| abstract |
A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after exposure to moisture to indicate that the ball may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant exposure to moisture. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf balls composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. In still other embodiments imprints on the ball are made with a water activated ink which either appears or disappears upon the exposure of the golf ball to moisture. |