DURABILITY

Golf Ball Durability and Coatings

Durability isn’t the most glamorous aspects of performance but it can truly add more value to a golf ball than many other features.

This module will address some of the most common questions surrounding golf ball durability such as suggested use, total lifetime and the concept of expiration.

Manufacturers take many steps to address durability. Two main areas of research are focused on engineering stronger materials and designing more efficient coatings.

Coatings

The application of coatings and paint is unique to each manufacturer and their specific performance and durability goals.

Golf balls that employ a thermoset urethane add a layer of paint to correct for the natural yellow tint of thermosets.

It’s possible for paint to adversely affect dimple performance. For this reason some manufacturers like Srixon use thermoplastic urethane intentionally in order to avoid the use of paint.

Nearly all golf balls have a clear coat. This coating adds durability to the cover materials and contributes a glossy finished look.

In the Z-STAR series, Z-coating is added in addition to the clear-coat. The properties of this material contribute to more consistent spin and improved durability.

Durability

The most common durability concern among players is the everyday scuffing and peeling due to normal wear and tear.

Scuffs and slices affect the aerodynamics of golf ball flight as well as wedge spin and other launch conditions.

Depending on dimple pattern disruption the effect could manifest itself as reduced distance or exaggerated dispersion.

We recommend players replace their golf ball anytime they cut into the cover. Minor surface scuffs do not always require replacing the golf ball but be aware that scuffs can affect wedge spin negatively.

Lifetime

Golf balls can last for hundreds of driver impacts. Despite fears that golf balls may expire on the shelf or get water logged in the hazard, their lifetime is determined mainly by our ability to keep it in play.

Unlike a tennis ball, exposure to air, subtle temperature changes and varying humidity should not adversely affect long term performance.

Both urethane and ionomer are impermeable to water, meaning that a submerged golf ball will not absorb water but water can degrade the cover over time, hurting performance.