On Tuesday Acushnet was granted a fascinating patent for a ball that the patent describes as:

A golf ball is provided that has improved aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in increased flight distance for golfers of all swing speeds, and more particularly for golfers possessing very high swing speeds, such as those who can launch the balls at an initial speed greater than 160 miles per hour and more particularly at initial ball speed of about 170 miles per hour or higher. The golf ball of the present invention combines lower dimple count with multiple dimple sizes to provide higher dimple coverage and improved aerodynamic characteristics.

The patent is USPN 7226369 titled “Golf Ball With Improved Flight Performance.”

The patent explains that “[i]n the past, aerodynamic and other performance characteristics of golf balls have been designed to suit the needs of various types of golfers from casual recreational players to highly skilled professionals. A typical distinguishing factor among these golfers is their swing speed. Professionals have generally defined the upper end of the range, with swing speeds sufficient to generate initial ball speed of around 160 miles per hour. Recently, the game of golf has attracted world class athletes due in part to increased prize money. Professional golfers are bigger, stronger and more aggressive than ever before. As a result, it is not unusual to see professionals and some amateurs who can generate initial ball speeds in excess of 170 miles per hour. However, there is no teaching in the art for a golf ball that is optimal for all ball speeds, including the very high ball speeds generated by today's players.”

Basically, the design focuses on a dimple arrangement and dimple profile that improves aerodynamic efficiency at high ball speeds. The design combines the lower dimple counts (less than 370 dimples) of earlier golf balls with higher dimple coverage and multiple dimples sizes of more modern golf balls.

Congratulations Acushnet!

David Dawsey – Watching the Golf Ball Patents

PS - The patent is very interesting reading. Check it out.