Certainly the pioneers of golf would have been skeptical of a modern ball with indentations. However, just as the courses, clubs and rules of golf have improved over the years, the ball has changed beyond recognition from what was previously used in the game.

Throughout the history of the game of golf, there have been three types of balls:
1) The feather ball.
A gutta-percha ball.
The ball is coated with rubber.
The first type was used for quite a long time until the mid-19th century and was used for almost 400 years. The second and third types were used in the last 150 years of golf’s evolution.

Feather ball dominated the game for so long, not because of any specific merits, but because there was no other alternative. This ball consisted of a spherical outer covering stuffed with a large number of feathers, which were boiled to become softer and more compact. A certain number of feathers were used in the manufacture, constituting a “full cylinder,” that is, about two liters. The hole through which the feathers were placed in the ball was subsequently, sewn up, after which the ball was given the shape of a ball.

The process of making the ball was long and expensive because an experienced craftsman could only make 3 or 4 balls a day. The resulting ball had a number of disadvantages. The ball was not smooth and its flight was random. When it rains, the ball absorbed moisture which affected its weight and the game became quite difficult. As a result of getting wet, there was rotting of the seams, as a result, the ball could tear when played on a rocky surface.

So, obviously, the feather ball was not at all ideal for playing golf. In 1850 an excellent replacement for the existing ball was found. The ball was made from a resinous secretion from Malaysia that was called gutta-percha. Golfers around the world were certainly excited about the new invention.

The gutta-percha could be softened in warm water, shaped into a ball – first by hand and later in steel molds – and then allowed to harden at a lower temperature. The result was a perfect ball that rolled straight, which happened for the first time in the history of golf.

These balls were cheap and their making was quick. So while these balls were not as enjoyable to hit as feather balls, they certainly represented a significant improvement. Occasionally these balls would splinter, but they could be cast again. However, there was a problem right from the start. Smooth balls did not want to fly a significant distance. This immediately irritated the people using the so-called “gutti” and gave rise to hope among feather ball makers, who were concerned about this innovation.

During games, it was observed that when the ball was dented, its technical characteristics improved and it flew better.

Early in the century, Coburn Haskell introduced the elastic wrapped ball with a soft core, from which the modern version of the ball eventually evolved. Being first wrapped in gutta-percha, this ball was more springy and easier to handle. However, despite these qualities, the ball was regarded with suspicion and there was serious talk of banning it.

All this changed during a practice round at the 1902 British Open played between professional Alexander Hurd and promising amateur John Ball. Heard should have won easily, but found that the amateur constantly outplayed him, both on the fairway and the green. John Ball used one of the new ball options. He then suggested that Alexander try playing with the new ball. Eventually, Heard was able to win a championship. After this event, the ball became hugely popular with golfers around the world.

Despite the debate over weight and size that began after World War I, it was decided in 1968 that only the American standard of 4.27 cm would be used in all PGA events.

Modern technology is still improving the golf ball, and as a result of the innovations, the rolling and flight of the ball is becoming more and more stable.
Varieties of golf balls are emerging:
1) Hard ball.
2) Semi-solid ball.
In addition, the pattern and number of holes were changed, and compression variations were introduced to suit individual players, depending on conditions.