Multi-layer golf ball

Abstract

Multi-layer golf balls having a soft, low compression center; a soft, flexible outer cover layer; and a relatively hard, high compression intermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer cover layer are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is greater than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A golf ball consisting essentially of:
 a center having a diameter of less than 1.500 inches, a compression of from 5 to 40, and formed from a polybutadiene composition;   an outer cover layer formed from a composition having a flexural modulus of 40,000 psi or less;   an intermediate layer disposed between the center and the outer cover layer, the intermediate layer having an outer surface hardness of greater than 60 Shore D and being formed from a thermoplastic composition having a solid, single core compression of 60 or greater;   wherein the outer surface hardness of the center and the outer surface hardness of the outer cover layer are less than the outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer; and   wherein the solid, single core compression of the intermediate layer is at least 25 compression points higher than the compression of the center.   
     
     
         2 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the polybutadiene composition of the center comprises from 0 to 20 phr of a coagent selected from the group consisting of metal salts of diacrylates, dimethacrylates, and monomethacrylates. 
     
     
         3 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic composition of the intermediate layer is an ionomer composition. 
     
     
         4 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic composition of the intermediate layer is a highly neutralized polymer composition. 
     
     
         5 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the compression of the center is from 10 to 40. 
     
     
         6 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the solid, single core compression of the intermediate layer is at least 30 compression points higher than the compression of the center. 
     
     
         7 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the center is 1.300 inches or greater. 
     
     
         8 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein a golf ball subassembly consisting of the center and the intermediate layer has a compression that is at least 30 compression points greater than the compression of the center. 
     
     
         9 . The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the compression of the golf ball subassembly consisting of the center and the intermediate layer is at least 40 compression points greater than the compression of the center. 
     
     
         10 . The golf ball of  claim 8 , wherein the compression of the golf ball subassembly consisting of the center and the intermediate layer is at least 50 compression points greater than the compression of the center.