The present invention provides methods for producing molded golf balls and the resultant balls. The methods of this invention involve producing foamed polyurethane covers and these methods help reduce dimple distortions and other surface imperfections. These golf balls contain an inner core and outer foamed polyurethane cover. One or more intermediate layers can be disposed between the core and cover. In one embodiment, a castable liquid polyurethane composition containing a foaming agent is dispensed into mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form a foam cover for the ball.

The use of a low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and farnesene copolymer in a golf ball is disclosed herein. In a core, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene) or farnesene copolymer is blended with 1,4 polybutadiene or a polyalkenamer. In a mantle layer, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and/or farnesene copolymer can be blended with non- or partially neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric ionomer(s). In a cover, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and farnesene copolymer can be blended with highly neutralized ionomer.

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent approach spin performance under a dry condition and excellent approach spin performance under a condition that there is grass between the golf ball and the club face. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein the paint film is composed of at least one layer, and an outermost paint film layer located at the outermost layer of the golf ball contains, as a base resin, a polyurethane obtained by a reaction between (A) a polyisocyanate composition and (B) a polyol composition, (B) the polyol composition contains a urethane polyol as a polyol component, and the outermost paint film layer has a dynamic friction coefficient of from 0.65 to 1.2 measured with a dynamic friction tester under specific conditions.

Methods for coatings for golf balls, particularly golf balls having thermoplastic polyurethane covers, and the resulting finished balls are provided. The coating is preferably a topcoat comprising a polyurethane composition containing optical brighteners. The topcoat composition may comprise a low concentration of optical brighteners. For example, the concentration of optical brightener can be in the range of 0.01 to about 0.20 weight %. Multi-piece golf balls having inner cores, outer cores, inner covers, and intermediate layers can be made. The finished ball with the topcoat has many advantageous physical and playing performance properties.

A golf ball resin composition includes (a) an olefin-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and/or a metal ion neutralization product thereof or an olefin-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer and/or a metal ion neutralization product thereof, (b) a phenolic resin and (c) a compound having at least two oxazoline groups per molecule, wherein the content of component (C) is from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of components (a) and (b) combined. The resin composition has excellent tensile properties and, when used in a golf ball, provides the ball with an excellent durability without lowering the spin performance and distance performance of the ball. The resin is especially useful as a golf ball cover material for an outermost layer or an intermediate layer.

Golf ball comprising at least one layer that is comprised of a cured elastomeric composition comprising a mixture of an elastomeric composition and an organic peroxide-based curing composition; wherein the mixture at least partially contacts oxygen during curing.

In a golf ball having a cover layer that is formed of a resin material composed primarily of polyurethane or polyurea, the cover layer includes a colored surface portion having a visible light transmittance of at least 0.6%. A method for producing the golf ball includes the steps of forming the cover layer over a core or other target sphere and providing the colored surface portion by coloring the surface of the cover layer. The cover layer which includes the colored surface portion 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.

A golf ball comprising: (a) a core; (b) an inner mantle layer; (c) an intermediate mantle layer; (d) an outer mantle layer; and (e) at least one cover layer; wherein the core has a PGA compression of less than 70, and the core/inner mantle layer/intermediate mantle layer combined construct has a PGA compression of at least 30.

A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.

Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. Polyurethane primer coatings and polyurethane top-coatings are applied to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover. Different coating methods can be used. Isocyanate-rich and polyol-rich polyurethane coatings can be applied. In one embodiment, the golf ball can be treated with a multi-functional isocyanate prior to applying the coatings. The polyurethane cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. Heat is used to cure the coatings. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.