A golf ball having improved driving characteristics includes a hard, hollow sphere surrounded by an outer. A second layer may be disposed between the sphere and the outer cover. The hollow sphere is made from a hard material such as a metal, metal alloy, or intermetallic material and may be solid, perforated or porous. The second layer surrounding the sphere is generally made of a natural rubber or synthetic polymer or a combination of each which is surrounded by an outer cover made of an ionomer, urethane or balata. The hard sphere preferably contains a gas. A golf ball of this construction has improved performance characteristics such as low spin rate and further distance.