Golf is a game of Scottish origin and has made its way to being one of the most popular sports in the world. The player and spectators enjoy the game, and worldwide tournaments speak of its popularity. Early golf balls were made by stuffing feathers into a leather stack. As things advanced, they molded latex from the gutta-percha trees. Modern golf balls are more durable, expensive, and different in terms of material. Today, we are counting the most expensive golf balls in the world.
History of Golf
In 8 B.C., Roman emperors played a game called Paganica. They used a bent stick to move around a feathery stuffed ball about seven inches in diameter. As time passed, people began playing using wooden clubs and smaller balls.
Golfe, as called by the Scottish men, developed over the next five centuries. Other countries played different versions of this game, and it was popular among the American colonies in 1657. Different materials, like linen, ivory, wood, and metal, were used to make the balls. However, feathery balls remained popular.
The first-ever golf club was established in 1744 in Edinburgh and made Scotland the origin of the modern game of golf. With British player Harry Vardon, the game became popular in the United States. By establishing rules, Scotland gave the game the right direction so other variations were eliminated.
Spalding was among the pioneers, making the first American-made golf ball in 1895. The modern-day golf ball we see today came around six hundred years ago. Dutchmen stuffed feathers into a 3.75 cm leather pouch. This size of the ball lasted for 450 years.
How is Golf Played?
The basic idea of the game is to drive the ball into a series of nine on 18 holes using a variety of clubs.
There are different obstacles on the golf course. A golf course typically has 18 holes spread over the landscape. By keeping the holes at varying distances, the game is more challenging. Each hole on the field varies in length from 135m to 540m. Each player starts the game at the tee area, and the one who can get the ball in the hole in the fewest number of strokes is declared the winner.
The game is played in groups of two or four people who move together throughout the course.
What are Golf Balls Made Of?
The balls we see today are made in two or three parts. In a two-piece ball, there is rubber and plastic. This type of ball is commonly used in casual golf games. These balls are more durable than the three-piece ball, so they make up 70% of the golf ball production.
Three-piece balls have a plastic cover, rubber thread windings, and a core liquid, gel, or solid core. The dimple pattern on the surface delivers good ball flight. There are three common dimple patterns: the icosahedral, the dodecahedral, and the octahedral.
Icosahedral pattern
It is based on a polyhedral with 20 identical triangular faces.
Dodecahedral pattern
This pattern, too, is based on a polyhedral and has 12 identical faces. It has the shape of a pentagon.
Octahedral pattern
It is different and based on an eight-sided polyhedral with triangular faces.
These balls have better flight performance if the dimples have a 0.38 cm diameter. In addition, the balls' performance is also affected by the size and depth of the dimples. If there are shallow dimples, it can cause more spin. It eventually results in more lift and can stay in the air longer. On the other hand, deep dimples cause a lower trajectory than shallow ones.
Most Expensive Golf Balls in the World
High-end golf balls make a huge difference, and many players prefer them. The lower-end products might not give you the same feel, but the most expensive golf ball isn't always the best golf ball.
So, let’s see the most expensive golf balls and how they are different in material and performance.
Volvik S4 ($40.90)
Due to its high-grade urethane coating, the premium golf ball has excellent flight performance. It penetrates the air well and is perfect for those who want to get a maximum distance between them and the ball. The players can get a high spin rate from this ball. It is a tour caliber ball with a four-piece construction. Due to this, it is smooth on any shot.
The core of the Volvik S4 is dual-power bismuth between the core and cover. It increases durability without affecting the spin. Those who use this ball can tell they have better control with optimized energy. It can show a high spin when the golfer wants to have control of the ball but delivers a low driver spin with its solid core.
Bridgestone Tour B X Golf Balls ($49)
These balls have a high price, but they do not disappoint. The Bridgestone Tour B X has a Dual Dimple Technology that enhances aerodynamics. Moreover, it increases the distance by decreasing the time the ball is in the air.
The expensive ball shows good performance and better aerodynamics resulting from the balanced dimple pattern. It produces a powerful sound off the tee, spins well, and even with your mid-iron, it can spin high and makes a quick stop. This feature of the ball makes distance control much easier.
Callaway Chrome Soft X Golf Balls ($52.99)
Anyone willing to pay this amount would expect a great return on the ball, and this pack of balls does not disappoint. This soft golf ball has a tour-level combination of ball speed and control. The Callaway Chrome Soft X ball has increased ball speed and improved distance by infusing new engineering aspects.
The large graphene-infused dual SoftFast core of these Callaway golf balls maximizes compression energy. Its proprietary ionomer blend increases the energy transfer and control of spin. As the core of this soft golf ball is larger, it results in lower spin speed and higher launch. In addition to this, it also increases durability and wedge spin.
Dixon Fire Golf Balls ($67)
Have you heard about eco-friendly golf balls? If not, then Dixon Fire Golf Ball is one of its kind. The Dixon Fire Golf Ball is for lower handicap players. Its cover is recyclable cast urethane, which is eco-friendly.
These balls are durable with a high-intensity green core. They have a lot of power with a good spin.
Titleist AVX Golf Ball (one dozen $63)
One of the most expensive golf balls is the Titleist AVX golf ball. They are not easily available and best known for their distance and spin. The three-piece design has a great feel and performance.
This premium golf ball has a low spin off the tee and a high spin around the green. With amazing penetrating flight, you will find these golf balls amazing.
Taylormade TPS PIX Golf Balls ($49)
These are among the high-end gold balls, and you get outstanding performance and feel. These are five-piece golf balls, designed with state-of-the-art technology. They have a fantastic core with a reactive outer layer, so it does what you expect it to do on the course.
During your game, you can see how the ball rolls. It is also more visible as you play due to the graphics on the outside of the ball. These golf balls are suitable for players of all levels and have a high swing speed.
Up Your Golf Game
The “gentleman’s game” is famous worldwide, and with the high prices of golf clubs, it is sometimes difficult to enter the field. Our list of most expensive golf balls may surprise you, as some options are affordable for the average golfer. So, which brand on this list would you take in your golf bag the next time you head out for a round of golf?
