Golf-ball Making an Exact Science

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 515, 19 November 1928, Page 13

Golf-ball Making an Exact Science

X-Rays and Mercury Although few golfers probably realise it, the testing of a golf ball is almost an exact science, in which X-rays and mercury baths play important parts. When the rubber and liquid core is fitted into its cover it is placed in a mould and pressure of 1,4001 b to the square inch ensures that its .sphericity is as perfect as science can make it. The core, however, may not be symmetrical, and the ball Is therefore floated in a bath of mercury. Immediately the heavy part comes in contact with the fluid the ball turns, sways for a second, and then settles with the heavy part at the bottom. The ball is marked at the point where it is heaviest and then tested again in another bath of mercury. Should the same defect be revealed it is X-rayed to determine the extent of the flaw in th§ core and the operation necessary to give it correct balance. Testing Flight of Balls A golf ball can be as big as a football, but it must not be less than 1.62 in in diameter or weigh more than 1.620 z. In actual process manufacturers make the weight a trifle less and the size a trifle more, the finished product being weighed in the most delicate '■'■lances and measured in micrometer iges. The flight of balls Is tested by means of a special mechanical driving machine, which consists of a tripod with a revolving arm into which is fixed a gold driver. The ball, says the London “Daily Mail,” is placed on a rubber tee and, by slight adjustments of the driver, it can be made to slice, puli or top a shot. The peculiar markings on a golf ball hold the secret of its true flight, and an expert can tell whether a ball will carry well simply by looking at the markings. A smooth ball rarely goes straight and tends to “peak” instead of making a curve, whereas the little indentations and protuberances on the cover give the ball a grip on the air and steady it in its flight.