The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a
hard cover to produce a resulting golf ball having a reduced spin rate. In this
regard, a core is provided and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials,
are included in the cover compositions. This results in a golf ball exhibiting
enhanced perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively
thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf
ball. In another preferred version, one or more patterns of weighting material
are incorporated in the ball, and most preferably along the outer periphery of
the ball so that the pattern is visible along the ball's exterior. The size and
weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets,
or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United
States Golf Association. It has been found that the present invention produces
a golf ball with an increased moment of inertia and/or a greater radius of gyration
and thus generates lower spin. The golf ball of the present invention may also
utilize an enlarged diameter which serves to further reduce spin rate. The resulting
golf ball exhibits properties of reduced spin without sacrificing durability, playability
and resilience.