A type of rubber used to cover golf balls of long ago.
A soft rubber material that is used to make a cover for wound golf balls. No longer in use.
Hard resilient substance derived from the gum of the "Bully" or "Balata" tree of the West Indies and Northeastern South America. The balata ball is said to have better action (spin) and feel but not the distance of the surlyn balls. With the advance of new technologies this is becoming less true.
when dried yields a hard substance used e.g. in golf balls
a hard-wooded tropical tree yielding balata gum and heavy red timber
A rubber-like substance used to coat the golf ball. Most advanced players prefer the soft feel a balata provides because it adds extra touch and spin. High-handicappers usually suffer from using balata balls due to their low tolerance for error. Balata balls don't travel as far and errant shots spray further off line than regular two-piece balls. Balata balls are generally more expensive and and are less durable.
Type of golf ball designed for feel and spin. Beginners should avoid these balls because they are not durable and are expensive.
originally a derivative of the rubber tree, it once was used in the outer covers of all golf balls; makes an exceptionally soft-feeling golf ball; was largely replaced in golf ball covers by Surlyn and other man-made products; balata is now produced artificially in laboratories, hence the difference between traditional balata (balls that would cut all the way through the cover) and modern balata (balls that dent more than they cut); Titleist remains the biggest producer of balata balls.
A resilient sap-like substance from the South American Balata tree that is used to make a cover for rubber-cored golf balls.
A type of rubber used in golf ball manufacture resulting in a soft ball which generates plenty of spin that stops well on the green. Usually it creates balls with plenty of control but usually reduces the distance they fly. Therefore they are usually used by players with a low handicap where control is more important than distance. Newer technology in golf balls has been overcome this tradeoff in the balata ball and even Titleist has stopped production of balata balls.
A rubber-like substance used as a cover material for golf balls. Pure balata is rarely, if ever, used today. Instead, manufacturers use blends or synthetic material. Many players prefer balata or balata-like covers because it provides a softer feel. And can provide increased spin. (Most of the players in the championship played with balata-covered balls).
Sap from a tropical tree, used to make covers for balls.
