The fact that Callaway Golf has filed several patent applications directed to liquid filled golf balls makes me think that this may be a concept that we actually see on the course in the future. I can’t quite put my finger on the reason, but this concept intrigues me! (see my prior posts here, here, and here). The invention discussed in the prior posts was directed to internal structures in the ball that divert liquid as the ball spins to control the spin of the ball.

Last week another Callaway patent application published that is directed to liquid filled golf balls (US Pub. No. 20070270238), but with a new spin. The patent application describes the invention as:

A method for selecting the spin characteristics of a fluid filled golf ball and a golf ball incorporating these properties is disclosed herein. One aspect is a method for optimizing the spin and flight characteristics of a fluid containing golf ball which selects an internal fluid material having a viscosity that matches the cover hardness of the golf ball as to obtain the desired spin and flight characteristics of the golf ball.

It appears that Callaway is saying that they have recognized a unique relationship between the internal fluid’s viscocity (lower than about 50 centapoise) and the Shore D hardness of the cover (between 40 and 60). Fascinating stuff. Wouldn’t you love to give these golf balls a try.

Dave Dawsey  - Monitoring Golf Ball Patent Applications