Golf ball

Abstract

In a golf ball comprising a core, a cover layer, an intermediate layer between the core and the cover layer, the cover layer is formed of a resin material composed primarily of polyurethane or polyurea, a sphere obtained by encasing the core with the intermediate layer (intermediate layer-encased sphere) has a lightness (Li value) in the L*a*b* color space of at least 25 on its surface, and the cover layer has a visible light transmittance of at least 0.6%. The golf ball has a surface with a distinctive aesthetic appearance and retains both a good spin performance and a good scuff resistance, making it useful as a ball for professional and skilled amateur golfers.

1 . A golf ball comprising a core, a cover layer, an intermediate layer between the core and the cover layer, wherein the cover layer is formed of a resin material composed primarily of polyurethane or polyurea, a sphere obtained by encasing the core with the intermediate layer (intermediate layer-encased sphere) has a lightness (Li value) in the L*a*b* color space of at least 25 on its surface, and the cover layer has a visible light transmittance of at least 0.6%. 
     
     
         2 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the ball has a lightness (Lo value) in the L*a*b* color space of at least 25. 
     
     
         3 . The golf ball of  claim 2 , wherein the ratio of the lightness (Lo value) and the lightness (Li value) of the intermediate layer-encased sphere, expressed by Lo/Li is from 0.3 to 1.5. 
     
     
         4 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the resin material of the cover layer has a Shore D hardness of not more than 65. 
     
     
         5 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the cover layer is formed of a resin material composed primarily of polyurethane in which a polyol component includes poly(tetramethylene glycol) having the number-average molecular weight of not more than 3,500.