Patent awarded for new ‘Black Diamond’ golf ball
This post was published at 00.01 am on April 1st
Research scientists have patented a new pattern for the dimples on the surface of a golf ball, based upon the natural pockmarking found on the skin of Provencal truffles.
Tests have shown that rather than the current symmetrical pattern of dimples, random pockmarking can deliver greater levels of back spin. The inspiration for the new dimple pattern came from French golfer, Pierre Pacquet. The level of spin generated by the new random pattern prototype is similar to current balls from the fairway, but dramatically better from bad lies and bunkers.
Article continues after media gallery
Head research scientist, Gary F. Gras, said ‘We’ve tested non-symmetrical dimple patterns before with no noticeable results, but it seems that there is a distinction between a computer generated random pattern, and the type of pockmarking generated in nature.’
Mr F Gras explained that the prototype ball was developed by mapping the pockmarking on over 10,000 Provence truffles, known locally as Black Diamonds. ‘Given the average price of a truffle is 900 euros per kilo, this makes the new Black Diamond ball, one of the most expensive research and development exercises ever undertaken in golf.’
US golf executive Tap E. Nade, confirmed he saw no major reasons why the Black Diamond ball could not be approved for use on the 2017 Tour.
The discovery of the ability of naturally generated pockmarks to enhance backspin was made at Pont Royal Golf Club near Aix en Provence. Pacquet’s caddy slipped a truffle, discovered in nearby woods, into his player’s bag of practice balls. Ignoring the joke Pacquet continued his practice. Both Pacquet and caddy were amazed when the truffle spun viciously back into the bunker.
Reporting by A.Daube, www.provenceguru.com
Leave a Reply