches.
3. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H center is from 50 to 70.
4. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H center is from 55 to 70.
5. The golf ball of claim 4 , wherein H outer core −H center ≦5.
6. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H intermediate is from 80 to 95.
7. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein H center is from 55 to 68, and H intermediate is from 85 to 95.
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 third rubber composition.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises an inner cover layer formed from an ionomer composition having a Shore D material hardness of 60 or greater, and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition having a Shore D material hardness of 65 or less, and wherein the outer surface hardness of the outer cover layer is less than the outer surface hardness of the inner cover layer.
12. 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 50 to 75, an outer surface Shore C hardness (H center surface ) of from 65 to 85, wherein H center surface −H center ≧10;
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 ≦10.
13. The golf ball of claim 12 , wherein H outer core >H center .
14. The golf ball of claim 12 , wherein the center has a diameter of from 0.75 inches to 1.50 inches, and the outer core layer has a thickness of from 0.03 inches to 0.07 inches.
15. The golf ball of claim 12 , wherein H center is from 50 to 72, H center surface is from 70 to 85, H intermediate is from 80 to 95, and H outer core is from 60 to 82.
16. The golf ball of claim 12 , wherein H center is from 55 to 70, H center surface is from 70 to 85, H intermediate is from 85 to 93, and H outer core is from 65 to 80.
17. The golf ball of claim 12 , 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.
18. The golf ball of claim 12 , 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.
19. The golf ball of claim 12 , 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.
20. The golf ball of claim 12 , wherein the cover comprises an inner cover layer formed from an ionomer composition having a Shore D material hardness of 60 or greater, and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition having a Shore D material hardness of 65 or less, and wherein the outer surface hardness of the outer cover layer is less than the outer surface hardness of the inner cover layer.