Here's what I learned using a 100 year old ball... 1) The first ball I hit had clearly lost a massive amount of compression... it was struck quite well but travelled less than 100 yards. 2) Expect considerable paint loss from the ball's surface. 3) The antique ball feels way more softer than any modern ball when hit...and sounds quite different from a modern ball. 4) It's easy to hit putts either too hard or too soft. 5) Normally my chip and run shots are reasonably good... but not with this antique ball! 6) My best drive was about 185 yards... using a modern ball for comparison on the same hole it went only about 8 yards further. 7) The antique ball flew quite straight .. it didn't duck and weave in the air.
Well played! You were getting some good yardage with the mesh ball, I assume it was a wound ball? I find old balls are generally about 85 to 90% the distance of modern, but I've never gone more than 50 years old.
yes, a wound ball. Felt like hitting a wet sponge. I think the elastic bands had degraded on the very first one I hit that didn't make it across the river. I hope it washes up on the banks a few holes down... it'll make someone think "what's that!!!"
Hi, personally I think you'll have a better hickory golf experience playing a softer ball like a Callaway ChromeSoft. However, in the 20 years I've been doing hickory golf events in the UK I've had thousands of participants playing with all types of balls from rock hard TopFlites to very soft Noodles. Best regards, Gavin.
I'm expecting plenty of good pars next week Gav, decent play with that old ball I'd say!
That was fun!
Here's what I learned using a 100 year old ball...
1) The first ball I hit had clearly lost a massive amount of compression... it was struck quite well but travelled less than 100 yards.
2) Expect considerable paint loss from the ball's surface.
3) The antique ball feels way more softer than any modern ball when hit...and sounds quite different from a modern ball.
4) It's easy to hit putts either too hard or too soft.
5) Normally my chip and run shots are reasonably good... but not with this antique ball!
6) My best drive was about 185 yards... using a modern ball for comparison on the same hole it went only about 8 yards further.
7) The antique ball flew quite straight .. it didn't duck and weave in the air.
I have a few old clubs and a putter and I think a wooden shaft, you are welcome too them if you want them.
Well played! You were getting some good yardage with the mesh ball, I assume it was a wound ball?
I find old balls are generally about 85 to 90% the distance of modern, but I've never gone more than 50 years old.
yes, a wound ball. Felt like hitting a wet sponge. I think the elastic bands had degraded on the very first one I hit that didn't make it across the river. I hope it washes up on the banks a few holes down... it'll make someone think "what's that!!!"
What modern balls would you recommend for hickory golf?
Hi, personally I think you'll have a better hickory golf experience playing a softer ball like a Callaway ChromeSoft. However, in the 20 years I've been doing hickory golf events in the UK I've had thousands of participants playing with all types of balls from rock hard TopFlites to very soft Noodles. Best regards, Gavin.
Can I have your autograph please master golfer
ok my young apprentice! 😁