How Outdoor temperature Impacts Biodegradable Golf Balls
The Science
Biodegradable golf balls are more prone to shattering at golf club impact as it gets colder outside. This is due to a scientific principle called the Glass Transition Temperature. Simply put, the Glass Transition Temperature is the exact “flipping point” where a material changes from being stretchy and bendy like a rubber band to being hard and breakable like a piece of glass.
The main ingredient in every biodegradable golf ball on the market - including our Zero® Ball - is Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). PVA is a biodegradable and water-soluable polymer that is designed to dissapear in natural waterways. Biodegradable golf ball manufacturers like us mix PVA with other eco-friendly materials to create a golf ball that is safe to hit into the water and able to withstand a golf club strike.
These biodegradable golf ball formulas have a Glass Transition Temperature of around 60 Degrees Fahrenheit. This means when the temperature of the ball is 60 Degrees (F) or below, the balls become more prone to shattering at golf club impact. In the cold, the material becomes inflexible, and the ball cannot absorb the energy from the golf club like it can in warmer temperatures, making it more likely for it to shatter.
Hitting Balls In Cold Weather
Hitting biodegradable golf balls in cold weather environments without constant shattering is still doable as long as the ball temperature is above 60 Degrees (F). We recently did an event in 25 Degrees (F) with minimal shattering by storing our golf balls next to a heater. We’ve also done cold weather events where the biodegradable golf balls were kept inside room temperature (except the box that was currently being used).
We estimate that biodegradable golf balls kept in room temperature can be left outside in cold weather for about 20 minutes before the ball itself becomes cold enough to start shattering at impact. In our internal testing data, in 40 Degrees (F), we found that no Zero® Balls shattered in the first 20 minutes of being outside, and that shattering at golf club impact only began once the balls were sitting on the cold grass over this 20 minute threshold.
Best Practice: Store Balls In Warm Temps
For bulk or wholesale buyers of biodegradable golf balls, it’s important that the balls are stored inside at room temperature if the overnight temperatures drop below 60 Degrees (F), even if the highs are above 60 Degrees (F). This is for two reasons. First, biodegradable golf balls that go through frequent cold/warm transitions go through what’s scientists call thermal fatigue. This thermal fatigue can lead to an increased probability of the ball shattering. Second, biodegradable golf balls stored in colder weather can take some time to “warm up”. Storing the balls in room temperature helps mitigate these risks and protects the balls from shattering.
Final Thoughts
Developing a biodegradable golf ball is a complex feat of science and engineering. It requires balancing environmental properties with the high-level physics of a golf swing impact. As leaders in the emerging water golf industry, we are dedicated to educating our customers and interested stakeholders on the characteristics of biodegradable golf balls and related best practices.
If you are interested in learning more about biodegradable golf balls, feel free to contact us to set up a meeting.
If you are ready to purchase biodegradable golf balls, we ask that you consider the Zero® Ball. Our product has the most robust environmental certifications in the industry, is the top performing biodegradable golf ball on the market, and is proudly manufactured in the USA.